Marina Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise after a lot of research into several types of cruises and locations in Europe. After a booking error with another line and bait and switch pricing, we went with the competitor: Oceania. We chose this ship because not only was every room a suite, it coincided perfectly with the dates of a trip we were taking over seas and included a number of locations we had always wanted to see, but couldn't pick just one.
The staff was fantastic. The ports of call were great. The food was fabulous even by our spoiled foodie tastes. We chose to book our own excursions because we wanted to see things in most places that the cruise line didn't offer to show. I have also been to both Sweden and Finland before and was well versed in how to get around and had friends to meet in Finland so being with the other guests was pointless.
For the day at sea, I took one of the cooking classes (by myself while my husband worked from our suite online) and really enjoyed myself. They do pair you up with another person so if you are going as a group be sure to book together. If you sign up alone as I did, you will just be paired up with whoever else is alone in the class. Either way, I enjoyed it.
Cabin Review
Penthouse Suite
We loved this room. Towards the middle and a little more than half way up to negate extra movement and noise. It was incredibly quiet, but that might have to do with the clientele. Lots of room and always had a great view. The bathroom was spacious and had a walk in closet on par with most large homes. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, but I did bring my own pillow as I have severe neck problems. I would rate it on par with any 5 star hotel on land. My husband spent a lot of time on the balcony.
Port Reviews
Copenhagen
We flew in the day before to see Copenhagen on our own. Was not impressed. It might have had to do with the height of tourist season and a huge International Gay Pride Festival that had descended on Copenhagen and the city was an utter wreck. We could not wait to get on our ship and leave. I had spent quite a bit of time in Finland and Sweden before and expected Copenhagen to be the same clean, Scandinavian style everyone always raves about. Unfortunately, it was a nightmare. We found the locals obnoxious and the city incredibly littered and dirty and that made seeing the sights annoying instead of relaxing and enjoyable. Again, maybe it was the huge crowds. But we couldn't wait to leave.
Berlin
We opted for staying in Warnemunde and booked a private tour with a small group. Torrential downpours ruined most of it.
St. Petersburg
Underwhelming. Coming from a large city, a ride on the subway is kind of pointless.
St. Petersburg
As I mentioned above, we loved our tour guide and driver, but were convinced they were collecting information on us. Then again, my husband is a former elected official in the states. If you are an average person with no particular claim to fame, you will likely have no problems. But, we did get a very eerie feeling all over Saint Petersburg in general. But then again, you are in a Communist country with a highly suspicious culture. Just keep your phone off, don't connect to any wifi, and beware of pick pockets in crowded places.
Helsinki
We just took our cruise ship's shuttle into old town and met up with some friends from Northern Finland. We went to the military history museum and then took a ferry to Suomenliina. Wish we had more time in Helsinki. The cruise leaves at like 4pm, which is much earlier than other ports. There's a lot to see in Helsinki if you have more time.