This was a special birthday cruise chosen because of three days in St Petersburg, on a small ship similar to the Navigator we had cruised on 10 years previously. We booked an overnight stay in Stockholm and would have liked more time there as its a pretty city with lots to do. It's was 6pm by the time we got out of the hotel.

We were transported to the hotel and to the airport and embarked efficiently mid afternoon. Our cabin was a balcony stateroom which gave us lots of space, a bath and shower, a walk in cupboard wardrobe and a massive super king sized bed. LOccitane toiletries went down well. We got fresh towels twice a day when we wanted them. The maid service was excellent.

The ship had lower staff levels than it had 10 years ago which was most apparent in dining areas. The food was good but we didn't get the wide choice or more exotic items like crab claws, king prawns, caviare in lunch buffets very often. We ate in the pool bar or La Veranda at lunch and Compass Rose in the evening bar one trip to Signatures. The staff in CR were a delight and we often got a window table as we went early, when the staff had time to chat. Later they were too busy. The food in CR was excellent and often adjusted to suit our tastes. The head chef often came out to ask people if things were to their liking - a nice touch. The pool bar was the only place to offer French fries. We found Signatures menu not our liking though the food was fine. Read more