St. Petersburg Day #1

The highlight of the cruise was the 2 days we spent in St. Petersburg, Russia.  Founded by Peter the Great and the capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years, we were mesmerized by the history of this city.

Our first stop was the Hermitage Museum. The Winter Palace of the Russian Emperors is now one of the world's largest museums.  Here are a few of the highlights

World's Largest Vase

St. Issac Cathedral

 The largest Russian Orthodox Cathedral in the city

Our tour guide said this was the American Embassy :)

Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood

A view of the Hermitage from the River Neva

On our hydrofoil boat ride to Peterhof

Group picture in front of Peterhof (Peter the Great's Summer Palace)

Camden found a lion he could tame

 Amazing gardens and fountains at Peterhof

 Back on the ship and ready for the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers to perform

Mini Golf & Formal Dinner

When we got back to the ship Monday afternoon, the kids were excited to see Henry and Genies sitting in a place of honor.  I think Arianna is playing the part of Henry in this picture. :)

One of MANY rounds of mini golf 

Our first formal dinner

Which drink should I choose?

Our first towel animal (wearing Chris' sunglasses)

We had adjoining rooms with the Neals.  Every night they would put Arianna to bed and come over to our room. Amanda worked on her Master's Program homework, we played UNO, ordered room service, and laughed A LOT.

Yes, Emma and Camden are fast asleep up in their bunk beds. :)

Helsinki, Finland

Our first port of call was Helsinki, Finland. We loved traveling with the Neals and got our "toddler fix" with Arianna.  Here is Chris helping her brush her teeth in the morning.

Camden is ready to explore the city

Strange statues

Emma & Arianna

Just where is Rick Steves leading us???

Downtown Helsinki

Fruit at the market

Camden found a fun turtle to rest on

Port in Helsinki

A walk through the park

Setting Sail on the Legend of the Seas

On Sunday morning, the 7 of us and all our luggage made our way to the cruise terminal.  Here we are at the bus stop.

A little love from Mr. Ron

Camden and Emma playing War when we boarded the ship

Emma, Camden, and Arianna checking out the pool

Emma was a little chilly :)

My 2 favorite guys

Setting sail!

Brunch Cruise & Skansen

Here's the gang waiting to catch the boat for our Swedish Smorgasbord Brunch Cruise

 We are ready to set sail and chow down!

 Emma & Camden hanging out on the deck

 Pulling into the harbor in Stockholm

 Silliness on the funicular 

What a treat the Skansen Open Air Museum was! 

Testing out my stilts skills

 Hoop races

 Tug of war

 Swedish Folk Dancers

 A cute little Swedish girl