Chose this cruise because we wanted to see St. Petersburg without flying in or out of Russia. Mission accomplished,
However, a Big BUT. The ships shore excursions are Way overpriced and just not very good, with the exception of the Normandy D Day Landing Beaches Excursion. Was very overpriced, but was a very good tour.
We saw virtually nothing in the Hermitage. So crowded one could barely move. The shore excursions left the ship so late that everyone was there at once, from multiple Large cruise ships.
Nice cabin Aloha deck in the middle of the ship. The balcony is smaller than on other ships, however it was cold weather so that did not matter.