Stockholm is situated on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea and the archipelago of a further 30,000 islands begins. It is the largest archipelago in Sweden, and the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea, which is the region we are exploring on this hosted ‘Viking Homelands’ itinerary with @vikingcruises I could not wait to be on deck for the sailing out, as we departed Sweden bound for Helsinki, Finland! Being on the water in any kind of boat from kayak to sailboat to small ship — makes me as giddy as a kid. The light was constantly changing as huge cloud banks rolled over the islands, cabins and boats we passed. Every time a white sailboat came into view I took a dozen photos. I loved the way they shined like pearls against the cobalt and jade of the scenery. I was so glad we departed during the day and not at night. To miss one of the most beautiful parts of Sweden would have been sad. And now that I know you can rent some of the cabins on the islands, I want t...