Always wanted to go to the Baltics, but this cruise stood out as not many go to all the Capital cities plus St Petersburg, but this one did and the ports of call certainly didn't disappoint.
St Petersburg was the stand out highlight , but Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Oslo and Tallin were also excellent stops.
Embarkation/Disembarkation was extremely smooth and easy. We went on Arcadia in her inaugaral year back in 2005 and she was a lovely ship, although I have to say now some 13 years on she is looking a little tired in some areas, mainly cabin and balconies. Public areas are ok, but nothing exciting. The entertainment in the Theatre was pretty mediocre, but some of the acts in the Lounge bars were very good. We were on Freedom dining and the food on th whole was very good without being outstanding. We ate at each of the select dining options, Sindhu was very good and The Ocean Grill provided the best starter I had on the entire cruise, but not sure that that the cover charge is worth it.
Pretty much as it was 13 years previous, we like that you get a bath with shower over, rather than just a shower. Bed very comfortable, decor uninspiring and balcony could have done with a paint and the glass on the balcony wasn't very clean
Very small, just had a walk round pleasant enough place, but only there for 4 hours.
Used Hop-on Hop-Off bus to tour around the main sites, went to the Abba Museum, very interesting and then had a decent walk round. Lovely place would like to revisit at some time
Old town was lovely, detracted a little as there was 4 ships in Port and it was literally heaving with Cruise tours , so couldn't see as much as we would have liked to, but place as picture postcard lovely.
Booked a private excursion with Alla tours and it was the best decision we made. Marvellous guide on a 2 day tour, saw pretty much everything that we wanted to in a small party (only 10 people on it) which was so much better. Subway trip, Boat trip, Hermitage, Church on the Spilled Blood, Peterhof, Faberge Museum. Brilliant tour loved everything about the place.
Used Hop-on Hop off bus to get around to see major sites , then had a walk round. Went to the Rock Church, around the harbour, Shops, Trams. Was surprised how nice Helsinki was, major bonus wasn't expecting it to be so nice.
Used Hop-on Hop-off bus to get around and see major sites, then walked around Nyhaven, went around the shops (very expensive) went on a Boat Tour and finished at the Little Mermaid. Lovely City
Used Hop-on Hop-off bus to get round major sites then had a walk round from the Station up to The Royal Palace then back around the centre and around the Akershus Fortress.