Is it likely the Baltic Sea would be rough in December?

Question

I really want to go on the cruise to Norway, Denmark etc but need advice on the likely sea conditions. I went on a cruise to the Canaries in October and only really felt some motion going over the Bay of Biscay. Will it be far worse than this?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Yes. But no where near as rough as in the North Atlantic Ocean, as the Baltic is not open ocean. The Baltic is mostly protected by land so the wind can not gather enough energy, in contrast to open oceans where it can.

Anyway modern ships have something called a gyroscope, which is a huge device placed in the middle of the ship, this is used to stabilize the ship in rough weather. This device insures that the ship does not tip over and to minimalise the boat rocking. You will only feel the same amount of rocking as you did in the Bay of Biscay.

When you first look at the sea it will look rough but it will not affect the ship at all, the officers of the ship know how to control the ship in extreme weather.

Source(s):

I am an aspiring cruise ship officer.

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Asker's Comment:

Many thanks for the answer and good luck with your career!

Answer 2

Definitely it will be rough. Think of the weather we have had here last week and it is only November (here being the UK) it will be much worse further North. I thought the cruises to Baltics and Norway etc. had ended now for the season. They usually only operate in the summer. The Fjiords get frozen over so you would not go sailing through them.

Source(s):

Done Baltic cruise (in June).

Answer 3

You may have some bad weather but modern ships are all fitted with stabilisers so most of the motion is ironed out.
Think positively that you will not be affected and enjoy the experience.
If you can afford it get a balcony cabin as it is really fascinating to sit out there and watch a rough sea and the howling winds.

We were down in Antarctica 2 years ago in a small ship. Coming back from South Georgia took us 3 days instead of 2 due to the force 11 gale we had. The stabilisers had to be retracted all the time as we were running through ice-burg alley! Even people affected soon got over it and "enjoyed" the experience, especially some of the photos of the sea breaking over the bow!

Answer 4

Last time we were in the Bay of Biscay there was a 9 metre swell and I felt rough
In September we did the Baltic cruise and it was like the proverbial mill pond.
I'm not sure about the recommendation to have a balcony cabin - when the seas are rough, just looking at them makes me feel ill, especially when you see it rushing past - then I keep the curtains pulled. I'd suggest a cabin midships and as low down the ship as you can get.
I always take Stugeron, "Sea Bands" (wrist bands) and ginger with me, just in case, because like Nelson I am not a good sailor, in spite of having my own boat.