White Nights Cruise

The White Nights are a curious phenomenon caused by very northerly locations. Scandinavia and St. Petersburg stand at such a high latitude that from May to July the sun does not descend below the horizon enough for the sky to grow dark. In fact, night becomes curiously indistinguishable from day, so much so  the authorities never need to turn the city's street lights on!

Day 1, Copenhagen, Denmark   May 23, Thursday
Arrive and transfer to our ship, the Emerald Princess.

Day 2, Oslo, Norway   May 24, Friday
Forest-clad slopes plummet to an island-studded fjord. The commercial center has been a major trading port for more than a millennium. The hills and lakes of its outlying countryside are a paradise. The city boasts a sophisticated, yet cozy charm, with a blend of 19th- and 20th-century buildings, many decorated with wood carvings and bright frescoes, and wide avenues dotted with public squares and parks. Explore the Viking Museum and marvel at the three longboats unearthed near Oslo fjord. Visit Gustav Vigeland's magnificent statue park on a narrated walk or take a cruise on the fjords.

Day 3  Aarhus, Denmark   May 25, Saturday
It's easy to assume that Aarhus stands in Copenhagen's shadow—Aarhus after all is the second largest city in Denmark, and its university is both the country's second oldest and second largest. Excavated glass pearls and rune fragments date the city to centuries before its official founding in 770. Aarhus is surrounded by dense forests, while the Lake District lies within an easy drive from the city center. Visit Clausholm Castle, take a vintage train ride or enjoy the lakes. Discover the old market town of Randers on a guided walking tour. Stroll along the oldest pedestrian street in Denmark and view the statue of the Jutland Stallion. Explore the Randers Rainforest, featuring some 350 different kinds of plants and more than 175 species of animals.

Day 4  Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany   May 26, Sunday 
Berlin is a worthy rival to London or Paris in terms of history, art and culture. The city's highlights include the restored Reichstag Building with its magnificent glass dome and the stunning Pergamon Museum. Warnemünde is a seaside resort near the harbor entrance to Rostock, an old fishing village turned spa and resort. Explore the old Cold War hotspots and view the Brandenburg Gate, restored to its original magnificence. Warnemünde is also our gateway to Mecklenburg and the German countryside. Visit Checkpoint Charlie, the famous Berlin Wall crossing point. Tour Schwerin Castle, the Holocaust Museum or Brandenburg Gate, which was formerly used to represent the separation between East and West Berlin.

Day 5  At Sea   May 27, Monday

Day 6  Tallinn, Estonia   May 28, Tuesday
Like Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic republic of Estonia has a turbulent history. The small nation was conquered and ruled by Teutonic Knights, Polish princes and Russian Tsars. For 51 years, Estonia was a pawn in the Soviet empire until the burgeoning freedom movement led to independence for the Baltic Republics in 1991. Experience Tallinn on a walking tour of the historic old city. Visit the cathedrals atop Toompea Hill and walk to Town Hall Square and the Old Town.

Day 7 and 8  St. Petersburg, Russia   May 29, 30, Wednesday and Thursday
Russia's "Window on the West" has provided a historic stage since the day Peter the Great ordained its construction on the banks of the River Neva. St. Petersburg has witnessed the rise and fall of Imperial Russia, three shattering revolutions and civil war. The city survived a long and tragic siege during World War II—indeed St. Petersburg became a symbol of Russian resistance to Nazi invasion. St. Petersburg has also been the cultural soul of Russia, a repository of priceless art and a home to poets, musicians and composers ranging from Pushkin to Shostakovich. Some of our excursion options are the Hermitage Museum, a must-see highlight for any visitor to St Petersburg; the Tsar's spectacular old Winter Palace and adjacent buildings; and the Peterhof Palace, known as the 'Russian Versailles,' overlooking the Gulf of Finland. We may cruise the many canals and rivers or spend an evening at the Russian Folkloric Show or Russian Ballet.

Day 9 Helsinki, Finland    May 31, Friday
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. We'll have opportunities to visit Helsinki on a narrated drive that visits Senate Square and the Temppeliauko Rock Church. Board the "Lili" for a ride through the countryside on a vintage steam train. Travel to Porvoo, Finland's second oldest city, founded in 1346. Travel through the countryside to Savijärvi Farm, famed for breeding carriage horses.

Day 10 Stockholm, Sweden    June 1, Saturday
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 islands connected by bays, channels and inlets. The skyline is a sea of copper roofs grown green with patina, and towers, spires and graceful cupolas stand sentinel over the historic Old Town. We'll check out the Stockholm Ice Bar, The world's first permanent ice bar, kept at 23°F all year round, and Drottningholm Palace, constructed in the 17th century and the permanent residence of the royal family. Embark on a narrated journey through historic Stockholm, experiencing what it's like to be a Nobel winner along the way. You'll visit Gamla Stan, the Nobel Museum and City Hall's famous Blue Hall, site of the annual Nobel banquet.

Day 11 at Sea    June 2, Sunday
Day 12  Copenhagen, Denmark    June 3, Monday
 Copenhagen deserves its accolades as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.

Our Group Rates include assistance with:
Immigration documents, Boarding Passes, Bag Tags, Embarkation & Disembarkation Process, Orientation & Mobility Onboard Ship, Front row seating in shows, Shore Excursions & Activities, Braille Menus (when possible), Airline Bookings, Trip Insurance.

Stateroom        Price
Inside                  2,390 Double    3,790 Single
Ocean View        3,190 Double    4,790 Single
Balcony               3,490 Double    6,290 Single
Suites                  call for rates       
           
     
           
Please note that prices are listed per person, cruise-only and based on double occupancy. Govt. Fees & Taxes $180, transfers $78 round trip per person.  A refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold space and the balance is due March 1, 2013.  Fees are nonrefundable 75 days prior to cruises. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYNEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has already been paid in full. Prices are subject to change based on availability.
supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYNEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has already been paid in full. Prices are subject to change based on availability.