Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is nestled among the shimmering waters of Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea.  Its history is a tapestry woven with ambition, resilience and grandeur.  Stockholm's  story began in 1252, with the visionary Birger Jarl, a Swedish statesman and member of the House of Bjalbo, who played a pivotal role in consolidating Sweden after the civil wars. Jarl crafted a city destined to become Sweden's heartbeat.  From its earliest days, Stockholm thrived as a hub of trade, its fortunes tied to agreements with the Hanseatic League, a medieval commercial and defensive network of merchant guilds and market towns.  The association with the league brought prosperity and growth.  

The city's medieval charm has endured a tumultuous past.  In 1520, the cobblestones of Stortorget ran red during the infamous "Stockholm Bloodbath," when Danish King Christian II executed Swedish nobles.  But Stockholm rose from this darkness in 1523, reclaiming its independence and setting Sweden on a path to greatness.

By the 17th century, Stockholm mirrored Sweden's ascent as a European power. It was declared the capital in 1634 and became a bustling metropolis of 50,000 by century's end.  Elegant architecture and cultural patronage transformed it into a Nordic Renaissance hub.  However, the Great Plague of 1710 decimated its population, casting a somber shadow over its golden age.

Despite setbacks, Stockholm rebounded during the industrial revolution, becoming a vibrant economic and cultural center. Today, Stockholm stands as a harmonious blend of history and modernity--a city where Viking relics meet royal palaces and innovation thrives amid timeless beauty. It is the vibrant capital of Sweden, and is a tapestry woven with threads of rich history, cultural dynamism, and breathtaking natural beauty.  As the sun rises over the Baltic Sea, the city awakens with a kaleidoscope of colors, from the golden hues of its medieval architecture to the emerald green of its lush parks.  The Royal National City Park, a verdant oasis, stretches across the city, providing a serene escape amid the bustling streets.

Today, Stockholm is abuzz with new attractions and events.  A revamped arena hosts concerts and sports events.  The Tyresta National Park, 40 minutes from the city center, unveils the untouched beauty of the archipelago.  The city's cultural scene is equally vibrant.  The cultural festival celebrated each summer, transforms the city into a vibrant canvas of art, music and tradition. 

As night falls, Stockholm's streets come alive with a mesmerizing display of lights and sounds.  The city is committed to the concepts of sustainability and inclusivity which is evident in its public events and daily life.  The city is striving to become a beacon of modernity and tradition intertwined.  As we strolled through the picturesque old town and explored the innovative museums we realized that Stockholm is a city that captivates the senses and inspires the soul.

Now, here's how we spent our time in this innovative city:

Day 1 Daytime Tour:

Our tour started with a tour through Stockholm's city center, which is a captivating tapestry woven from historical charm and modern vibrancy.  Gamla Stan, the Old Town, exudes medieval allure with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the grand Stortorget square.  Nearby is Norrmalm which pulses with contemporary energy, boasting sleek architecture, bustling shopping streets and vibrant cultural venues.

The city center's landmarks, like the Royal Palace and Stockholm City Hall, stand as testaments to Stockholm's rich heritage and architectural grandeur.  There were numerous parks which offer a green oasis in the middle of the urban landscape.  Water is ever-present, with canals and waterways weaving through the city, reflecting the colorful facades and adding to the city's unique charm.  Stockholm's city center is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge.

After leaving the city center, we enjoyed a lovely panoramic drive through Djurgarden, Stockholm's emerald jewel, which is a captivating island where nature and culture intertwine in perfect harmony.  Once a royal hunting ground, it now bursts with vibrant life--lush green forests whisper secrets of centuries past, while shimmering waters embrace its shores.  There are open-air museums between traditional Swedish homes and wildlife.  

There was also an amusement park, Grona Lund, which added a burst of excitement to the area, as well as the Abba Museum which celebrates the group's iconic music.  Cafes and gardens provided a space to enjoy peaceful moments, making Djurgarden a magical oasis where history art, and nature dance together beneath the Nordic sky. 

After exploring the downtown area and Djurgaren Island, we drove to the Vasa Museum,where the 17th century warship is on display.  The Vasa ship is a dazzling relic of 17th-century naval ambition, a majestic warship built between 1626 and 1628.  Adorned with nearly 500 vividly painted sculptures--lions, sea monsters and mythic heroes--the Vasa was a floating palace of power and art, meant to awe enemies and symbolize Sweden's rising might.  Tragically, her maiden voyage in 1628 ended in disaster when she sank just over 4200 feet from shore in Stockholm harbor, overwhelmed by instability due to her heavy upper structure.

Salvaged in 1961 after 333 years underwater, the Vasa is remarkably preserved, and afforded us a rare glimpse into 17th-century shipbuilding, warfare, and daily life.  The museum showcased this colossal treasure beneath a striking copper roof, which allowed us to marvel at the ship from six levels and explore exhibitions about its history and dramatic sinking.  The museum is a vibrant portal to Sweden's maritime past, where history and artistry converged in a spectacular spectacle. 

Now, I have a confession.  Although the exhibits were quite remarkable, before we entered the museum our guide told us about Swedish cinnamon rolls, which are evidently a Swedish specialty.  There was a lovely cafe inside the museum so after exploring the exhibits, Bob and I meandered our way to the cafe to taste the rolls!  

Known as kanelbullar, the cinnamon rolls are golden, fluffy spirals bursting with sweet cinnamon and fragrant cardamom.  Their buttery, tender dough melted in our mouths and filled the air with irresistible warmth.  The delicious rolls were a perfect treat for our "fika" break.  Our guide explained that "fika" is the Swedish word for what Americans would consider an afternoon coffee break. The rolls certainly embody Sweden's rich baking heritage and provided us with a comforting, peaceful moment which we welcomed.

Once we finished our fika break, we made a brief tour through the gift shop to look for a magnet but we didn't find anything appropriate. Afterward, we boarded our bus and continued our tour through the downtown area.We drove passed the Royal Dramatic Theater, Swedish Opera House, Parliament building, and Royal Palace.  Once we completed our tour we returned to the pier and boarded our ship.  We will rest for a few hours and then will go out again, since our cruise line is, once again, treating us to another special event for world cruise guests.  We will give an update after our evening's activities.

World Cruise Event:

Tonight, the world cruisers were whisked away to a mesmerizing soiree at Alfred Nobel's legendary dynamite factory, a beacon of innovation nestled in the secluded inlet of Winterviken near Stockholm.  Founded in 1865, this historic site was Nobel's inaugural enterprise, Nitroglycetin Aktiebolaget, and the world's very first commercial producer of nitroglycerin.  Amidst the shadows of past tragedies-most notably the devastating explosion that claimed the life of Nobel's brother Emil-Nobel, who created dynamite by blending volatile nitroglycerin with kieselguhr, transforming it into a safer, pliable force of nature that revolutionized industry and engineering. 

The factory, now reborn as a stunning event venue, perfectly marries its rich industrial heritage with contemporary cultural flair.  Upon entering the grand banquet hall, we were embraced by soaring ceilings upheld by dark wooden rafters and walls of robust red brick punctuated by graceful arched windows that bathed the space in natural light.  The vast room, capable of hosting 500 guests, radiated a dramatic ambiance steeped in Nobel's enduring legacy.  A colossal disco ball hung from the rafters, casting a kaleidoscope of shimmering colors across the room, while round tables adorned with sparkling crystal. gleaming silver, and fresh blooms created an elegant table.  Seated at a prime table in front of the stage with dear friends, we were perfectly poised to savor the evening's delights.

As cocktails and canapes were savored, the anticipation grew.  The six-course feast, crafted by a chef who had graced the Nobel Prize ceremony kitchen six times, was a culinary masterpiece.  Each dish was a symphony of flavors.  Below is the spectacular menu we were served:

Hors d' Oeuvres: Shrimp Tartlette, Pate a Choux, Smoked Salmon, Cheese Croquette, Toast with Mushroom Cream, Shallots, and Parsley 

Appetizer: Oscietra Caviar Tartlette with Baked Spring Leeks

Appetizer:  Chilled Seafood Gazpacho

Appetizer:  Grilled Cod 

Entree:  Beef Tenderloin 

Dessert: Vanilla Bavaroise (Bavarian cream with strawberry compote, fresh rhubarb, lemon gelato)

Just before our entree was served, our cruise director, Moss Hills, took the stage to introduce the Abba tribute band, renowned performers from London's West End, Abba Mama Mia musical.  Their electrifying performance had the crowd on their feet, dancing joyously in the aisles---an exuberant celebration of music and camaraderie that belied the years of many guests.

As the night waned, we boarded our buses, hearts full from a magical evening woven with history, friendship, and song.  Back aboard the ship, our beautiful memories lulled us to sleep, with the enchanting town of Stockholm awaiting another day of exploration.  For now, it was time to bid good night to a truly unforgettable night.

Day 2 Tour:

Since all of today's tours required an extensive amount of walking, I decided to forego any organized excursions and take the shuttle into town and take an independent walk.  So, here's Bob to tell you about his day:

I should preface my description by disclosing that I enjoy the music and the staging of the famous Swedish ABBA group so I was looking forward to having the opportunity to visit this iconic museum.  ABBA The Museum, located on Djurgården island in Stockholm, Sweden, is a unique and interactive tribute to one of the world’s most iconic pop bands, ABBA. Opened in 2013, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience into the history, music, and cultural impact of the band, which rose to global fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with "Waterloo".

Unlike traditional museums, ABBA The Museum emphasizes interactivity and engagement. Visitors can explore the band’s journey from their early careers to their peak years through a chronological exhibition that includes original costumes, instruments, and memorabilia. The museum houses authentic items such as ABBA’s stage outfits, gold records, handwritten lyrics, and even the original mixing console from Polar Music Studios, where much of their music was recorded. There are life-sized dolls of the band members and make-up and tailor rooms, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s creative process.

One of the museum’s standout features is the opportunity for visitors to become ABBA’s "fifth member." Guests can perform on stage alongside holograms of the band, with their performances recorded and available for download later. I did not take advantage of this opportunity but a fellow passenger did.  Other interactive elements include dance floors where visitors can learn ABBA’s choreography, a recording studio replica to sing along with, and even a special phone that connects to the band members themselves. 

ABBA The Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it celebrates the band’s influence on music, fashion, and Swedish culture.  Exhibitions rotate regularly, with recent ones focusing on ABBA’s latest projects like ABBA Voyage and the making of their albums.

In summary, ABBA The Museum is a vibrant, interactive homage to ABBA’s enduring legacy. It invites visitors not only to learn about the band’s history but also to actively participate in the excitement that ABBA’s music continues to inspire across generations. 

 

After leaving the ABBA Museum our tour group had the opportunity to drive around the outskirts of the 

Old Town, down many cobblestone streets and to the top of one of the many islands to have an opportunity

to have an overview of Stockholm' harbor area.  Today is a special day for the Swedish people since it is 

King Carl XVI Gustaf's 79th birthday.  At noon the canons were ablaze!!

Even though only one ABBA member was born in Stockholm, the city can be considered their home town, as this is the place where they worked ad lived for many years.  We drove by the City Hall where Benny of ABBA performed for the first time.  The Royal Opera was the scene pf ABBA's legendary 1976 royal wedding gala performance, and Benny and Anni-Frid at one time lived in  the Old Town. Finally, after an enjoyable day of touring the ABBA museum and seeing a bit more of the downtown area, it was time to return to the pier and board our ship.  It was truly a fun experience to learn a little bit more about one of my favorite musical groups.

Stockholm, the "Venice of the North" glimmers with vibrant cultural tapestries and architectural splendor.  Its medieval old town contrasts with modern innovation hubs while the majestic archipelago stretches into the Baltic Sea, creating a city that is both historically rich and forward-thinking.

Stockholm, with its cobblestone streets, whispers tales of medieval resilience and modern innovation--a city where history and progress dance in harmonious rhythm. We have thoroughly enjoyed our two days here.  It was enjoyable seeing how the city has changed since our last visit many years ago. We also had a wonderful evening at the legendary Nobel Dynamite Factory enjoying the fabulous meal and fun ABBA tribute band.  Although there were many more areas we could have explored, it was time for us to sail to our next port, Oslo, Norway, which is another city we haven't visited in many years.  We are excited to see how it has evolved over the last few years.