Marina Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We are a senior couple who have done quite a bit of traveling, both domestic and international, but have largely traveled independently and had never taken a cruise. However, we were interested in seeing a bit of the Baltic countries and in visiting St Petersburg, Russia. A cruise seemed like a good way to do it, so that we did not have to deal with language issues and making travel plans for each of the places we wanted to see.
Having never taken a cruise, we were totally unfamiliar with any cruise lines, but had received some information regarding Oceania and its Baltic cruise, so began our investigations with it. Since it was our first cruise and might be our only one, we thought we wanted to select a ship with fewer passengers and a reputation for quality service and accommodations. We wanted to have a good experience and were willing to pay a little extra for it.
Since we were unfamiliar with cruising and what types of things to ask, we elected to use a local travel agent, whom we had used a number of years before for a special situation. In retrospect, we will not do that again. Although she handled our initial booking efficiently, once she received her fee, we had very poor response to questions and issues that came up over the several months between booking and embarkation. After meeting other passengers on the cruise, we learned that they received much better service for no fees from other agents or online booking services.
Cabin Review
Verandah Stateroom
We were in stateroom 7044 on the Marina and would gladly take that room again. It may not have been as big and luxurious as some of the suites, but had plenty of room for us. It was right near the gangway, which was not a bit noisy and very interesting to sit on the veranda and watch the crew raise and lower the gangway. It was also a good spot to people watch as passengers came and went from the ship. It also was near the spot where the pilot ship would pick up the pilot whenever one was needed to help the captain direct the ship out of port. It was fun to watch the pilot ship come along side and pick up the pilot while on the go.