Port Stops - Stockholm and Helsinki

Our cruise port stops started in Stockholm. We considered going to see the original Ikea but instead opted for the Absolut Vodka Ice Bar. It was very cool (pun intended).

When we arrived, everyone had to put on parkas. Thank goodness they had one child sized one.



Dougie was cold and not too thrilled to be there.


He started to perk up quickly though.


We turned in our drink tickets and got some drinks. Something with vodka for Scott and Dougie and I split a cranberry juice.

The ice glasses


Though Scott is not a big drinker, he thought the flavored vodka is pretty good.


We were only at the bar about 30 minutes and then we had to get on the bus to tour the rest of the city. It was a great time though!!


The rest of the tour was a talking tour of the old city. There were some interesting sites, including the Noble museum but nothing particularly interesting to photograph. The only thing was this:

This very tiny statue is apparently world famous. You're supposed to rub his head for good luck. In the winter, people send little hats for him so he keeps warm. Scott and I each took a turn rubbing his head and then Dougie gave it a shot.


After a day at sea, we stopped in Helsinki. Since Scott and I had both already been there, we decided to take a tour to a small island to see a UNESCO site. The site was interesting but a challenge to see with a toddler. He did enjoy the boat ride there and back but would have enjoyed napping more.