March 2023 - Luxury Cruise News

Our Favorite Bars in Northern Europe

If you’re cruising to the Baltic and Northern Europe, you’ll get to explore several ports of call along the way. From the busy Oslo Harbor in Norway to the bustling city center of Helsinki in Finland, you can enjoy some good drinks and great food at some of the top-rated bars in the region. Here are some of the top picks for bars in Northern Europe.

Akkurat in Stockholm, Sweden

One of the top-rated pubs in Sweden, this bar serves up a variety of malt whiskies and ales. It hosts live music throughout the week and is always bustling with activity. The venue also serves food so it’s the perfect place to enjoy some Swedish specialties and taste some local flavors. It’s not a dive bar by any means but is always bustling with activity. If you head here on a Thursday night, you can enjoy ‘German nights’ with cask lagers straight from Germany and German-style food. Sundays are another popular night for live music and performances.

Leskinen in Oulu, Finland

Another highly-rated pub in northern Europe serves up 750 different types of beer and 20 different draughts. It’s a crowd favorite by locals and visitors alike. Since it’s close to the water, many travelers on a cruise or boat excursions end up here during their journey. You can settle in at the patio out front and spend some time people watching in downtown Oulu. It’s the perfect location when you’re exploring the rest of the city and want to get at taste of life as a local.

AleBrowar Gydnia, Poland

A popular bar near the water is a haven for craft beer lovers, a brewery that releases Polish favorites and regularly. The Gydnia location is the official brewpub of the Ale Browar brewery and has become a mecca for beer fans from around the globe. You can sample all types of beer and take a few favorites back to the ship to enjoy as you continue your cruise through Northern Europe.

Best Pools Across the Seas

Enjoy a relaxing and exciting adventure along the Atlantic coasts to discover the beautiful cities and legendary sites of the Caribbean Islands, Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Several Transatlantic cruises take you to world-renowned landmarks, national parks, and stunning beaches. Since it’s a long journey to the final destination, you can spend some time soaking up the sun from some of the pools on deck. Here’s where you’ll find some of the best pools on Transatlantic cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Boasting the deepest high dive pool to ever set sail, the Oasis of the Seas features pools in its Pool and Sports Zone as well as its Vitality at Seas Spa and Fitness Center. You’ll find four unique pools in the main area, including two FlowRider surf simulators. The main deck is also home to an adults-only Solarium and the first Beach Pool at sea where you can wade in the water with a sloped entry into the ocean. Two whirlpools are also available around the Beach Pool.

Princess Cruises Regal Princess

The Regal Princess deck plan includes two swimming pools and eight jacuzzis so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy some sun on your voyage. The Sanctuary area with its private cabanas and Retreat Pool and Bar is an adults-only part of the ship where you can enjoy an outdoor massage, pool time, and your favorite drinks. You’ll also find a hydrotherapy pool and waterbeds in the Lotus Spa. It’s no wonder this cruise ship is a popular choice among couples —you’ll find lots of opportunities to relax and enjoy some quiet time before you head off on your next adventure.

Cunard Queen Mary 2

You’ll find five pools aboard the Cunard Queen Mary 2, including the famous Pavilion Pool that’s enclosed with a glass ceiling and retractable roof. A dedicated pool for children, The Minnows Pool, is located on Deck 9. The main swimming pool also features two whirlpools and is the perfect spot to enjoy poolside drinks by the bar. An adults-only Terrace Pool is a popular venue for Sailaway parties and gatherings. Head here to enjoy a swim in the heated pool or relax in one of the two whirlpools with your favorite drink in hand.

Adventure-Worthy Activities in Africa

From deserts to exotic lagoons, Africa is home to several adventure-worthy destinations and offers an abundance of unique experiences for all types of travelers. Several major cruise lines send luxury cruise ships to Namibia, Cape Town, and other destinations around Africa on a multi-night voyage where you can look forward to everything from safari excursions to tours of historic sites on your journey. Here are some unique and exciting activities to enjoy on a cruise in Africa:

Tour of Cape Town

An MSC Cruise to South Africa will take you to Cape Town, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic on the beach, head off on a mountain biking adventure, or explore some of the Georgian and Victorian buildings littered around the urban district. From museum and mosque tours to seeing the indigenous Cape Dutch style buildings in person, Cape Town is a must-visit destination on any cruise to South Africa.

Backcountry and City Explorations

Plan a luxury cruise to the African backcountry and Cape Town with Azamara Club Cruises. The itinerary could include a trip to Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Madagascar, and opportunities to see exotic wildlife and charming cities throughout the region. A Micato Safari is the perfect opportunity to see indigenous wildlife and plants along the way.

Desert Tour in Namibia

For the ultimate luxury cruise adventure, hop aboard the Cunard Queen Victoria to discover the beauty of Namibia, also known as the ‘Diamond of Africa’. You’ll venture through sand dunes around the Namib Desert and get to explore the lagoons of Walvis Bay. The Living Desert excursion includes a guided tour of the desert around Walvis Bay to spot endangered species and catch a glimpse of the Palmato Gecko.

Tour the Monte Cafe Coffee Plantation

The Silverseas Silver Cloud ship drops anchor near the island of Sao Tome on a luxury cruise all down the west coast of Africa. This part of the journey on the Cape Town to Accra trip includes a guided excursion through the capital city of Sao Tome, swimming in the pools around the Sao Nicolau waterfalls, and heading up to the mountains for a tour of the famous Monte Cafe coffee plantation.