Crusing the North and Baltic Seas.... Klaipeda, Riga and Tallinn

Side note: I am reading Daniel Silva's new book,The English Girl--the characters travel to Dover, Copenhagen and St. Petersburg, all on our itinerary -- good timing -- and an adventurous read, as always.

Klaipeda:  Visited Klaipeda and Palanga, Lithuania today. Bus drove out of town about 40 minutes to the Palanga Estate, which has an Amber Museum, acres and acres of parkland and a beach. Gorgeous, long beach it has along the Baltic coast.... After touring, we had wine tasting on the ship -- amidst heavy seas...walking the halls afterwards was just like walking after having had way way too many!!! Too funny. Riga tomorrow.

Riga:  Scratched from the itinerary just an hour before we were to go ashore...high seas and 75 MPH wind gusts at the port. So, another day at sea. And another formal night (sigh). Will catch up on all those kindle book samples that piled up... Tomorrow, Tallinn.

Tallinn--lovely, touristy and fun! Restored old town--took lots of photos--quirky store entryways--beautiful buildings. The main Town Square presented local dances and music and had a busy tourist market (reminded me of Salamanca Square in Hobart, which I love). Amber shopping is a theme in these past two ports--amber jewelry designs here are much better than in Klaipeda, but also priced accordingly. Linens (clothes and tea towels, etc) and colorful wool sweaters were also on display everywhere. Too bad we didn't have more time to explore.... May just have to return.... St. Petersburg tomorrow -- have always wanted to go to the Hermitage!

 
Photos of Klaipeda and Tallinn (click on this line)

Cruising the North and Baltic Seas.... Dover and Copenhagen

Dover (and Harwich):  Am cruising the North Sea, along the coast of Denmark.  Had a great flight to London (all 3 seats to myself and an incredible view of central London before landing at 7am) -- then boarded the ship's transfer bus, which drove us two hours through the gorgeous countryside (one of those rare clear, warm summer days) to...Harwich. The Ocean Princess is nowhere to be seen...we're at the wrong port! Two and a half scenic hours later, arrived in Dover and boarded the ship. Beautiful view of  Dover's White Cliffs on our way out to the North Sea. For the errant bus ride, received $59 credit -- can't figure out why it wasn't $60--turns out it was the cost of the airport transfer.  Tomorrow, Copenhagen -- 1st time there. 
 

Copenhagen:  Copenhagen was great--a gorgeous, warm, cloudless afternoon-- perfect for walking to museums/palaces/streets. Had tea at Perch's--yummy scones for me, and sandwiches for mom. Before returning to the ship,we had a glass of wine at L'Angleterre and people-watched. Have to return as didn't have time to see everything! (hint, Colin) Took lots of photos and will take many more.... Now cruising the Baltic Sea -- headed to Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Photos of Dover and Copenhagen (click on this line)