Baltic travel glossary

The deadline for passengers to return to a cruise ship before it leaves port.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the three countries on the eastern side of the Baltic Sea.

The process of getting onto a ship or aircraft before departure.

The morning meal, which may be included in a hotel rate or charged separately.

A private room on a ferry or cruise ship, with its own stated bed layout.

Hiring a vehicle for an agreed period under a rental contract.

The process of confirming your booking and receiving access to a room or a sailing.

A seasonal fair with stalls selling food, gifts or crafts, often in a town square.

Averages over a standard 30-year period used to describe typical climate, not a forecast for a trip.

Weather patterns influenced by a nearby sea, which can differ from inland conditions.

A change from one transport service to another during a journey.

Travel from one country into another. A rental agreement may require permission for it.

A ship journey sold as a holiday, often with several port stops.

A ticket that lets you use a facility for the day without staying overnight, such as a hotel pool or spa.

A ferry departure used for daytime travel rather than an overnight crossing.

A visit that starts and ends at the same base in one day, without an overnight stay elsewhere.

The time between sunrise and sunset, which varies greatly by season in the Baltics.

A payment made in advance towards a booking. Refund terms depend on the agreement.

A place where a vessel ties up so people or goods can move on and off.

The currency used in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as other euro-area countries.

A vessel carrying passengers, vehicles or both between ports.

A ferry passenger travelling without a vehicle.

A prediction of the weather for a coming day or period. Check it close to travel for expected temperature, wind and rain.

A plan of the places you will visit and the order in which you will travel.

The Estonian word for Christmas, used in descriptions of local seasonal customs.

A seaside city near Riga, known for its long beach and resort areas.

The Lithuanian Christmas Eve meal and the traditions associated with that evening.

The bags and suitcases you take on a trip.

A booking whose terms generally do not return your payment if you cancel. Check any exceptions.

The historic centre of a city, often with older streets, buildings and public squares.

A booking for travel in one direction, or a rental returned to a different agreed location.

A stay or journey that continues through the night.

The busiest travel period for a destination, often with higher demand for rooms and transport.

A harbour where ships load, unload or take on passengers.

A scheduled stop at a harbour during a cruise itinerary.

Water falling from the air, such as rain, snow or sleet.

A nationally recognised holiday that can change opening hours and transport schedules.

The project to build a new European-gauge rail link through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The European travel area where member countries generally have no routine checks at their shared borders. Entry and visa rules still apply.

Money held or pre-authorised by a rental provider as security under its contract.

An organised trip ashore during a cruise port stop.

The period between a destination's busiest and quietest travel seasons.

Frozen water falling as flakes, which can affect roads, pavements and travel plans.

A facility offering treatments or bathing areas. A hotel spa label does not mean every service is included.

The building or area where passengers check in and board a ferry or other service.

The hilltop area in Tallinn's historic centre, home to the castle and parliament.

A town near Vilnius, known for its lakes and island castle.

A journey between an arrival point and another place, such as an airport and a hotel.

The time needed for a travel leg, including the connection or transfer being planned.

The part of a ferry used to carry cars and other vehicles.

Tyres designed for better grip in cold, snowy or icy conditions. Local rules and dates vary.