👀Another Blast from the Past - Serenade Baltics August 19, 2018🚢

[John&LaLa]

Time to say goodbye to the doggies and see what else is here

 

 

I did the kiddie slide

 

Rode a reindeer

 

On the look out for St Nick

 

He's a little stiff and very cold, typical of Finnish men, I hear

 

Laura found another sled

These suits have the same reflective tape my oil field coverall did

 

Another stop at the bar

Flash off to capture the color better

 

Igloo

 

And Santa's workshop

 

Headed back to town

 

That was fun

 

Edited September 2, 2020 by John&LaLa

[John&LaLa]

On the road to the Helsinki Cathedral

 

Sorry about the reflections

 

 

 

 

 

Looks like we are here

 

Edited September 2, 2020 by John&LaLa

[John&LaLa]

Still a gorgeous morning

 

 

To many steps for me

 

Especially with no handrails

 

Panoramic mode

 

This is probably me taking the above picture😉

 

Selfie time

 

 

Finnish sculptures are more modest

 

 

Back to the bus, which is now uphill from the square

Didn't I shoot this yesterday🤔

 

 

[John&LaLa]

Headed to Church in the Rock

 

National Theater

 

Train station, Art Deco style

 

Tour guide, a woman, said this is the typical expression of all Finish men

 

 

 

 

Nice giraffes

 

I think we're here

 

Bus parked at Helsinki Art Museum

 

I'm beat, I'll have to finish in the morning.

Get it, Finnish😉

[Sea Dog]

12 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

And Santa's workshop

Anytime you can visit Santa that's a great trip. I'm a believer.

[John&LaLa]

Apologies for being behind, it seems CC was not working this morning

[John&LaLa]

Church of the Rock

Technically it's in the rock😉

 

So back in the 60's, someone decided to dig a hole in bedrock, put a giant copper skillet on top, and call it a church.

 

The result was breathtaking on the inside

 

 

 

 

This might be my favorite picture of the whole trip

 

Obligatory selfie

 

I could never capture the scale of the building with my phone

 

[John&LaLa]

We had fun outside as well

 

LOL

 

Rule Breaker

 

This guy was from the previous stop

 

 

Vintage 500, I think

 

Waiting for everyone to get back

 

Edited September 2, 2020 by John&LaLa

[crzndeb]

I just realized you were doing a belated review. It brings back memories. It was nice meeting you and LaLa up in Viking Crown Lounge, or what ever it’s called now.

The TA was really spectacular, and sorry you missed it. 
 

For those doing the B2B, we all gathered in Safari Lounge which they also used for the Diamond and above events, and were able to log out and log back in with new cards. Unfortunately, we were stuck there for about 2 hours, while they either did an inspection or deep cleaning. But every morning, they did a full blown breakfast, not just continental.

 

I spotted my friends in one of your dining pictures too. They like the MDR, but I just usually grab something at Windjammer.

 

This B2B was one I wouldn’t mind repeating. I have the Ovation booked after you next year...Singapore to Yokohama, end of Apr, and then Yokohama home to Seattle.  These are the last 2 booked I had existing....6 were cancelled.

 

Great pictures, by the way!

 

Debbie

[Goodtime Cruizin]

Did you see this guy? Our Helsinki tour started early that morning and one of the first thing we saw leaving the port was this statue. It's called Bad Bad Boy.  The story has it that is was introduced in 2014 and placed in the East harbor but eventually moved to the West Harbor in 2016. It got my attention for sure. LOL  The second image is when it was at the East Harbor which I found on the web. 

Edited September 2, 2020 by Goodtime Cruizin

[John&LaLa]

16 minutes ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

Did you see this guy? Our Helsinki tour started early that morning and one of the first thing we saw leaving the port was this statue. It's called Bad Bad Boy.  The story has it that is was introduced in 2014 and placed in the East harbor but eventually moved to the West Harbor in 2016. It got my attention for sure. LOL  The second image is when it was at the East Harbor which I found on the web. 

 

 

Honestly don't recall seeing him, or there would be a picture. I like quirky things

 

And speaking of the internet, I did find the composition of the ceiling I could't take on Wikipedia.

 

BTW, the official name of the structure is Temppeliaukio Church

Capacity is 750 people and it has fantastic acoustics

Edited September 2, 2020 by John&LaLa

[Goodtime Cruizin]

The Church of the Rock was a great stop. It's beauty is hard to describe. IMO, one has to be a visionary to imagine such things. We took sometime to enjoy a bit of shopping about a block away. It's always hard to find things you can actually pack in your luggage besides T-Shirts. But we found the grandson some finger puppets w/ a folding cardboard stage. Goodtimes!  

[John&LaLa]

3 minutes ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

The Church of the Rock was a great stop. It's beauty is hard to describe. IMO, one has to be a visionary to imagine such things. We took sometime to enjoy a bit of shopping about a block away. It's always hard to find things you can actually pack in your luggage besides T-Shirts. But we found the grandson some finger puppets w/ a folding cardboard stage. Goodtimes!  

 

We got a few Christmas ornaments and a stuffed Husky to commemorate Laura's sled ride

[Nami]

Thank you for this review. I love it. I should be right now on the newly renovated Allure somewhere in the Mediterranean, but instead of that I’m entertaining myself with your cruise near me (I live in Finland).

 

On 8/31/2020 at 6:28 AM, John&LaLa said:

A couple of ferries. These things load and unload quick, just a few hours to turn around

Lots of shoppers from both Sweden and Finland from what I understand

 

 

These ferries, which are operating by tree different company, cross the Baltic Sea between Tallinn and Helsinki about ten times a day (before Covid-19). It is only few hours trip, and the tickets are inexpensive. Almost everything cost less in Estonia than in Finland, so it’s very popular to go shopping to Tallinn. On the Ferry you can eat buffet, ala carte or drink in bars. Usually there is live music, some kind of entertainment like bingo, and a huge shop where you can buy cosmetic, candies and alcohol. Lot to do for two and half hour trip. There are basic cabins on the ferry, so you can sleep on the ferry either in Tallinn or in Helsinki harbor.

 

Main reason for us Finns to go to Tallinn, or only to ferry is cheap alcohol. It’s much cheaper in the ferry than in Finland and even cheaper in Tallinn. So it’s typical to make the trip with your own car (you can drive car to some ferries, even if you don’t go to land at all) and by as much beer, wine and liquor as you can fit to your car.

Similar ferries are operating between Stockholm and Tallinn and between Stockholm and Helsinki, but it takes more time and in Sweden alcohol is expensive.  If you ever have land vacation in Tallinn, Helsinki or Stockholm, I highly recommended this kind of a cruise. You can’t get this experience anywhere else.

 

The green one on your picture is Tallink Megastar, built in Meyer Turku, Finland.

 

 

 

15 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

Here is my best musher pose

Or maybe it was a ice walker for the in-firmed

 

 

Kicksled is in common use in Finland, especially in countryside where roads are not sanded or salted. It’s not unusual to see it on someone’s car roof rack on his way to ice fishing to frozen lake. We also have summer models with wheels, usually used by old women. I use to go to school with kicksled when I was a child. Mine was also blue.

 

Keep going, I really enjoy this threat!

 

 

[John&LaLa]

@Nami one of my favorite parts of the day was hearing about your love for the solitude of the sauna from our tour guide. Laura and I have definitely changed our pronunciation of sauna

 

Really enjoyed your country. 

Edited September 2, 2020 by John&LaLa

[John&LaLa]

Back to the ship

 

It's been a busy day, I'm actually hungry enough for this

 

 

And we're back, we have an early departure of 2pm

 

While we were getting off the bus we were informed that the ship would have lunch in the MDR starting at 1pm

That almost never happens on a port day, I guess it was related to our early departure

It was a nice touch and they had a lovely spread

 

Pushing away from the pier

 

 

 

Laura needed some wine

 

I needed a nap

[John&LaLa]

Video of the wake is a give when you have an aft balcony

[John&LaLa]

Drug the big camera out for sail away pictures

 

 

 

Sailboat?

 

Or motor boat?

 

I like to pan the birds that chase us. 

Image stabilization is key for that if you are using a long lens

This was a 70-300mm zoom

 

 

 

[Domino D]

17 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

Did I mention you can ride a dog sled

 

The dogs are crazy, they just want to run

I am a little offended on Bella's behalf.  She was left home, why you all were out with other dog's.  Not cool.  Especially when you are flaunting it with pictures and video.  (Although it does look like fun)

 

Note: I did not quote pictures out of fear that it would bring on angry comments. 

[John&LaLa]

Tonight is Formal Night, I can tell by the black tuxedo

This may become a mystery later

 

Our concierge, Mario, performed for us in the Safari Club

He's on the Bass

 

Ran upstairs to the CL looking for friends

It was windy outside

 

Vidalia onion tart, I think

 

Abandoned the premium seats upstairs to get up close with the show girls

 

Now here is the mystery, why did I change my jacket to white?

I have no idea

 

 

I love these outfits, they roll away for a quick change

They look very different from up front

The girl on the right is a little short for this costume

 

Very sparkly

 

Nachos up in Park Cafe after the show

 

This isn't good, trip is almost over

 

That's it for yesterday, hopefully I will get to our sea day tonight

[John&LaLa]

Just now, Domino D said:

I am a little offended on Bella's behalf.  She was left home, why you all were out with other dog's.  Not cool.  Especially when you are flaunting it with pictures and video.  (Although it does look like fun)

 

Note: I did not quote pictures out of fear that it would bring on angry comments. 

 

As @Ocean Boy will point out, Bella likes to stay home and be treated like a princess while we are gone😉

 

I'll see if I can come up with any proof of life pics that coincide with this trip

[Ocean Boy]

44 minutes ago, Domino D said:

I am a little offended on Bella's behalf.  She was left home, why you all were out with other dog's.  Not cool.  Especially when you are flaunting it with pictures and video.  (Although it does look like fun)

 

Note: I did not quote pictures out of fear that it would bring on angry comments. 

 

41 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

As @Ocean Boy will point out, Bella likes to stay home and be treated like a princess while we are gone😉

 

I'll see if I can come up with any proof of life pics that coincide with this trip

Bella can't wait for cruising to start up again so she can get back to her normal life and routines.

[Domino D]

3 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

As @Ocean Boy will point out, Bella likes to stay home and be treated like a princess while we are gone😉

 

I'll see if I can come up with any proof of life pics that coincide with this trip

 

3 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

Bella can't wait for cruising to start up again so she can get back to her normal life and routines.

I eagerly await your proof and will reserve final thoughts until such time.

 

The train station looked to have some interesting architecture.

The gold sign where you are sitting on the rocks (Church I assume) looked like a giant pinnacle name tag.

For a second I thought you are in a hospital bed, in that nap photo.

 

I really need a cruise, clearly.  Or at least a day off.

[John&LaLa]

39 minutes ago, Domino D said:

 

I eagerly await your proof and will reserve final thoughts until such time.

 

The train station looked to have some interesting architecture.

The gold sign where you are sitting on the rocks (Church I assume) looked like a giant pinnacle name tag.

For a second I thought you are in a hospital bed, in that nap photo.

 

I really need a cruise, clearly.  Or at least a day off.

 

Art Devo is always pretty cool. 

I also like Mid-century.  Almost bought a Mid-century home in Atlanta. 

 

The nap was on a balcony lounger

 

[John&LaLa]

August 25, 2018 - Day 7 - At Sea

Our final day on Serenade

Not much going on, had a bridge tour at 9am

I've done this tour more than any other, not sure why, but I almost always go if I can

 

Flags they fly in port are always cool, I see Estonia

 

Looking Nauti

 

Looking at the deep balconies on Deck 7. 

I don't think I'd like that short wall on the end

 

Pinnacle Lunch is usually today. This is all I have, must be the dessert

I'm sure it was lovely

 

Wake view during packing most likely

 

Wake view after dinner, several ships on the horizon

 

Cruise Director from the show last night

 

Still not sure why I changed jackets last night, but I did find this in the same folder as above

Maybe Laura looked better in white

Drinks are probably from the Casino. Newcastle and Midori Lemonade if I had to guess

 

That's pretty much it from the ship

Tomorrow we do the HOHO, stay at Bethel, and enjoy Nyhaven

Goodnight