Wednesday, January 31, 2018

The Baltic Sea Cruise

Perhaps many people dream of cruising over the warm seas, visiting the southern islands, basking on the sun deck. Me too but unexpectedly I decided to go on the Baltic Sea cruise in December, before Christmas  when was no warm sea, no sun, the wind was blowing on a sun deck. 
I traveled by the ferry company 'Viking Line'. It's a huge vessel of 9 decks, my cabin was on a deck 6.
We sailed from Helsinki, Finland. It was already dark and not possible to take pictures. In the cabin there was a window and white waves could be seen in darkness of a night.  
Therefore, the next morning I'd been hoped to see dawn and sunny weather. Unfortunately the dawn was at half past nine and was no sun. Through the light fog I could see 'floated by' islands, buoys, lighthouses, country houses on the rocky islands.





The huge vessel sailed between the many islands along a narrow fairway. Finally we entered the bay of Stockholm, Sweden. 'Viking Line' began to moor to the pier opposite the high cliff. Cars, passengers and I went ashore and I photographed the vessel


 



 

I wanted to take a walk in Stockholm, since it was about 3 hours before sending the vessel back to Helsinki. Strolling in the narrow streets of the OLd town I saw the Great Cathedral near the Royal palace, named 'Sankt Nikolai kyrka'. Inside it was decorated for Christmas. 





Free time soon passed, I was abroad and 'Viking Line' was released from the pier at time. It was enough light time to take photos and I climbed the sun deck. Finally there was no wind. Picturesque islands with small houses, lighthouses and white waves stayed behind the stern.



It quickly began to get dark and it was time for Christmas dinner. Dinner was great, lots of fish and meat dishes, vegetables, various beverages, the dessert was delicious. Christmas cake with cranberries,  gingerbread, almond brownie, Christmas gingerbread house decorated with glaze. 






 


 


The next morning in the sea the weather was fine, partly blue sky, sun rays were seen through the clouds. The Baltic Sea was quiet and cold, at a distance on the horizon I saw a lighthouse.



 


We fast arrived to the Helsinki port. When the vessel moored I went ashore on the pier and took a photo of 'Viking line' in the port.




It was a pleasant experience on a cruise on Christmas!
 



Here is my video 'Cruise on Viking Line':



32 comments:

  1. Such a shame that the daylight hours are so short but you sound to have had a good time.

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    1. Yes, I had Sue. December days are short. I should choose the summer month :-)

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  2. Amazing trip and I truly love the nativity set.

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    1. So did I, Judy. The cathedral has been nicely decorated.

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  3. What an unusual way of having Christmas. I really liked your trip. Too bad the weather was not sunny, but it is December, you can’t have everything. Groetjes Hetty

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    1. What wise words Hetty. We can't have everything. I liked the ferry, the comfortable cabin, the restaurant, the sea - it was quiet.

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  4. Thank you for sharing your lovely Christmas cruise with us. I loved the video and all the wonderful sights you saw. What an interesting way to spend Christmas.

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    1. Yes, Peter it was an interesting experience. Glad you have seen my video, thank you!

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  5. Hope you had a wonderful trip! Best regards

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  6. Dear Nadezda,
    I think that such a trip to Scandinavia is a great idea, for me much more attracting than a Carribean tour.
    On Christmas it is a very special experience, thank you for sharing.
    With kind regards
    Katharina

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    1. I spent nice days on this cruise, although the weather was not sunny. I think any Caribbean cruise isn't worst than the Baltic sea one :-)

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  7. Hello Nadezda!
    It was a great cruise full of attractions.
    I was happy to see the pictures. I have never been to Stockholm or Helsinki. Nadeza, I like your relationship.
    Hugs and greetings.
    Lucja

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    1. Hopefully one day you can visit on a cruise the Scandinavian countries, Lucja.
      Have a nice weekend!

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  8. Bonita experiencia amiga. Nunca he hecho un crucero. Buens fotos. La 17 me encanta Nadezda se ve el mar inmenso precioso.
    Buena noche.
    Besos.

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    1. Esta foto es de la segunda mañana al mar, era tranquila y hermosa. Que bueno que te gusta el mar como a mi tambien.

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  9. Oh I have done those cruise trips to Stockholm too, many times. It was actually my first trip to abroad about 18 years ago!

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    1. Glad you have had opportunities Tistou to do these trips. I agree this is one of the most pleasant cruises.

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  10. Oi Nadezda,
    Linda paisagem.
    Bom começo de mês de fevereiro.
    Abraços.

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  11. Nadezda, what a great and interesting way to spend Christmas. Loved your video and would have expected to see snow in these parts.

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    1. There was neither snow nor ice on the water, Alistair. The weather was +3 C, no sun.
      Have a nice weekend!

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  12. Looks like a wonderful cruise. I would like to visit Stockholm some day.

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  13. I was pleased to see your cruise reportage. I like swimming with ferries and I would also like to go on a cruise. Stockholm I saw, but Helsinki, no. Certainly your trip was successful. Regards.

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  14. Nadezda-I loved your post and video of beautiful Finland. It brings back memories of when I was there in the 1980's with my mom and husband. It looked like a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas. Thank you for sharing this!

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    1. Yes, it does and I'm glad that my video has brought you pleasant memories.
      Thank you Lee.

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  15. What a nice adventure. I love the cranberries on top of the cake.

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