Cruising in the Baltic: part 1

Mayden voyage
There's a first time for everything,  this was one for us... Julie and I were going on our cruise.
We set off from Dover, on the Carnival Legend to undertake our first proper cruise.
We'd been down the nile and that was superb but this was our first multinational cruise,  exciting.
Why a cruise?  I love flying but with all the terrorism threats,  I'm fed up with the security measures we have to put up with.  Be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure,  100ml rile,  no sharps etc, etc, etc.  Then I seem to always be chosen at random for more extensive searching of my property and person...  No internal as yet though (phew!!!)
I am no mathematician but to randomly be chosen that many times,  there must be some skewed variable in my probability aura?  Or do you think my skin colour and name may influence this???  Sarcastic but what the hell...

Checking in or boarding was a pleasure.
Smiling helpful people,  luggage was taken care of,  all we needed to do was board and go to lunch at...  Wow.

Legend
The legend is a beautiful ship,  massive and tall.  Over 2000 passengers,  a big crew and loads of facilities.
Three swimming pools and Jacuzzis,  a plethora of restaurants and bars,  casino, shops,  nightclub,  theatre and comedy club. 
Food was plentiful and decent.
The passengers from varying ages,  walks of life and countries. 
I was surprised at the range of people.

State rooms
The cabin,  state rooms was well appointed and our balcony allowed a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday makers when needed.
Our stewards were very attentive,  supplying us with the necessary towel animals,  chocolates on pillow and clean room we needed to make this relaxing vaccination more special.

Safety
The whole ship load of people had to undertake the safety briefing,  walk to the appropriate muster station,  deck 3 was ours,  and ensure we took notice and listened.
Especially so as our ships captain was an Italian and after recent Costa crashes.... Our captain was thankfully excellent. 

Visits
Copenhagen, Denmark followed by wademunden,  Germany with the next stop being Helsinki, Finland. All were so wonderful,  Denmark was a bit pricey but good to see it again.
We paddled on the east sea in Germany and caught our first glimpse of German ingenuity with their hamper like beach furniture / wind breaks...  Must sees.
We also noted a rather rotund man unashamedly undressing in the public beach,  no towel to cover any modesty...  His modeling career obviously never materialised!!!

Saw some lovely buildings and boats, sat people watching and enjoying the local brew from Rostock,  highly recommend this too.  A very palatable and thirst quenching beer. Prost
Helsinki again was a beautiful city. I was tempted by reindeer meat but opted for salmon..  Somehow Xmas could never be the same if I'd eaten rudolph.

Someone offered me 8 legs of venison for 20 Euro,  I refused,  I thought it was too dear (two deer...   :-) get it??

Next entry will be Russia,  Estonia, Holland...