14-Day ~ Baltic Knitting Cruise (May 2026)

14-Day Baltic Knitting Cruise with Lucy Neatby
May 10 - 24, 2026

This Baltic knitting cruise on Holland America's Rotterdam visits nine cities in six countries on this 14-day sailing round-trip from Rotterdam. Cruise from the Netherlands to Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Poland and Sweden while being luxuriously pampered as you travel from one fabulous port to the next. The Baltic offers a good balance between time at sea and exploring in port. While at sea, knitters can enjoy learning new skills in classes taught by Lucy Neatby, and while in port, take advantage of opportunities to shop for yarn and connect with local fiber enthusiasts. We invite you to pack up your needles and come along for some fun.

The Baltic is home to many leading designers and Europe's most notable yarn stores, making it one of our most popular itineraries. Lucy Neatby's passion and knowledge and the ports visited will make this the knitting trip of a lifetime.

Lucy is teaching some of her most popular classes on this cruise and a few new ones. Classes will include Learn to Love Intarsia, Ever Increasing Circles, Hallelujah Grafting, The Contented Stitch, Top-Down Hat Fun, Knit Your Own Necklace, and Double Knit Pocket Techniques-the coolest pockets on the planet!

Countries of the Baltic are known for their rich knitting traditions. Estonia, in particular, is often a favorite and is well known for its Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union, Eesti Kasitoo. This craft union brings together organizations and individuals to preserve and develop traditional Estonian handcrafts, keeping this part of their culture alive.

14-Day Baltic Knitting Cruise Highlights

• Shop for gorgeous yarn at Amsterdam's leading yarn shops, including Stephen & Penelope, home of Westknits.


• See the Kalundborg Fjord, a beautiful spot for birdwatching and experiencing coastal Danish landscapes, or visit Birkegårdens Haver, a collection of themed gardens located near Kalundborg. These gardens offer a peaceful escape with Danish, Japanese, and English-style garden designs.


• Take the train into Berlin or stay in the quaint port town of Warnemunde, where you can walk on the beach, eat fish and chips with a pint of beer, or take the train to Rostock to shop for yarn at Prunkist.


• In Estonia, experience the coolest "Old Town" in modern Europe: Tallinn. Tallinn has retained its medieval character and is home to some of Europe's best design studios and art galleries.


• Shop for locally produced lace shawls and a wide range of knitwear at the Estonian Handwork Union craft guild stores.


• Enjoy shopping for linen and wool yarn at the lowest prices in the region at one of Tallinn's yarn shops.


• In Helsinki, the yarn shop Snurre features Finland's largest selection of natural fibers.


• Shop for local handcrafted items and sample the day's fresh catch at Kauppatori Market on the Helsinki waterfront on the west side of Market Square.


• Spend the day in Stockholm exploring the architectural beauty of Old Town, strolling through five centuries of Swedish history at the Skansen Open-Air Museum, or shopping for Swedish yarn at one of several popular yarn shops located throughout the city.


• Shop for locally spun wool at Design & Crafts (Handverk) Gotland in the medieval walled city of Visby.


• Explore Gdańsk's Old Town in northern Poland, a restored area full of colorful, ornate townhouses, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks. The Long Market is its centerpiece, home to the Neptune Fountain, the city's iconic symbol. The area also features shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere.


• Learn about Kiel's maritime heritage by visiting its vibrant waterfront promenade or the Old Botanical Garden (Alter Botanischer Garten), a serene spot near the waterfront with diverse plant species, historic sculptures, and scenic views of Kiel Fjord.


• Shop for German yarn in Kiel at Wolle & Wunder, 1.2 miles from the ship's pier.


• Shop at Sommerfuglen and Uldstedet, Denmark's two most popular yarn stores, and see work by many popularDanish designers.


• Take a walking tour of Copenhagen's medieval core and learn about the fascinating history of this beautiful city.