Before the cruise we spent 4 days in beautiful FUN St. Petersburg, loved the city so much.
We chose this cruise to get us to Europe and because we did the same cruise last year and had an amazing trip.
Deck 10 was very dirty the first week and they seemed to be working on the pool or hot tubs every other day. Very bad smells deck 4 thru 6 interior around the Centrum bathrooms, smelled it on Deck 5 exterior too.
location was great, right around the corner from elevator. overall cabin was average for this type of ship, however the mattresses were shot, Uneven, bottomed out and very uncomfortable. Advised steward and management, both were sympathetic but claimed to be unable to make change. Shower also appeared to be smaller than average.
spent most of our time in St. Pete this time, at an airbnb in the heart of the city. LOVED the city, great restaurants, shops, parks and museums. Tampa is a beautiful city with lots to do too, stayed there last year.
Walked off the ship and strolled to the Eaton Street fish market for a fresh fish sandwich.
There was a 1930's Dodge Bus on the pier just outside the other cruise ship that was in port. We hopped on for a ride into town, only 2.5 euro and such a great vehicle. Loved the street of doors, took a cab to Reids Palace Hotel for a great fish lunch. Walked the halls that Winston Churchill walked, history all around us there. The gardens were in full flower and smelled amazing.
Walked the Rambla style park that goes along the seafront. Popped in for our fish lunch at a little cafe then people watched till time to go.
Loved this city, not enough time and it was closed most of the time we were there. On the seafront, do not miss the incredible statue in honor of victims of terrorism, it is massive and so moving.