The headline above could lead you to believe that this story was posted a few months late. After all, the last cruise ships that sailed the Baltic this past season threw off their bowlines and sailed away in September and October, right?
Wrong. Two ships were in port in Copenhagen this week, and from our view the Baltic cruise season ends today, when Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Balmoral visits – and departs — Copenhagen on a Christmas cruise.Yesterday, P&O’s Aurora was tied up dockside at Langelinie. Passengers were met with Danish carols, Santa and traditional Christmas food.
The two ships calling on the Danish capital this week brought a total of 4,500 cruise passengers. They contributed to a total of 580,000 cruise passenger-visits in 2008, a record year for Copenhagen.
The Baltic recently overtook Alaska to become the world’s third most popular cruising destination after the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Last night, under clear but chilly conditions, activities included an orchestra, a marching band and fireworks. The mood of the passengers who stood on the outer decks singing along to Christmas carols was happy and festive.
Next year, four cruise ships, among them Queen Victoria, will come to Copenhagen for Christmas cruises.
