Liv's Jewellery Journal

My adventure through the Baltic began in Göteborg, Sweden, with the most gorgeous of days in Gothia Towers.

At their Upper House Spa, I had access to their protruding champagne pool, Gothenburg’s highest hamam, saunas, a jungle shower and even a relaxation suite!

The champagne pool was undoubtedly the star of the show, and I could not recommend it more! I was a little unnerved by the glass base, but it was a truly unforgettable experience, in the heart of Sweden’s most gorgeous port. Göteborg was then closely followed by Visby and Stockholm, Sweden!

Tallin, Estonia was a step back in time!

We visited the quaintest of bars in the old town, and it went a little something like this:

Me: “I’d love a Diet Coke, please?”

Waitress (modelling the finest of mediaeval costumes): “You’re in a mediaeval town. The closest I have is alcohol-free rhubarb cider.”

That being said, the old town shops were scrapbook heaven!

Then came Helsikini. So working on cruise ships, we have the opportunity to volunteer as escorts for trips. I clocked a reindeer feeding excursion and decided I was willing to do whatever it took for a place! The morning came and I couldn’t have been more excited. The reindeer were so friendly, welcoming you to stroke them and nibbling their treats from your palm. I quickly became known as ‘Reindeer Girl’ across the ship, but that’s not a bad reputation to hold!

Latvia followed with the gorgeous port of Riga. My partner, Nathan, and I booked for a kayak adventure. Oh my goodness, the views!! Within minutes in the kayak, I had my speaker blasting old Disney tunes, and we rowed our way down the river. I was a top tier “Paddle Princess”, or so according to Nath, but it doesn’t half hurt your arms!!

And then for our final adventure to Warnemunder, Germany. I was wondering down the pier and noticed splashing in the water. I sat on the waterfront to watch, and it was a dolphin! I couldn’t ever have expected such magic, I sat and watched him flip through the water for hours.

Then hit our longer nights. After a Baltic Sea “Pirate Party” (yes, we made gorgeous pirates), Denmark was cancelled, our ship re-routed, and the storm began. Staff fell poorly, guests complained, and I missed my Mum!! After a rocky few nights, we returned in one piece to our home port, Southampton.

My Baltic adventure is one of my favourites so far, with my favourite moment undoubtedly being feeding the reindeer in Helsinki!