Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. This is a family-owned and operated Finnish vessel. There is a conference room, two saunas, a lounge for dancing and a children s playroom. Lecturers tell of Peter the Great and his daughter Catherine, medieval knights and the history of the power and wealth of the old Hanseatic trading nations. On other cruises passengers learn Viking lore as they follow some of the routes of the early Vikings.
Passengers are mostly European, but there are shore excursions with English-speaking guides.
Many shore excursions go to once forbidden Eastern European areas. In St. Petersburg the vessel docks in the heart of the city so passengers are within walking distance of the Hermitage Museum. On some of the short cruises to St. Petersburg, passengers do not need a visa. Also in St. Petersburg are visits to Pushkin Palace and cultural performances of ballet, opera and folklore. Fares include city sightseeing in some ports.