The Baltic Travel Forum

Has anyone any experience cruising the Baltic? We are looking at July Aug 2008, and would love to hear of others experiences and the ships they travelled on. we hope to sail and return from the UK up to St Petersbeg. many thanks

I just returned (2 days ago)from a 12 night cruise of the Baltic/Russia on Celebrity Century but have not had time to post a report or photos/tips.

The Century was fine with me and the ports including Amsterdam-Copenhagen-Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersberg, Tallinn and Klaipeda-Amsterdam.

I noted other cruiseships in ports like Regent and Silversea and Costa. I've sailed Regent before and would highly recommend it.

I hope to have some info on my pages by this weekend.

I am just curious how the Baltic ended up in the Caribbean section.

Perhaps the O.P. did not check the list of Destinations available - lots in the USA including this one in the Caribbean where her question has landed and will probably sink.
No listing at all for "our" Baltic in Northern Europe (!) but that is the one I am replying to.

Anne - we did a Baltic cruise exactly a year ago sailing from Dover aboard Fred Olsen's Black Watch. We are not regular cruisers and this was the largest ship we have sailed on with about 800 passengers. Both previous cruises were on ships carrying 300 or less.

We reserved a Junior Suite on which we got a good deal through a cruise agent and were upgraded to a Balcony Suite. So were happy with the accommodation!
I quite liked the slightly old fashioned style of furnishing and decor in the Public rooms though some people moaned and that is a lesson to be learned - avoid the constant cruise moaners.

I prefer an Open Dining plan but we were very fortunate to find a couple of a similar age, background and interests sharing our table who were great shipboard companions.

Age - I notice you were born 6 years after I was. On the whole the average age was more like mid -70's with some late 40's/50's, and much older and frail people who were well looked after by the crew.

Food was OK - even a dull meal was enlivened by the ever cheerful waiters.

Entertainment. I suppose there was something for everyone within the age group to enjoy. We enjoyed the young people who perfomed classical music, some jazz and on the one occasion we looked in on the Show we were very impressed by the standard of entertainment offered.

Onboard Lectures.
Two lecturers, both excellent in their own way.

David Roger Skeats lectured on each Port of call giving a well put together brief history and commentary on the current socio/politic/economic situation.
Dr. Charles Moseley took as his theme The Fury of the Norsemen but behind that title was a fascinating, far ranging view of the History of the Baltic Region.

Their lectures were always packed and it was as well to arrive in good time.

Their were far more activities, hobbies, classes , fun things for people to choose to do as well as a cinema.

The "ports of call",which hardly vary on the Baltic cruises, were what we went for and we were not disappointed.
The organised excursions were very well arranged and used local guides. We went in small groups so had a chance to talk with the guides who were unstinting in sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm.

I hope this helps and feel free to email for any additional, specific information.
Cheers Barbara