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Aerial view of the town of Visby

Nordic Rulers of the Baltic Sea

Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Albatros
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Cruise from Turku in the Swedish-speaking part of Finland and take a course through the archipelago into the Gulf of Bothnia. Anchor off and visit the small Estonian island of Ruhnu Saar, where Swedish farmers and seal hunters lived for more than 600 years. From here cross the Baltic Sea to Gotland and beautiful Visby, one of the most important trading towns in the mighty Hanseatic League. In Kalmar on the Swedish mainland, Stroll through ancient streets to the magnificent Kalmar Castle before we continue to the tiny island Christiansø and finally to Svaneke port which allows for an excursion to the famous Hammershus on the island of Bornholm. The voyage ends in central Copenhagen, Disembark just besides the famous Little Mermaid.
A moment of stillness in CopenhagenExperience numerous must-see sites on your European expedition cruiseSoft light glows over the canals of CopenhagenMedieval ruin of St. Katarina in VisbySailboats docked at harbor in VisbyAerial view of the town of Visby
Highlights
  • Visit Finland’s Åland Islands and Turku, Finland’s oldest city
  • Explore the medieval town of Visby, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List
  • Marvel around idyllic and beautiful two rocky islands of Christiansø and Frederiksø
  • Enjoy the breathtaking view of houses in Gudhjem known as Home of the Gods
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Turku, Finland | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Ocean Albatros is docked alongside the port of Turku in the southwestern part of Finland, where our embarkation starts.

Turku is Finland's oldest city and has been the country's administrative center for several periods. Whilst under Swedish rule, the city was called Åbo and even today many of the inhabitants have Swedish as their first language.

Day 2: Ruhnu Island, Estonia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During the night, our ship sails along the coast of Estonia and we pass close by the island of Saarema - or Ødsel as it was called in the Middle Ages - before we arrive at the small Estonian island of Ruhnu Saar. We anchor near the island, and with the ship's solid zodiac rubber rafts, all guests are tendered into the small harbor on the island's south coast.

walk from the harbor to the village on the middle of the island, a stretch of three kilometers. The island has a minibus which runs the stretch several times in each direction during our stay. As our cruise guest, you can ride it for free if the road feels too long.
In the village we will hear about the island's fascinating history and see the solid log cabins and farms left behind by the former Swedish residents. We also visit the small St. Magdalena Church, built in 1644 and thus the oldest preserved wooden building in Estonia. Ruhnu also has its own Eiffel Tower, a 30-meter-high lighthouse, which was commissioned from Eiffel himself and built in 1877.

Day 3: Visby, Gotland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we dock on Gotland, in the medieval town of Visby, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was the North European crusaders who dominated the Baltic Sea areas in the 12th and 13th centuries, it was trade between strong cities that gained the greatest influence in the years that followed. Large quantities of herring from the Sound, Eastern European skins, amber, wax and timber, Swedish copper and iron, weapons and metal goods from Southern Europe crossed back and forth across the Baltic Sea. All run by the German merchants in the Hanseatic cities in general and Lübeck in particular. Visby flourished during these years and had stone houses and church buildings that made the other churches in the Baltic Sea region fade. But it soon came to an end. Danish King Valdemar attacked Visby in 1361 and ravaged it. Visby lost most of its trade in the following years, and the city slowly languished.

It does not change the fact that Visby today is fascinatingly beautiful with narrow streets, old houses and the solid ring wall that goes around the whole city. On our city walk we will also see the impressive vaults in the church ruin St. Nicholas, who in 1525 was burned down during a conflict.

Day 4: Kalmar, Sweden

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Kalmar is one of Sweden's oldest cities, beautifully situated next to Kalmar Sund and Öland. Our ship docks close to the center, with an easy walk into the right-angled streets of old Kalmar, protected behind the old ring wall. All our guests are offered a guided city walk that ends at Kalmar Castle. The four or five kilometer walk, will be covered at a leisurely pace.

Kalmar, which is an administrative city for south-eastern part of Sweden, is known for its historic buildings, beautiful parks, and many sights from the heyday in the 17th century. The city has twice received the "Europa Nostra award" for its well-preserved urban environment.

Kalmar Castle, located a little south of the center, was built in 1160 and quickly fortified into a strategically important castle that served as protection against pirates in the Baltic Sea. In 1397, it formed the framework for one of the most important events in Nordic history: the formation of the Nordic Kalmar Union (1397-1523). It was a political union consisting of the Danish-Norwegian kingdom and Sweden under the leadership of the Danish Queen Margrethe I (1353-1412).

Day 5: Christianso | Bornholm, Denmark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Few places in Denmark are as idyllic and beautiful as the two rocky islands Christiansø and Frederiksø. It is almost as if no house is placed incorrectly, not a blade of grass is superfluous. Eiders breed everywhere on the rocks, and in the surrounding sea the seals frolic. The islands are small – just about 500 meters across - and the harbour is even smaller with no room for our vessel. But Ocean Albatros is constructed for just this: With zero speed dynamic positioning, easy access to a fleet of sturdy Zodiacs, and the help of Albatros Expeditions’ skilled tour guides and expedition team, all guests will land safely in no time.

have a few hours to "explore" the islands. A circumnavigating hike around both islands is just about two kilometers. The two islands are connected by a small bridge.
By noon we sail from Christiansø towards the Danish island of Bornholm. While enjoying lunch on board, we navigate towards coast of Bornholm. We anchor at beautiful Svaneke, Denmarks easternmost city with its half timbered yellow houses and little market square.

From Svaneke there is an option to join our island excursion "Østerlars round church, Hammershus fortress and Gudhjem". Our coach takes us to the largest round church on Bornholm, Østerlars. The church that is dedicated to St. Laurentius is the largest of Bornholms 4 round churches. Theorists add the church as the most important link between the French Templar knights and the Baltic Sea. The round churches are believed to have functioned both as defensive structures as well as places of worship.

Next we arrive at Hammershus Castle, located high above the steep rocky coast. Hammershus was probably built and inhabited by a powerful bishop, Jens Grand in the late 13th century. Jens Grand, like so many other clergy of the time, had disagreements with contemporary kings, and was finally accused and imprisoned for complicity in the murder of King Erik. He fled from his prison to Bornholm, where he in all probability founded one of the strongest Baltic castles of the Middle Ages.
We finish our excursion at the town on the hill that's called the home of the gods (Gudhjem). The small town gives us a nice finish with its red roofed houses and breathtaking view.

Day 6: Copenhagen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
We arrive in the Port of Copenhagen early in the morning, where we dock right in the center of the city, close to Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the ship's crew and Albatros' tour guides. Either continue your adventures from Copenhagen or begin your return travel home. 

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros BBQ Deck
Ocean Albatros Fitness
Ocean Albatros Pool Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Ocean Albatros Cat GOcean Albatros Cat G
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Category G
Single Stateroom (Porthole) - 14 m2 Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
Ocean Albatros Cat FOcean Albatros Cat F
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Category F
Triple Stateroom (Porthole) - 22 m2 There are four Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
Ocean Albatros Cat EOcean Albatros Cat E
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Category E
French Balcony Stateroom - 14 m2 The French Balcony Suite is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
Ocean Albatros Cat DOcean Albatros Cat D
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Category D
Albatros Stateroom (Porthole) - 13-22 m2 The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat B Balcony
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Category C
Balcony Stateroom - 18-22 m2 The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility within this category.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat C Balcony
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Category Csp
Superior Balcony Stateroom (48) app. 24 sqm, including Balcony.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat C Balcony
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Category Cxl
Grand Balcony Stateroom (4) app. 30 sqm, including Balcony.
Ocean Albatros Cat BOcean Albatros Cat B Balcony
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Category B
Balcony Suite approximately - 25-32 m2 Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Ocean Albatros Cat AOcean Albatros Cat A Balcony
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Category A
Junior suite - 39 m2 The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
Ocean Albatros Premium SuiteOcean Albatros Premium Suite
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Premium Suite (Freydis Suite)
Premium suite - 45 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite) The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4. This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.
Ocean Albatros Family SuiteOcean Albatros Family Suite
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Family Suite (Brynhilde Suite)
Family suite - 52 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite) The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is going to be located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed. This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.

Notes

Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages. 
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea, and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $345/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.

Possible shared staterooms for same-gender, single travelers: Category C (Balcony Stateroom) and Category F (Triple Porthole Stateroom)
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktails   
  • Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more.
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Information briefings and lectures by expedition team
  • Parkas and Boots in assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings
  • Special photo workshop
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Anything not mentioned under 'inclusions'
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance of at least $200,000 per passenger is required. Please bring a copy of your insurance onboard.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
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