We'll be doing our first cruise this spring-- Baltics on Radisson Seven Seas. We enjoy going casual more than we enjoy dressing up, but I know at least one of those nights will be "formal." Question: Will most of the men be in dark suit or in tux? Also: If anyone has done this particular cruise (10 nights, St Petersburg, etc.) I'd be interested in hearing rants and raves about shore excursions and even hotels for pre and post cruise (Copenhagen/Stockholm). Thanks very much (we've been resisting cruises for decades-- fear we'll be bored and "antsy"-- but we're kind of looking forward to our maiden voyage.)

Hi poss,

My husband and I will be taking the Radisson Voyager to the Baltics in August. Looking forward to it!

From what I have read on many cruise sites is that for the formal nights on Radisson, either a tux or a dark suit with a tie is acceptable. My husband doesn't own a tux and will be taking his good navy blue suit along for the formal night.

I am also looking for hotels in Stockholm and am considering the Radisson SAS Strand because of its location. Not sure yet.

I am sure you won't be bored on this cruise. It is very port intensive and I am worried I will not be able to keep up the pace!!

Have a great time and please post a review here so I can read about it. When are you going?

Ginny

Ginny: our cruise is July 16-23. I wish I could decide where to stay for the first night in Copenhagan (leaning towards Marriott for the supposedly quiet rooms) and towards the Grand in Stockholm for last 2 nights. (maybe Hilton-- again, because of quiet). Haven't decided yet which port tours to do-- not even sure when one should book those. Do you know which you want to do? I will definitely post when we get back. (Am now in the middle of posting our recent Costa Rica trip report-- the CR board was SO helpful...)

Poss,

All I know for sure if that we plan on using Red October tours for St. Petersburg. As far as the other port cities, I am not sure yet. It sounds like they are pretty easy to do on your own or on a bus.

We are staying 3 nights in London and 3 nights in Stockholm before the cruise. Then when we end up in Copenhagen, we are only spending the day there. We fly back to London that night and then fly home the next day from London.

The Grand hotel sounds wonderful! I have no ideas about Copenhagen hotels.

Keep in touch -

Ginny

Hi Poss,

We did the Baltics with the Voyager in 2003 and loved it. My husband brought a dark suit for formal night. We didn't do the Moscow excursion but I know that people rave about that one . It makes for a very long day!
In Copenhagen we stayed at the Radisson Royal, in front of Tivoli. Great location. In Stockholm we stayed at Radisson Royal Viking. Ok, nothing great. Next time I'll stay at the Grand. Beautifully located on the waterfront, but you pay for it!
Check these websites for boards dedicated to Radisson cruises:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=176

www.luxurycruisetalk.com


The following boards are very active on Radisson

Ok.. you have the hotels noe for the dress.
I have been on 3 Radisson cruises and will clue you in. First they have a dress code that all the passengers pretty much respect. If you don't want to feel uncomfortable you may choose to respect it.
This is one of the 4 top ships in the world... and provides ultra- luxury at every turn. It is in a way theater.
During the day nice casual clothes are fine from jeans and sneakers to shorts.
After 6pm. Dresses and Pant suits for ladies and Slacks and Jackets, tie optional for all deck and public bars and rooms. At dinner med require a tie. They call this after 6 casual.
Formal nights about 2 to 3 a week mean Tux and Gowns or very stylish Pant suits. There is a lot of jewelery too A dark business suit is marginal as the vast majority will be garbed like this.
The passengers as a whole enjoy the dressing up and like the opportunity to do so in such a refined atmosphere. It is also a courtesy and respect for your fellow passengers to do so.

Yes it is a VERY DRESSY. casual by day elegant every night...

Thanks so much to everyone for great detailed responses! Cruiselov-- if you're still here-- is the Radisson Royal in Copenhagen a very quiet hotel? Did you see the Marriott there? Would you say they're comparable? (an earlier poster had mentioned Marriott as being very quiet-- impt to us...)

Hi Poss,

The hotel is on a major street but I don't recall hearing any noise from the street. Is that what you're referring to? I think we were in a high floor.
You might want to post specific questions about the hotel(s) in The Fodor's Europe forum. Also check www.tripadvisor.com for comments .
Where are you staying in Stockholm?

We've done this itinerary and were pleased with the Stockholm Westin. It was very quiet and had an excellent restaurant. As for the Red October tour, they are excellent. You're in for a real treat. My travel agent arranged all of this which really helped out a lot! Here is a website that may be helpful: www.brownandkeenetravel.com

I would have your travel agent handle this for you.