There are numerous cruise lines that traverse the Baltic Sea, however I do not believe any would better Azamara for ports of call, quality of food and outstanding and highly trained staff from the head of departments to the janitors.
Other commendable features were quality free wines at meals, continuous free coffee and soft drinks, very reasonably priced shore excursions, free shuttles to the centre of town , if not berthed close and a very accommodating captain. In one instance, some guests complained they could not see the sunset when they were dining, so the captain took the ship in a complete 360 circle to make sure everyone was happy.
The ship is also a good size and the passengers were a good mix of nationalities who did not have a preconceived idea of their place in the world.