Scandinavia & Northern Europe
by Candyce H. Stapen
A Scandinavian and northern European cruise itinerary comes with
real castles, first-rate museums and historic old sections whose
cobblestone streets and bustling town squares are edged with cafes,
chocolate shops and boutiques. Unlike Mediterranean cruises where
it may take a two-hour bus ride to reach the featured destination,
the ships plying the Baltic and the North Seas generally dock in
the urban center or within an hour's drive, making it especially
convenient to explore. Here are some of the best picks in port for
families.
Sweden: Göteborg and Stockholm
Some ships visit both Göteborg, on Sweden's southwest
coast, as well as Stockholm, on the country's east coast. Sweden's
second largest city, Göteborg is home to Liseberg Park, one of Scandinavia's
largest amusement parks. Along with roller coasters and other rides,
there are gardens and restaurants. For centuries the harbor was
the heart of this former shipbuilding center. On a boat ride you
see the city's skyline and maybe even a ship in drydock. Board a
naval destroyer and a submarine and visit other vessels at the large
Maritime Center.
At the Trädgardsföreningens Park, stroll paths lined
with roses and other flowers. Stockholm, built on a series of islands,
is a wonderful walking city. Highlights include the Vasamuseet,
housing the Vasa, a commanding 1628 war ship; the Hisoriska Museet
(Museum of National Antiquities), which features a dazzling collection
of Viking gold and silver coins, necklaces, rings, and other treasures;
and the Kungliga Slottet, the 600-room royal palace completed in
1754 which, along with impressive rooms, has coaches and armor.
The palace is located in Gamla Stan, the Old Town. Cafes and shops
line the narrow winding streets and the aroma of hot chocolate and
grilled waffles pulls you into the eateries.
Belgium: Bruges
It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Zeebrugge,
where the ship docks, to Bruges, founded in the ninth century. It's
a picturesque city, perfect for walking. For a change of pace, take
a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets or a 30-minute
canal boat ride that winds under bridges and affords great views
of the seventeenth-century houses. Bruges is famous for its chocolates
so browse Katelijnestraat for shops selling the sweet treats.
The Netherlands: Amsterdam
Cosmopolitan Amsterdam has plenty of charm, particularly
when viewed from a canal boat as it glides under bridges and past
tree-lined streets flanked by impressive seventeenth-century gabled
houses. With active teens, rent a bike and pedal like the locals.
The Anne Frank House, especially for children who've read her story,
is a moving, real-life history lesson. The city's world-famous museums
include the Rijksmuseum, home to a large collection of Rembrandts
and other Dutch masters' works, and the Van Gogh Museum, featuring
more than 200 paintings and hundreds of drawings by the artist.
Across the street from the Rijksmuseum is a park with plenty of
space for romping.
Norway: Bergen
Unless you're a particular fan of composer Edvard
Grieg, skip a visit to Troldhaugen, the composer's home. We were
also disappointed by the Old Bergen Museum, a collection of eighteenth-
and nineteenth-century houses. The day we visited no costumed interpreters
brought the era to life and our guide, armed with keys to just a
few houses, tromped us through narrow halls to look at not- very-interesting
wooden sideboards and beds. The best thing to do: stroll the harbor.
The fish stalls brim with salmon, shrimp, mussels, and monkfish.
A World Heritage site, the eighteenth-century wooden warehouses
of Bryggen, which once held tons of dried codfish for export, now
house art galleries, linen shops, boutiques, and cafes.
Russia: St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a beautiful city of impressive
buildings. It's fun to take boat ride on the Neva River, especially
near dusk as the lights come on. Don't miss the Hermitage, a renowned
museum housed in the czars' former Winter Palace. Because the facility
is huge, it's best to go on a guided tour, either on a shore excursion
if the leader promises more time in the galleries than in the gift
shop, or book your own city guide. Highlights include a roomful
of Rembrandts, as well as works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo,
Renoir, and Matisse plus the Gold Room, glittering with gold, silver
and jewels. Just 18 miles from St. Petersburg, Petergof, the palace
begun built by Peter the Great in the 1720s, offers a dazzling display
of fountains, gardens and gilt rooms.
Family-friendly lines cruising Scandinavia and
Northern Europe include Crystal Cruises (www.crystalcruises.com),
Holland America Cruises (www.hollandamerica.com),
Princess Cruises (www.princess.com),
Regent Seven Seas (www.rssc.com),
and Royal Caribbean Cruises (www.royalcaribbean.com).
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Great Places, Great Deals
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-Hawaii: Kauai:  Get
feeling good about being active on a six-day spa
and fitness program geared towards families. The
customized Pure Kauai Family Adventure can include
surfing lessons, guided hikes, nutrition classes,
zip line adventures, and horseback riding. The
program includes five nights' lodging in a private
home or villa on the island's scenic North Shore,
some meals and some activities. Rates from $2,400
per person based on a family of four (866-457-7873;
www.purekauai.com).
-Big Island: The Sheraton Keauhou's Family
Moon Package offers discounts on second and third
rooms, buffet breakfast (children 12 and under
eat free), and lots of activity options. Price
for oceanfront is $580 per night ($330 for second
and third rooms), based on a four-night stay (www.sheratonkona.com).
-Oahu: To celebrate its opening the Embassy
Suites Waikiki Beach has one-bedroom suites rooms
with breakfast from $249 per night (800-445-8667;
www.embassy-suites.com).
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*****
– Candyce H. Stapen is the author of
27 books, including National Geographic Guide to Caribbean Family
Vacations.
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