We booked this cruise a year in advance as our TA had a ‘double summer savings’ offer. We had been on a Baltic cruise 3 years ago, but decided that there was still plenty to see, especially in St Petersburg. We choose a 2C cabin, but paid for 2D, which was so 1 category upgrade for Elite passengers. It the last room off the hump and close to the lifts and the iLounge. I knew that the balcony would be slightly larger and we were very lucky to be placed between a large life boat and a smaller tender. This meant that we did in fact have a downward view of the sea.

I had planned excursions carefully over the months, making sure that we saw something different in every port. Unfortunately, the Imperial Palaces excursion in St Petersburg, was cancelled in April, without explanation, but our money was refunded, so I booked an alternative, which still took us into the inside of Peterhof, but added a hydrofoil ride and a different art collection.

Boarding at 11 30am was swift ( we are Elite) but our suitcases took a long time to appear. I paid a visit to the MDR early in the afternoon, as I am Dairy Intolerant. I also took the card whichhad been placed in our room, as they were asking us to eat at 8.30 pm. I explained that I had already booked for 7 pm and that 8.30 pm was far too late for me to eat. I also asked to be with the same wait staff for the duration of the cruise, as it is much easier for me than having to explain nightly about my intolerances. Read more