Explore Lapland and the Arctic Circle at early-booking savings with Elegant Cruises

Elegant Cruises is featuring a tantalizing new 13-day itinerary in the Land of the Midnight Sun for next summer and the summer of 2009 aboard the 106-passenger expedition ship Andrea.

The "White Nights of Finland and Sweden" cruise will explore the Gulf of Bothnia -- visiting secluded towns, villages, and islands seldom seen on cruises, as well as four of Europe's most beautiful cities, Helsinki, Stockholm, Talinn (Estonia), and St. Petersburg, Russia. Among the stops are Lulea, Sweden, north of the Arctic Circle and gateway to the Jokkmokk region, a UNESCO nature and culture World Heritage site; and Rauma, Finland, another World Heritage Site founded in the 1400s.

The maiden voyage will depart Helsinki July 16, 2008; three sailings will follow in July and early August of 2009.

Passengers who make deposited reservations by November 30, 2007, can save $400 each. Prices begin at $3,995 per passenger.

Having sailed with Elegant Cruises on the Andrea's sister ship Monet from Venice to Croatia this spring, I can vouch for the quality and professionalism of this line, and the excitement of being able to dock in small ports well off the mega-cruiseship track. You'll also get to know many of your fellow passengers. If you haven't tried small-ship cruising, I heartily recommend it. Click here for my earlier write-up of the Monet cruise to Croatia.

For more information or bookings, visit the Elegant Cruises website or call 800/683-6767. You can also e-mail them at info@elegantcruises.com.