The history of Stockholm proved to be fascinating and we heard about it from the ship historian and again on tour. For example, a newly commissioned ship for King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden in 1628 named Vasa, at that time the largest ship in the world, sank within a mile of the starting point of it’s maiden voyage. Did you know there is a joke that to be the King of Sweden you have to be named Karl or Gustav?  :o)

We were taken on a bus and then boat tour of the city and parks which lasted three hours. We didn’t even have time to go in any buildings and then we were back at the ship. The women folk didn’t even get to do any shopping other than a quick stop at a tourist trap before they got back on the Emerald Princess.

Debby surprised us with a birthday meal even though my birthday is next month. Why do I always get red in the face when people sing happy birthday to me? I’d rather sing with the gang than be the recipient. We are now cruising down a fiord towards Finland and specifically Helsinki. The sun is setting and after two excellent shows we are all watching the night arrive in the Owners Suite that we were upgraded to for the trip. Life is sweet.