Hi there! The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises. The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance. Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums! -Ed.
Cruise: Summer Grand Baltic Cruise
When: July 22nd to August 1st, 2009
Company/Offered Through: Atlantis
Type: All-Gay
Departs: Copenhagen, Denmark
Visits: Germany, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark
Basic Itinerary: 
Pricing Info:
Other Info:
Stunningly beautiful cities, welcoming gay-friendly cultures, and magical nights define Atlantis’ most popular summer cruise. We’ve created a whole new way to discover the Baltic in 2009 with an extended 10-night cruise on the newest and most anticipated ship in the world. Sailing in the height of summer and arriving into Copenhagen for the closing ceremonies of OutGames 2009.
Atlantis brings our most popular European cruise to a whole new level next summer onboard the brand new 5-star Eurodam. Whether you’ve been on several cruises or are sailing for your first time, there are few more exciting places in the world to explore by ship than the Baltic Sea. Our all-new custom itinerary offers you the best of it all, including an overnight stay in Stockholm, plus two full days in awe-inspiring St. Petersburg.
Irresistibly Welcoming
Gay-friendly and charming Copenhagen welcomes us with open arms to the waterways, parks, and castles that have made this city famous. From there we sail to Berlin where a full day and night of adventure awaits with a private train from the port city of Warnemunde. After a relaxing day at sea, you’ll arrive in Tallin, Estonia, a near perfect Medieval town with a fast-growing modern lifestyle.
Two full days (with an overnight) in magical St. Petersburg are the highlight, providing ample time to explore the city’s vast cultural collection of museums, palaces, architecture, parks, and theaters. Our expert guides and outstanding tours offer a variety of options for exploring the city both day and night.
You’ll find Finnish hospitality, a rugged sense of style, and unexpected adventures in the capital city of Helsinki. Explore cosmopolitan Stockholm, the cultural and business hub of Sweden, where our 4 AM departure lets you soak in the many treasures of this magnificent city. After a relaxing day at sea, Aarhus offers an unconventional look at Denmark’s “second city” and insights into the culture and lifestyle of this progressive country.
Finally, Atlantis returns to Copenhagen for the weekend of the Closing Ceremonies of the OutGames, the largest gay and lesbian event in Europe in 2009. We’ll offer access to the final events and ceremonies of this historic celebration, making it the perfect place to extend your stay.
As you may know, most of the cities we’re visiting have strong and visible gay populations. These are not just gay-friendly destinations, they’re some of the most gay-progressive and gay-welcoming places in the world.
A New Style for Atlantis
Holland America’s new Eurodam offers Atlantis a new direction for experiencing the Baltic in absolute comfort and style. Their first “Signature Class” ship features ground-breaking modern design, large comfortable staterooms, a wide variety of entertainment venues, and unique features not found on any other ship. She’s a beautiful, true 5-star ship, and absolutely perfect to return to after a long day of exploring.
Fresh and exciting entertainment abounds, starting with our signature productions in the modern 1000-seat theater. Featuring our Gay Comedy Showcase, unique variety entertainers, Broadway stars, stage productions, and more.
Intimate venues showcase the best in gay and lesbian cabaret talent, including our own unique piano bar singers. Novel cultural options abound, including guest lecturers and a unique Culinary Arts Center presented by Food&Wine Magazine. Of course there’s also a world-class casino and plenty of inviting lounges to meet friends old and new.
Outdoors you’ll find two stunning pool deck areas to enjoy the balmy days at sea, dance at our famous themed t-dances, or join into our poolside activities. At night, the main pool’s “magradome” can be closed to create the perfect setting for Atlantis’ fantastic night parties, starring the world’s leading DJs.
Dining as Beautiful
as the Scenery
The dramatic two-story restaurant offers soaring views of the ocean and Holland America’s award-winning cuisine. Attentive yet unobtrusive service makes dining an event to savor. As on all Atlantis cruises, we feature open seating and a casual atmosphere with no dress code. There’s never an assigned table or dining time, allowing you to dine at your leisure with friends old and new.
For a special occasion, make a date at Pinnacle Grill for one of the most elegant meals at sea, featuring premium beef and fresh seafood. An exciting taste of Asia awaits you in Tamarind, a fusion restaurant with incredible views of the ocean and a rich, intimate setting.
If you’re looking for something casual, the Lido Grill features offers buffet selections, pizza, and late-night snacks, virtually 24 hours a day. Start your day with an espresso with fresh-baked croissants at the Explorers Cafe. Or stay in and relax with complimentary 24-hour room service.
A Celebration for Everyone
Everyone is always welcome with Atlantis, where you’ll find a friendly setting for singles to meet, parties to celebrate couples, and hosted events for almost every group you can imagine. We pride ourselves on creating not just a cruise, but a unique experience that you’ll treasure for years. Along with the experts at Holland America, we’ll work together to make your experience one of pure magic.
This Baltic cruise promises to be one of the finest new traditions ever created by Atlantis. Our last two sailings sold out in less than three weeks. Join us in 2009 as we take a great experience to an entirely new level.
Ship Info:
Holland America’s new Eurodam marks a new style of ship for Atlantis and a new class of ship for one of the world’s leading premium cruise lines. This magnificent 2100 passenger ship will impress you with her panoramic ocean views, striking modern design, innovative dining, unique entertainment venues, and spacious accommodations.
The ms Eurodam features 11 passenger decks, a new topside Pan-Asian restaurant and lounge surrounded by panoramic views, an Explorer’s Lounge Bar, a new Italian restaurant adjacent to the Lido buffet, a new atrium bar area, an enhanced and reconfigured theater and a new photographic and imaging center. On the technical side, the ms Eurodam will feature the latest state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems. The vessel will be powered by six diesel generators and propelled by the latest Azipod propulsion technology.
Following in the Holland America Line tradition, the ms Eurodam features an exquisite art collection based on the theme, “The Dutch Golden Age – An Inexhaustible Tradition”. Highlighting works by Dutch masters and contemporary artists, some of the pieces featured include 17th century watercolor maps by famed cartographer Johannes Vingboons, photo realistic oil paintings by artist Jan van ‘t Hoff and The Nightwatch, Two Minutes Later, a contemporary reinterpretation of Rembrandt’s famous painting.
Outstanding and Flexible Dining Choices
The Eurodam marks a new direction in dining choices for both Atlantis and Holland America, with more delicious options than ever before. As with all Atlantis cruises, there is never an assigned table, dress code, or dining time – you’re always free to dine when and wherever you like. Please not that some restaurants require reservations and both Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill have an extra charge.
Here are the highlights:
Rembrandt Dining Room: An impressive 2-story classic restaurant, starring impeccable service and an extensive wine list. Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carb options.
Pinnacle Grill: This intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience. Featuring premium Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated “Excellent” by Wine Spectator – as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens. The Pinnacle Bar offers the perfect place to meet friends over a glass of premium wine
Canaletto Restaurant: Our new Italian restaurant, open every evening, features fresh made pastas and other fabulous Italian specialities in a casual but sophisticated setting.
Tamarind Restaurant and Silk Den Lounge: A spectacular Pan Asian Restaurant and lounge with panoramic views of the ocean and Lido Pool area. Open for dinner, with one of the most inviting lounge spaces ever created on a cruise ship.
Lido Restaurant: Our casual buffet is open virtually round-the-clock, with a modern, relaxed ambiance and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties.
Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times: a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email or simply read the morning paper.
New And Unique Places
to Relax
Whether you want to enjoy some private time outdoors or spend the week in a spa stateroom, the Eurodam offers an amazing selection of new choices for total pampering and relaxation.
Main Pool: The striking and modern main pool features plenty of space to relax, swim, and play, with comfortable chairs and cabanas everywhere you turn. There’s even a full “magradome” roof that can be closed to create an indoor pool space. At night Atlantis will use this space for our legendary outdoor parties, possibly with the roof closed or partly closed. We know it’ll look fantastic both day and night!
Lido Pool: A relaxing outdoor pool on the back of the ship, perfect for sunning, relaxing, and taking in the spectacular sights.
Poolside Cabanas: Private cabanas are available to reserve by the day or by the cruise. Available on two decks, they are tastefully decorated, filled with amenities and provide an exquisite poolside retreat.
The Retreat: Your own private oasis located high above the rest…our exclusive Retreat cabanas are the ultimate place to relax surrounded by healthy refreshments and luxurious amenities.
Spa Staterooms: Relaxation…privacy…serenity. These are the hallmarks of the msEurodam’s spacious new Spa Staterooms, located on the Panorama and Observation decks include special spa amenities.
Greenhouse Spa & Fitness Center: The place to go for heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite. Sooth your tensions away in the relaxing hydro pool. And make time for a workout in our state-of-the art fitness center.
Entertainment and Enrichment Venues
Eurodam offers the best variety of entertainment and enrichment options created on a cruise ship sailing today.
The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine: our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests
Main Theater: Our two-story theater seats 1000 guests and is the focal point of any Atlantis cruise. Featuring our signature entertainers, HAL’s spectacular production shows, variety acts, and maybe a special surprise guest or two.
Crow’s Nest: A stunning space on the top deck, with sweeping 270° views during the day, turning into an exciting entertainment venue each evening.
Northern Lights: A modern, intimate nightclub hosting Atlantis’ cabaret stars and late night parties.
Piano Bar: The perfect place to meet friends and enjoy some of Atlatnis’ legendary piano entertainers in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
Screening Room: Take in the best of new gay cinema or a first-run movie as you sink into a leather chair with a drink and a bag of popcorn.
Casino: More Monte Carlo than Vegas, this sophisticated casino is the perfect place to try your luck .
Spacious and Modern Staterooms
When you do finally return to your stateroom, you’ll enjoy a quiet, elegant retreat, with rooms larger than the most in the industry. Most offer a private verandah and feature the most modern staterooms amenities including flat-screen televisions, large bathrooms with tubs,
Our luxurious suites offer in-room whirlpools, spacious rooms with sitting areas, access to the private Neptune Lounge, and much more.
And should you need anything, our pampering staff is just a phone call away. Let Holland America’s legendary service staff take care of your every need.
On board the ships of Holland America Line you’ll discover a cruise experience that is modern, fresh and appealing – in an ambiance that is timeless and refined.
