Embarkation day was both great and bad. I arrived at high time at pier but took no time to get my key, thus almost immediately to the ship. I did enjoy my Platinum membership for express boarding. But then the departure was delayed for 2 hours due to failure of the telephone system (a very strange reason). I note that ship’s public clocks were not at one, indicating the ship was not that well managed.

The weather was still chilly and windy, yet the ride was smooth all the way to Oslo. We arrived on May Day and everything was closed but we benefitted actually from witnessing a large demonstration which looks more like a carnival, with music bands joining the parade.

Next port was Warnemunde, for Rostock and Berlin. A frequent commuter train brings you to Rostock costing 2.10 Euro one way, while joining the ships transfer with a guided walk is something like USD99. It was stupid to go to Berlin which is too far, and the ship charges far too much. The port of Warnemunde is interesting, with a good riverside stroll, as if it was German Riviera. Read more