7/18/2010 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo!! Part 3

[cruisin'Mike]

Looks like I need to be keeping an eye on a few of you!!

That whole Mario thing started when there was a rumor that he might be on the Panama Canal cruise....I'm innocent, I tell ya!

Innocent?

 

[jilljill]

Innocent?

Just as innocent as you, right Mike?!?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thx for sharing this............my question, should we be making that trip to Moscow? I'm thinking when else would we be back to see it?

I understand a two day trip by plane to Moscow will be an option but it is a long trip, I wouldnt consider it as there is so much to see in St Petersburg, and I wouldnt want to add flights.

An issue is the 'late' arrival first day at St Petes, most other ships arrive earlier so if going to Moscow its a leter flight.

 

[bellelinus]

Looks like I need to be keeping an eye on a few of you!!

That whole Mario thing started when there was a rumor that he might be on the Panama Canal cruise....I'm innocent, I tell ya!

Hi Stacy!

I understand a two day trip by plane to Moscow will be an option but it is a long trip, I wouldnt consider it as there is so much to see in St Petersburg, and I wouldnt want to add flights.

An issue is the 'late' arrival first day at St Petes, most other ships arrive earlier so if going to Moscow its a leter flight.

I know - it seems that we are in St. P such a short time, it would be extra difficult to do the flight to Moscow and back -- but I guess they will have to offer it.

How are you feeling today, Andrew?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi Stacy!



I know - it seems that we are in St. P such a short time, it would be extra difficult to do the flight to Moscow and back -- but I guess they will have to offer it.

How are you feeling today, Andrew?

A lot of cruise-lines offer the extra bit to Moscow, but I think some people do not understand quite how far away it actually is, for value for money and use your time in Russia the best, Moscow isn't really an option, its best to fly there on another holiday, not from St Petes.

Maybe why there isn't 'confirmation' of departure time, too far in the distant future, flight schedules and then the potential take up, for know they consider it a possibility.

I wouldnt want to miss the night in St Petes as I think we will have somethnig rather special in the WDT that night.

Back is about 95% there the walking to work in the snow for a few days actually helped.

 

[RJAYL]

Anyone notice anything interesting on this???

If the print isnt to large, on your PC/Laptop, under St Petersburg it shows we may leave an hour later due to shore trips returning from Moscow.

Thx for sharing this............my question, should we be making that trip to Moscow? I'm thinking when else would we be back to see it?

I have friends from Russia when I told them that we would be in StPetersburgh for 2 day's they laughed & said 2 weeks would not be enough!

When I told them about a side trip to Moscow they said that U can do Moscow in a day!

With 6 of us the side trip to Moscow will probably be to much, besides having to deal with the kids I can imagine that it will be $500 to $1000 per person!

Now that being said, if I could leave the kids in the clubs for 2 days I would do it!

 

[jilljill]

Caro or Andrew need location help. Blaine, WA what is there to do in that area and what airport is the best one to fly into for there?

Our late summer plans have totally changed as I've had to cancel DD's trip abroad and we are now thinking of taking a week's vacation in mid-August. Looking at tons of options with our timeshare. I saw the one in Blaine, WA and thought that would be totally different for us.

thanks,

 

[jilljill]

Anyone notice anything interesting on this???

If the print isnt to large, on your PC/Laptop, under St Petersburg it shows we may leave an hour later due to shore trips returning from Moscow.

Andrew, I was just looking at the print-outs my TA sent me when I first booked this cruise and that Moscow disclaimer was listed on the itinerary in October. I guess I really should read papers that are attached to my reservation.

 

[alanapapa]

Caro or Andrew need location help. Blaine, WA what is there to do in that area and what airport is the best one to fly into for there?

Our late summer plans have totally changed as I've had to cancel DD's trip abroad and we are now thinking of taking a week's vacation in mid-August. Looking at tons of options with our timeshare. I saw the one in Blaine, WA and thought that would be totally different for us.

thanks,

Blaine is the Canadian border. It is the gateway to Vancouver BC. The closest MAJOR airport is Vancouver, but the Seattle-Tacoma would be cheaper. There is a small airport in Bellingham WA. As to what to do, there are day trips to Vancouver or Victoria BC. Blaine is about 2 hours north of Seattle, so you could always plan on meeting us somewhere. The Boeing Everett plant would be about an hour drive. There are plenty of golf courses and a few wineries in the area. For further information, you will have to talk to Queen Googleicious.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I have friends from Russia when I told them that we would be in StPetersburgh for 2 day's they laughed & said 2 weeks would not be enough!

When I told them about a side trip to Moscow they said that U can do Moscow in a day!

With 6 of us the side trip to Moscow will probably be to much, besides having to deal with the kids I can imagine that it will be $500 to $1000 per person!

Now that being said, if I could leave the kids in the clubs for 2 days I would do it!

Andrew, I was just looking at the print-outs my TA sent me when I first booked this cruise and that Moscow disclaimer was listed on the itinerary in October. I guess I really should read papers that are attached to my reservation.

I think it would be expensive, the flights et, from what I have read its a flight there first day, properly pm, then quick tour, hotel overnight, the main tour am then flight back pm, a bit of a rush.

I think its on/off if they offer it, its big commission if DCL offer it and someone will buy, but come with so many issues such as getting back in time.

Few TA's have this disclaimer on it so we shall see.

 

[bellelinus]

I wouldnt want to miss the night in St Petes as I think we will have somethnig rather special in the WDT that night.

Back is about 95% there the walking to work in the snow for a few days actually helped.

Glad your back is better -- I wonder why walking in the snow helped?

Andrew, do you think the special show will be that first night, or the second night before we leave (since we leave so late)?

 

[Caropooh]

Caro or Andrew need location help. Blaine, WA what is there to do in that area and what airport is the best one to fly into for there?

Our late summer plans have totally changed as I've had to cancel DD's trip abroad and we are now thinking of taking a week's vacation in mid-August. Looking at tons of options with our timeshare. I saw the one in Blaine, WA and thought that would be totally different for us.

thanks,

Blaine is the Canadian border. It is the gateway to Vancouver BC. The closest MAJOR airport is Vancouver, but the Seattle-Tacoma would be cheaper. There is a small airport in Bellingham WA. As to what to do, there are day trips to Vancouver or Victoria BC. Blaine is about 2 hours north of Seattle, so you could always plan on meeting us somewhere. The Boeing Everett plant would be about an hour drive. There are plenty of golf courses and a few wineries in the area. For further information, you will have to talk to Queen Googleicious.

In addition to what Andrew said, you could do a day trip to North Cascades National Park. http://www.nps.gov/noca/ Having never been there, I don't know what you could see in one day.
Chateau St Michelle is about 1 1/4 hours south. http://www.ste-michelle.com/
Vancouver B.C. is only 45 minutes from Blaine. To go to Victoria, you'd have to take a ferry from Vancouver.
It's a beautiful area up here. I'm sure you could find plenty to do. (besides seeing us, of course!) Let me know if you need more info!

 

[jilljill]

Blaine is the Canadian border. It is the gateway to Vancouver BC. The closest MAJOR airport is Vancouver, but the Seattle-Tacoma would be cheaper. There is a small airport in Bellingham WA. As to what to do, there are day trips to Vancouver or Victoria BC. Blaine is about 2 hours north of Seattle, so you could always plan on meeting us somewhere. The Boeing Everett plant would be about an hour drive. There are plenty of golf courses and a few wineries in the area. For further information, you will have to talk to Queen Googleicious.

In addition to what Andrew said, you could do a day trip to North Cascades National Park. http://www.nps.gov/noca/ Having never been there, I don't know what you could see in one day.
Chateau St Michelle is about 1 1/4 hours south. http://www.ste-michelle.com/
Vancouver B.C. is only 45 minutes from Blaine. To go to Victoria, you'd have to take a ferry from Vancouver.
It's a beautiful area up here. I'm sure you could find plenty to do. (besides seeing us, of course!) Let me know if you need more info!

Thank you both. I have to show DH all possibilities that I've come up with today. I'll check into the flights as well.
Funny you say that flying into Seattle should be cheaper, as I really wanted to go to Banff and I could get tickets for the 3 of us for $875. r/t but the resort was full. I'll check flights for both airports and see what I can find. I guess there wouldn't be any problems if we were to fly into Vancouver and then cross the border and stay in WA with a Canadian rental car.

No interest in golf courses, wineries are a must?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Glad your back is better -- I wonder why walking in the snow helped?

Andrew, do you think the special show will be that first night, or the second night before we leave (since we leave so late)?

Well its a funny thing, I was taking care with my back resting all last weekend, and then the snow came and the options was consider driving or walk to work.

Driving fast became a non option, as down our roads they were not gritted and full of ice, snow drifts etc, we live down a no through road with the exit on the East and enclosed at the west, with houses, so the snow coming form the east drifted down and then didn't have anywhere to go so built up.

So I walked in and surprise surprise that day was very good, so I walked more and each time it improved, now I have rested it for two weeks so I presume it was natural progression and any muscle damage was on the repair.

On St Pete's,

The logic is they will have the 'local' show on the first night, this gives the performers time to set up first day, do two shows and not rush off, they could collect their stuff during our second day.

With two shows say 6.30pm and 8.30pm, if we left at 10.30pm, its very fine, do'able but fine.

My guess 'on the grapevine' Russian ballet in the WDT.

Now the WDT holds only limited amounts of sets, space is at a premium, if we are in port, they can move that off and then back the next day, as Ballet is performed for other cruiselines the stars shouldnt need too much 'set up' time.

So don't book tours too late on first night, ''just in case''

Also the KGB will want to account for everyone before we leave so 'Bond' will not be able to smuggle a ballet dancer out so easy if the show is first night..........

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Well Monday will soon we here,

We are told we are going to have a 'Major Winter storm' about 18.00 Monday night, London looks like very heavy rain and winds but just north of us its a major snow fall again!!!!!

And I am traveling around London by Tube pm!!!

Makes you a bit paranoid!

 

[bellelinus]

Well its a funny thing, I was taking care with my back resting all last weekend, and then the snow came and the options was consider driving or walk to work.

Driving fast became a non option, as down our roads they were not gritted and full of ice, snow drifts etc, we live down a no through road with the exit on the East and enclosed at the west, with houses, so the snow coming form the east drifted down and then didn't have anywhere to go so built up.

So I walked in and surprise surprise that day was very good, so I walked more and each time it improved, now I have rested it for two weeks so I presume it was natural progression and any muscle damage was on the repair.

On St Pete's,

The logic is they will have the 'local' show on the first night, this gives the performers time to set up first day, do two shows and not rush off, they could collect their stuff during our second day.

With two shows say 6.30pm and 8.30pm, if we left at 10.30pm, its very fine, do'able but fine.

My guess 'on the grapevine' Russian ballet in the WDT.

Now the WDT holds only limited amounts of sets, space is at a premium, if we are in port, they can move that off and then back the next day, as Ballet is performed for other cruiselines the stars shouldnt need too much 'set up' time.

So don't book tours too late on first night, ''just in case''

Also the KGB will want to account for everyone before we leave so 'Bond' will not be able to smuggle a ballet dancer out so easy if the show is first night..........

I wonder if we will have to wait until the first Baltic cruise to know for sure about the entertainment schedule while in St P, or if they will release information before . . . I probably want to do something in the city one of the two nights we are there and would prefer the first (since there is no possibility of missing the ship) but if we leave at 10:30 the second night, that is possible too . . .

Glad you are better -- and best wishes for getting around if there is more snow!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I wonder if we will have to wait until the first Baltic cruise to know for sure about the entertainment schedule while in St P, or if they will release information before . . . I probably want to do something in the city one of the two nights we are there and would prefer the first (since there is no possibility of missing the ship) but if we leave at 10:30 the second night, that is possible too . . .

Glad you are better -- and best wishes for getting around if there is more snow!

They will 'try' to keep secrets until the first Baltic cruise, I am sure, but we can bet on a very interesting entertainment schedule. On my trips in St Pete's I am going to ensure we are back for dinner each night, for safety as well as on ship entertainment.

I would think if there is a Moscow trip that will include an option for the Russian ballet, in Moscow that evening, so they will not miss out.

 

[Madisonznana]

Oh my gosh, you guys are talking cruise talk!!!!!!!!
I am so looking foward to St. Petersburg, there is so much to see and I guess I will have to save Moscow for another time.
Congratulations on your new tag Mike!! Now really, did you do that yourself?

Glad you are feeling better Andrew. Walking can help a multitude of ailments!

 

[cruisin'Mike]

I wonder if we will have to wait until the first Baltic cruise to know for sure about the entertainment schedule while in St P, or if they will release information before . . . I probably want to do something in the city one of the two nights we are there and would prefer the first (since there is no possibility of missing the ship) but if we leave at 10:30 the second night, that is possible too . . .

Glad you are better -- and best wishes for getting around if there is more snow!

I'm thinking that the first night would be better for us to stay out later. My thoughts are maybe to eat lunch right before we get off the ship. then we can tour for a while, have dinner, then maybe do the folklore show the first night. That will save going back and forth to the ship. And I agree that I wouldn't want to cut it too close getting back to the ship on the second night.

Oh my gosh, you guys are talking cruise talk!!!!!!!!
I am so looking foward to St. Petersburg, there is so much to see and I guess I will have to save Moscow for another time.
Congratulations on your new tag Mike!! Now really, did you do that yourself?

Glad you are feeling better Andrew. Walking can help a multitude of ailments!

Sadly, yes, I had to "tag" myself. You know...tag fairy repellant and all.

 

[jlawall]

Well its a funny thing, I was taking care with my back resting all last weekend, and then the snow came and the options was consider driving or walk to work.

Driving fast became a non option, as down our roads they were not gritted and full of ice, snow drifts etc, we live down a no through road with the exit on the East and enclosed at the west, with houses, so the snow coming form the east drifted down and then didn't have anywhere to go so built up.

So I walked in and surprise surprise that day was very good, so I walked more and each time it improved, now I have rested it for two weeks so I presume it was natural progression and any muscle damage was on the repair.

On St Pete's,

The logic is they will have the 'local' show on the first night, this gives the performers time to set up first day, do two shows and not rush off, they could collect their stuff during our second day.

With two shows say 6.30pm and 8.30pm, if we left at 10.30pm, its very fine, do'able but fine.

My guess 'on the grapevine' Russian ballet in the WDT.

Now the WDT holds only limited amounts of sets, space is at a premium, if we are in port, they can move that off and then back the next day, as Ballet is performed for other cruiselines the stars shouldnt need too much 'set up' time.

So don't book tours too late on first night, ''just in case''

Also the KGB will want to account for everyone before we leave so 'Bond' will not be able to smuggle a ballet dancer out so easy if the show is first night..........

Well if nothing else, I think we'll save a fortune if we stay local and catch the show in WDT!