Stockholm

Few ports can claim such a beautiful approach. Your ship navigates the archipelago of 24,000 islands that stretches for 80km east of Stockholm, a mix of rocky outcrops inhabited only by seabirds and islets boasting stylish wooden summer homes. Wake up early and enjoy it.

There are two major cruise terminals in Stockholm: Stadsgarden and Frihamnen. Some ships may anchor at Nynashamn. Smaller may ships may dock right at old town at Skeppsbron.

Stadsgarden: You dock right in the center of the city, just steps (10 to 20 minutes away) from a wealth of cultural treasures to the city's elegant stores and historic sights in Gamla stan (Old Town). At times ships anchor here and use tenders.

Frihamnen: Approximately half of the cruise liners visiting Stockholm each year call at Frihamnen. There is a large, modern cruise passenger terminal at the port which enables Stockholm to accommodate several so called turnarounds. A turnaround is a cruise that departs from Stockholm. The cruise passengers travel to Stockholm by air, train or car and then board the cruise liner in Stockholm.

It's too far to walk to he Old Town. There is a direct bus number 76 or number 1 from Frihamnen to Gamla Stan and vice versa. (not on Sundays). Look For the small brown building with the large "i" sign on top of the roof, this is where the bus stop is. The bus ticket you can buy in a machine at the bus stop, on the bus or from the attendant at the small building. Only credit cards are accepted and each ticket must be purchased with seperate credit cards when purchased on the bus. You can also buy the Stockholm Card ().

Bus 76 drops you off at the royal palace. Bus 1 stops at Stureplan, from where it is a short stroll to Gamla Stan. Both busses run about every 10 minutes, cost is 72 Kroner for a return ticket. The busses are wheelchair friendly.

Also at the new terminal you can buy your bus tickets or the Stockholm Pass.

Shuttles are often provided at around 12 Euro per person. They will drop you off at the Opera House, right across the Royal Palace. Note: The shuttles can get very busy on their return and waiting lines may form.

From Stockholm Arlanda Airport you can reach central Stockholm by a comfortable 40-minute taxi ride or choose the express train that brings you to the city center in a mere 20 minutes.

For people walking, there are blue & green lines painted on the ground that take you to different places. The blue line will take you to Slussen. The green line eventually takes you to the bus stop but can be a steep climb for some people. If you walk out the port, turn left and walk 50 meters, you will see the bus transport hub. It is called Londonviadutken.

Nynashamn: Trains run twice an hour to Stockholm and the journey takes just little over an hour.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.(Choose Cruise ship and Expected in port.)

Stockholm's beauty is legendary. A modern capital city with a flourishing business life, it has successfully retained its history and natural splendor. Founded in the 13th century, the narrow streets and medieval buildings of the Old Town sit comfortably close to the modern harbor and port facilities, office blocks, hotels, cafes and, of course, cruise ships.

Hop on/off buses from Open Top Tours are available at both terminals.

In addition at the Stadsgarden berth there are hop on/off sightseeing boats.

The Stockholm Pass gives you free entry to 75 museums and attractions, free travel by public transport, free sightseeing by boat as well as several other bonus offers. You decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card will not be valid until it is stamped with the time and date the first time you use it. Three child cards can be purchased per adult card. The card is valid once per attraction and entitles you to unlimited travel by metro, bus and commuter train. Stockholm metro system is one of the most beautiful ones in the world! Art all over! Worth a ride.

Whatever form of transportation you decide to take, make sure you will be at noon time at the Royal Palace court to watch the spectacular changing of the guards. (Sundays and holidays an hour later). Bus 76 from Frihammen has a bus stop here. Note: The changing of the guard is each day performed by another regiment or part of the armed forces, some times spectacular, some times somewhat less.

Be sure to ride the Sky View Gondola at Golpie. The gondala climbs on a track outside the building and gives you a view of 360 over stockholm. If you book the ride, do not book through a third party ticket sellers as they only sell you the ticket and not the time slot.

The famous 3Arena acts as a football stadium and entertainment arena. If you have an overnight stop they may have an international act. Be sure to check their schedule.

Stockholm is a shopper's paradise. World famous for its design and crystal, you'll find a whole lot more from exclusive fashion stores filled with the latest trends, to handicrafts and souvenirs. For the Non European Union visitor, it is easy to get a refund of the local sales tax (VAT) on purchases.

The national currency is the Swedish krona (SEK, plural kronor). 1 USD is about 5.91 SEK, 1 EUR is about 9.43 SEK and 1 GBP is about 12.28 SEK.

Automatic teller machines take major credit cards. Most stores, restaurants and bars accept all major credit cards, although in some cases there is a SEK 5 fee or a lowest purchase limit (between 50 - 100 SEK).

Swedish is the national language of Sweden, but you will find that people, especially those below the age of 70, also speak English very well - an estimated 89% of Swedes can speak English.

112 is the phone number to dial in case of fire, medical or criminal emergency.

Wifi is not available at the quays, however in town many restaurants and cafes offer free wifi. All hop on/off buses offer free wifi.

Standard Swedish shopping hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1600 and Saturday 0900-1400. In Stockholm, however, many stores are open for longer and on Sunday.