Pre-Cruise
While many opt for a brief 5-to-7-day expedition for their maiden ocean cruise, Leslee and I chose to dive headfirst into the immersive world of cruising with a riveting 13-day voyage.
We had the good fortune of sharing this sea-bound journey with the vibrant crew from St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church in Inwood, West Virginia. The group’s arrangements through NAWAS Travel ensured a flawless trip, creating an environment of shared excitement and camaraderie.
Our journey began with a pre-cruise day in London, the city’s charm elegantly encapsulated by our stay at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Kensington. We set out to explore the city’s crown jewels – the majestic Westminster Abbey, the stately Buckingham Palace, the iconic Big Ben, and the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral. Each landmark proved to be a thrilling encounter, stoking our anticipation for the grand adventure that awaited us.
As dusk fell over the city, we found ourselves eagerly tagging along with acclaimed crime historian and author, David Rumbelow. Our destination? None other than the eerie path frequented by the infamous Jack the Ripper. The haunt commenced at Tower Hill tube station, the starting point of our macabre walk into the heart of London’s darker history.
Returning to London was like stepping back into the vibrant chapters of my life when I resided there in my early 20s. The city was steeped in magic, serving as a beautiful canvas where past and present danced together. We were elated by our decision to embark on this memorable journey, and couldn’t have been happier to experience the enchantment firsthand.
Baltic Capitals Cruise
In June 2010, we embarked on a captivating 12-day voyage, aptly named the Baltic Capitals Cruise. Our adventure commenced with a pre-cruise day in the charming city of London, England. This was a voyage of firsts for us – our maiden journey with a renowned cruise line and our introductory sail on the Norwegian Sun. This magnificent vessel, built in the year 2000, boasts a gross tonnage of 78,309 and has the capacity to comfortably host up to 968 guests.
The moment we boarded the ship, a cocktail of excitement and anticipation bubbled within us. We were on the brink of discovering the alluring world of cruising, a concept both enticing and unfamiliar. We’d absorbed tales and perused photos of the seafaring life, but now, we were ready to dive into the experience ourselves, keen to figure out if it was our cup of tea.
Cruise Itinerary
Norwegian Sun
12-Day Baltic Capitals Cruise
London England (pre-cruise)
June 27, 2010 – Sunday – 9:30am arrival
Dover, England
In-Port
June 28, 2010 – Monday – 4pm departure
At Sea
the North Sea
June 29, 2010 – Tuesday
Copenhagen, Denmark
June 30, 2010 – Wednesday – 9am arrival; 6pm departure
Warnemunde, Germany
July 1, 2010 – Thursday – 7:30am arrival; 10pm departure
At Sea
the Baltic Sea
July 2, 2010 – Friday
Talinn, Estonia
July 3, 2010 – Saturday – 9am arrival; 5:30pm departure
St. Petersburg, Russia
July 4, 2010 – Sunday – 8am arrival
St. Petersburg, Russia
July 5, 2010 – Monday – 7pm departure
Helsinki, Finland
July 6, 2010 – Tuesday – 8am arrival; 5:30pm departure
Stockholm, Sweden
July 7, 2010 – Wednesday – 7am arrival; 6pm departure
At Sea
the Baltic Sea
July 8, 2010 – Thursday
At Sea
the North Sea
July 9, 2010 – Friday
Dover, England
transfer to Heathrow Airport
July 10, 2010 – Saturday – 5:30am arrival
Onboard the Norwegian Sun
Our home at sea was the Interior Stateroom 8315, nestled on the Viking Deck. We were pleasantly surprised by the room’s elegance and tranquility, and its spaciousness exceeded our expectations. However, we quickly learned that on smaller cruise liners like this one, the showers tend to be on the more compact side.
Yet, we took it in stride, reminding ourselves that we were on an extraordinary holiday, voyaging across the vast open sea towards unexplored territories.
From our initial step onto the ship, we were dazzled by the unparalleled hospitality and service. The ship’s crew radiated warmth and friendliness, and we reveled in the opulence of the onboard amenities and accommodations.
Our 13-day sojourn took us to an array of ports, but Saint Petersburg, Russia, left an indelible imprint on us. The city was a whirlwind of sights and experiences that were sometimes overwhelming but always fascinating.
The sheer beauty of the art, buildings, and people were beyond compare, and we were left in awe of our surroundings.
During our cruise, we came up with the idea of having a Ship’s tour, which we thought would be a great addition to the experience. Our amazing cruise director, Zolt, loved the idea and decided to create an impromptu comprehensive Behind the Scenes Tour of the ship and it’s spaces just for us, and at no extra charge.
Reflecting on the journey, ship tours appear to have become a staple feature of most major cruise lines, but at that moment, it felt like an exclusive treat, and one we’ll always hold dear.
Our cruise director, Zolt, became the architect of our enjoyment throughout this voyage, his efforts ensuring our time on board was nothing short of fantastic.
To show our appreciation, we decided to participate in the Newlywed Game, stepping up when Zolt was short on participants. It was an entertaining way to thank our gracious cruise director, simultaneously crafting some unforgettable memories.
Final Thoughts
Throughout our two-week journey, we had the pleasure of sharing a fantastic vacation with the parishioners of St. Leo’s, and we also had the opportunity to meet and make new friends onboard the ship.
By the journey’s end, we both agreed – cruising offered the ideal blend of relaxation, exploration, and novel experiences. To anyone contemplating a cruise, we cannot recommend it highly enough.
© OceansAfoot