May 19 2017 Silhouette Baltic (+ Berlin) Photo Review Silhouette Photo Review

May 24: Day Eight (Rostock, Part Three)

From Rostock, we drove inland to Bad Doberan where we would board the Molli antique steam train. First, we visited the town’s well-preserved medieval monastery church (or münster). Construction of the red brick Gothic building began in 1294, and it is still largely intact, having survived even the Second World War. The walled site includes the ruins of a granary and other buildings. My DIY tour was going to skip this church, and that would have been a shame. So I don’t recommend booking with Afto Tours for this port.

[More on the monastery and its buildings here: http://www.muenster-doberan.de/index.php?id=25&L=1 ]

Of equal importance to the abbey church are the cabbages of Bad Doberan. We walked through a little market on the way to the train station and came across this captivating pointy-headed variety that I had never seen before.

The Molli took us from Bad Doberan down to the coastal resort town of Kühlungsborn in less than an hour.

It was fun riding through the streets of Bad Doberan on the train. It made a stop in the middle of the shopping area to pick up more passengers.

Drivers were obviously used to the train and seemed comfortable enough sharing the street with it.

When did Celebrity inform you that you were going to Rostock instead of Warnemunde?

When did Celebrity inform you that you were going to Rostock instead of Warnemunde?

I am pretty sure it was early February, a little over three months before sailing. It was disappointing because Warnemunde looks like a lovely little town; can't say that I wasn't a bit envious of the Koningsdam passengers as I watched their ship pull away from Warnemunde that evening.

May 24: Day Eight (Rostock, Part Four)

Farming is an important aspect of the Mecklenburg economy, and the Molli traveled alongside lush green fields with occasional swaths of bright yellow where the canola was in bloom. There were also stretches of forest and, as we approached the coast, glimpses of the resort town of Heiligendam.

I spent half the trip standing out on the platform at the end of the car, camera in hand, but inside seating is comfortable enough for this short trip.

By the time we were off the train, it had been two or three hours since lunch so clearly we were in need of some nourishment. Our tour was to include coffee and cake in Kühlungsborn but along the way driver Amanda had a brainwave and we were asked if we would like to stop at a lighthouse café instead. What a great idea for this sunny afternoon! The lighthouse was on a hill and we had beautiful views out over the fields and along the coast. Note the clouds in this picture. Oh, never mind, there aren’t any.

The cake was almost as good as the views.

We stopped for a leisurely stroll at the beachfront resort town of Kühlungsborn, where we were greeted by the local herring gulls. It was windy down at the seafront, and there weren’t too many takers for the beach chairs.

But we saw many people enjoying the sunshine, walking on the pier, or sitting on benches in a little park at the end of the main shopping street.

May 24: Day Eight (Rostock, Part Five)

Back on board by about 6pm, we found that Celebrity was serving up German sausages in the Oceanview Café, accompanied by music provided by local entertainers. I can’t vouch for the tastiness of the sausages, but it looked like there were at least half a dozen different varieties.

Being docked in the industrial port area of Rostock, we were able to watch vehicle ferries loading up. On our local (British Columbia) ferries, trucks usually roll on one end of the vessel and roll off the other (intentionally, I mean). Most of our ferries are designed with an open bow and stern, but that’s for a short trip. For these longer crossings of open water, the vessels were designed differently and some vehicles had to negotiate a tight turn once they were boarded. This looked like it required some driving skill on the part of the truckers; it was fun to watch all the activity at this very busy port.

As it was getting dark, at least one head could still be seen in a hot tub in the pool area, presumably with rest of the body attached, although I did not actually walk over to check.

We were a bit late leaving Rostock; the Silhouette waited for a Berlin excursion group that had been delayed. Eventually we left the dock, passed Warnemunde and its lighthouse, and followed the Koningsdam out into the Baltic Sea. I have neither the skills nor the equipment for sharp night shots from a moving ship, but these will give you the idea.

It seems like Celebrity does the themes of the countries being visited. In 8 days time I guess I will find out for myself.

 

 

 

 

Being docked in the industrial port area of Rostock, we were able to watch vehicle ferries loading up. On our local (British Columbia) ferries, trucks usually roll on one end of the vessel and roll off the other (intentionally, I mean). Most of our ferries are designed with an open bow and stern, but that’s for a short trip. For these longer crossings of open water, the vessels were designed differently and some vehicles had to negotiate a tight turn once they were boarded. This looked like it required some driving skill on the part of the truckers; it was fun to watch all the activity at this very busy port.

 

 

As it was getting dark, at least one head could still be seen in a hot tub in the pool area, presumably with rest of the body attached, although I did not actually walk over to check.

 

 

 

We were a bit late leaving Rostock; the Silhouette waited for a Berlin excursion group that had been delayed. Eventually we left the dock, passed Warnemunde and its lighthouse, and followed the Koningsdam out into the Baltic Sea. I have neither the skills nor the equipment for sharp night shots from a moving ship, but these will give you the idea.

 

 

 

Today's Tom Sawyer...Mean, mean pride.

May 24: Day Eight (Rostock, Part Five)

 

Back on board by about 6pm, we found that Celebrity was serving up German sausages in the Oceanview Café, accompanied by music provided by local entertainers. I can’t vouch for the tastiness of the sausages, but it looked like there were at least half a dozen different varieties.

 

 

 

Being docked in the industrial port area of Rostock, we were able to watch vehicle ferries loading up. On our local (British Columbia) ferries, trucks usually roll on one end of the vessel and roll off the other (intentionally, I mean). Most of our ferries are designed with an open bow and stern, but that’s for a short trip. For these longer crossings of open water, the vessels were designed differently and some vehicles had to negotiate a tight turn once they were boarded. This looked like it required some driving skill on the part of the truckers; it was fun to watch all the activity at this very busy port.

 

 

As it was getting dark, at least one head could still be seen in a hot tub in the pool area, presumably with rest of the body attached, although I did not actually walk over to check.

 

 

We were a bit late leaving Rostock; the Silhouette waited for a Berlin excursion group that had been delayed. Eventually we left the dock, passed Warnemunde and its lighthouse, and followed the Koningsdam out into the Baltic Sea. I have neither the skills nor the equipment for sharp night shots from a moving ship, but these will give you the idea.

 

 

Don't sell yourself short - the night photos are beautiful. Enjoying your write-up. Will be on the ship (for the third time) for the British Isles cruise in a little over a month

Your review and your photos are fantastic! I'm following along with interest as we are visiting Copenhagen in August, Oslo in October and planning a Silhouette Caribbean cruise for next spring.

How does the ship compare to other S Class ships in your opinion?

Your review and your photos are fantastic! I'm following along with interest as we are visiting Copenhagen in August, Oslo in October and planning a Silhouette Caribbean cruise for next spring.

How does the ship compare to other S Class ships in your opinion?

Not to who your question was directed but it is my favorite of the 3 I have been on - Solstice, Reflection and Silhouette

Not to who your question was directed but it is my favorite of the 3 I have been on - Solstice, Reflection and Silhouette

Great, thanks. Have not been on Celebrity for a few years and Silhouette was one of the ships we hadn't sailed.

I am really enjoying your review and your wonderful photographs which are all increasing my anticipation of our Baltic cruise on the Silhouette next May. Unfortunately that itinerary misses out Amsterdam and Oslo, but we will be sure to visit them separately on another holiday.

I'll continue to enjoy the next instalments and I will save it in my favourites to read again before our cruise. We will have to keep an eye open for special themed nights in the buffet! Presumably they do a different one for each place you go to?

Thank you for the lovely review.

I'm following along with interest as we are visiting Copenhagen in August, Oslo in October and planning a Silhouette Caribbean cruise for next spring.

How does the ship compare to other S Class ships in your opinion?

librarylady, it's very nice to have you join us back on the Celebrity boards. You have been missed since you abandoned us for ... was it Azamara?

The ships are all so similar, of course, as you know. If you are a fan of the hot glass show, you won't find it on the Silhouette, since it has Lawn Club Grill instead. In general, I would rather not see space that is open to all replaced with a paid venue. So I prefer to see the open grassy space that exists on the Equinox, for example, instead of the Silhouette's Alcoves. But I am sure you know all about the differences in venues. I am not all that good about picking up on the subtle vibes that might make one ship better than another, so all I can say is that I was very happy with the Silhouette and its crew. Nothing negative to report at all.

 

I'll continue to enjoy the next instalments and I will save it in my favourites to read again before our cruise. We will have to keep an eye open for special themed nights in the buffet! Presumably they do a different one for each place you go to?

Mrs. Norman, I don't usually spend a lot of time in the Oceanview because I prefer to have my food come to me rather than have to go and forage for it. But sometimes it is convenient, and on this cruise we did eat there once or twice after long port days. So I am not sure how many theme nights they had in the buffet, but I do remember that one night in Russia they were serving blinis, "caviar," and fixings there in the evening. They were quite good.

Thanks very much to those who are reading and/or commenting on this thread. I am happy to post a few pictures here, since I thought that those with Baltic cruises pending might like to take a peek. Meanwhile, my family here are still negotiating over how many of my trip photos they will agree to look at, and how many times they will be required to politely mumble something like, “Oh, nice cloud formation you had that day” or “Great shot of that traffic light, Mum. Thanks for sharing.”

May 25: Day Nine (At Sea)

Today was our last relaxing full day at sea. In the morning, I attended “Are You Smarter than a Ship’s Officer” and found out that I wasn’t. I usually enjoy a few games of trivia, but this was the only one I made it to on this very port-intensive trip.

At some point, I went down to Café al Bacio for an iced tea. I usually take my tea to go, but once in a while I like to sit and enjoy it there, mostly because I love the way they present it.

Dinner in the main dining room, as usual. Food and service continue to be good, in our opinion.

We recommend that you see Pete Matthews, comedy juggler, if you ever have the opportunity. He is quick-witted and talented, and there was some fun audience participation. I am all for audience participation, as long as I am not the participant. That’s why we always sit in the upper level of the theatre. We didn’t make it to any more shows until the very last night of the cruise, probably because we were getting up so early on those bright summer mornings.

The “full moon party” was in full swing in the Grand Foyer when we were on our way back to our cabin. Not sure what this was all about, and not sure if those white inflatable objects are meant to be phases of the moon or elephant tusks, but it was nice to see people having fun and dancing.

At some point in the evening, we burned up some OBC in the casino.

Checked the weather forecast before retiring, and it looked like we would have sunshine in the morning. So I was pleased that we could stick with Plan A for Helsinki, instead of switching to the rainy day alternative.

It may take me until tomorrow to get the Helsinki posts together; that depends on how long I can dodge any work and social commitments in order to work on this review. So far, no one has noticed that I am missing. ;) Thanks again, everyone, for sticking with this long-winded thread.

Thankyou for the great photos. I'm following on my phone as I travel. Could I ask a favour of those who are following - and that is not to quote afto's posts containing photos but delete them first? We've already seen them and It's killing my data.

Today's Tom Sawyer...Mean, mean pride.

ha ha ha ... I just got this now! Have been puzzling over what your comment meant ... How did I not notice the name of the ship before?

;) Thanks again, everyone, for sticking with this long-winded thread.

Lots of us LOVE the long-windedness...:cool:

Enjoyed the excellent photos, thanks!

Lots of us LOVE the long-windedness...:cool:

DH is rolling his eyes and thinking “don’t encourage her!” Yes, I can read his mind. :D

May 26: Day Ten (Helsinki, Part One)

As usual, it was room service on the balcony for me while DH wandered around the ship gathering bits and pieces of breakfast here and there. Sometimes he is kind enough to bring me an almond croissant from Café al Bacio, if I have not made him visit too many museums on the previous day. I do love those croissants but I’m not willing to alter the itinerary for the sake of pastry deliveries.

Gulls of various kinds accompanied us into port in Helsinki, more than I saw in any other port on this cruise. If you are a gull with a passion for photo-bombing, Helsinki is the place that you want to be. The distinctive dome of Helsinki Cathedral was visible from a long way off, contrasting with a bright blue sky. I don’t think that any of the elements of the shot below are actually in focus,but it’s my favourite because this is how I will remember Helsinki. (Note: this shot is not from sail in, but from later in the day.)

In Helsinki we had another DIY day planned, so DH was back in the hands of tour guide afto. We were docked at LMA, which is a good distance from the city centre. Following Jonza’s instructions (see thread "Helsinki 2017 advice and FAQ" http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2445288 ), we followed the green line through the port area from our berth to the tram stop. For 9 euros each, we bought day tickets from the driver; we could use these on trams, busses, and the ferry. (No credit cards, and no bank notes over 20euros.) Easy peasy. I liked the cheerful customized fabric on the backs of the tram seats.

We were headed for the Market Square area, Kauppatori. We took the #9 tram to Simonkatu stop. I was slightly confused at first about directional information; what I had thought to be two separate stops, for example, turned out to be the same stop because Finland is bilingual and information is provided in both Finnish and Swedish. Hopped off at Simonkatu (aka Simonsgatan), stood right at the same stop, and waited just a couple of minutes for the #2 to come along and take us directly to Kauppatori. We could have stayed on the #9 and had a short walk to Kauppatori, but changing trams was easy and it saved us steps and time.

From the tram stop at Kauppatori, the market was directly across the street. Many of the stall-keepers were just opening up for the day. The whole market area is covered by netting that has some effect in discouraging gulls from swooping in and making off with anything they can grab. The blue-grey building across the street is Helsinki City Hall.

The second dock that we came to at Kauppatori was the departure point for the ferry to the island fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [Moreabout Suomenlinna here: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/]

Our intention was to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and sea views. We had three very intensive days of sightseeing coming up in Russia, so a little bit of the outdoors would be a nice change of pace. Oh, coincidentally, there were also some birds on the island … I had NO IDEA AT ALL that there would be birds there, but luckily I had packed my binoculars and telephoto lens …

The small passenger ferries that run out to Suomenlinna and some of the other islands were completely packed in both directions, with lots of school groups. It was a short ride (about 15 minutes), and along the way we had great views of Helsinki’s skyline.

There was also a swimming pool tucked into a corner of the harbour. On the way back we noticed that many people were swimming there — it must have been well heated.

May 26: Day Ten (Helsinki, Part Two)

Suomenlinna is a shutterbug’s paradise; there’s so much to point a camera at. If you were to visit some of the museums (we did not) and include a nice lunch, you could easily spend all day there. You can visit the dry dock and even tour a submarine if you wish, and if it’s warm enough there is a swimming area.

We walked to the King’s Gate at the far end of the island, climbing over some fortifications and passing through some tunnels along the way, admiring the architecture and watching ferries and sailboats cruise by.

Throughout our time there, we obeyed the posted signage to the best of our ability, including refraining from painting our hands black.

Enjoying the photos. I've never heard of entertainment in the OV cafe before -- wonder if there might be any on the British Isles cruise?

BTW any tips as to your favourite MDR dishes?

I've never heard of entertainment in the OV cafe before -- wonder if there might be any on the British Isles cruise?

When we were in St Petersburg, CD Sue Denning organised a Russian dancing troupe.

I'm following on my phone as I travel. Could I ask a favour of those who are following - and that is not to quote afto's posts containing photos but delete them first?

BTW if people want to quote a sentence use squared brackets [ ] with quote inside at the beginning and [/] at the end.

Thank you for your wonderful review bringing back so many memories of our trip! Loved Suomenlinna, but yes those gulls were everywhere in Helsinki. We finally had to give up on the ferry and sit inside.

Wendy