Subject: Cruise P414: The Baltic Cities & St.Petersburg 6th-18th May 2014

1. The port: Embarkation procedure was straightforward except that having arrived 15 minutes prior to the booked time 1300, unloaded luggage etc., we then had to make our way to the car parking site some 1km away, returning on the shuttle bus after it had filled, where we then found the 3 buses arriving from Victoria disgorging a substantial number of passengers prior to their scheduled time (1330), which forced a wait at the rear of the queue to check in.

2. Rest of check-in, embarkation etc. smooth and efficient. Once on board welcoming staff escorted to cabin. On return to Tilbury, the delay caused by fog at the Kiel Canal was worthwhile, not only for viewing the operation of the lock, but because it gave extra time to sleep and prepare for disembarkation, which went very smoothly. It might have been welcome for coffee and tea supplies to be readily available on board during the 2 hour wait, despite crew having to prepare for incoming guests. Read more