Lesson Learned #1--when crossing many time zones--go at least one day early! We were supposed to have flown from Atlanta to Chicago, directly to Copenhagen--broken airplane--so we were re-routed from Atlanta to Dulles (Wash D.C.) to Frankfurt (Germany) to Copenhagen. To make a long story shorter, while we were supposed to arrive in Copenhagen on the around 1300 on the 9th of Aug, we really arrived at 0300 on the 10th, which involved hours in a Sheraton hotel and a "Laurel & Hardy" run to the aircraft for departure due to poor communications--minus points for Scandinavian Airlines!! Though exhausted, we did make the tour prior to boarding, and the embarkation process was very easy. We had provided our credit card information in advance, and everything was very smooth. We were in a Suite, 7029, and as usual, our cabin steward--this time Dann--was wonderful! The cabin and amenities were wonderful--for us going to Holland America is like coming home--great people, great smiles, and great service. This itinerary was very full, and not relaxing to say the least. I'm 58 and my husband is 62--in pretty good shape for our age. We truly loved Estonia--for the most part we take advantage of Holland America tours--we know if they're late, they'll hold the ship, and generally they're very worthwhile. Estonia was absolutely charming--and while we enjoyed the countryside and Tallinn, probably the highlight was the medieval (sp?) concert that followed lunch on the full-day tour. Not only was the music absolutely lovely, the children and participants were charming--something not to be missed. Russia is another story! If you've read many of these reports, you know you have to pay for the privilege of taking pictures in some of the museums--and you have to pay to go to the bathroom!! While our tour guides were very controlled and controlling, they were informative and certainly knew what they were talking about. We enjoyed Peterhof and Church of the Spilled Blood, but I absolutely was freaking in Hermitage. We had been warned about pick--pocket people--there were probably more than a 1,000 people in the complex than should have been--no air conditioning--pushing, shoving, and very rude people--and while there may have been monster art to view, it was very difficult at best. I found Russia to be very interesting in its opulence versus poverty, and definitely felt like "big daddy was watching". While I'm sure culturally there are some fascinating things to see and do, this would not be on my things to do before I die list!

We thoroughly enjoyed all of the Scandinavian ports of call. We did not go into Berlin, but instead opted to stay in Warnemunde and had a lovely day. The seas were all very calm, but the weather was much warmer than we had expected (we had tracked the Weather channel for some time!) Many of the ports were claiming unusually warm weather. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, although we did not partake of the Pinnacle this cruise--every event has been wonderful! We don't have children so can't comment on the HAL childrens program and we don't do Spa or the Greenhouse amenities, though they sound lovely. Most places took US dollars or charge cards. Germany was an exception, although a bank exchange area was not far from the ship. A treat in Warnemunde is a gentleman who plays "glasses" of liquid (check out "Miss Congeniality")although his playing is quite complex, and totally entertaining! Holland America is our line--and perhaps at our age, that's as it should be! We were spoiled in May on the Maasdam with a hotel manager that had some great ideas and pulled them off. He had a special Indonesian lunch for the "Suite" guests and it really was special. THis ship had a "no hand shake" policy--which I understand in wake of the viruses in the recent past, but it was weird! The staff were very supportive and giving, and were able to provide you with whatever. It was a wonderful, although exhausting cruise. We loved the staff, but would probably prefer more relaxation--this was really geared for education, and done very well