I chose this cruise because the price seemed reasonable, the time was good and friends wanted us to join them. The food was ok, some of it very good, some of it poor but most ok. I found the pastries were usually not very good. I got fed up with hunting down a table in the Windjammer room by half way through the ship (including one incident where my table was cleared and reoccupied even though I left some reading material there and had tipped the chair against the table). The noise level was high and there were at least 6 food stations so finding what you wanted usually took some time. Half way through I ended up taking most of my meals in the dining room which was much more satisfactory. Occasionally you had a wait, and on occasion you have to be prepared to share a table, which I usually enjoy anyways. The menu there is varied and interesting enough to make it worthwhile.

Staff was professional and friendly. The entertainment in the Tropical Theatre was excellent.

The places visited (Nordic cities of Helsinki, Copenhagen, Tallinn, St Petersburg and Stockholm are all interesting and excellent places to visit. However, St Petersburg was very problematic. YOU HAVE TO TAKE AN OFFICIAL TOUR BECAUSE YOU CAN'T GET OFF THE BOAT WITHOUT A VISA!) So if you want to tour on your own, get your own visa before you go. The problem with the tours to the Hermitage and Peterhof is the sardine in a can on a conveyor belt feeling. There was a crush of people when we were there (which is probably most of the time in the usual tourist season). Also, one day doesn't do the city justice I am sure, as it is likely spent in the two just mentioned places. Also, the ships tour stop for lunch had pretty bad food. I am sure there must be some good restaurants in St Pete's! Read more