It has been an exhausting but exhilarating day touring in St Petersburg, Russia, and we are preparing for a second day of touring tomorrow.   But for now I will briefly cover Rønne, Denmark; Gdansk, Poland; and our day at sea.  I will then be caught up to our current port.

Thursday, 28 August 2014

Rønne, Bornholm, Denmark

We arrive in the port of Rønne on the island of Borholm at 10am, about two hours behind schedule, because of yesterday’s delays.  But the Captain has decided to extend our stay two hours later and still get to the next port on time.  Bornholm is a large island in the Baltic Sea that has changed hands between Sweden and Denmark over the centuries, but today belongs to Denmark even though it is geographically closer to Sweden.  It takes about five hours, by a combination of hydrofoil and bus, to reach Copenhagen.

Rønne, the main city on the island, is home to about 16,000 people, and survives on fishing and tourism.  Our tour takes us out of the city and across the island to two small, picturesque fishing villages:  Gudhjem (the home of God), and Svanake.  The former is home to about 800 residents—our tour guide was born here but today makes his home in Copenhagen—the latter about 1,100.  Both villages overlook the sea and contain many well-maintained half-timbered houses and souvenir and craft shops.  Svaneke even has its own beer brewery.  This is a very low-key tour; our guide has a droll sense of humor about his native land, and we get to enjoy an hour in each town to explore and shop on our own.  There is an interesting pottery shop in Gudhjem (Cassiusclay) and a glass-blowing workshop in Svanake.  Both villages enjoy a mild climate and are popular with local tourists as well as visitors from cruise ships.

 Saling into Ronne Harbor

Traditional Round Church on Bornholm

Gudjheim Village

Svaneke Rooftops

Will at the Bus Stop in Svaneke

Friday, 29 August 2014

Gdynia/Gdansk, Poland

On Friday morning, the Prinsendam docks in Gdynia, part of the urban agglomeration of Gdansk, the largest port in Poland.  Although Gdansk has always been a cultural center, because of its military importance it was bombed to the smithereens by both the Germans and the Allies during WWII.  Close to 95% of the city was destroyed, but the old city center has been restored to its colorful and pristine condition (perhaps a little too perfect and pristine).  Gdansk is also the home of the Solidarity movement and there are many political monuments throughout the city.  The ride from Gdynia to Gdansk takes about 20 minutes.  A bus and walking tour takes us to the highlights of the city and we even have about an hour of free time for exploring on our own.

We are back on the ship in time for lunch in the Lido Buffet and a good power nap in the afternoon before another dinner.  For some reason, dinner service is very slow and sloppy tonight, quite unlike the usual on Holland America.

 Solidarity Memorial

Gdansk Old Town 

 Gdansk Old Town

 Gdansk Old Town 

Saturday, 30 August 2014

Sailing from Gdansk to St Petersburg:  Day at Sea 

Today is a welcome day at sea, with nothing much to do except eat and enjoy the beautiful weather.  We have a leisurely breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill and then it’s time for the Mariner’s Champagne Brunch in the Main Dining Room.  The Mariner’s Club is Holland America’s repeat voyagers’ organization; the more days you accumulate, the more benefits you receive.  On this cruise I will achieve 4-star level, requiring the equivalent of 200 sea days (and/or money spent aboard the ships); Will is a two-star mariner, but should be close to three-star level.  Four-star used to be the highest level, but HAL has recently introduced a five-star benefit—but it takes 400 days to achieve (quite a jump from the 200-day four stars).

Tonight is the second scheduled formal night—you may recall that the first one was made optional—and there will be one more on the last night of the cruise.  Not too many people wear tuxedos or gowns, and we feel quite comfortable in dark blazers and ties.