浩海寬廣無際、航線眾多, 而這首次的大型郵輪之旅為什麼選Baltic Sea波羅的海? 長於島嶼的女子, 從小就對著海洋就有無限憧憬與幻想; 而善於滑雪、健山傲視群峰, 習慣山林圍繞、細賞城市建築的伴呢?
由二次數日: 北非埃及尼羅河遊輪、澳洲大堡礁遊艇的幾百浬航行經驗後; 對在睡夢中航行, 不再浪費白日時光奔波於車水馬龍的旅行方式, 已逐漸嚐出輕鬆、怡人的滋味甜頭...而且刻印下十足令人愉悅又懷念的記憶. 幾年前B曾捧著郵輪型錄研究. 伴戲謔地說: "還能耐勞狂奔的年紀, 就開始郵輪式傭懶自然醒的早點、豐盛午祭、悠閒Sundowner下午茶、Gala晚宴、縱情狂舞宵夜...嘉年華般的純歡樂旅遊, 那白髮蒼蒼走不動的時候, 我們將又能做些什麼?"
掀開對陌生海洋的好奇是航行的慾望之一. 而多年前瑞典斯德哥爾摩的夏日之旅, 浸淋在該是炎日卻在寒風冷雨不定的氣候中, 著實澆息了B對北歐原有的強烈造訪慾! 可是那不落日的六月午夜、北歐風情的港灣、聖彼德堡共產壯麗城市的演進奧祕? 啊~一直仍有濃濃的吸引力.... 欣逢犒賞伴的半百, B新生出的謬論: 何不先以郵輪, 一網走馬看花輕輕鬆鬆打盡? 有了初步印象, 以後更容易決定再精遊細訪與否?
如此簡單一拍成行! 明日搭早班飛機, 先逍遙二天15年不見的鬱金香王國. 至於全行的異域風情報告, 那就等B下月中旬遊後, 返家再細細敘述加映象傳真囉! Guys~ Miss you & see you all really soon 喲!
下列圖文拼湊來自網路, 該不介意B借來作廣告?!
Celebrity Cruise http://www.celebritycruises.com/ : Amsterdam阿姆斯特丹- Copenhagen哥本哈根 - Stockholm斯德哥爾摩 - Helsinki赫辛基 - St. Petersburg - 聖彼德堡 - Tallinn - Klaipeda - Amsterdam.
Map of Baltic sea
Amsterdam, Holland -This vibrant city, lining a maze of canals, offers endless surprises. The top shore excursions here visit the world-renowned Rijksmuseum (it houses Rembrandt's "Night Watch"), Dam Square and the Royal Palace. In spring, the tulip gardens are a favorite destination. The Anne Frank House and the Heineken Brewery are open for tours.
Copenhagen, Denmark - Copenhagen is a lively city with storybook charm. Tourists will want to view the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by the fairy tale; visit Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous amusement park; and witness the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the members of Europe's oldest royal dynasty. The best excursions feature these major attractions, as well as the Kronborg Castle in nearby Elsinore, the setting of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
Stockholm (Nynashamn), Sweden - Nynashamn is located 60 kilometers south of Stockholm and serves as an additional gateway to the capital. Once in Stockholm you'll find the immaculate city sprawling across more than a dozen islands in a Baltic bay. The best half-day shore excursions tour Gamla Stan, or old town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and buildings that date to the 17th and 18th centuries. Stops typically include Stortorget Square and its historic stock exchange; the hall where Nobel Laureates are honored; the great warship Vasa; and the Royal Palace to watch the changing of the guard. A trip to Drottningholm Palace, which houses a splendid working 18th-century theater, also is popular.
Helsinki, Finland - Finland's national capital is a lively, neoclassical city. The most obligatory site here is the tremendous Temppeliaukio Church, carved from solid stone. Popular excursions cover the Senate Square, the Lutheran Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, Finlandia Concert Hall, market square and Esplanadi Park.
St. Petersburg, Russia - This city along the Neva River embodies some of Russia's greatest treasures, and some ships stay in port overnight to allow passengers time to see the myriad sites. A few of the major attractions include the famous masterpieces at the Hermitage Museum, the baroque-style Winter Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral with its 300-foot gilt cupola and the Bronze Horseman, a monument to Peter the Great.
Tallinn, Estonia - In this Hanseatic city founded in the 13th century, nearly every building is a sight to see. Its medieval spirit is reflected in the main square, towering spires, cobblestone streets and the stone walls that encompass the city. Explore the gothic Church of St. Olai, handicraft shops and the 13th-century Danish Toompea Castle.
Klaipeda, Lithuania - The most northern ice-free Baltic seaport is also Lithuania's third-largest city. The city dates back to the construction of the castle of Memelburg at the mouth of the Dane River in 1252. Visit some of the local museums to learn about the fascinating history, or go to one of the art exhibitions held throughout the year.