We had not cruised since my husband became ill a few years ago. Now he must dialyze, so travel is difficult. We found this cruise offered through Dialysis at Sea, and as we had not done a Baltic cruise, we thought we would give it a try.

The crew were very friendly and attentive. Likely the tone of the ship having been set by the very friendly, and very present, Captain Leo, who attended our Cruise Critic meet and greet, the first captain we have ever seen to do so!

The ship is clean, the public bathrooms are routinely attended to, and when entering the dining room or Lido buffet usually a staffer quirts hand sanitizer into your hands. Since my husband is vulnerable to infection we appreciated this touch. Unfortunately on the last formal ( smart chic or whatever they call it now) night we were already seated at a table of 8, when a woman who was very ill was seated beside me. She sniffled, coughed, and blew her nose loudly beside me and tried to talk to me, leaning toward me because she was hoarse. She was flushed and running a fever, admitted she couldn't eat, and said she only came to dinner to accompany her husband! Although we all at the table by this time had suggested that she should go and rest in her cabin, she did not leave. 48 hours later, and just before the end of the cruise ( right on cue) I became ill. One week on I am struggling with a sore throat, coughing, and feeling terrible. All this and trying not to give it to my husband. So.... Read more