Any info about this itinerary which spends lots of time in the black sea. How do the conditions of the black sea compare to sailing the baltic? we are trying to decide between the two. thanks!

Done both and I would do the Baltics first and then the Black Sea later. The Baltics and St. Petersburg is really quite amazing. The Black Sea is very interesting but a destination for those who have already done the Med and the Baltics and just want something different. If you are talking sea conditions - six of one and half a dozen of the other. Not a scientific point of view or based on any knowledge. YOu can hit rough seas or calm seas anywhere and to my knowledge (which is limited other than sailing in these areas) neither area is known for rough seas.

Ngaire-thank you for that informative post. Sounds like a good plan. We were going to fly to Moscow after the cruise(from Stockholm) for 3 days or so. I know Radisson offers a one day exucrsion there but I was not sure if SilverSea does as well