Vessels of all shapes and sizes sail through the Stockholm archipelago.David NikelMy recent cruise call in Stockholm began with an early walk through Gamla Stan, the city’s old town. Before the tour groups arrived, its cobbled lanes were quiet enough to explore at an unhurried pace.The compact district delivers many of Stockholm’s familiar scenes: the colorful buildings of Stortorget, the narrow alley of Mårten Trotzigs Gränd and the imposing Royal Palace.By late morning, the palace courtyard and surrounding streets were considerably busier, helped along by crowds gathering for the changing of the guard.Stockholm is easy to enjoy at street level, but the scale of its watery setting only becomes clear from a ship. As the ship eases away from its berth, it is tempting to think the Stockholm visit is over, yet the best part is still to come.Stockholm Saves Its Best Views For LastStockholm sits at the western edge of an archipelago containing more than 30,000 islands and islets.It stretches roughly 50 miles east toward the open Baltic Sea, which means ships departing central Stockholm do not simply leave a harbor and head straight out to sea. Instead, the route unfolds gradually over several hours.A sightseeing boat and several small pleasure craft in the Stockholm archipelago.David NikelFrom the open deck, the scenery shifted constantly. Some islands were little more than rocky outcrops topped with trees. Others held red-painted summer cottages, private docks and substantial waterfront homes. Locals swam from the rocks as sailboats, ferries and small motorboats crossed the ship’s path.At one point, the volume of traffic made the channel feel like a regatta. Yet the passage never felt hectic. From the height of a cruise ship, it became a moving panorama of how Stockholmers use the water that surrounds their city.That variety is what makes the sailaway so engaging. There is no single landmark to wait for and photograph. The appeal lies in watching urban Stockholm gradually give way to holiday homes, wooded islands and finally the more exposed landscape of the outer archipelago. This is slow travel, albeit from the deck of a cruise ship.It is effectively a scenic cruise included within the cruise. Passengers who spend their port day exploring the city can still experience a substantial part of the surrounding archipelago without booking a separate boat excursion.Making The Most Of Stockholm’s SailawayThe most important step is simply knowing that the sailaway is worth watching. Cruise passengers often use the departure period to shower, rest or prepare for dinner, especially after a full day ashore. In Stockholm, that can mean missing hours of scenery.Check the ship’s departure time and try to reach an open deck before it casts off. A forward-facing observation area is ideal, although views change so frequently that it is worth moving between sides of the ship. Binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens help reveal the details of cottages and life along the shore.Although forward-facing views are best, side-on viewing spaces help reveal everyday life in the Stockholm archipelago.David NikelEven on a warm summer day, bring a light layer. The temperature can drop once the ship starts moving, while the extended northern daylight means the views may continue well into the evening.The Important Stockholm Cruise CaveatNot every cruise passenger gets this experience. International cruise ships use several berths in Stockholm, including Stadsgården, Skeppsbron and Frihamnen. Ships departing these central port areas must navigate the long route through the archipelago.However, some itineraries use Nynäshamn, an outlying port about 37 miles south of Stockholm. It offers cruise lines a shorter approach from the Baltic and passengers can still travel into the capital, but the ship will not make the same hours-long passage from central Stockholm.Cruise itineraries may identify the call as “Stockholm,” “Stockholm (Nynäshamn)” or simply Nynäshamn. Before booking or at least before planning the day, check the stated port rather than relying on the destination name alone.If you do dock in Nynäshamn, all is not lost. Your cruise line will likely offer organized shore excursions that include a small boat cruise of the archipelago. Failing that, many independent options are usually available online in advance or from the harbor on the day.MORE FROM FORBESForbesHow A Baltic Cruise Can Take You To 7 Countries In A WeekBy David NikelForbesWhy Helsinki Is A Standout Port On A Baltic CruiseBy David NikelForbesHow To Avoid Crowds In Scandinavia This SummerBy David Nikel