Cruising and fashion are a lot alike. How so? Holiday seekers are always looking for the most buzz-worthy destinations. The travel industry has a lot in common with the television show Project Runway. When Heidi Klum famously says one day you’re in, and the next you’re out, she could easily be talking about destination hotspots. Travel fads come and go, and cruisers always have their eyes peeled for the next big thing. This is where the Baltic enters the picture. Northern gems like Latvia, Estonia and Scandinavia (Iceland, Norway, Finland!)are stoking the imagination of cruisers.
Riga
Croatia may have been the buzzword last year, but Riga is leading the charge for 2013. Between the crooked cobbled streets, turrets and colourful steeples, the Latvian capital is like a northern version of Prague. Vecrig, the Medieval old town, is the highlight of Riga. From the Dome Cathedral to St. Peter’s, the churches in Riga are the stuff of fairy tales. However, Riga is not all Gothic architecture and soaring spires. Art Nouveau buildings dominate the city, and the best examples are north of the old town, particularly along Elizabetes.
Tallinn
Tallinn, which is the capital of Estonia, is a World Heritage Site. Similar to Riga, Tallinn is an architectural haven. You can easily spend the day winding your way through Tallin’s old town; the city’s breath-taking warren of cobbled streets, medieval walls and cathedrals is a must-see for any tourist. Highlights include the Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Toompea Castle. Furthermore, Tallinn’s Town Hall Square is said to be Europe’s oldest gothic town hall. Sooner or later, you’re going to want to take a break and rest those weary feet. Tallinn has numerous open-air cafes to grab a bite and something to drink. Ask for a pint of Saku, which is the local beer of choice.
Reykjavik
Known for being the homeland of musicians like Bjork and Sigur Ros, Reykjavik boomed with the jet setting rave crowd about a decade ago. While the country is still known as a musical hotspot, there is more to Iceland than clubs, bars and Viking beer. When you cruise to Iceland by booking a fantastic cruise offer, nothing will prepare you for the majestic and otherworldly landscape. To get the lay of the land, book a Golden Loop Tour. Highlights of the excursion include Gullfoss, otherwise known as Golden Falls, and the Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik is more like a village than a capital city. The best way to stay warm in the northernmost capital in Europe is to go shopping or pop into one of the many restaurants and enjoy a meal. Lamb and herring are big in the land of fire and ice.