GEMS of the BALTIC

Departures

The lands of northern Europe are both separated and connected by the sea. Since earliest times, travel by water has been the best way to explore this region.

Join us as we discover the capitals of Northern Europe - Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn and Stockholm with the option of visiting Berlin and Moscow. Enjoy scenic cruising in many areas, the delights of and, of course, the grand style of Holland America’s luxurious new ms Eurodam.

We have excellent rates, with savings off the original cruise line rates, for this beautiful cruise and urge you to enroll early for best cabin choice.

SCANDINAVIAN ODYSSEY - Combine this cruise with the Fjords & Highland Cruise and enjoy an exciting 23 day adventure in Northern Europe while saving even more - call our office for details.

Itinerary

May 11, Monday : Depart CANADA
Members from cities across Canada connect in Toronto for the overnight flights to the Danish capital, Copenhagen.

May 12, Tuesday : COPENHAGEN
We are met on arrival late this morning and taken to our hotel. After settling in, we have the afternoon and evening at leisure. Take this opportunity to enjoy a stroll on the pedestrian only shopping street Stroget, to visit the world famous Tivoli Gardens and to enjoy dinner in one of the open air cafes.

May 13, Wednesday : COPENHAGEN, Denmark
Enjoy a free morning in the Danish capital, a city designed for walking. Our hotel is located just minutes from the Stroget and within walking distance of most city sights. Early this afternoon we shall embark on the beautiful new ms Eurodam, our home for the next ten nights.
Embark 1:00pm / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

May 14, Thursday : WARNEMUNDE, Germany
Don’t miss the opportunity to tour into Berlin, which has visibly flourished since the fall of the Wall in 1989. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Brandenburg Gate and “Checkpoint Charlie” are all here. In the Western sector, browse the lively Kurfurstendamm for snazzy clothing stores, delicate hand-painted porcelain and a snack of beer and bratwurst.
Arrive 6:00am / Sail 11:00pm
[BLD]

May 15, Friday : CRUISING
Enjoy a complete day at leisure as we cruise the Baltic Sea en route to St Petersburg, Russia's most beautiful city, and Tallinn, Estonia. This is the best time to enjoy the facilities of our floating resort.
[BLD]

May 16, Saturday : TALLINN, Estonia
From the port of Muuga, we can enjoy the many charms of Estonia's Hanseatic capital. Of special note are the Malachite onion-domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the 13th century Castle Toompea, now the seat of the new government. This is also a city full of new life and energy, a country that has thrown off the yoke of the old world and discovered a new beginning - this is definitely the best time to explore this region.
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

May 17, Sunday / May 18, Monday: ST. PETERSBURG, Russia
Built by Peter the Great and containing some of Europe's most spectacular palaces, St Petersburg is the show piece of modern and ancient Russia. While here we can join a number of optional excursions into the city. Be sure to visit the Hermitage, the former Winter Palace of the Czars, with its thousands of art treasures, St Isaac's Cathedral, with its awesome display of icons and Nevsky Prospekt, the city's most important avenue and head into the countryside for a visit to Pushkin Palace or Petrodvorets.
Arrive (Sun) 7:00am / Sail (Mon) 6:00pm
[BLD]

May 19, Tuesday : HELSINKI, Finland
Spend the day in Finland's gracious capital. Enjoy the bustling waterfront, with its open-air markets, and the imposing Rock Church, carved out of bedrock and topped by a copper dome. The more adventurous can venture into the countryside or take an air excursion to distant Lapland.
Arrive 6:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

May 20, Wednesday : STOCKHOLM, Sweden
Rated one of the world's most beautiful cities, Sweden's capital is known for its waterways, lakes and beautiful avenues. Be sure to visit the City Hall, to see where the Nobel Prizes are awarded, the Royal Palace which dates from 1697 and the Wasa, Sweden's greatest sailing ship. Departing Stockholm we sail the scenic Archipelago.
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

May 21, Thursday : CRUISING
Enjoy a final leisurely day at sea – an excellent opportunity to make use of the facilities of our floating resort or to relax on deck with a good book.
[BLD]

May 22, Friday : KIEL (Hamburg), Germany
From Kiel, situated at the mouth of the canal, we can travel to nearby Hamburg, an important port city located on the lower Elbe River. Highlights in the city include beautiful Alster Lake district, St Michael’s Church and the St Pauli district.
Arrive 6:00am / Sail 5:00pm
[BLD]

May 23, Saturday : COPENHAGEN / CANADA
Our journey draws to a close as we debark and transfer to the airport and catch our flights to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada.
[B]

Note: All cabins feature two lower beds which can be converted to one large queen size bed. Inside cabins feature a bathroom with shower, outside with bathtub/shower. Deluxe cabins (254 sq ft) also feature a sitting area, floor to ceiling windows, and a private balcony. Suites (398 sq ft) also feature a whirlpool bath with separate shower, larger sitting area and a dressing room. See deck plan for additional information. Some cabins can accommodate 3 or 4 people. All cabin types are subject to availability at time of booking. Single passengers can book on a “guarantee share” basis in categories "K" (inside) or "D" (outside) at special twin rates (single supplement will apply to the hotel stay in Copenhagen) or pay a "single supplement" (approximately 50% of the cruise only fare in Cat C through K, subject to availability at time of booking. Please ask for complete costs.

For a small fee (subject to availability), guests may extend their cruise with extra time in Denmark or with an additional ten day voyage on the ms Eurodam visiting the Norwegian Fjords and Highlands (Scotland). Please ask for details.

Shore excursions are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the several optional tours that will be offered in each port. Excursions will be available for purchase through the Holland America Line website or after embarkation. Additional information will be sent when available. Our escort will accompany this cruise with a minimum of twenty members.

Cruise cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($225 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to February 10, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on February 26, 2009.

Air add-ons from other cities are available on request.

Above prices are per person based on sharing a Category “K” Inside cabin (Main or Upper Verandah Decks).

CT RATING ONE – This cruise is suitable for all passengers who meet our basic criteria for group travel. Note that optional shore excursions may involve considerable walks over rough surfaces – those with mobility issues must select their excursions carefully.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $1200 per person to Craig Travel's office.