We sailed our first Baltic Cruise 2024 | Our Honest Full Review | The Good, Bad and Ugly

[@absolutehonor141]

the fact that you didn't meet so many locals is probably more due to the fact that many companies stop their operations completely from the middle of June to the beginning of August, everyone is on vacation and flees the cities, goes to their summer houses or goes abroad

[@Dave17101]

That is the main thing I love about the Mediterranean, Baltic, and Asian cruises. You see the real cities, customs, and people. You experience the country and not a manufactured port area where you are guided through a duty free shop before you even see the country you are visiting.

[@nancyh.7420]

I was on the Apex doing a similar cruise at the same time. (We docked next to you in Stockholm.) I found no need to use local currency, and I don’t think anyone needs to worry about it. One plus you did not mention is that everyone speaks English. Wi-Fi on Apex worked perfectly the entire cruise. We stopped at Visby, Sweden on Gotland Island. It felt like the Cape Cod of Sweden; serene and beautiful. My favorite part was the sail out from Sweden through its archipelago. It was fabulous.

[@JJCruise]

Great point about the language, everyone spoke it and never even crossed our mind- but you are right! Thank you so much for watching. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip!

[@mjm2253]

Oh I was on the late June sailing !

[@DiGeraghty]

I took a Baltic Cruise 6-2022. We had 3 generations. My son's wife was pregnant so baby Milo was onnboard. So 4 gens lol. I went on NCL Getaway. My DIL and her mom are from St. Petersburg so I were bummed our itineray was changed a few months after we booked. But instead we went to Hamburg and Gdank, Poland. I loved Stockholm, we saw the changing of the guards. I'm part Swedish and Polish, spent my bday in Poland. We did our trip R/t out of Copenhagen. We didn't go to Norway. I loved every port. I took bus excursions with my 80 yr old parents. We learned so much history. I can't wait to go again and explore some other ports. My kids and their in laws walked into most ports and explore the food and breweries. So a Baltic Cruise offers something for everyone. Only in Hamburg, did a couple vendors wanted cash only, so i forgot my debit card on the ship, so I went across the street and went to Starbucks and got a Germany been there mug. Next time, I'll bring a little currency. Every other place took credit cards.

[@monarusch4087]

I did a Baltic cruise on NCL in June - Copenhagen to Stockholm - 9 nights, 8 countries. We LOVED it - had great weather and the city tours were amazing. So much history from mid-evil, the world wars and modern time.

[@sophiabee8924]

First of all, the need to explain geography and meteorology I found hilarious! Having watched this, it underpins why I would never opt for a cruise. Train travel for me every time, more experience of real life, local food, stop wherever you feel like for as long as you want, do whatever you want. And lack of WiFi? Well, that's got to have been a treat. It's a complete rest without it.

[@kathyslocombe1182]

You both are so bang on with your comments. We did a B2B on the Silhouette in May/22. Firstly, we did the 7-day Norwegian Fjords and then the 12-day Baltic. Our 'bad' was that there was no 'culture foods' offered, being that we visited so many countries. Just after COVID, there were many B2B cruisers and the feeling was that the food was mediocre and repetitive. We then went to Amsterdam for 3 days before we boarded a Viking 8-day Rhine River Cruise to Basel, Switzerland. While an amazing cruise journey, it was VERY port intensive and being in our 70's, we were exhausted after all cruises. So, as you said, to embrace the 'culture', it may be best to enjoy the Baltic cities as more of a land vacation.

[@Brooke-ul5hq]

I loved my Baltic Cruise! Our coolest day was in the 60's and it was in the 90's when we were in Stockholm. We would do it again in a second. But I love history.

[@debsterlee3801]

Tallin has been around since the 1200s so it is hardly new. One of the best tours I ever took was there, at the old Kremlin headquarters, which were abandoned in 1992. We followed that with a chocolate making class at Kalev Chocolate, which has been in business 200 years. Great day in a historical city.

[@JJCruise]

When we said “new” we meant, that it is a newly formed country. We learned all about the history of the country forming in 1989 and learned it’s one of the youngest countries in Europe!

[@Taevas___]

​@@JJCruiseThe country had actually gained independence in 1918, around the same time as Finland, though during WW2 it was taken by the USSR

[@mpb3481]

@@JJCruise Estonia was not formed in 1989. It’s pretty ancient, going back to the days of the Vikings. The Estonians were invaded, came under the rule of or formed alliances with different kingdoms like Denmark, Germany, Russia, Poland, Lithuania and Sweden. Tallinn went by the historical name of Reval which became a full town in the 13th century, but appeared on maps as early as the mid-12th century. Estonia gained independence in 1918 but was occupied and forcibly annexed by the Soviet Union post-WWII. The annexation was not recognized by the majority of western countries and considered illegal. In 1989, a referendum was held and the majority of Estonians voted in support of full independence and declared the restoration of their independence in August 1991. The Soviets were forced to recognize Estonia’s declaration the following month and 2 weeks later, Estonia was admitted into the UN. So not by any definition are Estonia or Tallinn new or young. Incidentally, in December 1991, the dissolution of the Soviet Union took place.

[@philosophynerdlady]

It’s 106 degrees in Texas (where I live) today. I’d love to be cold. Or chilly. Or just not hot.

[@sandipointon9867]

Never cruising Med in summer anymore with the heat only getting worse. Baltics or Scotland for me!

[@annekirkpatrick7197]

Loved, loved, loved Tallinn, Estonia, which I knew nothing about before going there. I worry about those sweet people and their valued historical structures given the hostilities so close by.

[@JuneRaeder-MacKinnon]

Yep, got my umbrella, rain boots and rain coat.

[@shaunareeves1911]

I've been to all these cities, either by land or a Norway/Denmark cruise. Interesting to see your take. I enjoyed the changing currency- all part of a different culture. I remember the days before the euro well! Always credit cards and most will accept euros as well. Those locations may all be cities but they're all very different and often feel open and green. Lol, love the weather advice - being from UK I'm never without rain gear of some sort!! Very true about the times, Europe cannot be truly done like this - this is a good way to get a taster only.

[@JJCruise]

Thank you for sharing Shauna! Yes-Europe cannot truly be done in hours! We could have explored all of these places for weeks at a time.

[@_echobravo]

My wife and I also did a Baltic cruise in early July on Holland America out of Copenhagen. Lucked out with good weather on the looong 20 hours of light each day ☀️ You’re right about the time in port. I would’ve been happy with a couple less ports and a few overnights. That said, with pre-planning a cruiser can cram a LOT into each day in each city which was satisfying. BTW: we’re also going back on a land tour now that we are more familiar with the area. It’s Berlin and Copenhagen for us.

[@Donszee]

This seems like an awesome trip. You guys missed the point of Northern Europe cruise. You go to see these great cities and experience its culture and heritage. I hope people don't try to compare it to a Caribbean cruise where one island is a cookie cutter of the previous island. However, it does seem that you like the cruise. 😀🚢

[@JJCruise]

We did really enjoy the cruise! And you are current-the culture and history of these places was all around us, which is another great thing about this itinerary!

[@JuneRaeder-MacKinnon]

I leave on Celebrity Apex tomorrow. I booked this Baltic cruise in 2020 then 2021. I'm finally going...no St Petersburg.

[@PJL7095]

I LUV ❤ Copenhagen & Tivoli Gardens. Try to make it there for Christmas season.

[@luciaandglynn]

Thank you for this we leave 5/1 for the Baltic

[@JJCruise]

Enjoy your Cruise!! 🥳

[@yolandamuller3687]

I'm supposed to go on a Baltic cruse in August and I've never been on a cruse before !!

[@JJCruise]

You will love it! Enjoy!

[@ChristianLehrer]

The longer cruise does make a difference in the US market where Americans get so much less vacation versus Europeans. Many Americans will not even invest the time and money in a seven night cruise! For Europeans, a 12 night cruise is doable for families and younger people as they get more time off, more vacation. My cousins in Germany get 15 holidays a year and 6 weeks of vacation! So glad you saw Tivoli, it’s magical! So sorry you had bad weather at Stockholm, it is among the most beautiful cities anywhere! Great video guys! 😀

[@pkf4bucs]

Hey guys! Loved the video. Have ya'll heard when NCL will release their 2026 schedule for Northern Europe? Thanks!

[@zoegibson3514]

We were just on a 14 night cruise to the Baltics on P&O Aurora. It was our second time on similar itineraries and we generally love it, but the weather got us badly this time, our last two ports were cancelled due a storm, and we had to rush back to the safety of Northern France for an unplanned stop. We did cross paths with you as were in Stockholm on the same day! Now that was a rainy one, wasn’t it? 😂 So glad I bought a good lightweight waterproof jacket! Pity we didn’t see you, but I hope you guys didn’t get too wet ? It was fun following you out of Stockholm too…glad the weather cleared up a bit for the stunning sailed out 😊

[@patti1044]

Love northern cruises - but we take advantage of being retired and travel in the shoulder seasons. Really enjoy the history and architecture of these cities - research on our own or what we want to see. Finally love trying local food and drink.

[@happycruiser]

Loved our Baltic cruise out of Copenhagen. We were fortunate to be able to go to Russia at that time for an overnight. It was the highlight of our trip going to the Hermitage and seeing a Russian ballet. I do remember needed to get a huge mix of money. We ran out in Finland when we visited a local market.

[@debp5983]

Awesome, thank you for posting this. I love to travel, so this would be great.

[@brunkerj]

The weather is not a 'bad'. Anyone booking this has to know that it will be cool. We'll be on Silhouette in May/June for 13 nights. Overnight in Copenhagen. What was it you so enjoyed doing in the evening?

[@leesalawitch1386]

You may want to check our Azamara Cruises which offers overnights in many ports.

[@ewallace791]

This was perfect! Our next cruise is next July in the Baltic! I feel so much more prepared after this video. You guys are the best.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy your upcoming cruise! 🥳

[@allyb56]

The Baltic was by far my favorite cruise. I'd skip Germany next time though. The money, languages and white nights were challenging but the culture, architecture, people, food and history are incomparable to any other cruise I've been on.

[@danielbobberson9849]

Good tips for sure. I will take the Med and those relaxed ports anyday...too many cities would get to me. Everyone is different.

[@mariongeib821]

I would ❤️ this itinerary. Thanks for sharing.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for watching! ☺️

[@loriminard6460]

Great job guys really like these shows !

[@RobertFraser401]

Thanks for this review guys. Might be our next cruise 😊

[@JJCruise]

Happy to help Robert, thank you for watching!

[@jessescruggs1726]

How was the weather at sea, the waves, the motion of the ship, etc..? Is April/May generally a quiet time in these waters?

[@mjm2253]

I took baltic cruise on Celebrity Apex in late June and the weather was so poor that all the outdoor spaces on ship were closed most of time and yes tooooo mannnny kiiiiids!!!! I regrets spending this money I should have done land/train trip. The cities were beautiful even in the heavy rain.

[@JJCruise]

We’re so sorry to hear this! Weather can change the course of your trip completely. Glad to hear you still got to enjoy the beauty of these stops regardless.

[@user-tw5di9yn9b]

such a fun video, thanks

[@sam-co2zm]

We were on Norwegian Dawn from August 6 to August 15, 2023 on the Baltic Cruise. Sadly to say we didn’t enjoy it at all. I got sick in the middle of my cruise and I thought I caught a cold because it’s cold and rainy over there. Boy, I was wrong when we got home last week we took Covid tests and all of us caught Covid. We thought we caught a cold on the ship. A lot of people on the Norwegian Dawn was coughing and sneezing and I know a lot of people got sick when we disembarked in Sweden.

[@JJCruise]

We’re so sorry to hear that! Sending hugs-hopefully you all feel better soon.

[@debsterlee3801]

Sorry that you were sick but covid is a part of many cruises and flights now, no matter what the location. I always pack a covid test when I travel (even in the US) so if I get symtoms, I can test and adjust my plans.

[@Heather_T]

I am doing this cruise on the silhouette next May. Can you please comment on the food variety in the main dining room. There have been complaints about cut backs on this ship and lack of variety in the cruise critic forums. Some commented that the veg was an ice cream scoop full of mashed potatoes, a few green beans and a bit of carrot for most of the dinner meals. Thanks.

[@lauriekalli4873]

Hi. I am looking for a baltic or combined scandinavia baltic cruise. I also want lithuania . Before or after. I do not want all city. I want norway fiords too. The big thing for me is I am solo traveling. I cannot do a full pay for 2 people cruise unless hugely last min discount . Looking for July in Aug 6 ..please advise

[@rosemarielinville4152]

Great video - thanks : )

[@kimrodriguez1698]

Thanks guys

[@bebreyes4766]

You two are just so cute!! You have great teeth too! So important! And those smiles! I’m hooked guys! ❤❤❤

[@TheIdontjudge]

I want to book a trip with major city ports Which cruise line Link??

[@thebeautyjunkeevlogs]

are there rough seas going back and forth Southhampton in this itinerary?

[@JJCruise]

There can be

[@user-jc6sq8to1l]

Question…what Company did u fly with from Amsterdam?🦖 cruising with HAL 5/24

[@ParkertonsAdventures]

Would love to go on one of these cruises

[@fogtownrog]

Thanks!

[@JJCruise]

Thank you so much for the super thanks!

[@lindastover9541]

Great video ❤❤❤❤

[@theinternetguy4426]

I’m sorry but I was expecting some information about the cruise. There was zero information about the cruise, all just about your abstract experience.

[@curiousgeorge4731]

First off, you two are great together, cute and high energy. I hope this energy is true in your private life together. Well thank you for this video as my husband and I have plans for the same cruise in June 2024 and having just returned from 10 in the Artic (looking for the norther lights) I was ready to cancel the Baltic cruise. You have given use great Insite that we will take to heart in deciding if we will go on the cruise or maybe a land tour. Thanks again, you are wonderful. From Palm Springs, be well.

[@JJCruise]

Aww thanks for your kind words! So happy our video review could help! 🥳

[@abrahamclott5604]

What is your approach to visiting such rich destinations for only a day? Do you try to get an overview of "top sights"? Or just set one or two goals that will make for a fun an interesting day---have a good day without worrying about what you're not doing? Also: The "bad" and the "ugly" were all things you knew when you chose the cruise--the type of ports, the climate, the hours, etc. I can see that clients should consider these things when choosing a cruise. But it seems odd to choose to visit a bunch of cities and then say it was "bad" to visit only cities. Just saying ..... I think I get what you mean: remind clients not to choose a cool climate urban itinerary if what they want are warm beaches.

[@JJCruise]

We try to plan off the beaten path activities and things to do on our own. In every rich city, savvy travelers can find cheap or free sites to see. We felt like we added those to the “bad” because it is SO different than seeing cities in the Med. Cruising to new, wealthy cities was vastly different from visiting Rome or Barcelona-and that was what surprised us. WD didn’t realize how different it would be!

[@abrahamclott5604]

@JJCruise Good advice! Love your channel. You helped motivate me to brave my first cruise last month at age 68 and by myself because my husband isn't a traveller. Live in NYC and went on Princess to Canada/New England. In the 3 ports where. I wasn't meeting up with friends and family I did exactly as you describe. Loved the cruise and cruising. I love watching you have a good time and finding fun wherever you go.

[@BostonHeather]

Could you comment on the best way to get to Southampton cruise port from the airport?

[@sandipointon9867]

Take the coach (bus) from London.

[@BostonHeather]

@@sandipointon9867 do you need a res or can you just get it from the airport

[@brucetodd443]

This probably obvious but they want you on the ship when you spend the most money, and that aint in the AM so I totally think it iall about having you back on board to spend money on the ship... But I could be totally wrong.

[@Nancy-nx9cf]

Your idea of bad is legitimate for a couple without children. If you had little ones the itinerary is would be good. Do you think this is a fair analysis? I personally am on team JJ CRUISE. I like the non tender port situation.

[@JJCruise]

We were just noting that there was many families with little ones on this itinerary, and unlike other itineraries (like Iceland), there was so much families with kids could do in these places. Many other places we’ve been doesn’t have as many offerings towards families with young ones. Thank you for watching!

[@wendykoek8270]

It is good that you could get the supporting LGBT+ cities for you both and others too

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Some of your videos are very good.....But not this one. Too many selfies and face shots. Sorry.