Very enjoyable vacation. Travelled train from Scotland to Harwich to join the ship. This turned out to be a nightmare, as we changed trains several times. The appropriate platforms at each station involved hauling our 'over filled suitcases' down several flights of stairs and up the other sides.!! Of course, my husband blamed me for having too many clothes with me! But what is a woman to do, when one does not know what the weather will be like. Talking about which - only one day warm enough to sunbathe. Oh well, we did not go to the Baltic countries to obtain a suntan!

Embarkation was a 'doddle' - through and on to the ship in no time at all. And our cabin, tho not a balcony stateroom, was perfect. Not too far from ship centre, but far enough away to be quiet, and very accessible for one of two sets of lifts. Took majority of meals in the dining room ( a first for us). Got same table for two every evening , and got to know our two personal waiters extremely well. Food was always good, and service immaculate. The few times we used the Windjammer Buffet, we found it to be, busy and difficult to obtain a table. And lukewarm food, by the time one was settled down at table to eat it. The programme of tours turned out to be rather tiring, as their were few 'days at sea' to relax. Early rises each morning, and a glutton's serving of palaces, churches and musuems. It was worth it just to see St Petersburg. But I was disappointed in Copenhagen and Visby. The Little Mermaid statue was 'little'! And surrounded by japanese tourists when we were there. Almost impossible to get near should you wish to photograph it. Copenhagen itself was crammed with tourist coaches and Hop On, Hop Off buses. An absolute traffic jam, so that eventually the people on our bus got off and walked the remainder of the tour!! Rather a waste of money.

Overall, Royal Caribbean Cruises impressed me (having sampled three cruise-lines now). I would have no hesitation using them for my holiday. But I would not sail from Harwich, despite the favourable embarkation routine.If you travel by car to Harwich, or pay out the extra cost of coach from the airport, then I guess that it would be OK. But the railway company do not allow for the thousands of people travelling to and from London to Harwich. We found the trains packed to capacity and having to change trains exhausting.