Regent Seven Seas - Voyager

I discussed this Baltic Cruise line in a previous post. I have been on a few different cruise lines, and it's not just the destinations, you need to take into account your preferences on the size of the ship, the typical traveller on board, family cruises, culture immersion cruises, luxury, age-appropriate, etc.

On this particular cruise, we decided to see if we could visit the ship's galley.  With our request granted, a group of approximately 20 people assembled to go the ships galley. The head chef took us on the tour through the galley and explained the mechanics of storing, cooking and serving the 700 passengers on board to the standard they need to meet.

The amount of bread baked daily is astronomical; fresh food is brought on board at every stop and usually consists of whatever is the local fare.  There are descriptions and pictures of how each plate is cooked and presented. The head chef comes in at 5 pm to do a run through, and all items on the menu are prepared and submitted for inspection. If all is satisfactory, then the staff get ready for the passengers selections. Before each meal goes out it must be like the picture, or they must start again and at the end of the night explain as to why their plates weren't up to par.

On board our particular ship we had a young but capable Swedish Captain. He was seen around the vessel often and was readily available. Our cabin being approximately three suites from the bridge made it more likely to bump into the captain, which we did. He was a delight to chat with and had a great sense of humour.

I would recommend that you choose your cruise line carefully as it can make the difference between a good cruise holiday and an excellent cruise holiday.  If you're interested, my new book on 'Who What Wear of Cruising' is to be released end of February. In it, I discuss cruise lines, dress regulations, ship terminology and tips on getting the most of your cruise. Please email me for more details at tanyalococo@gmail.com

Gdynia, Poland

Gdynia Poland is one of the most important ports in Poland. It had a long history and was part of the Kashubia area in Eastern Pomerania. The Port was developed in 1920 by the Polish government as they needed a port city for political and economic reasons.

Gdansk is the old town near the harbour of Gdynia. It had the largest mill in medieval Europe and was an important grain exporter, with many grain houses dotted along the river banks. Today only some remnants of the mills and that time can still be seen, but the town of Gdansk is still in its glory. Travelling from the port inland, the old town of Gdansk is now a tourist attraction with a long history and definitely, a place to visit. The buildings artwork tell stories of the history of the area.

Other than it's milling history the region's well known for its Baltic Amber, as its one of the most valued ambers; but take care when you purchase some to make sure it's real. One test is to drop it in salt water if it sinks it's not real.  Baltic Amber is a lightweight organic fossil resin and should float. You'll find it everywhere and for various prices, indulge yourself as it's a beautiful piece to own or gift, but check out the more reputable dealers.

You must try the local version of a strudel; it's vanilla custard on apple with a pastry base. A delicious dessert with your coffee and at a reasonable price too!
Between Gdynia and Gdansk you can find many new malls, which feature some of the western chain stores we all know. An indication that the economy must be doing well if these western stores are opening up there.
For me, it was a surprise to see this city had many recognisable chain stores as I thought they'd be more like Russia, with independent boutique style stores.