From the Baltic Sea to Norway’s Fjords: Our Northern Europe Adventure on Norwegian Sun
An honest look at our Norwegian Sun Baltic cruise and extension in Norway.
Pete and I traveled with a group of 16 friends from our neighborhood aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun, exploring historic Baltic cities, sampling local food, sharing plenty of laughs, and making new memories.
The cruise had its highlights and a few disappointments, but the destinations were wonderful. And our time in Bergen, Norway, with its dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and fjords, was a beautiful reminder of why I love to travel.
As both a traveler and a travel advisor, I came home with plenty of opinions about what worked, what surprised me, and what I would do differently. If you’re considering a Baltic cruise, here’s what our trip was really like.
Copenhagen: Pastries, Saunas, Smørrebrød and a Very Wrong Turn
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Our Baltic adventure began with an overnight flight to Copenhagen. After arriving tired but excited, Pete and I took an Uber to Villa Copenhagen, our home for the next couple of nights.
The hotel was centrally located near Tivoli Gardens and the main train station. A wonderful place to recover from the flight. Pete took a nap while I headed for the outdoor pool and sauna. Later, we enjoyed pizza in the beautiful atrium. It was a relaxing start to our European adventure.
The next day was all about food! We joined Viator’s Original Copenhagen food tour and sampled pastries, traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), Danish hot dogs, and freshly made candy. We walked around the city and later that evening had dinner at Høst, a restaurant known for its Nordic cuisine.
The next morning, we were ready to board our cruise. Or so we thought!
The Day We Accidentally Went to the Airport
We told our taxi driver we needed to go to the Norwegian cruise ship terminal. At least, that’s what we thought we told him!
He dropped us outside a large building, and without paying much attention, Pete and I followed other travelers inside, suitcases in tow. Then I spotted a sign for Emirates.
Is that a new cruise line? I wondered.
I walked up to a kiosk and tried to enter my boarding pass. Invalid.
I turned to Pete. “Are we at an airport?”
He suggested we ask someone, so we approached an employee and asked whether there were cruise ships nearby. She explained that she’d only worked there for three years and wasn’t sure. She would have to ask a colleague.
Seriously?
It turned out our taxi driver had confused Norwegian Cruise Line with Norwegian Air. Somehow, we’d ended up at the airport instead of the cruise port!
About an hour later, and several pricey taxi cab rides, we finally arrived at the correct terminal and boarded Norwegian Sun. Our friends got a good laugh out of the whole adventure, and it became one of those travel stories we’ll be telling for years.
Travel tip: When taking a taxi to a cruise terminal in a foreign city, have the exact port or terminal address ready on your phone. Similar names can cause confusion! (Better yet – order an UBER or take the car service)
Norwegian Sun: Settling In and Exploring More of Copenhagen
We were among the last passengers to board, which turned out to be a blessing. There were no long lines or waits, and since the ship wasn’t scheduled to leave port until the following day, I wasn’t worried.
We went straight to our cabin to unpack for the next nine nights.
I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious and clean it was. We had a king bed, a sofa, a closet, two sections of drawers so we each had our own space, and plenty of room to store our suitcases under the bed. The balcony had two chairs, and I was looking forward to enjoying it during the cruise. There was also a minibar, although even bottled water came with an extra charge.
That first evening, we met friends for dinner at Teppanyaki, Norwegian’s Japanese-style specialty restaurant. The food was good, and the cooking-show atmosphere made it a fun way to start our vacation together.
After dinner, we used WhatsApp to message our friends and all met up in the Windjammer for live music that we happily sang along to.
Although we were already aboard, we still had a full day to explore Copenhagen before Norwegian Sun sailed. Our itinerary had been changed just a few weeks earlier to omit the Oslo port so they could take care of some maintenance issues. They compensated us with a $50 on board credit each, but that didn’t necessarily cover the disappointment of missing our Norway stop.
I’d arranged for our group to take the Grand Day Trip around Copenhagen. guided small-group tour, visiting UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kronborg Castle, the sitting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and then Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance-era castle in Scandinavia. explored a Viking Ship museum, and saw another historic castle along the way. Our guide brought the history to life with stories about Denmark’s past.
One of the funniest moments came when we reenacted a Viking rowing scene inspired by the Norwegian World Cup team last summer. There was plenty of laughter and a few memorable photos!
We finished the day with a stop to see Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid statue. After a full day of history, sightseeing, and fun with friends, we returned to the ship ready for the Baltic adventure ahead.
Germany: Schwerin Castle and a Taste of Local Life
Our first port stop was Warnemünde, Germany. We took an excursion to Schwerin Castle, a beautiful, fairytale-like palace surrounded by lakes and gardens. The castle was a highlight, and I enjoyed seeing a different side of Germany beyond the typical city sights.
After the tour, we stopped for a pretzel and beer near the port before returning to Norwegian Sun.
My one wish? I would have loved more time to wander around town. The castle excursion was worthwhile, but I always enjoy having time to explore local shops, stroll the streets, and discover a place at my own pace.
My tip: Check how much free time is included in your excursion. Sometimes the best travel memories happen when you have time to explore without a schedule.
Poland: Gdańsk, Pierogies, and a Taste of Pete’s Heritage
Our stop in Gdynia gave us the opportunity to visit nearby Gdańsk, and this port was especially meaningful because Pete’s grandmother emigrated from Poland. We decided a food tour was the perfect way to explore a little of his heritage.
We sampled local specialties, including pierogies, pâté, and Polish schnapps. The pierogies provided an unexpected surprise: Pete was amazed to discover that some were filled with meat. His mother had never made them that way! Apparently, even after growing up with Polish food, there are still a few culinary discoveries to be made.
Gdańsk is a pretty city, with beautifully restored buildings and charming streets. Much of the historic center had to be rebuilt after the destruction of World War II, making its renewed beauty even more impressive.
My tip: If you visit Gdańsk from a cruise ship in Gdynia, consider how much time your excursion leaves for exploring independently. A food tour is a fun way to experience local culture, but you may not have much time for shopping.
Lithuania: Amber, Old Town, and Lunch on Our Own
Our stop in Klaipėda, Lithuania, began with a bus trip to the Amber Museum. Amber is one of the region’s best-known treasures, so it was interesting to learn more about it before heading into town.
Once we reached the old town, we decided to do something a little different. Instead of continuing the tour of another old town, we chose to explore at our own pace, and find a local place to eat.
It was a lovely way to experience the town without being tied to a schedule. After lunch and a little wandering, we walked back to the ship. The walk took us about 15 minutes, and we found it easy and comfortable.
My tip: Don’t assume you have to spend the entire day with an organized excursion. Sometimes the best experiences come from staying in town for lunch and discovering a place at your own pace. Just confirm the distance back to the port and leave plenty of time before all-aboard.
Latvia: Beach Towns, Riga’s Market, and an Unexpected Encounter
Our day in Latvia began with a tour to a beach town that had been a favorite getaway during the Soviet era. Latvia regained its independence in 1991, and hearing more about life under Soviet rule and the years since gave us a better understanding of the country’s history.
We enjoyed a walk along the beach and some time exploring the town. There was enough time for coffee and a pastry or shopping – the pumpkin coffee was perfect.
After our short guided tour of old town Riga, our husbands decided to head back to the ship while the three of us women stayed behind to shop and explore. We wandered through the market, taking in the unfamiliar foods and colorful displays. I even bought a small tin of caviar to share with our group later.
Unfortunately, the afternoon took an unsettling turn.
We were walking through the busy Old Town when a man suddenly grabbed me from behind. At first, I was confused and thought perhaps someone we knew from the ship was greeting me. My friends quickly told him to leave me alone. A few seconds later, he grabbed one of them, and then the third.
We were angry and uncomfortable, and decided to get away from him.
We hurried into a restaurant with outdoor seating. The man then sat down near three women who were having lunch. They were confused and jumped out of their seats. The restaurant owner came out and spoke to him, and eventually he left. We watched him run toward another woman before we slipped away in the opposite direction and quickly made our way back to the ship.
It wasn’t until we were safely away that I noticed the zipper at the bottom of my bag was open. I was certain it hadn’t been open when I left that morning.
Was he attempting to pickpocket us, or was something else going on? We’ll never know. Thankfully, we were together, trusted our instincts, and got ourselves out of an uncomfortable situation.
My travel lesson: Keep your belongings secured and close to you in crowded tourist areas, stay aware of what’s happening around you, and don’t hesitate to move somewhere safe or ask for help if someone’s behavior makes you uncomfortable. Traveling with friends can be especially reassuring when something unexpected happens.
Stockholm, Sweden: History, Swedish Life, and Cocktails on Ice
Stockholm was another memorable stop, although one thing to know is that our cruise port was about an hour from the city. The drive gave us time to listen to our guide, who shared interesting insights into Swedish life, including the country’s education and healthcare systems and its parental leave policies.
Once in the city, we enjoyed a short tour near St. George’s Church and the palace, where we watched the guards. We also had time to appreciate Stockholm’s beautiful architecture and colorful historic streets.
But our most entertaining experience came when we decided to visit the Ice Bar. We bundled up in oversized winter parkas, stepped into the icy room, and enjoyed our drinks surrounded by ice. It was something different, and we took plenty of photos and shared lots of laughs.
My tip: Check the distance between your cruise port and central Stockholm before planning your day. With roughly an hour of travel each way, allow enough time for transportation when choosing excursions and deciding how much independent exploring you can fit in.
Estonia: A Fairytale Day in Tallinn
Tallinn was a wonderful surprise! We decided to explore using the hop-on, hop-off bus with another couple. When we spotted a castle near the old town, we hopped off and set out on foot.
The walk uphill to the castle walls was beautiful, and afterward we wandered down narrow cobblestone streets and charming little alleys. Tallinn’s Old Town felt like stepping into a fairytale, with medieval walls, historic buildings, and inviting corners waiting to be discovered.
Eventually, we found a beer garden where we settled in for a satisfying lunch of goulash, herring, and bratwurst. Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is simply to walk, look around, and stop when something catches your eye.
My tip: Tallinn’s Old Town is wonderful for wandering on foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones and hills, and leave yourself time to explore beyond the main sights. You never know what little restaurant or picturesque alley you’ll discover.
Helsinki, Finland: A Spa Day and a Delicious Surprise
By the time we reached Helsinki, we were ready for a break. After days of excursions, walking, and exploring a new city almost every day, we were exhausted.
Disembarkation was scheduled for around 8 or 9 a.m., but we couldn’t check into our hotel St. George Helsinki until 3 p.m. Ouch! That’s a long stretch when all you really want is a shower, a comfortable bed, and a little downtime.
Some friends booked the bus shuttle into town provided by NCL cruise lwhich for $12 each is reasonable, but you did need to walk with your luggage to your hotel. We found plenty of taxis waiting to take us directly to the hotel for about $40 – maybe an UBER would be less expensive but sometimes convenience is important too.
Thankfully, I had planned ahead. I’d booked massages and access to the hotel’s pool and sauna, giving us something relaxing to look forward to instead of another sightseeing tour. We decided to skip the usual tourist attractions and enjoy a slower day.
We also discovered a wonderful surprise: a Thai restaurant on the lower level of our hotel. We love good food, and its tasting menu was such a treat. After being a little disappointed with the quality of some of the food on Norwegian Sun, this meal felt like a real indulgence.
My tip: If you’re planning a cruise followed by a hotel stay, check disembarkation and hotel check-in times in advance. Booking spa access or finding a hotel with a pool and sauna can turn an awkward gap into a relaxing day. And don’t underestimate the pleasure of a really good meal off the ship!
Bergen, Norway: A Return to a Place I Never Forgot
After only one night in Helsinki, we took a morning flight to Bergen, Norway. I first visited Bergen in college, so returning after all these years was especially exciting. I couldn’t wait to see Norway again, this time with Pete.
We arrived at the Clarion Hotel Admiral, but our room wasn’t ready, so we headed out to explore the harbor. Pete tried a moose burger, we enjoyed oysters, and we paid about $19 each for small glasses of beer! Norway is spectacular, but it’s definitely expensive.
When we finally saw our room, the three windows opening onto a balcony with an amazing view made it worth the wait. I felt incredibly lucky to be back in Norway. Later, we walked next door to the fish market for delicious fish soup and halibut.
A Day of Waterfalls and Fjords
Our all-day Viator excursion “Bergen: UNESCO NærøyFjord Cruise, Flåm & Stegastein – Incl. Lunch” was a highlight of the trip. We traveled by bus through breathtaking mountain scenery, stopping at majestic waterfalls before enjoying lunch and some time to shop in Flåm.
Then came a two-hour boat cruise through the fjords. It was raining outside, but we were comfortable indoors, watching the dramatic mountains rise above the water. The weather didn’t dampen our enthusiasm one bit.
The journey back was just as memorable, with winding mountain roads, hairpin turns, and a stop at a spectacular overlook high above the fjord.
Returning to Bergen brought back memories of my college days, but sharing this beautiful place with Pete made it a whole new experience. Norway reminded me why travel is so special: you can return to somewhere familiar and still discover something wonderful all over again.
Norwegian Sun Review: The Ship, Dining, and Life Onboard
Traveling with Friends Made It Special
One of the best parts of our nine-night Baltic cruise was traveling with a group of 16. Having friends onboard made everything more fun, from sharing meals to meeting up for a drink after a day of sightseeing.
Our favorite gathering spot was the Windjammer Bar, where guitarists and piano players provided live music. We enjoyed singing along, laughing, and spending time together. Those relaxed evenings became some of our favorite moments onboard.
We didn’t spend much time at the theater shows, mostly because they weren’t a priority for us. The trivia games and other activities had some participants, but they didn’t seem especially well attended when we passed by.
The pool area was relatively quiet, with only a few children around, although the four hot tubs were usually full. We appreciated the quieter atmosphere.
Dining: Some Highlights and a Few Disappointments
Our package included four specialty dining meals, which gave us a chance to try several of the ship’s restaurants.
- Teppanyaki: Fun and entertaining, with good food. It was a great choice for dinner with friends.
- Le Bistro: a very good French restaurant and one of our dining highlights.
- Cagney’s Steakhouse: We arranged a group dining experience here, and it was both tasty and enjoyable. Having dinner together made the evening feel special.
- Moderno Churrascaria: This was the least successful experience for us. The selection of meats on the skewers was limited, and even a small request couldn’t be accommodated.
Overall, we enjoyed some excellent meals, but the dining experience wasn’t consistently as good as we’d hoped.
Our Cabin and a Little Morning Luxury
Our cabin was clean and comfortable, with enough storage space for our nine nights onboard. Our room steward was quick to clean the room each morning, which we appreciated.
One small indulgence became part of our routine: room-service breakfast. For an extra $5 charge, it was worth it to enjoy my first cup of coffee in bed rather than head straight to the buffet. The main dining room was another breakfast option, of course, but some mornings a slow start was exactly what I wanted.
It’s a small thing, but those quiet moments helped balance the busy days ashore.
We also had a an opportunity to have laundry done for $39.50 – whatever we could fit in the bag. Be sure to keep a record of what you send out to get cleaned, but this does help with our tendency to overpack.
Final Thoughts: Was Our Baltic Cruise Worth It?
Absolutely!
The Baltic destinations were the real stars, with beautiful old towns, fascinating history, local food, and so much history. Norwegian Sun had its strengths and weaknesses, particularly with dining, but the itinerary made it worthwhile.
My advice? Plan your excursions, leave time to explore on your own, and don’t be afraid to skip a tour when you’d rather slow down and enjoy the moment.
For me, travel is about discovering new places, sharing experiences with people I love, and collecting stories along the way. And this trip gave us plenty of stories to tell!
* If you are interested in planning a trip to Scandinavia or taking a cruise in the Baltic Sea, contact me and I will be more than happy to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
