I have always wanted to go to the Baltics, but my heart is usually in the Mediterranean. I figured, "Some day." Well, the plans were set in motion when last July friends Jeff and Shaun invited Mom and me on this Baltic cruise. We had met them, along with their wives Robin and Toni, on our 2003 Mediterranean cruise and had a great time with them. The cost of this cruise was about double the amount of my European trips, but I felt it was worth the price. And I would be able to get a taste of the ports without having to have the extra hotel/transportation/etc. costs.
Mom had to back out of the trip in March, as she was diagnosed in December with lung cancer. Up until March, her doctor said she would be able to go with me on the trip. She had a setback with her chemotherapy and had to cancel the trip. Everyone was disappointed she couldn't go, including our new Cruise Critic mates. Fortunately, we both purchased trip insurance and she was able to get all of her money back for the cruise and airline tickets. Celebrity charged me for the single supplement fee for the cabin but the insurance reimbursed me.
During these months of planning, which I love to do, I met many people on the Cruise Critic web site. It's a great place to meet fellow cruisers in advance. I was able to organize a two-day tour with 10 others for our visit to Saint Petersburg, Russia. We also made various party plans, such as our sail away party, an open house party, etc.