Stockholm – the Capital of Scandinavia

Stockholm is a popular port city, with deep canals that allow both small and large cruise ships pull right up to the city center.  Built on 14 islands, Stockholm appears to be floating on water. Add to that the beautiful architecture and an abundance of nature, and you couldn’t ask for a prettier port of arrival — or departure.

If 14 islands should prove to be insufficient, not to worry: At Stockholm’s doorstep are 30,000 islands in the archipelago. Cruising through the archipelago is surely one of the world’s most beautiful transits.

Take a peek at the splashy hotspot of international jetsetters: gleaming Stockholm, with its posh and palatial offerings that prove to be just suited for an extended cruise vacation.

Whether you plan to spend extra time before you embark on your European voyage or stay a few days after disembarkation, this beautiful port city has a bevy of attractions all placed in close proximity to your ship’s dock. Let Stockholm’s friendly people, innovative art, gastronomic delights and rich culture add a sophisticated touch to your sailing, from royal outings to refined offerings.

Regal Pursuits
You’ll feel like royalty when we arrange for a personal driver to chauffeur you from your cruise dock to the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, where the baroque architecture of the Royal Palace – Kungliga Slottet – overlooks medieval cobblestoned streets on one of the city’s picturesque canals. As the official private residence of the Swedish Royal Family, Kungliga Slottet houses the gilded and marbled halls of the Royal Apartments, its chambers giving you a glimpse into the storied lives of royal Swedes. The annual Royal Palace Music Festival, held mid August to late September, allows music lovers to indulge in enchanting classical music while ensconced in such breathtaking surrounds as the Hall of State and Royal Chapel.

Drottningholm Palace, built in the 1600s, is Sweden’s most well-preserved castle as well as one of the country’s 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy the highly decorated salons of the palace before exploring the beautifully landscaped park.

Or, be pampered at Grand Hôtel Stockholm’s Nordic Spa & Fitness, where you are attended to by some of Sweden’s most skilled massage therapists. A world-famous Swedish massage will invigorate your muscles and knead away the tension in your body for unsurpassed relaxation – an ideal way to begin or end your cruise vacation.

Elegant Enlightenment
From fine arts to fine food, Stockholm pairs perfectly with your cruise’s luxuries. Complement onboard cuisine with onshore samplings of Swedish gastronomy at such restaurants as the two Michelin-starred Frantzén, nestled in the medieval Old Town. Serving a select 19 guests, this elegant and intimate eatery forms its menu around only the finest seasonal produce for the freshest and most flavorful dishes. A dinner here is often an impressive show that reflects Chef Björn Frantzén’s well-mastered inventive cooking techniques. Enjoy a visual and savory feast for the senses with dishes such as cod with juniper berries and pears, and sweetbreads with liquorice and caramelized yuzu.

Extending your cruise vacation in Stockholm offers further time to peruse the museum galleries of Liljevalchs Konsthall, an iconic bastion of contemporary Swedish and international art for nearly a century. Artwork is curated annually in the museum’s famed jury-selected Spring Salon.

Chic pleasures abound both on land and by air. Venturing to and from Stockholm for your voyage is effortless with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Direct service from New York and Chicago means easy indulgence in the sundry facets of Scandinavian culture. Elevate your flight experience with SAS Business and SAS Plus services, such as SAS Fast Track for quick security checks and private pre-flight lounges ensure that the relaxation of your vacation begins at the airport. Onboard innovations like self-service buffet in SAS Business featuring classic Scandinavian snacks as well as an assortment of drinks make even your flight refined.

From the thousands of islands making up its archipelago to its richly varied history, Stockholm infuses your journey with its sophistication and style, on land, in the air or at sea. Whether witnessing an elegant opera on palace grounds or enjoying delicacies from an onboard café midflight, your extended stay in Scandinavia’s self-proclaimed capital will add tasteful flair both royal and refined.

If you are interested in traveling to Stockholm, you can research 2015 Scandinavia tours and Scandinavia cruises by clicking on the provided links.

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