Have recently been on the Voyages of Discovery ship Voyager around the Baltic. As a first time cruiser and a solo traveller I was not sure what to expect, but was very pleased with the trip. Voyager is a small (250 cabin) ship and thus able to get close into town at most ports (some were only a few minutes walk from the town centres). The ship's engines could be heard in the cabins of many of the lower decks, but I was able to sleep reasonably well after the first couple of nights. Most of the travellers were British with some Americans and Australians. The cabin and service staff were mainly from the Philippines and very friendly.

At each port of call there were a range of organised excursions (several of which I tried) although I and many others did some independent exploration as well. The Port Lecturer was very good giving an overview of what to look out for at each stop. This was supplemented by some excellent lectures from an ex ambassador and University professors etc., giving some background to the history, politics, art and music of the countries being visited.

The cabin was basic, but clean and the food very good, either via the full waiter service dinning room or via the self service restaurant. Most evenings the ship's entertainment crew put on a music and dance show, which whilst not West End standard, was OK. The main lounge's background piano player was very good. Read more