Other areas /
Google Ads
Cruising in the BalticWe were still unpacking when, like Jeeves, an immaculately attired man sort of shimmered into the cabin and introduced himself as Arnel, our butler for the duration of the cruise. Though quite familiar with cruise amenities, we were duly impressed. Not bad. This was obviously a very high -end ship. In addition to a walk-in closet and a private balcony, we now had our very own butler. |
 PDF VERSIONSUBSCRIBE SEND AS EMAIL 
|
|
|
| 1 2 | |
|
The ship that had welcomed us in such a classy manner - we`d been upgraded - was the Regent Seven Sea Voyager. Ahead lay a weeklong cruise in the Baltic. Unlike some cruises, this one had no sea days. Every morning we`d go ashore, ready to explore an exciting city, rich in history. From Stockholm we sailed to Tallin, Estonia, then to Saint Petersburg for a three-day stay. Subsequently there would be stops in Helsinki and Visby, Gotland, before Copenhagen, our last port of call.
In recent years, the Baltic has become one of the world`s major cruise destinations, third in popularity after the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. From late May through August, when the region is at its most attractive, with long hours of daylight and magic white nights, over a dozen cruise liners navigate these waters, shuttling between its various ports. Stretching from the British Isles through Scandinavia, and all the way to Russia, the region is also referred to as Northern European or Scandinavian. Our itinerary was pretty typical, but other destinations, such as Turku, Rostock, Riga, and Warnemü¥nde are also common. The Seven Sea Voyager proved quite delightful, if somewhat fattening. With plenty of good food - much of it Scandinavian - and free wine, one tends to overdo it a bit. Once I hesitated in my choice between Dover sole and filet mignon, and, as a result, was given both. The spaciousness of the ship was particularly appealing. Though fully booked, the Voyager never felt crowded, and, throughout the trip, only at the Captain`s party was there any serious waiting in line. The Captain, incidentally, was Norwegian, which didn`t come as a great surprise. No cruise ship, it seems, is complete without a Norwegian captain. Though most of the passengers were Americans, we ended up socializing with a couple of Australians and Philip and Jackie from the UK. Then there was Ron, an Irish architect with a predilection for spouting Yeats. At the end of the voyage the crew put on a show, based on Broadway hits. It was very entertaining. The enthusiasm, combined with not a little talent, was irrepressible, producing lengthy applause from a full house. We wanted more... to return to this floating hotel, which offers its guests great entertainment, accommodations, and that enchanting light only a Nordic summer can provide. Text & Photography: Bo Zaunders Incidental Intelligence: Each summer, the Baltic bustles with cruise ships of every description. Some cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Seabourn, Cunard, and Silversea, are particularly deluxe - or posh, to use a seafaring term. Like floating luxury hotels, they make your personal comfort their highest priority. Others, such as Discovery and Orient, are more focused on the travel experience as such, with informative lectures on the various destinations and many shore excursions. Cruise lines exploring the Baltic also include Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Coastal Voyages, Princess, Holland America, P&O, Costa Atlantica, and Oceana - all of which will indulge you with swimming pools, spas, gyms, and, to make sure you don`t lose any weight, 24/7 food and drink service. www.rssc.com www.crystalcruises.com www.seabourn.com www.cunard.com www.silversea.com www.discoverycruise.com www.orientlines.com www.celebritycruises.com www.royalcaribbean.com www.coastalvoyage.com www.princess.com www.hollandamerica.com www.pocruises.com www.costacruise.com www.oceaniacruises.co |
Other articles on Travel / Ålesund, Art Noveau City of the North From Saarinen to Lady Gaga Copenhagen Serendipity Norway in a Nutshell: A Brief Odyssey A Småland Sampler Next Stop: North Pole In Cod we trust: A Lofoten Encounter 48 hours-schedule: Icelandic Interlude Travel with children in the Nordic countries Eco-tourism and Scandinavia Kayaking on the Swedish west coast Cruising the Baltic Bornholm, Baltic Pearl No room at the Inn Ventures in Western Norway Been there, done that, seen that… SoBe, Norway In Denmark: Bathe like an emperor in the artists’ Land of light - Skagen Baltic Pearl American by birth, Scandinavian by heritage Scandinavia at a glance Going to the moon! Or Iceland Castle-hopping in Scandinavia Travel in Norway: A lofoten Encounter Travel in Denmark: No room at the Inn Icelandic Interlude
|
800 827 9333 © Copyright Nordic Reach 2008