A day at sea

This is the first time we have ever gone on a cruise (although everyone else on the boat seems to be seasoned 'cruisers'), and so far we are really enjoying the experience. The boat has about 400 guests and at 650 feet long it is not too large compared to some of the other cruise liners. It has 10 levels, a small swimming pool, whirlpools, a spa with saunas and steam rooms and a very good gym which is essential as the food is so good we really need that gym! The staff cannot do enough for you and your every wish is granted (within reason!) What has surprised us the most is that it is not crowded and you can always find a quiet space without too many people around, and there is no queue for the restaurants or that early morning rush to book a lounger as is common at most beach holiday resorts.

This morning Gavin and I were up early and saw the remnants of the sunrise, and then after putting in a load of washing in the complimentary washing machine, we went to the gym. After a very good breakfast we then spent most of the day lazing on a lounger around the pool. Being a Baltic cruise we were not expecting warm weather, and today the forecast was for cloudy skies, but it has been sunny all day. The wind can be cool but there is always a secluded spot to avoid the wind.

After lunch we went to a lecture by the Head of Archaeology at Glasgow University on St Petersburg, which was so interesting and informative. Today has been a day at sea, and early tomorrow morning we arrive in Tallinn (Estonia) where we will spend time exploring the city before sailing overnight again to St Petersburg.

This is the view of the swimming pool where the staff keep offering free drinks and fruit smoothies. I can see why people enjoy this type of holiday, I can get used to this! I have added an extra of the sunset last night - we see the most lovely sunsets very late at night. We have just missed the white nights in St Petersburg where the sun does not set at all, but the days in this region are all very long during mid summer.

After supper tonight there is entertainment by a comedian and then dancing to a band - which the boys find very funny as most guests are 'of a certain age' and they have never seen dancing like that before!

There is no 3G coverage away from land and the wifi is very expensive, but Gavin has had to buy some hours of wifi for work, (as he has to be in constant contact with the office) so he kindly let me use this to upload my blip. However I am not able to peruse journals or comment except for a very limited time and I cannot get around to seeing all of them at the moment.