Best months for weather for Baltic Cruise???

Hi There.

Bob and Christine from Australia calling.

Considering a 12 night cruise from Copenhagen to the Baltic Cities and just wondering please if someone could assist us with the best say 2 months of the year for fine clear weather if possible.

Thankyou so much in anticipation.

Regards Bob & Chris.

A little reading on the board would reveal early to mid June to mid August. But weather is not predictable, and as soon as we say given time is the "best" time, and you book it, it might rain on you.

The other factor to consider is crowds. The best weather months have the most crowds. We just got back from a Baltic cruise and loved that the sights were in general not crowded.

Hi Jmps

Is this cruise recommended""""""

Cheers Bob.

Late May to early September.

Hi Jmps

 

Is this cruise recommended""""""

 

 

Cheers Bob.

Hi Bob,

We really like the Baltic cruise. Here is a short review:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2211909

Jaye

A little reading on the board would reveal early to mid June to mid August. But weather is not predictable, and as soon as we say given time is the "best" time, and you book it, it might rain on you.

portcbob: Hi Jmps Is this cruise recommended? Cheers Bob.

Appreciate the excellent follow-ups by CruiserBruce and others. Below are some of my notes on the weather averages for three of the key cities in the Baltics. For the follow-up question on whether this area is worth visiting' date=' my quick answer is . . . YES!! [/b'] This positive comment is especially true if you love, personally, aspects such as history, great architectures, cultural treasures, etc.

How does this response fit the needs for this poster from Australia? This is not the region for warm beach adventures. Below are some of my photo "evidence" as proof positive to back up my reasons on why you can find things of interest in the Baltics.

Added questions, info needs? Happy to share more!!

You can go to

http://www.wunderground.com

and check for the very specific weather history on many of the key towns in the world for their past temperatures in that specific area for a date in the past. Just look lower left in the page for weather history area, put in your exact dates and the year prior. You will then see what last year was like, along with recent highs and lows for that date there.

Here are a few weather averages/details for these three key cities in the Baltics by looking at the 7th, 15th, 23rd days of each month from http://www.wunderground.com:

Copenhagen: High/low averages,

May, early: 61 high/47 low °F

May, mid: 63/48 °F

May, late: 65/50 °F

June, early: 67/53 °F

June, mid: 68/54 °F

June, late: 69/54 °F

July, early: 69/55 °F

July, mid: 69/54 °F

July, late: 69/54 °F

August, early: 67/53 °F

August, mid: 66/52 °F

August, late: 64/51 °F

Sept., early: 60/49 °F

Sept., mid: 58/47 °F

Sept., late: 56/45 °F

St. Petersburg:

May, early: 60 high/41 low °F

May, mid: 62/44 °F

May, late: 65/46 °F

June, early: 68/49 °F

June, mid: 70/51 °F

June, late: 72/53 °F

July, early: 72/53 °F

July, mid: 71/52 °F

July, late: 70/51 °F

August, early: 66/48 °F

August, mid: 64/46 °F

August, late: 61/45 °F

Sept., early: 55/41 °F

Sept., mid: 52/38 °F

Sept., late: 48/36 °F

Stockholm:

May, early: 60 high/44 low °F

May, mid: 62/46 °F

May, late: 63/49 °F

June, early: 66/52 °F

June, mid: 68/54 °F

June, late: 70/55 °F

July, early: 71/56 °F

July, mid: 70/55 °F

July, late: 69/54 °F

August, early: 67/52 °F

August, mid: 65/50 °F

August, late: 63/48 °F

Sept., early: 58/44 °F

Sept., mid: 54/42 °F

Sept., late: 51/40 °F

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 178,207 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Here are some of the fountains and water at the spectacular Peterhof outside of St. Petersburg. The greatest technological achievement of Peterhof is that all of the fountains operate without the use of pumps. Water is supplied from natural springs and collects in reservoirs in the Upper Gardens. This elevation difference creates the pressure driving most of the fountains for the Lower Gardens, including the Grand Cascade.:

As we entered Catherine's Palace in St. Petersburg, here was the welcoming band. This Rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars is located in the town of Pushkin, 15 miles SE of St. Petersburg. The residence originated in 1717, when Catherine I engaged a German architect to construct a summer palace for her pleasure. In 1752, Empress Anna found her mother's residence outdated and had her court architect demolish the old structure and replace it with a much grander edifice in a flamboyant Rococo style. Construction lasted for four years and in 1756 the new 325-meter-long palace amazed courtiers, foreign ambassadors and other visitors. During Elizabeth's lifetime, the palace was famed for its lavish exterior, including more than 100 kilograms of gold used to gild the sophisticated stucco façade and numerous statues erected on the roof.:

At Stockholm’s Royal Palace, the changing of the guard is one of the key highlights and is handy, close to the next-door historic old town area. And it’s free! No charge or tickets required.:

Dancers marching in Tallinn’s festival parade near the stone towers of the famous Viru Gate:

At St. Petersburg’s Hermitage, here is just one of the many, many great galleries with so many different and great architecture details, soaring ceilings, dramatic floors, etc., in areas where the Czars entertained and impressed other Royals and nobility. Even without the art items, these five palaces are so spectacular! This room is adorned with 19th-century Russian lapidary works and feature Italian and Spanish canvases of the 16th-18th centuries, including Veronese, Tintoretto, Velázquez and Murillo.:

Copenhagen’s Nyhavn or “new” Harbor is actually old and charming. This waterfront entertainment district is lined by brightly colored 17th and early 18th century townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants. Serving as a "heritage harbor", the canal also has many historical wooden ships. Lots of people and fun activity!!:

Thanks Jmps for your review it was great.

Thanks Terry for your information and pics.

Really like the look of this cruise.

Now to just select a cruise ship???????????

Thankyou guys.

Bob and Christine.

Thanks Terry for your information and pics. Really like the look of this cruise. Now to just select a cruise ship??????????? Thank you guys. Bob and Christine.

Appreciate your follow-up and comments. Here is one of the key factors to consider in picking your specific cruise ship. How many days to spend in St. Petersburg?? That town is the super jewel for most of these Baltics trips, especially if you love history, architecture, culture, etc.

Many of the larger, more mass-market lines will only do one or two days in St. Petersburg. One day is way too short. Maybe two days in StP could work. We did three days in St. Petersburg and that allowed us time to do a day-trip to Moscow. Seeing BOTH of these famed Russian capital cities was amazing and allows you to gain a much better understanding on this nation, its history, etc. But, generally, it tends to be the more luxury cruise lines that will offer the three-days in St. Petersburg option.

The other factors to consider is about . . . where your cruise start and stops? Some cruise lines start from and return to England or Holland. That plan, however, "wastes" some time in sea days getting to and back from the main Baltics areas/cities. Some cruises, as an example, might start in Copenhagen and finish in Stockholm. Or, the reverse. That allows more time in either or both of these great cities to enjoy the wonderful options/sights in either city.

Many cruise ships and schedules to consider. Lots of trade-offs, factors!! Tell us more on your personal interests, past Europe travels, etc.? Happy to share more, answer added questions.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 108,455 views for this posting.

Other factors to consider is:

the closer to the summer solstice you get the shorter/brighter the nights are.

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/summer-solstice.html

ships:

Regal/Royal Princess + Brittanica not allowed in to Stockholm due to their size. They dock in

Nynäshamn which is like 60km south of Stockholm and requires bus or train transfer to Stockholm.

Hi There.

 

Bob and Christine from Australia calling.

Considering a 12 night cruise from Copenhagen to the Baltic Cities and just wondering please if someone could assist us with the best say 2 months of the year for fine clear weather if possible.

 

Thankyou so much in anticipation.

 

Regards Bob & Chris.

Bob and Chris

We went mid to late August a few years ago and had just magnificent weather, both rain wise (NONE) and temperature wise. For us, we like a little chill in the air and every morning you could definitely feel that. We went out with a light jacket on, but by mid day, that came off and enjoyed pleasantly warm days. Again, we always travel at that time of the year, less crowds, and usually great weather.

Now that I've said that, some one will come along saying they did it the same time and it was wet and cold. LOL :D:D:D:D

Anyway, if I ever go back, that is when I would go again.

Cheers

Len

We went mid September in 2013 and had fantastic weather. In fact, in Tallin it was a bit too hot for sightseeing, around 32c. I understand from friends that in high summer it can be very hot and extremely crowded. I would avoid July and August if I had the choice.

First of all......... Terry many thanks for your kind imput into our research for our upcoming cruise. It is really appreciated and we will take all your information on board when we finally select the cruise/ship. I have a slight leaning towards Celebrity as this stage however would most probably go with Norwegian or Royal if the deal and itinerary met our requirements. Chris and I have in the last 4 years cruised the Eastern Med on 14 nighters from Venice and have seen some wonderful places including the Greek Isles, Turkey, Croatic, ect. We travelled both times in late May/early June and had perfect weather. We love history and particularly old world charms/churches ect.

For all the other posters who have given us info. We really appreciate your help.

Coming a very long way from Australia for this trip and just want to get it right.

Cheers Bob & Chris.

First of all......... Terry many thanks for your kind imput into our research for our upcoming cruise. It is really appreciated and we will take all your information on board when we finally select the cruise/ship. I have a slight leaning towards Celebrity as this stage however would most probably go with Norwegian or Royal if the deal and itinerary met our requirements. Chris and I have in the last 4 years cruised the Eastern Med on 14 nighters from Venice and have seen some wonderful places including the Greek Isles, Turkey, Croatic, ect. We travelled both times in late May/early June and had perfect weather. We love history and particularly old world charms/churches ect.

Coming a very long way from Australia for this trip and just want to get it right. Cheers Bob & Chris.

Appreciate this added follow-up and details from Bob and Chris. Good to know that you have done and enjoyed so much in the Med. Yes, many of these Europe ports have such a nice variety of history and charming locations. Below are a few Baltics church examples to help build up your excitement for this trip.

We have done two cruises with Celebrity on their Solstice-class ship. This includes Australia and NZ. Nice ships! Very classy!

Our 2008 Baltics trip was in late July and early August. Weather worked very, very well for us. For the Baltics being more northern, my view is that late June through August, on average, offers you the best "odds" for getting better weather. It will not be the Med and the kind of warmth for lots of pool time and beach potentials. You are doing the Baltics for the history, culture, architecture, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 199,434 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Here is a wide shot of the Spilled Blood Church interior in St. Petersburg. Its exterior design is more traditionally "Russian" or Orthodox than St. Isaac.:

On the ceilings of the Church of Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, here is one example of its highly-detailed designs.:

Here is an overall view of the size and scale of St. Isaac's interior in St. Petersburg. It is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in this historic city and was dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, a patron saint of Peter the Great. The cathedral took 40 years to construct, 1818 to 1858, under direction of a French architect. During Soviet rule, it was nearly destroyed and was made into a Museum of Scientific Atheism. It has been restored to its religious beauty/role. The cathedral's main dome tops out at 333 feet and is plated with pure gold.:

From the harbor in Stockholm, here is a view of the Royal Palace, the historic Saint Nicolaus Church, or as commonly known Storkyrkan. To the left in the picture is where the historic Gamia Stan area starts. Walking around in the Gamia Stan is wonderful as you soak up its history, charm and interesting architecture. Lots of fun outdoor dining places there for lunch, etc.:

Lots of beautiful church towers and buildings are located all over in historic St. Petersburg. Some “riding around time” allows an opportunity to see the variety of buildings in this historic capital.:

Helsinki’s Church of Rock, or Temppeliaukion Kirkko, is carved out of solid stone with a unique contemporary design. This Lutheran church was opened in September 1969. For economic reasons, its suggested plan was scaled back and the interior space reduced to about one-quarter of the original, pre-WWII plan. The interior was excavated and built directly out of solid rock and is bathed in natural light which enters through the glazed dome. The church is used frequently as a concert venue with its excellent acoustics. The acoustic quality is created by the rough, virtually unworked rock surfaces. The Temppeliaukio church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this city with half a million people visiting annually. :

We love history and particularly old world charms/churches ect.

TLC have already mention Storkrykan but there are atleast two more in the Old Town area.

There's the Riddarholmen church: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddarholm_Church and

Tyska kyrkan (St. Gertrude's Church) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Church,_Stockholm

Here are the Riddarholmen church on a snowy December day in 2012:

TLC have already mention Storkrykan but there are at least two more in the Old Town area.

Appreciate these additional visuals from Desdichado62 that reflect charming Stockholm that has so much wonderful history and great character. Below are a few more items of "evidence" on the main, historic church in Stockholm and other wonderful architectural style from this great capital city.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 23,359 views for these postings.

Here is the brick interior of the Saint Nicolaus Church, or as commonly known Storkyrkan. It is the oldest church in the historic Gamla Stan or “old town” area.

Connected to the main harbor in Stockholm, here is a view from the bridge to the Vasa Museum of the many different buildings along this grand Strandvagen boulevard. Completed in time for the 1897 Stockholm World’s Fair, it became known as one of the most prestigious addresses in town.:

Nice flowers and historic buildings in Stockholm:

Gamla Stan dates back to the 13th century and consists of medieval alleyways, cobbled streets and historic architecture, much inspired from the North German style that influenced this Old Town's construction. Stortorget is the name of the scenic large square in the center of Gamla Stan shown in the first picture. This Square is surrounded by old merchants' houses including the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building shown in this picture. The square was the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath where Swedish noblemen were massacred by a Danish King in 1520. A resulting revolt and civil war against the Danes led to King Gustav I and the founding of modern Sweden. These pictures show interesting building signage, historic building door/windows, a building sculpture and an angled view down a narrow street to the Saint Nicolaus Church tower.

First of all......... Terry many thanks for your kind imput into our research for our upcoming cruise. It is really appreciated and we will take all your information on board when we finally select the cruise/ship. I have a slight leaning towards Celebrity as this stage however would most probably go with Norwegian or Royal if the deal and itinerary met our requirements. Chris and I have in the last 4 years cruised the Eastern Med on 14 nighters from Venice and have seen some wonderful places including the Greek Isles, Turkey, Croatic, ect. We travelled both times in late May/early June and had perfect weather. We love history and particularly old world charms/churches ect.

 

For all the other posters who have given us info. We really appreciate your help.

Coming a very long way from Australia for this trip and just want to get it right.

Cheers Bob & Chris.

Congratulations on your choice of a Baltic Cruise , it's a great cruise and Celebrity is a fine way to see it . We've just returned from a Transatlantic on the Eclipse and 12 days in Russia - our 5 th visit to the Crown Jewel of the Baltic , St. Petersburg . Much has changed in St. Petersburg since our cruise there in 2007 , and there are many thing to consider as you choose . Here's some of the reasons that we go in early May :

1 . Fewer cruise ships

2. Fewer domestic and Chinese tourists . China has double the number of American tourists annually .

This means a much lower number of people at the major sites - like the Hermitage .

Fewer tourists = less vehicle traffic , now a major consideration during the summer months .

3 . Many of the major sites like the Hermitage lack Air Conditioning . So they are crowded and hot during the summer peak months .

4. The average rainfall for May is 40 mm . August is more than double that at 90 mm .

5 . Victory Day is a Major Event in St.Petersburg and something to see and celebrate . The city is decorated and the people are in a festive mood .

When we went to the Peter and Paul Fortress for a helicopter ride ( The best way to see the city ) , they were having lots of music - all free . Video below :

We concluded our day with dinner with friends that we have previously met through a guide agency .

And fireworks over the Neva River .

Thus , we would recommend the May 2 nd Baltic Cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette . It's in St. Petersburg just before Victory Day , and the crowds begin . Being on Victory Day weekend , many of the city people go to the country - so weekends are less traffic with no rush hour . Also , the helicopter flies on the weekends . Any questions ? Feel free to ask . We have started a pictorial review of our Transatlantic crossing on the Ecilpse , found here :

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2213388

Thanks so much Terry. You have really wet our appetite with those fantastic pics, especially saint petersburgh. It looks really great.

Thanks also Scubacruserx2..... Appreciate your pics and imput also.

Celebrity ships look so nice. The Silhouette could be a goer for us.

Cheers Bob and Chris.

Thanks so much Terry. You have really wet our appetite with those fantastic pics, especially saint petersburgh. It looks really great. Thanks also Scubacruserx2..... Appreciate your pics and imput also. Celebrity ships look so nice. The Silhouette could be a goer for us. Cheers Bob and Chris.

Great that we have helped build up and UP your enthusiasm for these great areas. Very nice pictures from Scubacruserx2. Below is more background info for that one picture shown by Scubacruserx2 from the famed Hermitage.

Keep us posted with your future questions, interests. Agree that the Silhouette, a sister ship to "our" Solstice, offers many nice options. BUT, in the Baltics, it is more about the ports you will be visiting.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 108,521 views for this posting.

Private, personal tours can be worth it, especially in St. Petersburg. Here our group of four, with our guide, Jane or Zhenya from Anastasia, we are viewing and learning more about one of the two da Vinci masterpieces (Madonna Litta or Madonna and Child) at the Hermitage after an early admission. There are only 14 such paintings by this artist existing in the whole world. We did an early admission at the Hermitage, lessening the crowd battles and adding to the enjoyment in this spectacular place/set of five palaces AND museum. It is both! This Madonna and Child was probably painted in Milan, where the artist moved in 1482. The Madonna's tender gaze as she looks at her son, and the tranquillity of the distant mountainous landscape, reflect humanist dreams of Ideal Man and a Harmonious Life. Experts says the painting reveals great beauty in its coloring and composition. The painting came to the Czar's collection and museum in 1865 from the collection of Count Antonio Litta in Milan.:

Our times taking Baltic cruises have been in the mid-June - July time frame.

The weather was always quite pleasant. :)

LuLu