Best of Scandinavia
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Best of Scandinavia 14 Nights • Amsterdam, Netherlands • Celebrity Apex

Itinerary & Excursions

Cruise Overview 

   Amsterdam, Netherlands 

   Day at Sea 

   Oslo, Norway 

   Day at Sea 

   Stockholm, Sweden 

   Tallinn, Estonia 

   Helsinki, Finland 

   Visby, Sweden 

   Day at Sea 

   Copenhagen, Denmark 

   Aarhus, Denmark 

   Day at Sea 

   Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Cruise Overview 

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Explore tranquil landscapes, wander through art-filled streets, and savor culinary delights as you venture through enchanting Europe. This continent, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban experiences, offers a unique blend of history and culture. Discover world-famous landmarks, indulge in exquisite local dishes, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of each destination you visit. Book your European getaway with Celebrity Cruises and see why nothing comes close to the captivating experiences waiting for you in this remarkable region.

A cruising experience with us provides access to a range of destinations. Specific ports of call are subject to change due to weather, safety or operational considerations.

Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Amsterdam isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. With Celebrity Cruises, you’ll step straight into the city’s iconic charm, from the cobbled streets of the Jordaan district, lined with boutiques and Canalside cafés, to a warm slice of Dutch apple pie paired with perfect coffee. Explore the Van Gogh Museum for an intimate look at the artist’s turbulent genibraus, or take in cutting-edge exhibits at the Stedelijk. Drift through the city on a canal that reveals Amsterdam from an entirely new point of view. As night falls, the options widen, whether it's a world-class concert at the Concertgebouw or a cozy evening in a candlelit pub, this is a city that’s easy to immerse yourself deeply in.
Travel Tips
1
Biking is the traditional mode of transportation here, so do like the locals and explore the city on two wheels. There are typically stands where you can hail a taxi, but unlike other cities, you can’t hail a taxi just anywhere. Otherwise, it’s fairly easy to walk on foot around the city center to see Amsterdam’s most important sights.
2
There’s not a ton of shopping near the cruise port, but you should leave time before your cruise from Amsterdam to go shopping in the city center to grab local items like Dutch pottery and Amsterdam-themed souvenirs. Look for fashion boutiques and daily markets like Albert Cuypmarkt or Westermarkt for clothing. There are both daily and weekly markets scattered all over the city, where local food vendors and antique sellers offer unique finds for all tastes.
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The official currency of the Netherlands is the euro, and you’ll find that credit cards are accepted in most places. Your best bet is using Visa or Mastercard. ATMs are plentiful, too. Some smaller shops and restaurants will only accept debit cards with a pin code. When it comes to tipping, leave a 10% tip at restaurants, or 5% if you’re ordering a coffee or snack. For taxi drivers, it’s polite to round up to the nearest euro, or tip 5% to 10% of your fare.

Day at Sea 

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A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Oslo, Norway 

Sail across the Oslo Fjord and you sail back in time to 1050 A.D. This capital city’s lavish history can be uncovered at the Viking Ship Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum. Cross the drawbridge to the formerly impenetrable Akershus Castle and meander through the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park before returning to the present day.
Travel Tips
1
Oslo has an efficient public transportation network of buses, trains, trams, subways, and ferries. One app, Ruter, serves as a single ticketing system. Uber is available in Oslo, as are official taxis. Cycling or walking are great ways to get around; the city center is easy and safe to explore. Ferries operate across to the Bygdøy Peninsula, where a lot of the museums are located, although the 10-minute crossing is not part of the Ruter system.
2
Typical souvenirs in Oslo include cozy knitted gloves and patterned sweaters, miniature troll figures, reindeer skins, and jewelry in Viking-inspired designs. Edible souvenirs include Brunost cheese, reindeer sausage, bottles of Aquavit, and Norway’s much-loved Freia milk chocolate. You can also pick up sleek Scandinavian homeware and handicrafts made by the indigenous Sami people from the north. The best place to start is Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping street, where you’ll find department stores and souvenir shops.
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The currency in Norway is the Norwegian krone—NOK—which you can get from one of the many ATMs around the city, or from a currency exchange office. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, although some smaller retailers may not take foreign credit cards. Norway is not a tipping culture; you can tip between 5% and 15% in restaurants for good service, but it’s not expected.

Day at Sea 

edge class pool deck
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Stockholm, Sweden 

Stockholm, Sweden- No fewer than 50 bridges connect this Swedish capital’s 14 islands to its mainland. The country is modern, dynamic, and ever-evolving. It may be liberal and forward-looking when it comes to the collective attitude, but it’s rich in history too. On your Europe cruise, visit the many parks, museums, and palaces or make your way through Gamla Stan, or Old Town, packed with historic buildings, shops, and cafés. The world’s first open-air museum, Skansen, is here, located on the island of Royal Djurgården and there’s the fascinating maritime Vasa Museum in town.
Travel Tips
1
Public transportation in Stockholm is efficient and relatively quick, but navigating on foot is also a perfectly good option for a stop on a Stockholm cruise. Many of the islands are connected by ferries, and taxis and Ubers are easily hailed. Locals often use bicycles to get around, and renting a bike for the day is an easy, scenic way to see the city. In other words, there’s no shortage of options.
2
Swedish crystal and household items are among the most popular souvenirs that travelers take back with them after cruises to Stockholm from the UK and other places, but that doesn’t mean shopping in Stockholm is all fine wares. Iris Hantverk, Nordiska Galleriet, and other stores are a must-see for design geeks. You’ll find your standard souvenir shacks scattered around the cruise port, selling t-shirts, shot glasses, magnets, and other little trinkets to remember Sweden by.
3
The official currency in Sweden is the kronor (kr). Paying with debit or credit cards is more common than using cash, as Sweden is moving toward a cash-free system. Tipping and haggling in Stockholm aren’t the norm. If there isn’t a service charge already included in your dinner or lunch bill, feel free to tack on 10% as a tip. Like other places, it’s polite to round up when you’re taking a taxi as a tip for the driver.

Tallinn, Estonia 

Tallinn, Estonia- Tallinn has remained remarkably unchanged since its founding in 1154 A.D. The preservation of this city’s old world charm enables visitors to enjoy architectural marvels of centuries past, such as the soaring towers of Toompea Castle and the exquisite Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The exception is the delightfully modern pink Parliament building, visible from Palace Square. With a boisterous nightlife, Tallinn stands as one of the most exciting cities of the former Soviet Union. Here, ancient church spires and baroque architecture intermingle with modern glass buildings that echo the many influences and cultures that have left their imprint throughout the centuries. There are so many amazing sites to explore on your Tallinn cruise. Visit the imaginative Estonian Open-Air Museum, where ancient structures are arranged among the trees complete with actors in period garb. People watching doesn’t get much better than what you’ll find in Town Hall Square and if it’s animals you’d rather observe, visit the Tallinn Zoo where over 350 different species are housed.
Travel Tips
1
Walking around the center of the city is a fairly easy way to see the major sights in Tallinn. Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation in this part of Estonia, and it’s easy to find your way around via car, too. Buses and shuttles run frequently.
2
The quaint Old Harbor is home to a market, several local artisan shops selling Estonian items and handmade goods, and gifts to commemorate your time in Tallinn. There’s also a food court where you can grab a quick bite and try some traditional Estonian dishes as soon as you arrive. Walk 15 minutes into the city for more shopping.
3
During an Estonia cruise, you’ll use the euro as the official currency like other destinations in Europe. Many restaurants will include a service charge in your bill, in which case tipping isn’t necessary. However, if there isn’t a service charge, leaving behind 10% to 15% is customary. When taking a taxi, round up the fare. Credit cards are generally accepted in Estonia, but it’s recommended you carry extra euros with you just in case you need to make small purchases here and there.

Helsinki, Finland 

Occupying a peninsula and several islands, this capital city's stunning structures surround some of the most spectacular bays you could ever hope to find. Stroll down broad, tree-lined streets, or take in the amazing neo-classically designed architecture in Senate Square.
Travel Tips
1
There’s pretty much every form of transportation imaginable in Helsinki, whether you want to tackle the city center on your own two feet, rent bicycles to go off-the-beaten path, or hop in a taxi. Make sure your taxi driver turns on the meter to ensure you get the proper fare. There are hop-on/hop off tour buses catering specifically to cruise passengers and travelers, so keep an eye out for those as well. The city is walkable once you arrive in downtown, and there are a couple of shuttle buses that can bring you back to the West Harbor as needed.
2
There’s more shopping at the smaller cruise port at South Harbor than West Harbor, particularly boutiques that are focused on Finnish design. Close to the center of town, Kamppi Shopping Mall has over 100 shops and dozens of restaurants where you can sample traditional Finnish foods. Near the cruise port at the iconic Market Square, you’ll find standard souvenirs and trinkets to take home.
3
The official currency used in Finland is the euro, and you’ll find that credit and debit cards are generally accepted most places when you arrive on a Helsinki cruise. Tipping isn’t a big thing in Finland, and most restaurants include a service charge on your bill.

Visby, Sweden 

Visby is a former Viking city on the island of Gotland in the middle of the Baltic Sea. This walled city is considered to be the best-persevered fortified commercial town in Northern Europe, with numerous excellent examples of medieval art and architecture. Nearby you'll find attractive beaches and pleasant rolling hills and countryside.
Travel Tips
1
Visby is a very walkable city, so you can rely on getting around on foot. Taxis are available at the Visby cruise port terminal and can take you to multiple destinations on a city tour for an affordable price.
2
Spend a few kronor on the famous Gotland sheep goods, whether that’s a fleece or toys modeled after the island’s grey-fleeced sheep. Head to the square to shop the city’s small boutiques, where you can find souvenirs like cheese, fossils, glassware, and jewelry.
3
The official currency of Sweden is the krona. Euros aren’t widely accepted. If you want to pay with a credit card, make sure to ask if they’re accepted when shopping in smaller stores. Tipping isn’t a requirement in Sweden. If you have great service from a taxi driver, you can round to the nearest kronor as you exit the cab.

Day at Sea 

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A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Copenhagen, Denmark 

Whether strolling through blooming flowers in Tivoli Gardens, witnessing the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, or touring Kronborg Castle—the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet—it's easy to see why Copenhagen grew to become the capital of Denmark. And, if you believe all the survey reports about this cheerful city, not only will you find yourself in one of the most cosmopolitan Nordic capitals on this Copenhagen cruise, but you’ll be elbow to elbow with some of the happiest locals on Earth.

With picturesque townhouses splashed in more color than a box of crayons, this delightful destination has a real flair for design. As you amble through the streets of Copenhagen you may begin to experience ‘hygge’-- a concept of gentle, soothing coziness, and comfort that’s infused in the lifestyle and culture. The quaint cobblestone streets, scenic landscapes, and charming cafes will attest to the country’s dedication to this concept of welcoming warmth and kindness. Relax on a short boat ride down its waterways passed scenic landmarks old and new. And, depending on the time of year, you may just catch many of the exhibits and works of art on public display in the city parks, gardens, and zoos.
Travel Tips
1
The easiest way to get around via public transportation in Copenhagen is by using the commuter rail or metro system. Both of these offer fast, regular service all around the city. There are a variety of ticket options depending on your needs, including single-use tickets and 24-hour tickets that cover multiple zones. Walking is also a great way to get around the city, since the main sights are located right within the city center or just a short distance outside it. For a more customized service, hiring a taxi is an easy way to go since there are more than 1,700 government-licensed taxis that service the Copenhagen area, and many of the drivers speak English. Most taxis will accept credit cards, but double check before entering the cab. Expect an increase in fare prices during the evening hours or if visiting on a holiday. If you love traveling via water, then you’ll have a fun time taking the waterbus around, which connects from Langelinie Pier to the city center. There is also a bus (#26) that connects to the city center and the pier multiple times every hour. From Ocean Quay, a hop-on, hop-off bus service is available to get into the city.
2
Strøget, one of the largest pedestrian malls in the world, offers both high street and luxury brand shopping and is a must-visit for fashionistas on a cruise to Copenhagen. For locally owned boutiques and clothing with a hip and eclectic flare, try the side streets off Strøget located in the Old City.
3
Denmark uses the krone currency. Prices here tend to be higher than in other European destinations. To stay on budget, book a shore excursion in advance and plan to eat your meals on the ship. Most banks in the city offer currency exchange, and you’ll find ATMs outside local banks. You can also swap your cash for kroners at one of the currency exchange offices located throughout the city, which are often found in post offices, train stations, and by Tivoli Gardens. In general, tipping is not customary in Copenhagen, though it is common for a service charge to come included on bills for restaurants and taxis. Any tip amount on top of that is not expected, but it will be appreciated if you wish to tip more for stellar service.

Aarhus, Denmark 

Aarhus has long labored in the shadow of the capital Copenhagen, but transformation is happening. Denmark's second-largest city is busy staking a claim for visitor attention and building a reputation as an emerging European destination for savvy city-breakers, festival-goers, art and food fans. In 2017 its titles included European Capital of Culture and European Region of Gastronomy (the latter was awarded to Aarhus and the larger central Denmark region). The ever-expanding menu of architectural landmarks, lauded restaurants, bars, festivals and boutiques is a mark of a vibrant city on the rise. It's a great place to explore on a Europe cruise – compact, photogenic and friendly.
Travel Tips
1
Aarhus is a very compact city that can be easily navigated on foot, especially its downtown area. You can also get around with the city’s extensive bus system, the light rail, or with taxis. Do like the locals do and see the city on two wheels instead—a classically Danish way to get around.
2
Aarhus balances an artisanal small-town shopping scene with a wealth of shopping centers and high-end shops. There are several districts in Aarhus for shopping, each with their own unique ambiance. Strøget connects several of the top shopping areas in the city, and this pedestrian-friendly road is well worth a stroll for window shopping at brand-name stores. Frederiksbjerg is the spot for trendy boutiques, while the Latin Quarter is packed with cozy artisanal shops.
3
On cruises to Aarhus, note that the local currency is the Danish kroner (Kr), not the Euro. Denmark has made it law that your bill at restaurants must include a service charge, so you don’t need to worry about tipping. When in doubt, remember that most Danes find tipping unusual. It’s also common courtesy to round up to the nearest krone when you’re traveling via taxi. The most commonly accepted credit cards are Mastercard and Visa. ATMs are distributed throughout the city if you’d like to carry small amounts of cash with you.

Day at Sea 

Edge Magic Carpet 3840x21601
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Learn more about the ship

Day at Sea Highlights

Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Amsterdam isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. With Celebrity Cruises, you’ll step straight into the city’s iconic charm, from the cobbled streets of the Jordaan district, lined with boutiques and Canalside cafés, to a warm slice of Dutch apple pie paired with perfect coffee. Explore the Van Gogh Museum for an intimate look at the artist’s turbulent genibraus, or take in cutting-edge exhibits at the Stedelijk. Drift through the city on a canal that reveals Amsterdam from an entirely new point of view. As night falls, the options widen, whether it's a world-class concert at the Concertgebouw or a cozy evening in a candlelit pub, this is a city that’s easy to immerse yourself deeply in.

Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Apex® is the second ship in our highly anticipated Edge® series. With an innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces that stand apart from anything else at sea, Celebrity Apex will revolutionize the way you experience the world.
Inaugural dateApr 5, 2020
Occupancy2910
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