We arrived in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, the evening of August 10. A few guests opted to eat ashore or to explore the old city where we are docked. This morning we began a busy day of tours and activities throughout this varied and beautiful city. We were in luck with the weather, as the clouds burned off by mid-morning and we enjoyed a cool and sunny day. Guests, staff and guides went ashore for various activities. Some marveled at the intact 17th century Swedish warship, the Vasa, that had sunk in the harbor on its first day afloat, and had been raised from the bottom by a determined group of marine archaeologists in the 1960s. It’s on display at an exceptional museum that was built around the rescued ship. Other groups visited the gorgeous sculpture garden at the former home of Swedish sculptor Carl Mille, and the art museum housing the painting collection of an early 20th century Swedish Crown Prince.
In the afternoon, one group did a walking tour along the rooflines of the old city of Stockholm, while a more culinary-oriented group did a tour of confectionary shops and coffee houses. The latter group was predictably still full during the service of an excellent dinner aboard!
Stockholm is a beautiful and impressive city. It is small enough to have a distinct maritime “feel,” combined with the welcoming nature of Swedes, and the fact that so many speak English absolutely fluently. The architecture is spectacular on its own, and combined with the vistas of the harbor and the canals, it presents a lovely picture. We have been interested in learning about the history of Sweden, from the period in the 17th and 18th centuries when they were a regional superpower in the Baltic region, to the egalitarian social measures adopted in the 20th century.
Back on National Geographic Orion in the evening, we heard from staff members about the Pristine Seas collaborative program to encourage the creation of maritime sanctuaries, and after dinner watched one of special guest Valerie Taylor’s stunning films describing her and her late husband’s work on shark conservation. In the morning, we have an early start out through the Stockholm Archipelago en route to the island of Aland in Finland.
