Nautica Review

5.0 / 5.0
399 reviews

Great trip to Arctic Russia

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Nautica
User Avatar
Dourobert
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2019
Cabin: Veranda Stateroom

We booked this cruise as it was the only one of two for the year that goes to Arkhangelsk Russia. The idea was to follow the path of one of the characters in my wife's next novel, albeit 100 years later. We had a great time doing so and she has been able to add detail to her writings. Personally I also had a great time, leaning more about northern Norway and Russia. It was also a white nights experience; seeing the sun at 2:00 am was strange, especially as it was in an "impossible" direction.

The seas were only rough on one day and the only issue was that it was pretty cold in Shetland even in July, and I ended up buying a thick fleece jacket that proved useful for most of the trip. Having read about the horrors of the wartime convoys to Murmansk a few cool and rainy days did not seem all that bad.

The Oceania shore excursions were adequate. The Suomi village and the Solovetskiy monastery tours were the best . We also had interesting experiences with a Blue-Puffin tour to the North Cape, and tours of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk with Kola. With only two cruise ships per year the Kola tours were a bit rough at times, but were ones we would do again. I particularly enjoyed the tour of the nuclear-powered icebreaker "Lenin". The Russian food was great, when and if it came.

Cabin Review

Veranda Stateroom

The cabin was fine and we really enjoyed the location as the most useful elevator was just around the corner, and the laundry was a quick run up one flight. The room was quiet - except for the first night when our neighbours started banging around, having left their unpacking until very late. The cabin we had on the Marina was somewhat nicer but that didn't stop us from booking 3 more cruises on the Nautica.

The balcony wasn't necessary for this itinerary. We went out on it often, but rarely for long.

5 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Nautica Cruise from $1,804

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.