We flew into Copenhagen out of Chicago. We did not stay at the HAL recommendation because we thought it was expensive. Actually it probably the same price as The Admiral Hotel, but this place has a unique Danish flavor. It is an old warehouse that has been trasformed into a hotel. In the process they have spared all of the original beams. Therefore each room has its own flavor. Our room was up in the gables and when we walked into the room we did not see the bed that is actually up in the loft. There isn't A/C becuase of the location so far north. So we opened the window - no screens but also no bugs. It is located near the palace and gardens, so we walked all over in search of true Danish food. The restaurant was small so when we ordered salmon salad we did not expect thinly sliced smoked salmon that was also raw. Welcome to the Baltic. The next morning we were awakened at 4 AM by full sun. We didn't close the curtain to the skylight over the bed. It was a short night. On the return to Copenhagen we spent the day on a Hop On Hop Off bus ($30) that took us to Tivoli Gardens. It is a beautiful spot in the middle of the city. It has many beautiful flowers and is well shadded for a pleasant walk. There is a variety of lunch areas thruout the park. However, not all have places to sit down. The bus picked us up the pier and also dropped us off. We could have stopped many other places, but the Little Mermaid was the only other thing we stopped for. It was the end of the cruise and we were all tired

Copenhagen

This tour is not for anyone who has difficulty walking. There were lots of steps and quick hop on and off the subway tour. We DID not see any of the chandeliers that are suppose to be in the subways. We were able to ride one of the deepest escalators down. It was Saturday so it wasn't as busy. I would compare this to the deep subway at the Mall in Washington D.C. On to the fruit, veggie, dairy, and meat market used by the locals. It was lovely. All of the fruits were imported from Spain and were huge and perfect. Fresh yogurt, chese, meats. They all looked great. Next a Russian Orthodox church were there were people praying. Refreshing to see as religion is not practiced widely in Russia or for that matter in most of Europe.

St. Petersburg

We wanted to see where the Wall was. My father also spent 4 yrs here 1941-1944. So we took the train in where they served a snack (could be used as a breakfast) Our guide, Catherine spent time we each group asking us what we wanted to do when we got there. Then with the map she was able to assist us. There is a good overall tour of the city before she drops you off. We did not purchase an excursion and decided to use the Hop On Hop Off ( save your purchse slip as we got a discount when we used the same busline in Copenhagen) Unfortunately it was 85F. We went to a few major sites and then stopped for a beer under an umbrella. Lunch was currywurst & pommes frites also at a sidewalk cafe - delicious ($15) Do not miss the Kathe Wohlfart Christmas store across from Cafe Kranzler ( we collect Nativity sets) We enjoyed the train ride (another snack on the way home). We were ready to just take our time and not be pushed by a guide. When we got back to the ship there was a German festival going on by the pool. They had hired a local German band (who got off just before we sailed) Long interesting day. We are exhausted.

Berlin

Our guide Thea was very knowledgable and gave us a wonderful history lesson on Estonia. The Soviet influence can still be seen today in the form of the cheaply made apartment complexes that housed the Soviets during their control up until their independence in 1991. Old Town was full of history and wonderful quaint European architecture. However, if you have hip, knee, or back issues the original cobblestones back from the Middle Ages will not be your friend. There is a lot of walking on this tour. Our photos are awesome and the bright sunny day certainly helped. Our lunch was very good, roasted chicken, veggies, good European bread. A market full of hand made items called to us more then dessert, so we had a little time to shop. As with all tours there was little time to purchase gifts - you would think they would want our money!

We like to spend time exploring on our own, so we booked a tour that included this near the Chruch of the Spilled Blood. Our guide showed us where to walk and get some lunch, shop, take photos and where she would be if we needed her. It was great and my photos are awesome because I had time to set up my shots. Lunch was fun and delicious. Of course, I had borscht and my husband a veggie beef soup. Then across thre street to the ice cream man in the park.. We did purchase souveniors there also and I wish I had purchased more as the prices were the best. We also toured the city and because of the beautiful weather our photos out the bus windows came out well.

It was held in an old music theatre where the architecture was amazing. Again many steps up ( I counted 123). The costuming was gorgeous, music repetitive. and the story line in Russian. It was evening after a long day and the theatre was very warm.

Our favorit - hands down. First a city tour and the town was quiet because it was Sunday morning. Then we parked by the Lutheran Cathedral and were able to walk down to the market at the wharf. Hand made crafts, furs, reindeer hides. toys, designer jewelry (that was really unique), and fresh fish (just off the boat) and veggies being cooked. Loved the atmosphere. Next we drove 30 minutes out of town to the old town of Porvo. More ancient cobblestones. We had time to wander on our own. Many of the buildings appear to be original which housed quaint shops. Do not miss the candy store. Their licorice is the best I have had. Samples are available. There is a unique yarn shop just off the main street. Then on to the farm where we met up with another bus. Our hostess had grown up on the farm so we were able to hear the history of the horse farm that still breeds and boards today. As we stood in her large yard surrounded by flowering perenials she brought out a horse and her 4 wk old colt. So much fun. Then she told us bout the nettle soup made from a prickly weed that becomes tastey when cooked. That was the appetizer, Our entree was fresh fish with tomatoes, green beans from the garden, and bread. Lastly we were invited to the main dining room for cream cake with fresh rhubarb, lingenberries and warm carmel sauce to be taken to the garden enjoyed. If you wanted to check out the horse barn, you were welcome to do so. However, many were away competing. This lady is a very gracious hostess. There was seating on the main floor for those who could not do stairs.. The house was full of antiques and we were welcomed to walk around and take photos. This is obviously a well loved and used farm as there were beds tucked everywhere to accomodate family gatherings. Back to Helsinki to see the Rock Church.....also Lutheran. (3Euros to use their WC)

Good overview of the cityThe buses in Stockholm were in need of care. The seats would not stay up so you could not rest against the back. Many were also threadbare. Need to use a different line for the cost of these excursions.

I always wanted to do this. It was silly fun. As our friends said " we now have a photo for our Christmas card". All of us wanted to buy Tshirts. However, we may have been a size 6 in our 20s - it is not that way anymore. They lost out on a lot of money and we were just one bus.

It was the Princess Birthday so there were flags everywhere. They love their Royals. Again, more ancient cobblestomes. Great history lesson. Wonderfull Christmas shop that we were able to visit only by dropping out of the rest of the tour. ( we told our guide before we left). Even then we only had 10 minutes.

We had no idea how interesting the VASA would be. Highly recommend this tour. . Nice gift shop

Our Dutch guide gave out a lot of interesting history and details about the architecture. However, once again..............ancient cobblestones which made for difficulty walking for some of the tour members. The restaurant where we sampled marzipan was disappointing. The product was "so-so" and the service rude. It was extremely busy. We would have preferred some free time to purchase lunch and shop on our own.A side note - this was the nicest bus. It even had a W.C. They also had cold bottled water ( 1 E) for puchase on the way back.

Compared to the other ships, we found this stateroom very spacious with lots of storage and room under the bed for luggage. The bathroom was also larger. Since we were the first deck above sea view rooms our balcony was about a foot deeper. However, the down side was that the outside wall was steel so we could not see through this. We spent lots of time out there and this feature is worth the extra money to us.

Yes, we did get sick with upper respiratory problems.Those who we have communicated with us also were sick.

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