12 Night Cruise sailing from Copenhagen to Stockholm aboard Seabourn Pride.

The ship that started it all inspired one critic to declare that "Seabourn is in a class by itself." And in 1988, when the sleek, 10,000-ton Pride emerged from the Schichau Seebeckwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, that was literally true.

At that time, most ships of Pride's size (and there were more then than now) carried more than 400 guests. Seabourn Pride, christened by Ambassador Shirley Temple Black, topped out at half that many.

The idea that every guest sailed in an expansive, ocean-view suite was revolutionary. The concept of open-seating dining accommodating all guests was exceptional. And the notion of including nearly everything for the cost of the fare was a rare thing as well. But the most important element of the Seabourn experience, to founding president Warren S. Titus, was the unparalleled level of personalized service provided to guests.

Hand-picked staff, recruited from the finest European hospitality schools and hostelries, are re-trained and managed according to the philosophy that every request is a golden opportunity to create delight, that the unexpected pleasure is what truly makes an experience memorable, and that the rendering of the very best service is a product of professional pride, not influenced by the expectation of a gratuity.

That remains a core value of all Seabourn ships today. By a trick of history, Seabourn Pride and its sisters remain as exceptional today as they were when launched - in a class by themselves.

Highlights of this cruise:

Copenhagen
Denmark's capital is arguably one of the world's best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a "do-what-you-want" philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city's motto "Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen."

Gdansk
Formerly known by its German name Danzig, this city has survived six changes in power between Poland and its western neighbor since the 10th century. In the 13th century, Gdansk became an important Baltic port when it joined the Hanseatic League. Today the city near the mouth of the Vistula River is still a major commercial center and the headquarters of a prominent shipbuilding industry. It is also part of the sprawling 'Tri-cities' urban conglomeration of Gdansk-Gdynia-Sopot along the Baltic Sea coast, combining cultural, historical and resort attractions. Without doubt, the main attraction is the historic Old City. Virtually destroyed during World War II, the beautifully restored center draws thousands of tourists each year. More recent history marks Gdansk as the home of Solidarity and the beginning of democracy in Poland. Special Note: Tourism is still developing in Poland; guides, while the best available, may not be up to Seabourn's normally high standards.

Visby
This delightful hilly town, boasting medieval houses and ruined fortifications, is the island of Gotland's capital city. Due to its gentle climate an abundance of roses bloom here, even as late as November, marking Visby as "The City of Roses." In its heyday, Visby was one of the richest trading centers in northern Europe. Remains of the medieval city walls are considered to be among the best-preserved in Europe. Additional points of interest include the cathedral, one of the town's 17 medieval churches still in use today; the Old Apothecary, a late medieval four-story merchant's house; and the Fornsal Museum with an interesting exhibit of medieval artwork, hordes of silver from Viking times, and impressive picture stones that predate the Viking rune stones. Sweden's main holiday island offers wide sandy beaches, wild cliff formations, and verdant sheepfarming country and glades in which 35 different varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from around the world. There are also a hundred more churches dating from Gotland's great commercial era scattered across the island which are still in use today.

St Petersburg
Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Russia's second largest city and principal Baltic port contains a tsar's ransom in architecture, palaces and art treasures. Once the capital of Imperial Russia and playground of Russia's elite, the city's name was changed following the 1917 revolution to Petrograd, then Leningrad, before resuming its original name in 1991. St. Petersburg is patterned after Western capitals with canals reminiscent of Venice, a grand boulevard that evokes Paris and a spirit that is uniquely Russian.

Stockholm
Sweden's capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This "city that floats on water" sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges, which cross winding waterways in all directions. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Venice, for all its gondolas, does not approach the water traffic of Stockholm. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.