Discovering the Baltic with the Kiel Canal

Boasting one of the largest ports in the Baltic with over 1,000 years of seafaring traditions, Gdańsk is considered Poland’s maritime capital and is one of the country’s most important and dynamic cities. The city features an abundance of attractions, discovered in and around scenes of historic streets, riverside walkways and impressive boulevards begging to showcase their highlights. Gdańsk's Latin-penned moto is ‘nec temere, nec timide’ - meaning ‘neither rashly, nor timidly' - and visitors are encouraged to bear this in mind during their time in the city. The 'main town' is at the top of the list of the must-visit areas to discover; here you'll find streets and squares displaying fine examples of various architectural styles, as well as many museums and monuments.

Set on Latvia’s scenic west coast, Ventspils combines golden Baltic beaches with a proud Hanseatic history. As you stroll its cobbled streets dotted with colourful cow sculptures designed by local and international artists, you will also be able to enjoy the many flowers and fountains Ventspils is renowned for, before exploring the striking 17th-century castle that stands at the heart of the old town. Further afield, the town’s sandy beach, dunes and clear water are a magnet for locals and visitors alike.

Known for its rich heritage and striking architecture, Riga is a delightful combination of history and culture. As you wander through the well-reserved Medieval Old Town’s cobbled streets, you can admire the many Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings and the iconic House of Blackheads and Freedom Monument. Bustling Livu Square is home to quaint restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy the bitter-sweet taste of Black Balsam liqueur, blended with fruit juices to make it a summery cocktail, perfect after a dish of pelmeni, small dumplings filled with minced meat, vegetables or cheese. There will also be opportunities to go hiking in Gauja National Park, with forested valleys offering scenic views, or explore the fairytale like Bauska Castle, surrounded by charming Latvian rivers.

The island of Saaremaa offers a laid-back and more traditional side of Estonia, contrasting perfectly with the Baltic’s larger city ports, and is well suited to Balmoral’s smaller size. Your ship docks away from the island’s main sights, so joining a shore tour is the best way to explore. Rich in heritage, Saaremaa is known for its windmills, dark rye bread and island‑brewed beer, with visits often including the capital, Kuressaare, Beyond the town, you’ll find unspoilt landscapes of juniper fields, pine forests and rugged coastlines, with opportunities to enjoy gentle walks in nature.

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is unquestionably one of Europe's most magical capitals. This ancient Hanseatic city is justifiably proud of its beautiful churches, solid limestone houses and well-preserved cobbled streets. Toompea Hill, with its medieval houses and alleyways, is the oldest part, and at its foot, substantial remains of the city wall can still be seen, surrounded by well-maintained parks. The medieval town hall is one of the best preserved in northern Europe, and the weatherclock, Gamle Toomas, is an enduring symbol of Tallinn. Other notable architecture includes the ornate, 19 th -century St. Alexander Nevskij Cathedral and The Kadriorg’s Castle, built by Peter the Great.

At the Baltic Sea end of the Kiel Canal, near the city of the same name, lies the Holtenau Lock. Here, ships are carefully guided through a remarkable system of gates and chambers that adjust the water level, allowing safe entry and exit from the canal. Opened in 1895 and expanded over the years, the Holtenau Lock is a key gateway between the Baltic and North Sea, and from your ship, you can watch the lock in action as water levels rise or fall, and the vast gates slowly open. Once inside the canal, your scenic journey passes through quiet countryside and canal-edge villages, offering a unique opportunity to experience Germany’s landscapes from the comfort of your ship, and witness one of Europe’s great maritime routes at work.

The Kiel Canal is one of the world’s busiest artificial waterways, linking the North Sea with the Baltic and saving ships a long journey around Denmark’s Jutland Peninsula. At its western end lies the town of Brunsbüttel, where vessels pass through a series of locks before entering the canal. From the decks of your ship, you can watch the fascinating operation of the Brunsbüttel lock system, as water levels are carefully adjusted to allow safe passage. It’s an impressive feat of engineering, and a reminder of the canal’s importance to international trade since it first opened in 1895. Beyond the lock gates, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise through the canal itself, where the close banks bring you within sight of small towns, farmland and woodland.