by Moughees Butt*
Escape the worst winter Berlin has seen this season by sunbathing on a pool deck of a Celebrity Cruise ship or playing a round of mini-golf while your floating luxury hotel sails to an exotic destination. So if you want to get away from the cold, take advantage of low off-season prices some cruise lines offer, as there are plenty of destinations that shine during the winter months.
Forget all the snow and sleet and leave the months of gray cold behind on a cruise with Celebrity offering multiple itineraries of varying lengths, in order to take a few or as many days you want on sea. A short drive from Berlin is the seaside town of Warnemunde that provides the perfect take-off point for your winter escape to some fascinating destinations in the Baltic and Northern Europe. Moreover, the award-winning service that Celebrity Cruise ships are known for, will make you feel special the moment you set foot on board. As you relax on the deck at the Rooftop Garden, you will be greeted by just sun and fresh air.
Enjoy Broadway style shows at The Theatre or sip your favorite cocktail at Eden. On a cruise from Warnemunde, after visiting the cold but exciting city of Berlin, you can sail to exciting destinations like Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Copenhagen. But before you set sail, take time out to explore the local fish market in Warnemunde to savor fresh seafood or climb to the top of the local lighthouse to marvel at surreal views of the coast. Don’t leave without sampling Germany’s world-renowned beers.
Again, if you have time and you wish to explore deeper, you can head to the nearby countryside through the lush forests of the Mecklenburg Lake District or visit Wismar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting medieval churches and ancient half-timbered homes.
Stockholm, Sweden
The Swedish capital is connected by no less than 50 bridges to the 14 islands to the mainland. On your European cruise stop to this ever-evolving city, you will get an opportunity to visit the parks, palaces and museums that have made Stockholm so praise-worthy.
Tallin, Estonia
The prevalence of Tallin’s old world charm is quite evident in the city’s architecture and the soaring towers of the Toompea Castle which have remained remarkably unchanged since its founding in 1154 AD.
This enables visitors to enjoy centuries-old architectural marvels, including the impressive Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the modern pink Parliament Building from the Palace Square.
Add to it the boisterous nightlife, and Tallin stands tall as one of the most exciting cities of the former Soviet Union to visit on a cruise trip.
Helsinki, Finland
On a Scandinavian cruise, there is probably no port of call more enigmatic than Helsinki, the capital of Finland. With its chic Scandinavian design and cultural Baltic warmth, the city packs a punch or two for all ages.
From the Linnanmaki amusement park to the Korkeasaan Zoo, a shore excursion to this archipelago brings refreshing sea breeze on the face and warmth from the sun. When it comes to cruises to Helsinki, you can have fun in this quirky city.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is another great city to discover on a Celebrity Cruise as you dock in the bustling harbor, renowned for its fine architecture and top class restaurants.
A stop in Copenhagen makes for a special port day on a cruise to this region and other capitals of Northern Europe. The commuter rail or metro offers fast regular services from the port terminal to the city.
Enjoy the day admiring the city’s opulent castles or stroll along the waterfront district of Nyhavn to taste the excellent Danish brew along with other local delicacies at any of the good halls while there.
Remember, when you book your European gateway from Germany with Celebrity Cruises, you will soon realise why nothing else comes close to a captivating voyage waiting for you to experience in this incredible region. From sea to air, Celebrity has you covered.
*Moughees Butt: “Thirst to learn and explore till he finds ecstasy” are Moughees’s pivot charms! He loves to craft and comprehend deeply anything happens around!