Christmas cruises popular in the Baltic Sea

Cruise companies are beginning to realise the potential of the Baltic region as a Christmas cruise destination.

The ships Artemis, Black Watch and Queen Victoria have already announced their arrival in the Baltic region this December. And more companies have asked whether it could be possible to send a ship to the region during what is one of the coldest, but also one of the loveliest months in the Baltic region.

- Last year, December was a quiet cruise month, but we are noticing a burgeoning interest in the region - also at that time of year. If the trend continues it will mean that the season becomes longer, and that can only be positive. At the same time I do believe that we can offer an experience that is original and rich in tradition to distinguish us from our competition, says Anette Jensen, Cruise Copenhagen Network.

Christmas is full of expectations and traditions, both in the Nordic and Baltic countries. In November the shops, streets and city centres start to be decorated to create the traditional, old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere unique to this part of the world.

Every self-respecting city has a large Christmas market, which is a must when you are visiting the region during November and December. This year Oslo's new Christmas market will be held on Rådhuspladsen (the Town Hall Square) with almost direct access from the ships. Finland's largest Christmas market is to be found in Turku, with handicrafts, gnomes and carols; and Helsinki also has a market with attractive Christmas specialties. Helsingør promises plenty of mulled wine and æbleskiver (traditional Danish doughnuts) in its market this December. And Tivoli in Copenhagen opens its traditional Christmas market every year with plenty of elves, Tiffany lights, theatre shows, stalls and the chance to experience the garden's many attractions.

Cruise ships will visit Göteborg, Oslo and Copenhagen in the middle of December, while Stockholm will welcome two New Years cruises this year.

- It is wonderful to be able to show Göteborg to cruise tourists, also during wintertime. The city and the region have a great deal to offer tourists throughout the year and we hope that many will return, says Åsa Burman, cruise director of Göteborg harbor, adding that Göteborg, like most other destinations in Cruise Baltic Project, is ice-free year-round.