Culture And Comfort
The Balmoral
I boarded Fred Olsen’s ship, the Balmoral and was instantly surprised to find a bright airy, and beautifully maintained ship.
It is small by today’s standards carrying around 800 passengers. Its size means it can get to interesting ports, and can dock near the heart of the city on many occasions, as opposed to the big commercial ports that the mega cruise liners are limited to. Another bonus is that small ships are usually friendlier. You get to know other passengers and crew and enjoy a more intimate and personalised service. The disembarkation at the ports is quicker and you are off on your chosen excursion in no time.
I loved Balmoral. I had a Superior Suite which was beautifully furnished, lovely and spacious, a huge balcony with two sun beds and table and chairs. It was so comfortable and welcoming with lots of lovely little extras, like bubbly on ice when we arrived, pre dinner o’douvres each evening, and a lovely fluffy bathrobe along with comfy slippers.
The reason of my trip was to visit St Petersburg. Balmoral docked about 7km from the centre. The centre of the city is magical with historical imposing buildings. I chose the excursion ‘Peterhof’ and Hermitage’. It was a full day and I would recommend it to everyone. A vital point is that if you book the excursion with the cruise line the cost of the visa is included, which gives a huge saving. Peterhof, often referred to as ‘Russian Versailles’, was the summer residence of the Russian Monarchs. Words cannot describe the grandeur of this awesome Palace and its grounds, the opulence the magnificence of the buildings, the manicured lawns, resplendent waterfalls and palatial architecture.
I then visited the Winter Palace which also houses the Hermitage Museum. This was the main residence of the Russian Tsars and is located on the banks of the Neva River.
A Baroque style Palace which was built for the Empress Elizabeth the daughter of Peter the Great, but she died before it was completed and it was Catherine the Great and her successors who enjoyed the splendours of this Palace.
The Hermitage museum which is inside as part of the Winter Palace boasts 2.7 million pieces of art including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Monet and I could go on. It was mesmerising, and is a wonderful opportunity to see many magnificent pieces of art under one roof. It is actually said that if you spend a minute looking at each exhibit on display in the Hermitage you would need 11 years to see them all. I am glad I opted for a guided tour!!
After a long and exhilarating day I returned to the comfort of Balmoral where I enjoyed an elegant dinner, good wine, excellent company and conversation, followed by a great performance by authentic Russian singers and dancers in the Cabaret lounge.
The following morning I opted for a cruise along the waterways of St Petersburg followed by a tour of St Peter & Paul Fortress.
The River cruise, is ideal for photo opportunities, and sails along the River Neva, Relaxing in the beautiful sunshine with an English speaking guide pointing out all the different points of interest, it is an excellent way to see this amazing city.
The Fortress, once a prison for Russia’s most prominent political prisoners, is today a history museum. Also housed in the grounds is the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the oldest church in St Petersburg and the 2nd tallest building in the city. Inside the church I was surrounded by the extravagance seen in all of the Russian Royal buildings.
This church is home to the graves of nearly all the rulers of Russia since Peter the Great. After another great day I returned to Fred Olsen Balmoral around mid afternoon for a dip in one of the pools up on deck followed by a Jacuzzi and a glass of cool crisp bubbly.
That evening I sailed on to Gdansk, Poland and sadly the end of my few days on-board. It was an amazing way to see the Baltics. If you are interested in visiting this area, just get in touch as I have lots of insights and tips to share.
Until next time Za Zdorovyeh.