Helsinki-Vuosaari Cruise Port

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and one of the northernmost capital cities in the world, set on a series of peninsulas and islands along the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. Vuosaari Harbour lies in the east of the city, about 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the centre, on the site of a former shipyard, and opened in 2008.

It is worth being clear about what Vuosaari is. It is chiefly Finland's leading cargo harbour, handling containers and roll-on roll-off freight, with only limited passenger traffic. The cruise ships that call at Helsinki usually berth much closer to the heart of the city, at Hernesaari, the South Harbour or the West Harbour, all within easy reach of the centre.

Helsinki serves as both a turnaround port for some Baltic cruises and a port of call, with most ships stopping for the day.

The city itself is compact and walkable, built around handsome squares and waterfronts. Highlights include Senate Square with its white neoclassical cathedral, the bustling Market Square by the water, and a strong tradition of Nordic design, with the Design District and museums such as the Ateneum. Ferries out to the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a popular way to spend a few hours ashore. In summer, long daylight hours keep the city bright well into the evening.

On The Cruise Globe you can see the exact route any cruise took to and from Helsinki, the real path across the Baltic rather than the planned itinerary.