We didn’t receive the Freestyle Daily so I had no idea, in advance, what was scheduled for today. As I walked out of the cabin to go to Reception to get a copy, I saw the cabin stewards and asked for a copy. Only morning program that I wanted to attend was the Disembarkation Talk at 10:30. Went to breakfast shortly after 10 with enough time to get to Talk. Steve went back to cabin since it wasn’t necessary for both of us to attend. A man sitting next to me mentioned that his flight for tomorrow had been changed to an earlier one. Only reason he knew about it was a communication (email, I think) from a friend. He’s also with the Grand Circle group. I’m surprised he hadn’t been contacted by Grand Circle. Maybe he will hear from them later today. Talk was informative but nothing all that new for me. Cruise Director Pedro told the same jokes we heard on our previous cruises. They must all get the same script.
Back to the cabin. Steve contacted tenor Alberto Sanchez about getting together this afternoon. After lunch, stopped by the t-shirt sale table and bought one. (Good for me that I didn’t buy more!) Met with Alberto so Steve could share some of his music files with him, including some new English translations Steve did of Italian songs Alberto performs. Had an interesting conversation with him, with an invitation to visit us when he’s back in NY.
Picked up a copy of our bill so I could check it over for accuracy. No errors so nothing to do with it. Steve gave them our credit card info so it will be billed later.
Ate dinner with two women, one from UK and other from Australia. There are passengers on the cruise from many different countries.
Attend Crew Show which was very entertaining. I always enjoy the show, especially with some very talented crew members. After that, watched the magician do some card tricks. I was very tired so almost fell asleep, not the fault of the show at all. Last show was a performance of Spanish dancers. Many costume changes and great dancing.
Back to the cabin to pack. It was a challenge to get everything into my suitcase. I’ll have to carry my heavy fleece and rain coat, but that’s ok. All else fit in either the suitcase or my backpack. We’re planning to check our bags.
Friday, June 4, 2010
NCL Sun – June 2 – At Sea
Nice not to get up early with anything specific scheduled for the morning. Ate an orange (handy mini fridge), but decided to go to Garden Café after 10 (opened until 10:30) to get some juice. Steve got breakfast so I did, too, though very light. As we often do, I asked someone sitting at a table for four if anyone else was sitting there. (Many tables are not filled with people so sharing makes sense. Just have to ask.) She indicated there were two empty places so we sat with a woman and her husband, talking about cruising and other travel.
Back to cabin to relax and then a small lunch after 2. Wandered through the store (nothing purchased) to use up time until we went to “Afternoon at the Opera” with Alberto Sanchez. Very talented tenor (from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn) who has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Chicago Opera House, and New York Opera House.
Went to Reception to get preliminary copy of our bill (always like to check it before the end of the cruise) and asked about the shuttle from Dover to Heathrow. Seems that there will be signs on the buses indicating which shuttle we take. We’re planning to take our bags with us, not choosing to leave them outside our cabin the night before departure. I prefer that so I don’t have to plan for what I’ll need the last morning and don’t want to have to “claim” my bag from a large number of bags after leaving the ship.
On the cabin door was an envelope with luggage tags for departure and a letter about the transfer program. It mentioned something about an “orange paper” included with the envelope, but none was there. Steve said maybe it would be delivered with tomorrow’s Daily. Makes sense.
Attended the early “Encore” show, with music from a variety of musicals. Very talented performers from the Jean Ryan group. At the end of the show, the traditional “parade” of crew members came to the stage for us to applaud them for their hard work.
Went to Four Seasons restaurant for dinner for the first time on the cruise. Food was good, but in my opinion the service is better in Seven Seas.
When we returned to the cabin, the Freestyle Daily wasn’t in our room nor any towel animal. (This cruise they haven’t given us very many of them.) I called Reception to ask about the Daily and was told they were not available yet but would be delivered to the cabin later.
Back to cabin to relax and then a small lunch after 2. Wandered through the store (nothing purchased) to use up time until we went to “Afternoon at the Opera” with Alberto Sanchez. Very talented tenor (from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn) who has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Chicago Opera House, and New York Opera House.
Went to Reception to get preliminary copy of our bill (always like to check it before the end of the cruise) and asked about the shuttle from Dover to Heathrow. Seems that there will be signs on the buses indicating which shuttle we take. We’re planning to take our bags with us, not choosing to leave them outside our cabin the night before departure. I prefer that so I don’t have to plan for what I’ll need the last morning and don’t want to have to “claim” my bag from a large number of bags after leaving the ship.
On the cabin door was an envelope with luggage tags for departure and a letter about the transfer program. It mentioned something about an “orange paper” included with the envelope, but none was there. Steve said maybe it would be delivered with tomorrow’s Daily. Makes sense.
Attended the early “Encore” show, with music from a variety of musicals. Very talented performers from the Jean Ryan group. At the end of the show, the traditional “parade” of crew members came to the stage for us to applaud them for their hard work.
Went to Four Seasons restaurant for dinner for the first time on the cruise. Food was good, but in my opinion the service is better in Seven Seas.
When we returned to the cabin, the Freestyle Daily wasn’t in our room nor any towel animal. (This cruise they haven’t given us very many of them.) I called Reception to ask about the Daily and was told they were not available yet but would be delivered to the cabin later.
NCL Sun – June 1 – Stockholm, Sweden
Early breakfast and then back to cabin to get ready for day out in Stockholm. Our “Stockholm on Your Own” excursion tickets indicated that we had to meet in the Stardust Lounge at 8:30. We arrived at 8:20 as they announced we could leave, get excursion stickers (#15 for us) and go to tender departure location. Cabin cards scanned and then onto the tender for the short ride to shore. Buses were lined up nearby on Nynashamn dock so we boarded and waited for departure. Ride was less than an hour. We were dropped off in the city near a large department store. (That one did not have free toilets.) The stop for Hop On Hop Off bus was not too far away so we walked there and waited about 15 minutes for its arrival. Used discount coupon and were able to pay in Euros even though the currency is Swedish krona. We rode two stops on the Blue Line to the Vasa Museum , a recommended place to visit. Narrow road with little room for the bus to get through, but did drop us quite close to the museum. Impressive sight of the Vasa, a ship that sank August 10, 1628, in Stockholm harbor while on its maiden voyage. The wreck was salvaged 333 years later and reconstructed (95% original) for display in the museum. There are many interesting exhibits in the museum about the ship and Swedish history. We left after seeing about half of the exhibits and walked outside to check if the bus was there yet. There were many tour buses lined up along the curb so we couldn’t figure out if the bus would be able to get through. We walked down the hill and saw the bus coming so began to walk back to the stop but didn’t see the bus coming so looked back and saw that the driver was letting passengers off down there. Got on and the driver backed up to turn around and avoid having to go through all the traffic. As we rode, we didn’t hear much with the headphone sound system, but enjoyed the ride. Stopped at the place where can change to yellow line, but decided to walk across the bridge to see the outside of the Royal Palace and then walked back, intending to get back on a Blue Line bus. There was a Yellow bus there so Steve asked how long that ride would take, knowing we had less than 2 hours left of our time until we had to be at departure location. It was about an hour so we got on the bus to ride for the tour. Got off at Stop #10 and walked back to where we had to meet the Excursion bus. Stop in Pizza Hut for (free) toilet and a store to buy sandwiches and drink for lunch. Ate it while waiting with others for the bus. We rode on a comfy double decker bus back to the port. I talked with a crew member who works in the Kids Program on the ship. Interesting.
When we arrived back at the Nynashamn dock, we had to hand our passports to Swedish officials who looked at them and stamped them with the Swedish stamp. Not sure why they did this but think it might be because it’s our last port stop before arriving back in Dover.
There was a “special $10 sale” going on so we went to check it out. Very crowded as if they were giving stuff away. People pushing and acting as if they were getting such a great deal. (CHEAP watches, handbags, sunglasses, scarves, ties, jewelry) Got out of there very quickly. Crazy place!
When we arrived at Seven Seas, we were asked if we’d were willing to share a table. Yes, of course. Joined other people who were from Germany, UK, and Ft. Myers, Florida. Enjoyed our conversations.
Too late to go to early show so went back to cabin. Got camera out of safe and went to see vaudeville entertainer Richard Gauntlet. He was very funny and entertaining. Left there to go to Chocoholic Buffet at Four Seasons restaurant. We arrive about 10 minutes early but they were already open for guests. (No lines at all.) Ice sculptures but no chocolate ones. Lots of chocolate desserts but not as tasty as I wanted. Some people were piling their plates (they handed out large dinner plates) as if they never ate any desserts before. When we left there were long lines of people waiting to get in.
Back in cabin, watched a movie and went to bed later than usual, knowing I didn’t have to get up early as we will be at sea tomorrow.
When we arrived back at the Nynashamn dock, we had to hand our passports to Swedish officials who looked at them and stamped them with the Swedish stamp. Not sure why they did this but think it might be because it’s our last port stop before arriving back in Dover.
There was a “special $10 sale” going on so we went to check it out. Very crowded as if they were giving stuff away. People pushing and acting as if they were getting such a great deal. (CHEAP watches, handbags, sunglasses, scarves, ties, jewelry) Got out of there very quickly. Crazy place!
When we arrived at Seven Seas, we were asked if we’d were willing to share a table. Yes, of course. Joined other people who were from Germany, UK, and Ft. Myers, Florida. Enjoyed our conversations.
Too late to go to early show so went back to cabin. Got camera out of safe and went to see vaudeville entertainer Richard Gauntlet. He was very funny and entertaining. Left there to go to Chocoholic Buffet at Four Seasons restaurant. We arrive about 10 minutes early but they were already open for guests. (No lines at all.) Ice sculptures but no chocolate ones. Lots of chocolate desserts but not as tasty as I wanted. Some people were piling their plates (they handed out large dinner plates) as if they never ate any desserts before. When we left there were long lines of people waiting to get in.
Back in cabin, watched a movie and went to bed later than usual, knowing I didn’t have to get up early as we will be at sea tomorrow.
NCL Sun – May 31 – Helsinki, Finland
After breakfast, we organized for our day in Helsinki. Never totally sure about the temperature and whether or not it will rain so I took my umbrella and wore light fleece with long light jacket (with hood) that’s good if it’s windy or rains. Wore a hat for sun. As we left the ship, it felt warm so I put the fleece in my small backpack with most items from my pockets. We took the #16 bus from the port to the city center and looked for the Hop On Hop Off bus and found Stop #1 at Senate Square. (Used our discount coupons that we had from the Copenhagen bus.) Realized then that we could have ridden on it right from the port stop, but hadn’t known at the time because it was a different bus company logo. Oh, well. Rode to a stop and walked uphill to the Temppeliaukio Church, carved out of solid rock. The acoustics were amazing as we heard a pianist performing. After taking lots of pics and video, we walked downhill to find the next bus stop. Continued the tour as we listened to information about points of interest and some Helsinki history. Stopped back at Senate Square and walked to nearby City Hall to use their very clean FREE toilets. Strolled through the large market nearby, buying a few items. Time to head back to Senate Square to catch next bus back to the dock.
Hungry when we arrived back so ordered room service. (No food while we were out.) Went to early show to see talented musician Andy Buenger. He plays the marimba, Romanian panpipes, Hawaiian steel guitar, drums, saxophone, and trumpet. The NCL musicians performed with him. We left the performance as soon as he was done and headed to Dazzles so we could be there to listen to Bob Arno’s session “Thoughts & Theory on Thwarting Thieves,” that was well attended. Nothing new for us but a confirmation that we are not easy targets for thieves.
Earlier bedtime than usual because we are supposed to be ready to go ashore about 8:30 for the ride to Stockholm tomorrow morning.
Hungry when we arrived back so ordered room service. (No food while we were out.) Went to early show to see talented musician Andy Buenger. He plays the marimba, Romanian panpipes, Hawaiian steel guitar, drums, saxophone, and trumpet. The NCL musicians performed with him. We left the performance as soon as he was done and headed to Dazzles so we could be there to listen to Bob Arno’s session “Thoughts & Theory on Thwarting Thieves,” that was well attended. Nothing new for us but a confirmation that we are not easy targets for thieves.
Earlier bedtime than usual because we are supposed to be ready to go ashore about 8:30 for the ride to Stockholm tomorrow morning.
NCL Sun – May 30 – More Time in St Petersburg, Russia
Very tired after yesterday, so not an early start. Steve promised me we would take a taxi and not walk the long distance to the Metro. While he was checking prices at the taxi dispatch stand, Marcus (from Helsinki, who was on the other ship at the port) suggested we share the taxi. Great idea. We all took it to the other end of Vasilyevskiy Island and arranged for the driver to pick us up there at 4:30. That way we knew exactly how much it would cost. Steve and I spent our time visiting places we had never seen. The first place was Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, the first Russian museum with exhibits including Cultures of Peoples of the World and the First Scientific Collections of Kunstkamera (Cabinet of Curiosities). There was one room that housed deformed fetuses and infant skeletons and heads in jars, preserved since the early 18th century. Our next visit was to the Menshikov Palace, an interesting home of Prince Alexander Menshikov, Peter the Great’s closest friend and associate, restored to look much like it did nearly 300 years ago, filled with actual furniture, art, and artifacts from when Menshikov and his family lived there.
Walked back to our meeting location to wait for Marcus and the taxi driver. Ride back to the ship and to the boat to relax a little before dinner. When we went the restaurant, there was no wait so we went right in and were seated in same window area as other nights. Good dinner and friendly, professional service. Back to cabin but decided to leave because the room service people were nearing our room to do their night work. Up to Deck 11 to watch as the ship left port and then to the Observation Lounge to wait for the special Russian Bazaar. I checked it out a little but decided to leave the crowds that were trying to get some deals (not many that I saw). Checked out the amber sale in at Columbian Emeralds (nothing I wanted) and a quick walk through the other shop (nothing we wanted) and back to the cabin for the night. Watched “My Life in Ruins,” very funny movie about a tour guide in Greece. Movies are available on the cabin TV.
Tomorrow… Helsinki.
Walked back to our meeting location to wait for Marcus and the taxi driver. Ride back to the ship and to the boat to relax a little before dinner. When we went the restaurant, there was no wait so we went right in and were seated in same window area as other nights. Good dinner and friendly, professional service. Back to cabin but decided to leave because the room service people were nearing our room to do their night work. Up to Deck 11 to watch as the ship left port and then to the Observation Lounge to wait for the special Russian Bazaar. I checked it out a little but decided to leave the crowds that were trying to get some deals (not many that I saw). Checked out the amber sale in at Columbian Emeralds (nothing I wanted) and a quick walk through the other shop (nothing we wanted) and back to the cabin for the night. Watched “My Life in Ruins,” very funny movie about a tour guide in Greece. Movies are available on the cabin TV.
Tomorrow… Helsinki.
NCL Sun – May 29 – First Day in St Petersburg, Russia
We decided not to leave the ship early because many tour passengers would be going through Passport Control and it would take a LONG time. We asked the NCL rep who was assisting everyone before going through Passport Control if there was an ATM in the building. She said she had no idea. Also asked her if there was a Metro station nearby. Not surprisingly, she didn’t know that either. Not sure if she knew anything other than how to tell people how to go through the PC section. Passport Control was simple and quick. I had heard that it would be difficult when using a Russian visa; no problem at all.
As we walked into the other area of the building, we saw souvenir booths, a taxi stand, ATMs, and a tourist information counter. Picked up maps and talked with the two people working at the TI counter. Steve asked about getting to the Metro and we were told it would take 15 minutes to walk. As we left the building, the sun was shining in a clear blue sky, and it was getting warm enough to remove our sweaters and light windbreakers; nothing in the weather we saw suggested we needed an umbrella or even the usual rain-resistant shell we usually wear.
We began our walk from the “edge of nowhere” in this unfinished new cruise ship terminal (it’s not even on most of the maps!), not knowing exactly where we should be going. I convinced Steve to ask someone for directions, but that person didn’t speak English. He pointed in a direction so we walked that way and walked and walked until we reached a wide main street. Asked another person who told us to go left and eventually we arrived at the Metro station, after a 55-minute walk; by not turning left and going to the canal the TI guy mentioned, we were actually heading away from the metro and had to go three times the proper distance! Not fun, but not the worst.
Bought Metro tokens (44 rubles round trip, approximately $1.50) and took the LONG escalator down. We were at the first stop of the line and had to go only 2 stops to get to Nevsky Prospekt, the main street in town. As we walked out of the station, we saw there were no vehicles on the street but instead MANY people were walking in both directions and there were many entertainment stages set up. All of this was to celebrate an International Festival at St. Petersburg’s 307th anniversary of founding by Peter the Great. We spent time in the huge plaza behind the Hermitage, the main stage area for many entertainment groups. Suddenly, it started to rain a bit. Some people opened their umbrellas while the rest of us just walked in it and at times stood along the wall where it was drier. We walked back to Nevsky Prospekt and stopped in a Subway for a sandwich. Interesting menu including salmon and other items that we don’t see at home. Prices were based on what was on the sandwich. Another difference was that the full-length subs at 30 cm were a bit shorter than our footlongs.
By the time we went outside, it had stopped raining so we walked down the street. Steve noticed Bob Arno and his wife so we stopped to talk to them. Earlier we had checked out boat cruises and knew there was an English-speaking one at 4 PM so went to see if we could get on. It was interesting as the guided tour went from the canal out into the Neva River as we saw many building from a new perspective. It was windy and cold, but we had blankets they provided. Some drizzling but not too bad. When the boat cruise was done, we walked to the same store, Onegin, we had visited two years ago when we were in St. Petersburg. I remembered they had a great selection of amber jewelry at reasonable prices. A salesperson assisted me and wasn’t the hovering kind but very nice and helpful. We had some vodka and tea (complimentary) and used the very clean toilets. (Nice after the not so clean porta-potties in Hermitage Square.)
We were getting tired so went back to the Nevsky Metro station to take the train to the same Metro station closest to the port. We planned to take a taxi back to the port but knew the walk wouldn’t be as long as earlier since we saw the better route along the canal. Sunny and some clouds as we began our walk. It started to RAIN and we were nowhere near a place to get a taxi so just kept walking as it rained HARDER and HARDER. Kept going, wondering if anyone would stop to offer a ride. Not the case as we neared the first building on the port. Stopped inside for a moment. Steve suggested it might slow down but I was concerned it would get even worse and the lightning and thunder was getting close so we walked through the water and finally arrived at the security building DRIPPING WET. When we walked on the boat, I wondered if we would drip our way onto the elevator. Arrived in our cabin and stripped off everything, trying to figure out where we could hang everything so it could dry. Wet papers spread out on the floor and inserts/laces removed from the soaked shoes. Changed into dry clothes and went to have dinner. When we arrived there, we mentioned how wet we had been and the staff said they had seen us walking through the puddles. We all laughed about it. Just part of the adventure of travel.
As we walked into the other area of the building, we saw souvenir booths, a taxi stand, ATMs, and a tourist information counter. Picked up maps and talked with the two people working at the TI counter. Steve asked about getting to the Metro and we were told it would take 15 minutes to walk. As we left the building, the sun was shining in a clear blue sky, and it was getting warm enough to remove our sweaters and light windbreakers; nothing in the weather we saw suggested we needed an umbrella or even the usual rain-resistant shell we usually wear.
We began our walk from the “edge of nowhere” in this unfinished new cruise ship terminal (it’s not even on most of the maps!), not knowing exactly where we should be going. I convinced Steve to ask someone for directions, but that person didn’t speak English. He pointed in a direction so we walked that way and walked and walked until we reached a wide main street. Asked another person who told us to go left and eventually we arrived at the Metro station, after a 55-minute walk; by not turning left and going to the canal the TI guy mentioned, we were actually heading away from the metro and had to go three times the proper distance! Not fun, but not the worst.
Bought Metro tokens (44 rubles round trip, approximately $1.50) and took the LONG escalator down. We were at the first stop of the line and had to go only 2 stops to get to Nevsky Prospekt, the main street in town. As we walked out of the station, we saw there were no vehicles on the street but instead MANY people were walking in both directions and there were many entertainment stages set up. All of this was to celebrate an International Festival at St. Petersburg’s 307th anniversary of founding by Peter the Great. We spent time in the huge plaza behind the Hermitage, the main stage area for many entertainment groups. Suddenly, it started to rain a bit. Some people opened their umbrellas while the rest of us just walked in it and at times stood along the wall where it was drier. We walked back to Nevsky Prospekt and stopped in a Subway for a sandwich. Interesting menu including salmon and other items that we don’t see at home. Prices were based on what was on the sandwich. Another difference was that the full-length subs at 30 cm were a bit shorter than our footlongs.
By the time we went outside, it had stopped raining so we walked down the street. Steve noticed Bob Arno and his wife so we stopped to talk to them. Earlier we had checked out boat cruises and knew there was an English-speaking one at 4 PM so went to see if we could get on. It was interesting as the guided tour went from the canal out into the Neva River as we saw many building from a new perspective. It was windy and cold, but we had blankets they provided. Some drizzling but not too bad. When the boat cruise was done, we walked to the same store, Onegin, we had visited two years ago when we were in St. Petersburg. I remembered they had a great selection of amber jewelry at reasonable prices. A salesperson assisted me and wasn’t the hovering kind but very nice and helpful. We had some vodka and tea (complimentary) and used the very clean toilets. (Nice after the not so clean porta-potties in Hermitage Square.)
We were getting tired so went back to the Nevsky Metro station to take the train to the same Metro station closest to the port. We planned to take a taxi back to the port but knew the walk wouldn’t be as long as earlier since we saw the better route along the canal. Sunny and some clouds as we began our walk. It started to RAIN and we were nowhere near a place to get a taxi so just kept walking as it rained HARDER and HARDER. Kept going, wondering if anyone would stop to offer a ride. Not the case as we neared the first building on the port. Stopped inside for a moment. Steve suggested it might slow down but I was concerned it would get even worse and the lightning and thunder was getting close so we walked through the water and finally arrived at the security building DRIPPING WET. When we walked on the boat, I wondered if we would drip our way onto the elevator. Arrived in our cabin and stripped off everything, trying to figure out where we could hang everything so it could dry. Wet papers spread out on the floor and inserts/laces removed from the soaked shoes. Changed into dry clothes and went to have dinner. When we arrived there, we mentioned how wet we had been and the staff said they had seen us walking through the puddles. We all laughed about it. Just part of the adventure of travel.
NCL Sun – May 28 – Visit to Tallinn, Estonia
As we exited the ship, we saw small shops near the dock. Of course, they are there for ship passengers to spend their money. Looked like they had a good variety of items but we didn’t buy anything, figuring we could do that when we returned to the ship. We planned to walk to town (about a 25-minute walk) but took the Hop On – Hop Off Sightseeing Tallinn bus. Cost was 10 Euros each for the day, with eight stops available. (Better price than another bus company.) In the morning, these buses are near where the ship docks, knowing that they will get passengers. We were not told about this on the ship probably because NCL wants passengers to use their shore excursions. We took the full ride so we could decide best places to visit. First stop for us was to see the building by the same architect as Peterhof in St. Petersburg. Saw Presidential Palace, Peter the Great’s Cottage, and Swan Lake (with swans there, of course). Not too many flowers were out yet as it’s been cold in Tallinn. We walked back to the bus stop and took the next bus to Toompea, Upper town of the Old Town. Walked into Dome Church and Russian Orthodox Church, in addition to some shops nearby. Enjoyed the panoramic view of Tallinn from Toompea Hill. After getting back on a bus, we returned to the dock area. Security was simple as we were asked to show our cabin cards only, but as they had told us, had our passports with us. Walked by the shops but didn’t buy anything. We kept seeing signs that indicated free wireless hot spots so asked about it. Found out it was simple to use so decided we’d get the Netbook from our cabin and go back to use it. Quick stop in the cabin for a banana (hadn’t eaten lunch) and facilities, and bundled up to go back outside. Temperatures today were in the 40s so it was chilly. We found a place to sit down and I uploaded blogs from beginning of trip to May 26. No pictures as the connection was slow AND it was COLD. Didn’t want to sit outside for too long.
When we came back to the cabin, we ordered room service as no restaurants were open. Pizza, tuna melt, hot tea (used our decaf green tea bags instead of offerings delivered), and cheesecake to put in the mini fridge for later in the evening. Spoiling us with no extra charge for room service and the ease of ordering and the timely delivery.
When we came back to the cabin, we ordered room service as no restaurants were open. Pizza, tuna melt, hot tea (used our decaf green tea bags instead of offerings delivered), and cheesecake to put in the mini fridge for later in the evening. Spoiling us with no extra charge for room service and the ease of ordering and the timely delivery.
NCL Sun – May 27 – At Sea Headed to Estonia
Calm seas as we journeyed to Estonia from Germany. We didn’t get up too early, but Garden Café was busy since many other people probably had same idea. I left Steve finishing his breakfast as I took elevator to a morning presentation about Amber & Diamonds of Russia. Informative program. Afterwards, stopped in the shop to buy something for Benjamin. (I hope he likes it.) Back to cabin to relax for a while. Took a walk around the deck and then ate a small lunch in Garden Café and then went to afternoon presentations about Russian Arts & Crafts and Port & Shopping Talk (for St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm). At the presentations, we were told that there will be a Russian Bazaar after we leave St. Petersburg. Most passengers don’t have visas so will have limited time, if any, to buy much when we are docked. The shop onboard plans to bring on many items so purchases can be made. They can’t sell anything onboard until we leave, a port regulation. There’s supposed to be music (maybe other entertainment, too) with Matrushka dolls, lacquer boxes, Russian Easter eggs, t-shirts and other items. Not planning to buy anything, but might.
Went to get into line for dinner at Seven Seas and it was a confusing mess. They had a photo station set up that limited the space for the dinner line. People just walked ahead of the line as if it didn’t exist. Fortunately, there was a lot of room in the restaurant. Main difference we noticed from other nights was that the service and food was much slower. Food was good as before. We walked upstairs to the Stardust to watch Jean Dark, the magician. He and his female partner were entertaining. After a short stop in our cabin, went to the Observation Lounge to listen to Irish flutist Jonathan Johnston. Very impressive instrumentalist. He played “Ashokan Farewell,” but didn’t mention much info about it, believing the composer was from Virginia, so after the show Steve told him about the composer being from upstate NY and that it was written for Ken Burns’s Civil War series.
Back to the cabin on a bright, pleasant evening.
Went to get into line for dinner at Seven Seas and it was a confusing mess. They had a photo station set up that limited the space for the dinner line. People just walked ahead of the line as if it didn’t exist. Fortunately, there was a lot of room in the restaurant. Main difference we noticed from other nights was that the service and food was much slower. Food was good as before. We walked upstairs to the Stardust to watch Jean Dark, the magician. He and his female partner were entertaining. After a short stop in our cabin, went to the Observation Lounge to listen to Irish flutist Jonathan Johnston. Very impressive instrumentalist. He played “Ashokan Farewell,” but didn’t mention much info about it, believing the composer was from Virginia, so after the show Steve told him about the composer being from upstate NY and that it was written for Ken Burns’s Civil War series.
Back to the cabin on a bright, pleasant evening.
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