Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden

We set sail tomorrow, June 3, at 5pm!  Check back often for updates to our blog. 

In the meantime, we have information from Princess Cruises website about two more ports we will visit on our cruise:  Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.

Helsinki, Finland

Perhaps their country's harsh climate encouraged the Finns' love and respect for design and the arts. Whatever the cause, there's no denying that Helsinki is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in Scandinavia. Hailed as the "Daughter of the Baltic," Finland's capital is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings, striking modern architecture and spacious boulevards dotted with squares and parks. In the past century, Finland has nurtured some of the major creative talents of Western culture, from the composer Sibelius to architects Eero Saarinen and Alvar Aalto.

The center of Finnish commerce and culture, Helsinki is home to some 590,000 people. Much of the city's neoclassical architecture dates from the period of Tsarist rule, which began in 1809 after political control of Finland passed from Sweden to Russia.

Points of Interest:
Temppeliaukio (Rock Church)
This one-of-a-kind Lutheran church is built into a solid rock. Natural light pours in from the church's glazed dome and the rough stoned interiors amplify sound, making it a unique concert venue.

Market Square
Experience the energy and excitement of this seaside city. The square offers a festive atmosphere with rows of tents and stalls selling fur clothing, jewelry, food and souvenirs and more.

Stockholm, Sweden

Often described as the "Capital of Scandinavia," Stockholm traces its origins back seven centuries, when it was founded on the island of Gamla Stan and became the capital of Sweden. Today, the city covers 14 separate islands connected by bays, channels and inlets. The skyline is a sea of copper roofs grown green with patina, towers, spires and graceful cupolas stand sentinel over the historic Old Town (Gamla Stan). With its population of nearly a million people, Stockholm is one of the world's most beautiful, clean and orderly cities.

With a history stretching over seven centuries, Stockholm is not just a beautiful city but also Sweden's center of art and culture.

Points of Interest:

Royal Palace & Armoury
Once home to the King of Sweden, the Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe with over 600 rooms and several museums, including the Royal Armoury which houses a collection of different items including clothes, horse carriages and more which has belonged to different royalties over the centuries.

City Hall
Stockholm City Hall, with its spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, unique art treasures and magnificent banquettes, is one of the most famous silhouettes in the city and a popular tourist attraction.