Baltic Cruise- excursions
 

We're planning a first cruise and are thinking to do the Baltic area, either HAL Westerdam or (if we can afford it) Seven Seas Voyager. HAL spends a full day in Warnemunde and we have no interest in Berlin (having been there before). Is there anything else to do at the Warnemunde stop? I think we'd get bored staying aboard ship for that length of time. Similarly: Voyager spends 3 full days in St. Petersburg. I'm interested in seeing St. Pete, but have no interest in spending that much time there; also have no interest in doing the Moscow jaunt (unless it were free, which it is not of course). Would much appreciate hearing from folks who have done Warnemunde or full explorations of St. Petersburg. Also would be interested in hearing from people who have done/enjoyed the "threading through the fjords" trip instead. Many thanks! By the way, on which of those ships are we most likely to feel comfortable if we do NOT like formal?

We spent two very full days in St. Petersburg, and would have loved a third.

There is so much to see in St. Petersburg, I would opt for the cruise with 3 days there. Radisson is more laid back than HAL and on Voyager there are dining alternatives that are always casual yet NOT buffets. (I dislike formal and I also dislike buffets). I've never been to Warmemunde so can't help you out there. I have been on HAL and Radisson both though.

In June, we spent two days in St. Pete (sailed on the Grand Princess) and would also recommend 3 days. Two days was not enough. For example, on
our "half day" excursion to the Hermitage we actually spent only two hours in the museum, one of the largest in the world with over 4 million pieces. I don't believe you will be unhappy with 3 days- there is a lot to see. Save Moscow for another trip. too much to do in S.P.

Warnemunde is a small seaside town, with some shops and restaurants...a very nice port of call. If you are there on a weekend, there should be lots of locals out and about, street musicians, fod booths, etc. From Warnemunde you can take a train into Rostock (short ride, about $3) and spend a few hours. It's a very pleasant city with some "historic" sites, stores and eateries. We spent a full day between Rostock and Warnemunde, and we had no lack of things to see and do.
Hope this helps!