Latvia heart of the Baltic

Monday, July 7, 2025

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Riga, Latvia

The Baltic Sea cruise itinerary wouldn’t be complete without Latvia , the geographic center of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They share a lot, yet remain distinct. All three lie on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. Each experienced independence after WWI, Soviet occupation in 1940, and regained sovereignty in 1991. All are members of the EU, NATO, Eurozone, and OECD and has a parliamentary democracy with coalition governments and unicameral parliaments. The Singing Revolution and other peaceful protests were key to regaining independence in each country. We had once planned to go to St. Petersburg in Russia, but that is not possible now. Much of Russia is seen and felt in these countries, but Putin is largely despised. Many Ukrainian and Russian refugees have escaped to these countries.

A mini reunion of shipmates from the WorldCruise 2024 now sailing aboard Journey. Fun to recall some of the adventures, characters and crew members from that memorable trip.