cavaaller

Gangway down was at 7.30, all aboard 17:30. A port operated shuttle bus service for 10 € round trip and a HoHo bus was available at the pier. The shuttle drop off point is at Russian Culture Centre on Mere Boulevard, close to the entrance of Old Town. The shuttle is not necessary though because we dock 10 Minutes from the old town (on foot). Tallin is a beautiful city where you can stroll around the streets and will not find a single street that is not beautiful imho. We had a lot of luck with the weather: there was one heavy downpour that lasted about 20 Minutes but when it happened, we were just reaching an arch where we could take shelter. IMG_1497.MOV but after the rain had cleared, we could continue our stroll through the old town.

Today we are in beautiful beautiful Tallin:

As an amuse bouche we had some beet with a smoked eel topping: then DH went with the soup (his comment "it's a broth basically...") indicated that it was no revelation, DS and I made the better choice: we had the short ribs that tasted much like the ones we had had in Eden the day before. Really tender. I liked the Parsnip Variation, very fresh: As entrée I had the cannelloni (I did not like those actually. the veal was dry and had very little taste) DS had the Swiss chard Lasagne, which was quite good and DH had the chicken As a dessert I tried the Daniel Bouloud Vacherin - I guess at that point I was determined to not like this dinner because this dessert comes highly recommended and I did not really like it. DS had the Chocolate Napoleon, which he really raved about. All in all the dinner was my least favourite one maybe partly spoilt by the fact that it was very crowded in Luminae and of course by my poor wine choice.

When we dined in Eden the night before I had a wonderful wine – a Pinot Noir that came very close to my favourite type of wine. ( I am a very simple wine-drinker: My favourite wine is a Rioja – preferably Gran Reserva or Crianza). So when we went to Luminae yesterday, I asked the sommelier, if he could get me a glass of that wine (I even hat the name and the number written down). He came back a couple minutes later with 4 different bottles of wine. All were the same grape but hearing the description and the land of origin (California) I somehow knew, that this was going to be a bad idea because it was a whole different kind of wine than the Pinot at Eden. But the sommelier was so enthousiastic about his choice, I went with it. Well – when I tasted I had to agree, that: yes, it WAS certainly a "good" wine (very smooth and probably a wonderful choice for most connaisseurs) it just was not MY kind of wine - at all… But I did not have the heart to tell him because – of course – he would have taken the bottle away and would not have made me buy it but I had him open it in the first place and I would have felt guilty somehow… Still: Lesson learned: I will never again buy a bottle of wine that I am not at least familiar with. Sorry, that I bored you with this episode of my shortcomings – let’s get to our dinner choices:

PPS Gangway is usually on deck 2 - I have never experienced any crowds there. Right at the exit they sell bottled water (classic package) and when you come back you are (often) greeted with complimentary water/juice and even wet towels. Isn't that lovely?

PS regarding the HoHo-Busses: It seems there are two different companies CitySightSeeing and the CityTour.fi:

We came back just in time to get a burger on the retreat deck:

There we strolled the streets and visited a lovely botanical garden. Of course it started to rain but it was still a really great excursion. This is the bike station at the harbor (you cannot miss it if you just follow the street exiting the port area)

Helsinki Let me just say that the beds are extremely comfortable. I came on board with a back ache and the fact that this has resolved can certainly partly be blamed on the much better matresses. We woke up to a foggy cloudy sky but it is much warmer than it was yesterday. The gangway went down at 11:30 (with an all aboard of 19:30) and in Helsinki we had several options: Option I: Port Shuttle ($12/10€ DayPass) – tickets can be purchased at Shore Excrsions/Guest Relations and on the pier (payable in Euros). With the busses running every 15 minutes (driving time 20 Min.) and drop off next to the Market Square Eteläranta 7 - this is certainly a good option. (Last shuttle: 19) Option II PUBLIC TRANSPORT Single ticket purchasable at the machine for zones A and B (Helsinki center and outskirts) 2,80€, day ticket 8€ which entitles you to use: trams, buses, metro, Suomenlinna ferry and commuter trains in Helsinki. → More info: hsl.fi (there you can purchase your tickets upfront) → Helsinki Region journey planner: reittiopas.fi Sightseeing: A great way to experience the city is to hop on tram 2 or 3. Public ferry to Suomenlinna: The public ferry (HSL) to Suomenlinna operates all year round. Waterbuses: In summertime you can also take a water bus (JT-Line) that stops at the islands of Vallisaari and Lonna. Suomen Saaristokuljetus operates to Vallisaari and Isosaari as well as to Korkeasaari. Option III: HoHo Bus ($30) Access right at the cruise terminal option to ride on the top (open deck = less risk) tickets can be purchased upfront for $30. Option IV Bike rental (our choice) At hsl.fi/en/citybikes I registered an account upfront and bought a daypass for 3 bikes: Instructions and faq: https://www.hsl.fi/en/citybikes/helsinki/instructions The next bike station is about 400 m from the ship: It was so easy and so convenient. We rented our bikes there (we just had to input the 7digit number that was displayed while I registered my account) and the pin number. The daypass costs 5 € per bike, you get unlimited 30 minutes rides but have to check in / return the bike after 30 minutes or you will be charged 1 E per 30 minutes which is perfectly fine. We followed the coast line to the right which led right to the city center.

At 16°° we left Riga for Helsinki. The sea is a little more choppy than we would like but the forecast for tomorrow is somewhat promising. Tonight we had a reservation for Eden. I have read so much about Eden - how it is fine dining and that it is one of the 10 best restaurants at sea and so on. So my expectations could not have been higher. Normally that means, that I get disappointed because I just expect too much. We were greeted by a lovely hostess who guided us to our table to this view: A great start I would say. I started with the "forbidden" cocktail fruity, fresh not too sweet served in an apple glass. After the sommelier we were greeted by the waitress Lalita. She explained the different menus (2) and how we could combine everything to our liking. We knew that we do not have the stomach to cope with the taster menu (which consists of basically everything on the menu) and which could last about 2,5 h. First we were served the amuse bouche: a very interesting ceviche type starter with a banana chip on top that had an interesting spiciness about it. Interesting: Every Restaurant we have been to had the information that DH does not eat shellfish so they had a special amuse bouche prepared for him (I tasted it it was maybe even better than ours :-)) I think it is so convenient that you do not have to explain yourself every time. Then we chose 4 apps to share: The Mulligatawny Soup (wonderful presentation, with every bite you had a new spice popping up) it was hot and light, spicy and soft, creamy and firm at the same time then we had the Bazaar Bowl- very fresh taste with all kind of different spices and a very nice naan to accompany then the beef tandori style (it melted in the mouth, maybe the best of all the appetizers) and the sheep milk gnocchi they were tasty as well but not as wonderful as the other apps. After finishing the appetizer, I was not hungry anymore but then Lalita brought out the main dishes: a very good filet mignon, tender and sweet with a perfect red wine reduction (best part in my eyes) and for DS the Chicken with a perfect crust and all juice It was THE perfect meal! Of course we had to sample the desserts: Strawberry Dessert for DS Lemon Meyer Tart for me and Azteco Chocolate Pie for DH It was a perfect meal in a perfect atmosphere. Really lovely.

For lunch I wanted to grab some sandwiches at LeGrandBistrot but I was a little too early (they open at 12). Instead we ordered room service (Club sandwiches) which were tasty

Another Mercedes Sprinter just dropped off guests

Some people say there is no bad weather just bad clothing. I am not one of those people. The rain just won’t stop. So we tried to see if people are walking off independantly. It does not seem like it. We witnessed an SUV though (probably an independant tour? Unfortunately the action happens on the other side of the ship - away from our balcony) On these pics you see the port entrance. It does not seem to be heavily protected but as said, we did not see anybody walk. the three persons at the border where port workrs, they continued their way into a port building the blue bus is a shuttle bus. Due to the weather it was not heavily used. Another pic of the port entrance/exit. If you were able to leave the area a bolt taxi would certainly be able to meet you there. Maybe we will get an answer to that question from the concierge or from a fellow cruiser. I will keep you updated.

Taxis are not allowed to enter the port area so you have to take the provided shuttle first (see “transportation”) A taxi would have been my choice of course, I even downloaded the bolt app (like uber) but as reported by previous cruisers on the voyager ots that does not seem to be an option. I will check later, if I can see any “walk offs”

So tomorrow we will dock in Riga. Unfortunately our ship is 6 meters too long so it cannot dock near the centre but will be docking in the industrial harbor 30 Minutes away. The Port provides a free shuttle running every 15 Minutes (it will take 30 Minutes to get to the Riga Castle → drop off). We have had very bad experiences with shuttles during the pandemic: The last time we took a cruise shuttle, we had to wait for 45 Minutes in a tunnel with hundreds of people. They were all wearing masks but we are still pretty sure that this is where we caught covid. This is also the reason why we are so paranoid - avoiding people, wearing masks all the time. We had a beautiful cruise in a beautiful suite cut short right after it started - and we had to quarantine and were not allowed to leave the country before we tested positive. Compared to what goes on in the world right now it was a first world problem / not a problem at all really - but right then for us it was a horrible experience. It almost made me cancel the celebrity cruise. I am glad I did not but I cannot shake the fear and I certainly will NOT be boarding any shuttle tomorrow. Riga is beautiful - I am sad that I am going to miss it. If the weather forecast were any better I would have asked the concierge if a private transport could be arranged (paid of course) but given that it will rain pretty much the whole day, I guess we will just call it another sea day. So this is where you can see where your ship docks. KRS means Krievu Sala (industrial harbor) MKS is in the town. (This is the page for "Ships in Port") This is a map with the sights of Riga (© tourist information). You see the drop off point (Riga Castle south of the city) Krievu Sala is not on the map.

Tonight we had our first dinner in Luminae The menu: We had an amuse bouche (cauliflower cream with salmon) chicken salad (had a wonderful dressing), was a lot for an app though! lamb balls (loved the yoghurt sauce) duck breast (very tender and a really interesting - fruity sauce) and Spaghetti Carbonara (creamy, interesting, really good) with fresh parmesan and a poached egg - totally different from what we are used to but excellent. I enjoy Spanish wines and they have a really nice Crianza that accompanied the dishes perfectly IMHO. (The glass never runs empty - the service is 100 % attentive!) I can always eat dessert so I had a baileys on ice with the caramel ganache DH and son took the apple tarte tatin- the presentation was somewhat surprising (it not really being a tarte) - but it was very tasty with a slight hint of cinnamon - the vanilla ice cream was great aswell. As a conclusion to this dinner let me ask you this question: Who would want to dine in a specialty restaurant, when they have access to luminae? Until now, the best meals we had were in luminae! Of course, we will try Eden and Raw but I am not holding my breath! I have to say: not only the food is fabulous but also the staff is just wonderful. I love it! (I did have another reservation for the steakhouse"fine cut" but I am really thinking of cancelling this one!).

Today’s daily paper: TOP ENTERTAINMENT.pdf

So we had a time-zone change tonight (+1h) and made it to Luminae for breakfast for the first time. Although it is a sea day (Warnemünde → Riga) Luminae was not crowded at all. We had a lovely table with a beautiful view of the ocean. I love how almost every venue we have been to has unobstructed ocean views. I mentioned that we have sailed within the MSC Yacht Club many times - my favorite ship class the Fantasia-Class has a really lovely Restaurant for the Yacht Club guests but the view is less than attractive: the windows lead to the aft pool so you see people sunbathing etc.... sometimes not really the view you expect/want while enjoying an upscale meal. Here in Luminae, nothing separates you from the ocean, I love that. Same in the retreat lounge: you either sit outside on the sheltered terrasse or on the starboard side with the large floor to sealing windows with sea-view. I have not yet seen the lounge crowded either. But I wanted to tell you about the breakfast: It was like a (good) show: First we were greeted and served by the coffee-person secondly came the juice (orange/grapefruit/apple I think) then our waiter introduced himself and handed us the menus. He indicated that if there was anything we wanted - not on the menu - to go ahead and ask him. I gave the eggs Benedict another try - it was perfect! I was able to chose toppings (none) and even how I wanted the egg done (medium rare 😉 ). DH chose waffels and an omelette - again ingredients and toppings could be altered. Then came the croissant-person. The most beautiful danish and pains au chocolate and croissants, it was really hard to chose. While we ate our croissants the coffee/juice-persons came back every 2 Minutes to see if there was anything else we needed, the hostess and another supervisor came around asking how our days had been so far, if there was anything they could do for us etc. I don't think I have ever experienced such an attentive service. After breakfast we went to see if the shops carried the perfume that my DD is aching for. But unfortunately no Tom Ford. Tom Ford is really not easy to get back at home and she was hoping that on an American Ship we would be lucky. But alas... They do have the brand of her second choice but not the right one. So we have to look for other ways to spend our OBC (first world problems)... I was hoping to buy a new Iphone/Ipad but they don't seem to sell them (or any apple products) on board? I will have to ask the concierge. We wandered the decks a little and every time we do, we find new corners that are aw-inspiring. The ship's design is so playful and yet sophisticated. So many corners where you can have a private moment, so many places where you can sit with friends or family - and you always seem to discover new details...there are places (like the Roof Top) where you can hardly tell you are on a ship (it feels more like a parc) [although I do NOT like the giant TV displaying those silly red bull (?) videos all the time, it does not really belong there IMHO] The sea is calm - hardly any wind, our balcony is lovely - I am so grateful for every second I can spend on this incredible ship.

So we really like to have our dinner in a not crowded space. Tonight, the dinner could not have been more perfect: We went to the Roof Top Garden Grille and were litterally the only guests in the restaurant. We always dine as early as possible and today most of the guests are on long shore excursions to Berlin which left the ship almost empty. The weather was lovely, it was not very windy and warm enough and the meal and the service were great. It was a lovely evening. We shared some apps: smoked chicken wings braised short ribs and the sliders (we did not order these but our waiter insisted, that this was a very good appetizer - it really was) for entrées we had the ***** Burger , a ribeye steak and a filet mignon I was looking forward to the Cookie desert having read so much about it and ... it lived up to my expectation.

I wanted to erase some of the irrelevant pictures but CC would not let me edit

your wish is my command 🙂 So if you enter the retreat sundeck on the starboard side this is what you will see up to the pool area: Starboard side: view from alley to the retreat bar (in your back) to the solarium (aft) Starboard side to the right you see the stairs leading to the retreat lounge outside seating area this is the alley where the Edge Villas 106-102 exit (upper level) Pool Area starboard: view from stern to bar: the bar the retreat that I got on the way: the alley that leads from the bar to the solarium on the port side: This is the little gangway leading to the edge villa corridor (even) view from the staircase to the retreat lounge: the self-serve bar: the buffet: in the back you see the (secret) door to the edge villa corridor (even suites) the outdoor seating area port side: fridge I could not take pictures of the starboard side because there were a lot of guests that I did not want to disturb. this is the port side corridor for the edge villas: Entrance Spa entrance corridor EV port side Coming down the stairs to deck 12 entrance lumina to the right our corridor to the left extremely convenient to get from the suite to luminae.

Unfortunately the weather did not get any better so the pictures I took look a little sad. Exiting the ship you turn right and follow the "Centrum" signs which lead you right through the train station and into the city center. Some shops were open even though it is Sunday. Continuing to the right you find the beach promenade (I drew our promenade in red) with beautiful holiday homes and some more or less beautiful hotels. I always admire how some people manage to cultivate their gardens. ( I have what you would call a "black thumb" in my country, meaning that every plant that I plant dies) The gardens in Warnemünde are beautiful. Unfortunately it started raining so we did not want to continue our walk into the little forest. It was a very nice walk nonetheless. Back to the ship: On the ship we had lunch at Le Grand Bistrot: Ham&Cheese Sandwich (very good) Double Cheese Truffle Burger (amazing) Steak (meh)

This today's Daily Paper: see attached pdf for better quality: Celebrity.pdf

You can see how easy it is to take the S-Bahn to get to Rostock. I don't think I would dare to diy Berlin in the given time frame - I like to be on they safe side and we are in port from 7 to 22 "only". The weather is a bit cloudy right now, that is a pity, although the forecast promises sunshine for later in the day.