How loud?

So much to do - so little time. Stopped at Lidl for tea & breakie stuff - on booking it became apparent that the cost of food was high (probably cheap by Finnish standards) so stocking up was the option. Then on to the station to pick up our bags (lockers) Just missed the tram to the West Quay so a bit of a wait & the crowds waiting grew - would we all fit on? It was a tight squeeze & I almost fell into old ladies lap when the tram lurched around a bend (no hand holds) - tourists pah! Got chatting to a cockney who lived in Helsinki - such weather is abnormal & he maintains the best time of year is winter. Skeptical. Took in the naughty boy statue & on to the check in. Not the worst queue, but not the fastest of procedures. Scooted through fairly painlessly - unlike those going to Tallinn - looked carnage. On boarding we had to have all bags scanned - just 1 machine - that's going to cause chaos (it did) Then had to have a photo with someone dressed up as the captain. Found our pokey room - worryingly situated on the deck below the live entertainment ... till 1am. Not good. While most were boozing we watched as Helsinki slipped into the distance. Onwards to Russia. Had some tea & asked to see if there were any alternative rooms. The only option was opposite ours - no point. By 10 the true noise level was becoming clear - sleep is likely to elude me.Read more