And Now, The BALTIC

Prepping for my next great adventure is an exhilarating experience that fills me with anticipation and excitement. I will be flying from Orlando to London (Heathrow) on Saturday, the 27th, a journey that promises to be both thrilling and memorable. I am pleased that I was able to book a seat in Virgin Atlantic's "Upper Class" using my American Express miles, which adds an extra layer of luxury to my travel plans. This will mark my very first flight with Virgin Atlantic, a fact that heightens my enthusiasm for the journey ahead. The scheduled arrival time in London is 6 AM, which will allow me to make the most of my day upon landing.

Upon my arrival in London, I have arranged for a driver to take me to Southampton, a journey that will take approximately two hours. This drive will not only provide a comfortable transition from the bustling airport to the serene port city but also offer me a glimpse of the English countryside. I am looking forward to soaking in the sights along the way, as the landscape changes from urban to rural, filled with charming villages and lush greenery.

Once I arrive in Southampton, I will board the NCL Prima for my highly anticipated Baltic cruise. This cruise promises to be a remarkable experience, taking me to a variety of stunning destinations, each with its unique culture and history. Here’s a detailed schedule of my journey:

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Southampton, England - My adventure officially begins as I set sail from Southampton, a city known for its maritime heritage. I will take some time to explore the port and perhaps indulge in a meal at a local restaurant before boarding the ship.

Day 2: Brussels, Belgium - The first port of call is Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where I plan to immerse myself in the city's rich history, sampling famous Belgian waffles and chocolates while exploring iconic landmarks like the Grand Place and Atomium.

Day 3: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Next, I will arrive in Amsterdam, a city renowned for its picturesque canals and vibrant culture. I look forward to (hopefully) visiting the Anne Frank House and enjoying a leisurely walk through the city's charming streets.

Day 4: At Sea - This day will be dedicated to relaxation and exploration of the ship's amenities. I plan to indulge in the onboard thermal spa, attenda wine tasting, and enjoy the entertainment options available.

Day 5: Berlin, Germany - Arriving in Berlin will allow me to delve into the city's fascinating history. I am eager to visit the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and experience the vibrant art scene that the city is known for.

Day 6: Gdansk, Poland - My journey continues to Gdansk, a city with a rich maritime history and stunning architecture. I am excited to explore the Old Town and learn about the city's role in World War II.

Day 7: Klaipeda, Lithuania - In Klaipeda, I look forward to experiencing the unique blend of cultures and perhaps visiting the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful sand dunes.

Day 8: Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholm, with its stunning archipelago and historical sites, is sure to be a highlight of my cruise. I plan to visit the Vasa Museum and take a stroll through the charming streets of Gamla Stan.

Day 9: Tallin, Estonia - In Tallin, I am eager to explore the medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many delightful restaurants.

Day 10: At Sea - Another day at sea will allow me to relax, reflect on the incredible experiences so far, and perhaps meet new friends onboard.

Day 11/12: Copenhagen, Denmark - My adventure will culminate in Copenhagen, where I plan to visit the iconic Little Mermaid statue, explore Tivoli Gardens, and enjoy the city's renowned culinary scene.

Day 13: Bonus Day in Copenhagen (Hotel) - To wrap up this incredible journey, I have scheduled a bonus day in Copenhagen, allowing me to soak in the city at a leisurely pace, perhaps visiting some lesser-known attractions and indulging in a final taste of Danish pastries before my return.

This upcoming adventure promises to be filled with unforgettable experiences, breathtaking sights, and the joy of discovering new cultures. I can hardly wait for the journey to begin!

Many of the port locations are quite a distance from the cruise terminals, which can sometimes create a bit of a logistical challenge for travelers eager to explore their destinations. For example, Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, is a three-hour train ride from the actual port of Warnemünde, which is where my cruise will embark. Despite this distance, I am excited about the journey and the opportunity to visit Berlin, as I have never been to most of the places on my itinerary. The only places I have visited previously on this itinerary are London and Amsterdam.

Reflecting on my last visit to Amsterdam, which dates back to 1984, I realize how much time has passed and how much the city must have changed since then. The memories of wandering through the picturesque canals and vibrant neighborhoods are still vivid, but I can only imagine the new developments and experiences that await me this time around. As I prepare for this upcoming adventure, I am eager to capture the moments through photographs and share my experiences via blog posts. I plan to start this journey of documentation right from the lounge at Orlando International Airport, where I will have some time to relax before my flight.

In the meantime, the practical aspects of travel are starting to come into play. It’s time to drag out my fall clothes, which is always a bit of a chore. I find myself contemplating the seasonal shift and the need to layer up for the cooler weather that is characteristic of autumn in Europe. However, I must admit, I have developed a strong aversion to wearing socks and shoes since moving to tropical Florida. The comfort of flip-flops or even going barefoot is far more appealing to me than the constriction of traditional footwear.

As I prepare for this trip, I am filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, looking forward to revisiting familiar places and discovering new ones. The anticipation of exploring Berlin, with its rich history and modern culture, alongside the memories of Amsterdam, makes for an exhilarating travel experience. I can't wait to share my journey with others and hopefully inspire them to embark on their own adventures.