We're Platinum level cruisers with Princess. Middle aged married couple. Chose this cruise mostly for it's destinations and the Regal Princess itself. 11 nights around the Baltic. On the plus side, the ports and the 3 Princess excursions we booked were great! Copenhagen, Oslo, Warnemunde/Wismar, Germany, Tallinn, Estonia, St. Petersburg (!!), Helsinki, Stockholm, back to Copenhagen. All had something to offer. Highly recommend taking 2 different Princess excursions on the 2 days in St. P. to see everything important. The more expensive 2-day combined excursion leaves out an important site. Also, avoids having to get a visa if you do a ship's excursion. As early arrivers in Copenhagen, great to be treated by Princess to an early-arriver tour of the city. Embarkation and disembarkation were both very smooth and stressless.
But, on the minus side, our cabin steward didn't seem to like either his job or us or both from the start. Also, generally, the food was not as good, the menu choices not as up to par as expected, and the main dining room service was lacking as well. Maybe we've been spoiled by the 2 cruises we took to Alaska on Princess. The scrambled eggs in the morning were inedible. Not even sure they were eggs. Lastly, the main dining dress code is either non-existent or not enforced. Smart Casual needs to be defined on the daily newsletter. Sweatshirts? Sandals? Bare midriff shirts on women too old and too overweight to wear them? Come on, people!
Overall, the ship (Regal) itself was impressive, and the talent/entertainment both in the theatre and around the ship was really, really good. But if the food, and cabin and dining service are lacking, what are we paying gratuities for?
Balcony, partially obstructed because we decided to go somewhat last minute and ship was well booked. Got a good price because of these factors. But missed having the sofa seat you might get with a higher-level cabin. Won't get obstructed view again, need full view and, unfortunately, it came with a steward who gave obstructed service as well.
Walked on our own all over the city and just let it happen. Really nice experience. A lot to see. Palace and surrounding park a highlight. Harbor area very interesting, but venture beyond...
Helsinki was a nice surprise and we were graced with fantastic weather. Did the Hop On Hop Off bus, which was great. Then spent the rest of the short time we had in the harbor area. Nice park and fun farmers market. The Reindeer platter was delicious!
Only day of rain and not enough time in this city. Did the HOHO bus and then walked through old town. Tried Swedish pastry, coffee, beer. Wish we had more time...