Helsinki Cathedral

Another early start to see the gems of Helsinki. Interesting to reflect on the different styles of commentary given in St Petersburg and here!! St Petersburg has the contrasts of golden palaces and grey apartment blocks, with limited details of life today for its citizens. Whereas Helsinki is bright and cheerful, and happy to share the details old and new.

After a city tour we drove out to Porvoo, had lunch in an old (disused) distillery, before a walk round the old quaint old town.

Back in time for dinner in the dining room, followed by the Captains “returners” party. A glass of champers (or an alternative) for those who have sailed on Princess Cruises in the past. The lady with the most trips had sailed more than 570 nights!!!

I had a great chat with the lady sitting next to me. She and her husband have just completed a trip around England visiting the places her family lived in during the 1850’s before they sailed for New Zealand. The family live in Auckland, so we had a great chat about both countries.