ITINERARY: Roundtrip from Copenhagen to Tallinn (Estonia),
St Petersburg (Russia), Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden),
Rostock (Berlin) and Kiel (Germany).
Best port: St Petersburg
An overnight stay in Russia was the major drawcard of this
Northern Europe cruise. The opulence of the palaces and
monuments is juxtaposed with blocks of Communist-looking
housing; Neva River brims with life, from hydrofoils on the water, to
locals sunbathing on the shore.
Best shore excursion: Evening at the Hermitage
The State Hermitage Museum can be a crowded nightmare, with
long queues to see the most popular art, but Eurodam passengers
get exclusive after-hours access to this incredible gallery, with the
largest collection of paintings in the world. It’s your own night at
the museum, when all the other tourists have been kicked out.
By booking a ship’s tour, Holland America also takes care of the
Russian visas (at cheaper cost than organising it in Australia).
Best bar (night): BB King Blues Club
This is no tribute band – these guys are the real deal. Eight singers
and musicians from Memphis, belting out the blues, jamming the
dancefloor until closing. Five nights a week, this gig in the Queen’s
Lounge is so popular that it’s standing room at the back, and more
passengers sitting at the next nearest bar within earshot. By far, the
best live music of any ship I’ve sailed on. The rumour is that Holland
America Line is bringing them to Australia on one of its ships this
summer.
Best bar (day): Sea View Bar
In late afternoons after a long day in port, sit back on your deck
chair, soak up the sun, listen to the live music, while waiters bring
the drinks to you.
Best restaurant: Tamarind
How to choose between an entrée of “streetside pot stickers”
(dumplings) or a satay sampler of lamb pork, beef, chicken and
prawn? And a dessert of “mango cloud” (soufflé on sorbet) or
chocolate fortune cookie? Mains are divided into the Chinese
elements: fire (spicy dishes), water (seafood), earth (vegetarian) &
perhaps stretching the theme, wood (duck served on an oak plank).
Best quiet spot: Silk Den
Hidden away on the Observation Deck, you may have the place to
yourself during the day. In the evenings, the bar opens, but with very
few customers trekking up there, you can enjoy a cheeky cocktail in
peace. The bartender specialises in Asian-themed saké-tinis.
Best sailaway: Stockholm
Not only is this Swedish port beautiful, the passage through the
archipelago is so narrow that you won’t believe how close the ship
has to sail past the islands. Breathtaking in every way.
Passenger mix: Of the 2,022 guests, only 50 were children, and
about half were in their 50’s and 60’s. Most are American and
Canadian, with Australians the next largest contingent.
Bookings: Call 1300 987 322, see www.hollandamerica.com.au or
contact a travel agent.
