9 Night Europe - Baltic
Itinerary

Helsinki
Finland
Day 1A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League's monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland's capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki's fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland's political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town's future was secure.Just before the czar's proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki's traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation's capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony's weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city's 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars ("terrassit" as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon.
About this cruise
Ready to follow the sun instead of a timetable? Featuring a classic design and elegant interiors, Norwegian Sun® offers you a refined atmosphere for exploring top destinations worldwide. From the luxurious Owner’s Suites and Penthouses to Family Balcony and more, finding your ideal travel style is a breeze with this smaller ship. Let the good times flow from poolside to tableside at the vibrant casino. Whether you wish to unwind at the award-winning Mandara Spa®, enjoy a workout with panoramic views at the fitness centre or savour a morning with breakfast in bed, there's something for everyone on board. And with a wide assortment of complimentary and speciality dining - from Cagney's Steakhouse and the Italian ristorante La Cucina to the top-deck Great Outdoors buffet - you can take your tastebuds on a journey. Cruise to unforgettable destinations like the frozen wilderness of Alaska, or exotic, immersive experiences with our Extraordinary Journeys, whilst on Norwegian Sun.
Exquisitely Refurbished from Bow to Stern
Refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Sun is shining bright. Experience Bliss Ultra Lounge and dance the night away on Deck 6, head up to Deck 12 for Spinnaker Lounge, or grab a bite at Los Lobos Cantina. These are just a few of the exciting changes on board. Come see what's new.
Available dates
Stateroom Options
- InsideFROM£1,435 pp
- OceanviewFROM£1,617 pp
- BalconyFROM£2,696 pp
- SuiteFROM£3,808 pp
Fast, Simple, Secure booking
No Booking Fees
No Hidden Fees


dining
enrichment
kids teens
useful info
accommodation
entertainment
health fitness
dining
Cagney's Steakhouse
Premium cuts are the standard at our American steakhouse serving Premium Black Angus Beef. Sip your favourite cocktail and don't forget to order our famous Parmesan dusted truffle fries!
Price Per Person: Charges Apply
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Cruise Line
FROM
£1,435 pp
- What's included?
- The below amenities and services are included in your selected cruise fare. By choosing a promotion during the booking process you may be entitled to additional amenities or services, depending on the particular offer.