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Costumed greeters, naval heritage at Sweden's Karlskrona

Karlskrona greeting
Cruise Baltic attendees were warmly greeted the way passengers are — by costumed locals PHOTO: Michelle Winny
Sweden’s Karlskrona will welcome the arrival of Hansa Touristik’s Ocean Majesty this month. The ship will return in 2020, part of a significant increase to eight calls including Oceania Cruises' Marina, Saga Cruises' Spirit of Discovery, Phoenix Reisen’s Amera, Sea Cloud II, Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Marco Polo, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's first ship and a Nordstjernen charter.

Period costume welcome

On arrival at the city’s cruise quay attendees of the recent Cruise Baltic familiarisation trip were greeted the way cruise passengers are — by locals in period costume who offer guidance, maps and a taste of bakery delights. ‘We always greet the arrival of our cruise quests with our very own warm Karlskrona welcome,' said Terje Pedersen, head of tourism, Visit Karlskrona.

A free mini train transfer is offered from the quay to the town for all cruise visitors.

Cruise Baltic attendees visited the Old Naval Shipyard for a rope-making class that's available for group bookings. A lunch stop at the Naval Museum gave the opportunity to see inside a submarine, which offers breathtaking seascape panoramas.

Last remaining naval base

Karlskrona is Sweden’s only baroque city and hosts the country’s last remaining naval base. It sits in the middle of the country’s most southerly archipelago of 1,500 islands. Something of a jewel in the crown, the city is made up of 33 of these islands.

Karlskrona is ideal for independent travellers, offering idyllic seascapes and forestry, with many beautiful coastal routes for walkers, cyclists and campers. Boats can also be hired for independent island-hopping tours to some of the region’s most visually stunning and secluded spots.

By boat Cruise Baltic attendees visited Kungsholm Fortress with its rich and beautiful plant life and Drottningskär Citadel for a spot of traditional Swedish fika — with the chilly sea air, much welcomed coffee and cake.