Jewels of Scandinavia Aboard Seven Seas Voyager

By Krista Raccuglia

I was delighted to host a group of travelers aboard the Seven Seas Voyager on Regent Seven Seas’ Jewels of Scandinavia cruise from Stockholm to Hamburg on August 19, 2025.  I was attracted to this cruise because of its unusual itinerary that called on less well-travelled ports.
​
Our journey began in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, where the fusion of rich history and modern innovation is palpable.  The cobblestone streets of the old town are filled with medieval architecture, royal palaces and quaint cafes.  Since the ship sailed from Stockholm, you’d need to have arrived a day or more before the departure date to enjoy Stockholm.  This is one reason we often recommend booking a couple of nights at a hotel prior to embarkation.  Stockholm is worth it.

Our first port of call was Sundsvall, Sweden.  A quaint town famed for distinctive stone architecture, Kulturmagasinet museum, and scenic natural parks.

Continuing north on the Gulf of Bothnia, we visited Umeå, Sweden.  A lively university town known for its arts scene and beautiful riverside walks. 

Kemi, Finland was the furthest north on this itinerary. A short drive to Rovaniemi, Finland and we were at the Arctic Circle. It was also home to the magical Santa Claus Village – a winter wonderland where Christmas lives year-round with lots of festivities.  

Welcome to Santa Claus Village & the Arctic Circle!

​Headed South, our next call was at Turku, Finland. Finland’s oldest city with medieval landmarks like Turku Castle and Cathedral, plus a vibrant riverfront market.  One of my most memorable experiences was outside of Turku visiting Stentorp Sheep Farm in Kirjansaari. This authentic, hands-on glimpse into rural Finnish life—meeting the animals and learning about local farming techniques—deeply connected me with the culture in a way only a small, personalized excursion can.

Farm House at Stentorp

Finland's native sheep, Finnsheep

Moving into the Baltic Sea, our next stop was enchanting Visby, Sweden on Gotland Island.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site Hanseatic medieval walled town that is rich with history, culture, botanical gardens, and Baltic beaches.

Karlskrona, Sweden, is a historic naval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its maritime museums and archipelago excursions.

Malmö, Sweden is Sweden’s third-largest city blending modern design like the Turning Torso skyscraper and Oresund Bridge, and heritage sites like Malmohus Castle and Gamla Staden (Old Town), with bustling shopping and dining. 

Across the Oresund strait and linked by the Oresund Bridge, is Copenhagen, Denmark.  I enjoyed a delightful visit to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, with charming gardens, thrilling rides, and a classic fairytale atmosphere perfect for all ages. I also explored the stunning Rosenborg Palace, home to exquisite Danish crown jewels and royal treasures. And, of course, no trip to Copenhagen is complete without seeing The Little Mermaid statue, gracefully poised by the waterfront. I also enjoyed a tasty Danish Polser (sausage) on Nyhavn's colorful waterfront lined with historic buildings and cafés.

Entrance to Tivoli Gardens

Royal Danish crown jewels

Nyhavn waterfront district

Lysekil, Sweden was next on the itinerary. It was a worthwhile stop to visit this quaint coastal village known for its rocky archipelago, seal safaris, and serene harbor front.
​
On to Oslo, Norway, the vibrant capital between fjords and forests. I visited the iconic Ski Jump Arena—where you can take in spectacular views of the city and fjord below. The soaring structure itself is a testament to modern Scandinavian design and athletic history. I also wandered through Frogner Park, marveling at Gustav Vigeland’s impressive sculptures nestled within peaceful gardens—a true feast for art and nature lovers.

View from the Holmenkollen Ski Jump

Vigeland's Monolith is 121 human figures carved into granite

​The Seven Seas Voyager is a stunning all-suite ship. Regent’s attention to detail was evident throughout—with impeccable service, exquisite dining, seamless excursions, and elegant yet warm onboard ambiance. Entertainment highlights included the Spontaneous Duo, a husband-and-wife act whose lively shows were a guest favorite. This cruise exemplified Regent’s commitment to making both the journey and the destinations unforgettable.

Hosting a group of travelers was an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. It gave me the chance to connect with amazing people and really deepen my passion for exploring.  

I was fortunate to stay in one of the beautiful Concierge Suites.  At 315 square feet, there was a separate seating area, large and luxurious bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a spacious veranda.  Concierge Suites come with some extras like a complimentary 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, priority shore excursion and restaurant reservations, and more.  The extra touches were noticeable and appreciated.  The Voyager is scheduled for a multi-million-dollar dry dock refurbishment in April 2026 where, among other things, the suites will be updated with new furniture, hardware, lighting, carpeting and more. 

The Concierge Suite is beautiful even before refurbishment

Regent’s all-inclusive model means your voyage fare includes gourmet dining in all of their restaurants, premium beverages throughout the ship, a selection of quality shore excursions to choose from, and shipboard gratuities. When walking through the price/value comparisons, Regent Seven Seas comes out to be an excellent value for everything that is included.   And, it is so much easier to have everything included so you don’t have to think about it while traveling.  Now that’s luxury.