This was our very first cruise from a home home port { Harwich } without a connecting flight; This Baltic Capital itinerary also allowed us the obvious advantage of a luggage allowance many times more generous than flying! Embarkation was swift and stress free even with the wellcoming extra security measures.On boarding this vessel we were pleased with our outside larger than standard cabin on deck 4 mid ship; it had a Queen-sized bed, rich wood cabintry and a three sided mirror which is a must for my wife on formal nights!! The shower enclosure was halfmooned shape & spacious as was the toilet.After settling in and unpacking we had a walk about this contemporary ship, yet with an elegant and well-balanced look. The ships focal point is a nine deck high atrium lobby that has glass-walled elevators that face the sea. it has many bars and and quiet lounges but gambling devotees can enjoy a rather large, noisy and colourful casino.Entertainment on board include the three level Coral Reef theatre with the usual high energy singing and dancing Showtime revues, along with a mixture of headline musical acts and comedy, all excellent and entertaining. I should give a special mention to the hands on Cruise Director Joff [forgotten his last name] who was just brilliant and natural. He had this Bruce Forsyth quality of poking fun at passengers but not offending; there was also a bit of a John Cleese look about Joff. A second venue is the Safari Club which hosted Cabaret shows, dancing and live music. All the ships entertainment was upbeat.There are a couple of cover charge alternative dining restaurants; Potofino which offers Italian cusine and Chops Grille Steakhouse. Both promote the cusine of being of a higher quality dining experience but, I have to say although we never dined at these restaurants, we found food presentation in the principle two decked Reflections restaurant excellent, with wonderful table service from our waiter and assistant waiter.After many glowing comments from fellow cruisers about a Baltic capitals cruise, other than the warmer waters of the Caribbean or the Med that we normally prefer; we decided to give this itinerary a try. From the cycling locals of Copenhagen and the Little Mermaid to the breathtaking and impressive landmarks of Oslo with the two day visit to St. Petersburg offering an excellent programme of tours to the riches and opulence of the palaces and foutains, sandwiched in between. All the tours are very expensive but be advised to take an excursion when visiting St Petersburg as the visa cost is included with the ships block visa. Obtaining a visa to make your own way around this city is outrageously high and is now big business. All the other ports you can walk about with safety and peace of mind.Our favourite port of call was Tallinn in Estonia where we hoofed around the well-preserved medievil quarter with its narrow cobblestoned alleyways and has remained remarkably unchanged from the 12th century. Alas, not the price of a coffee is unchanged!!!! Be warned!! when at any Baltic capital the every day cost of living is jaw dropping with Oslo the most shocking!We did not use the solarium and indoor pool or should I say we had a snow balls chance of ever having the pleasure as all the old dodderers had it well sussed! camping there on cruising days in from the cold. This ship I would suggest is only suitable for much warmer parts of the world if you consider a capacity with between 2000/3000 passengers! the solarium I would guess only holds 200 max, do the maths!!!Although the average age of passengers on this cruise was pretty high, this ship is is also best suited to young minded adult couples and singles of all ages with plenty of life & high energy entertainment for everyone.One small critisism, why when sailing from an Engish port with the majority of guests being British was there little or no English bacon in the principle dining room? Instead we were served this thin crispy piece of cardboard called American bacon!!! Let us have a campaign to have proper English bacon on American Cruise ships!!!!!!