Noble Caledonia's Small-Scale Baltic

Bordered by diverse kingdoms and republics in a relatively contained area, the Baltic is perfect for exploration by ship. The history of the region is fascinating, with countries vying for commercial and political influence for over a thousand years or more. Summer is the perfect time to explore its historic shores and look back over its colourful past, from the Vikings and the Hanseatic era to more modern day events. If you are contemplating a trip to the Baltic, you may have noticed here are a number of cruises on offer aboard ships of varying sizes. You can travel with many hundreds or join a Noble Caledonia party of just 100 aboard the MS Island Sky. You join one of the finest small ships in the world, where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day.  In addition to these benefits of small-ship cruising in the Baltic, the comprehensive itinerary has the added advantage of spending three full days in St Petersburg. Most cruises spend one day or perhaps two, but it simply is not possible to see all this marvellous city and surrounding countryside have to offer in such a short time. What makes cruises aboard Island Sky unique is the experience of travelling with so few like-minded passengers. This means disembarking with ease at each port of call, just a few buses rather than a whole fleet that will be waiting for the big cruise liners, and quality. You will not find endless entertainment and impersonal service; instead, you can enjoy some light music in the bar after dinner and informative briefings and talks by the Cruise Director and Guest Speaker. Excellent contacts in each port also mean that, for 2012, Noble Caledonia has been able to arrange some special opening/closing times on visits to Catherine’s Palace, Peterhof Palace and the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Quietvox earphones are also available for all shore excursions. This special voyage departs on July 1 for 13 nights and prices start from £4,295. Book by June 30 and save £400 per person. For more information and bookings, consult The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists, on this link.

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