Baltic Cruise: Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's charming harbor

My Baltic Cruise aboard Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony began in Stockholm, Sweden. Departed from Newark on SAS’ non-stop flight to Stockholm. Thetrans-Atlantic flight leaves early (around 5pm) and arrives early the nextmorning. Plane was reasonably comfortable (2-4-2 configuration) and there was a personal entertainment system for each seat in all classes (but no plugs orinternet access). The meal was OK (chicken in red wine sauce both coming andgoing) served with complimentary wine. It was an 8-hour flight made painless bytaking a 4-hour Ambien immediately upon being seated, so I slept most of the waythere and arrived feeling halfway decent.
While the Arlanda Express is an easy way to get into theheart of the city (and there are even less-expensive buses available), I doprefer to arrive as effortlessly as possible, so I took a taxi ($60, 30-minuteride). Happily, the Scandic Grand Central had the room ready so I couldsettle in and jump into the shower immediately. I liked the room’s modern vibe and eco-features (finally — recycle binsin a hotel room!). Wandered out into the city center on a self-guided walkingtour and visited Strindberg’s apartment. Had dinner at Den Glydene Freden in Gamla Stan (the restaurant was established in 1722, and their herring was amazing).

Gamla Stan, Stockholm's medieval center

Traveled by tram to the island park called Djurgärden. It’smost famous attraction is the Vasa Museum, which has a 17^th-centurysailing galleon with fascinating exhibits. They said “Stench, Disease and Tedium” summed up life at sea in thosedays. Good for me that life at sea has greatly improved, especially on Crystal Cruises! Couldn’t resist stopping in to the Spirit Museum to see their Absolut Art Collection (Warhol, Keith Haring, etc), since I had a Stockholm Cardgranting me free entry to all museums, public transportation and more.  The obligatory canal cruise was a very pleasantway to experience the archipelago (Royal Canal Tour is free with StockholmCard). The Nobel Museum was a yawn. Enjoyed a traditional smörgÃ¥sbord dinner at the Grand Hotel's Veranda Restaurant, especially the cured cod. 

Grand Hotel Stockholm

I was charmed by Stockholm. The ubiquitous lion statues evoked Venice more than their canals and bridges; but all the boats were beautiful, moored on every shore. Wandering around Gamla Stan (which was mobbed with tourists) and the city center (which was crowded with shopping Swedes) was a pleasure.  I was also surprised by the Swedish sense  of humor (a tapas place called Bar Celona, Primo Ciao Ciao serving Italian food, and a Scottish restaurant on the harbor called Loch & Quay). Last stop was for coffee and cake in the courtyard of Vete-Katten (the name of the pastry was MjölnargÃ¥rdsbulle, — see, I’m not making it up) before setting sail on the Crystal Symphony. Click here for my photos of Stockholm.

How would you pronounce it?