ARRIVAL-My husband and I flew from Phoenix, and our travel agent advised us to arrive a day before in Copenhagen. We stayed at the Clarion Mayfair, which included dinner and breakfast, for under $200. We used city transportation in the rain, so we got a jump start on immersing into another culture. EMBARKATION-Princess advised to arrive at 2 p.m. for a shorter line, but everyone seemed to do that. Never mind, we were too psyched. Stepping onto the ship, the first person to greet us was the 'Coke card' girl, an omen of what was to come throughout the cruise, which we came to boycott and ignore. Everyone showed up at the buffet for lunch, another hint of vacationing with a group of 3,000 of your fellow man. ROOM-We booked in January during the economy crisis so got upgraded to the top deck. Even with temps in the 50's, a balcony was worth it for views and spaciousness. Room and staff were luxurious. FOOD-We went to both formal nights, preceded with photos. It bugged us to see the photographers in the dining room, shooting groups of 24 while we tried to eat a romantic meal. We don't drink alcohol and expect to be ignored for this. Cafe Caribe and Horizon Court buffets on either side of the ship we busy but efficient. We tried many new dishes, but by the end, much of the food looked the same. Chilly, damp weather kept the pool area vacant, and few used the burgers/dogs or pizza restaurants. SERVICE-Staff is from around the world, and while busy always answered questions about their countries and job experiences. I hope Princess consistently gets its highest marks from passengers about their staff; they are their best attribute. ENTERTAINMENT-Just like Branson, Missouri: kareoke, acrobats, amateur singing, staff skits. Not our cup of tea--but afternoon tea was. Lisa and 'Hollywood' reminded me of what the Akron, Ohio morning show would be like. SPA-We didn't use; no time, and the mani/pedi sale price was $79; not a sale to me. ACTIVITES-Again, little time, and the balcony was our investment in relaxation and downtime. PORTS-Our favorites, in order: 1-Helsinki, a surprise of overcast skies with exuberant color handicrafts and flowers. 2-Tallinn, medieval charm. 3-St. Petersburg, a first-hand look at why there was a revolution [haves and have-nots]; forget the art in the Hermitage, the ceilings, chandeliers, inlaid flooring, furniture, gilded doors and painted walls were the world's best. 4-Stockholm, cobblestoned islands with bridges over dark blue water against a forest. National flags everywhere. 5-Oslo, the park was a sanctuary on the last day after a crowded ship and many ports with multiple ships and daytrippers. 6-Gdansk, because the travel from the ship to the city was stop-go, and the passengers on our Princess excursion (only one we took) were insensitve to the tour guide's pride of his country. RUSSIA-Lots of warnings in the Princess Patter, but the disemarkation went smoothly. We used DenRus for two days plus the Russian ballet. Our guide offered graduate-degree level explanations. She did say that companies pay more to get early time slots in popular places--that while we were in an hour-long line. DenRus is keenly aware of what their clients want--boat ride on Neva, Metro ride, city and country, history, borscht and stroganoff for lunch. High point of the trip. SHOPS-John Lawrence, fine with area narratives, advised cruisers not to buy on land but instead on onboard for amber and babuska dolls. Phooey. Don't buy until the last 'at sea' day when merchandise will be discounted. VALUE-I remember when 'fine' dining and nonalcoholic drinks were free; it feels chintzy now and is the most influential negative for my husband and me taking a Princess cruise again. I couldn't even get club soda. Iced tea came in a juice glass. OVERALL IMPRESSION-The vacation means different things to different people: casino? shopping? bar hopping? dancing? napping? You could take your pick. This particular cruise is port-intensive, a rich mix of languages, currencies, foods, and history.