Has anyone cruised in the Baltic Sea -any thoughts to which ship is the best for this itinerary?

That depends on your cruising style. Like big ships and lots to do onboard, smaller ships with more port-intentives inineraries? We did the Baltic on Oceania, were able to dock in the heart of St. Petersburg and spend 3 days there. We would not have enjoyed one of the bigger ships, but that's just out style. One size doesn't fit us all.
Look on CruiseCritic.com for ship/port of call info and also post your question there.

We just returned from a Baltics cruise on Regent. We had almost taken the Oceania cruise, which does have the advantage of being longer overall, though it has the same number of days in St. Petersburg. One reason we stuck with Regent was because of the all-inclusive excursionsand the fact that the cruise fare dropped significantly from when we originally booked. The "free" excursions were new this year and despite concerns about this, they turned out to be excellent. While I am sure having a private tour is probably even better, we had no complaints. And the price of excursions in the Baltics can add a lot to the total cruise fare, so we think we did pretty well. Keep that in mind when comparing cruises. On our days in St. Peterburg, we either took an all-day excursion, or two excursions per day. Friends, who really felt energetic booked a third excursion in the evening.

I am taking a group on the Crystal Symphony next August to the Baltic with 2 nights in St Petersburg. Crystal will give you $2000 shipboard credit, FREE airfare and 2-for-1 pricing on 2010 sailings. They are the best as rated by Conde Nast readers! By the time you get done cruising on another company - other than Regent which is a little more expensive - you will spend close to the same a Crystal Cruise will cost you but you are not receiving the same quality and experience. Like staying in a Sheraton or Westin vs a Four Seasons or Ritz.
If you would like more info contact me at [email protected]

DH and I just went to the Baltic in July. We sailed on Azamara. We like the smaller (690) passengers versus larger (1800 - 2000) ships. We also docked in the heart of St. Petersburg and had two overnights there whereas some of the bigger ships only do one. As already stated, it depends on what you want from a cruise - lots of activities (e.g. rock climbing wall) or smaller size. You're welcome to look at my blog - http://miner-heretodaytheretomorrow.blogspot.com/
Just remember to scroll all the way down and read up as it comes up with the last entry versus the first. Any questions, let me know. User i.d. will show my e-mail address if you click on it.

patandhank

I just read your report now ( as I was away on another trip and just recently got back)

Boy they sure gave you a rough time in St.Petersburg about disembarking the ship.

Enjoyed reading your report very much and re-living some of my memories.
Thank you for posting

Oh yes you both look so happy crusing down the Neva River past that Kunstkammer Builidng in St.Pertsburg!

Hi Percy!!

Well the blog is still a work in progress. I still have to play with it and figure out how to post more photos. My niece used the same site on her round-the-world trip and posted so many more - but I'm in the learner phase!

Happy Travels!

Pat

I would not know how to set up a blog!!!