7/18/2010 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo!! Part 5

[jilljill]

T.G.I.F.

....and a very wet one at that.

Out the door in a bit to go with DH to the ortho for his hand. Hope I don't melt in all the rain.

 

[caven553]

At least it is rain today and not the 2 inches of snow we had falling yesterday!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

127​

Days now left to go.....

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

On our cruise a number of Cats have opened up, right up to Cat 4 now...

Price is still high however...

 

[caven553]

The checks are in the mail for PIF!!!

 

[Madisonznana]

127​

Days now left to go.....

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

The checks are in the mail for PIF!!!

They all say that.......

 

[scrapycruiser]

Just came from the Cruise Critic boards....northern Europe. I have often gotten some good info there. BUT , I was offended when I read several posts complaining about Mickey being in St P. !! Thank heaven 1 poster spoke up and said how great it was that Russia was becoming westernized and how Mickey was an ambassador !! Think I'll stick to my own backyard.

 

[scottishwee35]

On our cruise a number of Cats have opened up, right up to Cat 4 now...

Price is still high however...

oh i better check to see if I win the Euro tonight?

Scottishwee35

 

[jilljill]

On our cruise a number of Cats have opened up, right up to Cat 4 now...

Price is still high however...

I just checked last week and there wasn't much available. I'll have to check on those cat. 4's that have opened up. I just like to see a higher price than I'm paying for my friends'.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Just came from the Cruise Critic boards....northern Europe. I have often gotten some good info there. BUT , I was offended when I read several posts complaining about Mickey being in St P. !! Thank heaven 1 poster spoke up and said how great it was that Russia was becoming westernized and how Mickey was an ambassador !! Think I'll stick to my own backyard.

Firstly, take some advice thats often given to me, on the internet you will never please everyone and there is always that 1% of people who like to 'slap you down' or get notices by a provocative comment. The internet is faceless so people seem not to treat others as people. It annoys me every so often. Now on Mickey there are people who get it and thoose who do not. For many Mickey is connected with young kids, and for another group is typical USA, the same as McDonalds, or Microsoft, and gets a bashing just for that and generally 'no other reason'.

The thing I try to focus on is the majority of people are nice, the great PM's I get refresh my batteries, when the few grind you down.

oh i better check to see if I win the Euro tonight?

Scottishwee35

Good luck.

Yes, There has been some cancellations pre PIF date, we saw that on the popular EB Panama cruise in 2008, it was fully booked from day one but there are quite a few who book 'on spec' to have the option of cruising but no laid down plains set in stone. DCL offers GTY cabins on this basis but cant go too far. With 4 cruises, and limited availability, it does look like these, on spec bookers were around but with high cost are bailing out. We have seen a few genuine bookers on this thread bail for other reasons who did really plan to go.

But i must say this cruise meets thread against all the others has been very light of posters. Now it had an active start, -well many posts from the few, but, then settled down. I really expected a flood of new cruisers to join at PIF and Shore booking time, but yardsticks such as FE lists etc, group activities are light.

That to me does imply, a lot of 'light' bookings people knowing they had a very high chance of not going, and therefore low commitment. So to posting.

It will be interesting to see what happens on booking window time, the other cruises have mentioned some limited availability, but also booking without any issue.

 

[RJAYL]

Good Morning All

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good Morning All

And a good afternoon from him...........


How are you this fine day.....


From tonight there is only four hours in time zones between us!!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

So roll call who do we know is going?????


1. Disname:Caropooh-Carolyn
Disname:Alanapapa-Andrew
DD14(16 on cruise)-Alana
DD9(11 on cruise)-Kathryn
This will be DH and my 5th cruise, DD's 4th
Cat 9 stateroom 2606 Aft starboard
We live just south of Seattle, WA
I work for Boeing
Andrew works for REI(Recreational Equipment Incorporated)

Sadly, Mike and family have had to cancel.
2. Disname: cruisin'Mike
Real name: Mike
Pharmacy school student, graduating in May 2009!!
DW: Linda (on the DIS as cruisin'Linda, but but usually just posts under my ID or makes me post for her.) Nurse who is putting her husband (me!) through pharmacy school, and for doing so, deserves whatever vacation she wants!
DS11: Zack (will be 12 on the cruise) - Likes Star Wars, soccer, swimming
DS9: Nick (will be 10 on the cruise) - Likes Pokemon, swimming, soccer
DD9: Hailey (will be 10 on the cruise) - Likes Hannah Montana, High School musical, dancing, basketball
We're in a Cat 4 GTY.
This will be our 7th DCL cruise.

3. We're in too! This will be our 5th Disney Cruise, and we were on the August 8 Med Cruise last year.
We are:
Disname:ladyvet-Beth
DH: Dan
DS: Caleb (14 at cruise time)
DD: Ivey (12 at cruise time)
We are veterinarians who hail from Lenoir, NC
We're Cat 5 room 7052

4. DisName: Flora Fan
First Name: Cindy - Crochet, photography
Family: DH/Joe - surfing the net, politics
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Cat #: 7570

5.Disname: Friend_of_piglet
First name ( of main poster) Sooz (Susie really)Hobbies Disney,Travel, Tv addicted. I'm a Disney Castmemeber. I have been for nearly 8 years.I don't work in the parks though. I'm really shy( hence the piglet name)
Family with you
DPARENTS-Carl (retired), Alicia (retired)
Location.We live in Los Angeles.
We wanted the same cabin we in on the eastern repo. which we got. Cat 6 6620

6.Disname: jilljill
First name (of main poster) Barb
Hobbies Disney Travel, & former CM of 8½ yrs
Family with you
DH Jay
DD Alexa, will be 16 when we cruise
English friends and kids (16,12,8)
Location.Where you live Newark, DE & Windermere, FL
Cat number if assigned. 7620, cat. 7 aft
We have done 8/9 DCL cruises. This will be my UK friends' first cruise.

7. Sadly JoAnn and family have had to cancel.
Disname:jlawall-- JoAnn - teacher (mostly me)
Ken - self-employed real estate
DD25 Tara Ad school graduate living in NYC
DD23 Tracy Grad school student
DD20 Jessica Junior in college
We are booked Cat. 6 6598 & Cat. 11 6599 (Also currently booked on July 30th REPO Cat. 6 6080.......we'll see ) We'll be celebrating our 30th anniversary on this trip

8. DIS name: Disney Fool
first name: Vera
booked: Cat 9, #2568
family: myself, and Arielle, my friend's 19-year-old daughter (will be 21 when we cruise) who is very excited to go
We're from New England, (Massachusetts--home of the bean and the cod)
interests: world travel, crocheting, piano, books AND FOOD!!!
I've been to Oslo, and Copenhagen before. Never been to St. Petersburg --and I'm dying to see the Hermitage Museum. Hello, All

9. Disname: hawaiian mickey (Henry)
hawaiian Minnie (Brenda)
We both love to travel and eat good food.
late seating
Cat 9 -2076
8th cruise

10. Disname: flower91882
First name ( of main poster): Danielle. Hobbies: dance, video games, crafts
DH: James. Hobbies: video games, martial arts, cooking
Location: Outside Washington, DC
Cat number if assigned: Cat 11. #7121

11. Disname: “Hanover"
First name of main poster: Danielle: Human Resources Director/ Hobbies: scrapbooking, photography
DH Derek:full time police officer in Maryland/part time wedding disc jockey
Keegan (DSthen 13--now 11): sports fanatic--especially football and baseball, loves to draw, listen to music, skateboard, video games
Brennan (DS then 9--now 7): loves to draw, loves all sports-- especially wrestling and baseball, video games, Star Wars and Pokemon)
MIL Joyce: MD financial investor
We are from Hanover, (surprise!) Pennsylvania--famous for Utz and Snyder's snack foods, Hanover Shoe Farms (race horse breeders) and located about 15 minutes from Gettysburg. This will be our 11th DCL cruise
Cat 6 and Cat 11

12. Disname: ANDREW DEREK UK
First name ( of main poster) ANDREW Hobbies Travel, Trains Sci Fi
Family with you
DW/ Susan Hobbies Movies Music
DD/ Alice 12 now Hobbies Art, Keyboard, music, homework!!!
DS, Stephen 10 Hobbies X Box 360 Trains Guitar
Location.Where you live London UK, to the East of the City in Essex
Cat number if assigned. Midship Cat 3. 8532
Kids also post as AL'N'STEVE

13. Sadly Izzi and family have had to cancel.
Disname: DISNEYNUTINLONDON
First name ( of main poster) Isabel (Izzi to my friends)Hobbies Disney, Travelling, my family & friends
Family with you
DH/ Paul Hobbies Football, food
DS/ Joshua will be 14 Hobbies PS3, speaking to his friends on his mobile !!!
DS/ Ethan will be 11 Hobbies PS3, football
Location.Where you live North London UK.
Cat number if assigned. Midship Cat 4. 8028 at the moment

14. Disname:MrsG
Main Poster: Maryann - biology teacher
DH: Tom - banker
We live in Malverne (Long Island), NY
Cabin Cat 6 #6580 - same one we had on the Med.
We are empty nesters who enjoy cruising just the two of us. Will be celebrating our 33 wedding anniversary in 2010. Both of us have always wanted to see the Baltics and can't wait!!!!

15. DIS name:Celestine
Names: Celestine, DH Paul, DD Lauren (10 when we cruise), DD Hermione (5 when we cruise)
Hobbies: arts/crafts, Disney!!
Lives: Reading, England
Cabin: 7535, cat11

16. Disname MEG'N'WALT
First name ( of main poster) Dagmar Hobbies Travel,movies, pirates, bellydance
Family with you
DH/ Jos Hobbies Movies, reserve officer
DS/ Walt age 7 on the cruise. Hobbies old cars (herbie), wall.e..
Location :Lede, Belgium (between Ghent and Brussels)
Cat number: Midship Cat 9. 2570
Med cruise : 08/08/07 - 18/08/07
Baltic cruise will be our 5th on the Magic

17. Disname: BishopFamily
First name (main poster): Richard
Family with you :
DW- Nancy
DS- Jordan 12 (time of cruise)
DD- Abby 7
Location: Near Portland, Oregon
Stateroom: 5522 (SPH)
We also have the 8-night Dover-To-Barcelona cruise (b2b)


18. Disname: salliep
First name ( of main poster): Sallie. Hobbies:scrap booking, home-keeping,crafts, reading tons of magazines, cooking, spending time with DH and DD
DH: Jimmy. Hobbies: spending time with family, reading, traveling
Location: Long Island, NY
DD: Carley will be almost 16 when we cruise
Cat number if assigned: Cat 5. #7072

19. Bellelinus (Julie)
traveling with daughters Elizabeth, Katherine, and Meredith
New York City
5520

20. Disname : BluegrassBelles
Donna - Computer Programmer
Joan - Pharmacist
Sandy - Interior Designer
Sarah - Law Student
This will be our eighth and ninth Disney Cruise (b2b 8 night to Barcelona)
Cat 4 Stateroom 8556
We are from Lexington, KY and did the Mexican Riviera the first time, 11 night June Med Cruise and WB PC May 08

21. Sadly, Tina has had to cancel.
Disname: Downrivermama- Tina
Hobbies: Reading, crafts, travel
DD- Kaitlin (will be 12)
Hobbies: Collects postcards, likes HSM, Hannah Montana, iCarly, choir and dance.
We are in Wyandotte, MI about 8 miles south of Detroit.
Celebrations:
My 50th birthday 7/20 and Kaitlin will be starting middle school

22. DIS Name: eeyorelvr10
REAL Name: Laura (main poster) turning my favorite number on the cruise - 44)
DH: Steve 44
DS: Andrew 25
DD: Megan (Turning 24 on the cruise)
DD: April - 18 possibly a graduation gift for her too.
DMIL: Janet - can't say her age - she'll kill me.
Celebrations:
Laura's Birthday: 7/23
Laura & Steve's anniversary: 7/21
Megan's Birthday: 7/20
Janet's anniversary: 7/21
Andrew's Birthday: 7/7
We are in connecting Cat 10's not sure what the other one is but one is 2607

23. DIS name: Kouris Family
traveling with Hawaiian Mickey and Tiny Bubbles
So we have 4, Kay, Mark, Christian 9 and Hannah 6
we will be celebrating our 15th Anniversary on this cruise.
Very much looking forward to this cruise.
This will be our 3rd Disney cruise. Med 7-7-07, Mexico 6-29-08
We are on floor 7 Cat. 11

24. The Drexel Family
Disname: Bullseye Baby~ Janie (47 at cruise time)
DH- Dave 47 at cruise time
DS- Riley 17 at cruise time
DD- Sierra 13 at cruise time

25. DisBoard Name: Pixie Dust II
Harole Ann Harper
Grandson Ryan
Live in northern West Virginia about 35 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, PA
retired excutive secretary county Board of Education
Hobbies - Travel and enjoying our family
Most recent Disney Cruises - Mediterranean, 2007
Eastern Caribbean -Family Cruise - 2008

26. DIS name: Marla Hellwig
this will be our 2nd dcl cruise and just me (Marla) and my daughter (Kara) who is currently a senior in high school and has no clue what she wants to do when she graduates next June
She is wrapping up her marching band high school career and her swim season (swims for 2 teams) has started I will try to check in when I can and more than likely won't be able to keep up

27. Tiny Bubbles
Traveling with Hawaiian Mickey and Kouris Family

28. Dis Name: 4KittyMagic
Real Name: DH: Jeff DW: Diane DD: Kylie
This is our 5th Disney Cruise
Cat 6: 6078
From Sunny Las Vegas, Nevada
Looking forward to seeing our Rome-ancing the Mouse
Friends Again!

29.Silver 7
Mark & Teresa
David DS 19 (21 on cruise) College Student, video games, computers
Stephen 16 (17 on cruise) (Foreign Exchange student in 2008/2009 in Kiel, Germany) Sports, music
We live in Houston and this is our 5th Disney Cruise. We were on the June 16th Med and the Transatlantic.
Cat 4 Stateroom ??? (its a MYSTERY )

30.Disname: MrsScooby
First name ( of main poster): Laurie
Hobbies:Reading (scifi/fantasy/mystery novels), Dis Board, Disney Pin Collecting, Biotech patent examiner
Family with you:
DH Darren
DS Andrew, will be 16 when we cruise
DD Kelly, will be 13 when we cruise
Location(Where you live): Fairfax VA
Cat number if assigned: 5014 (cat 8)
Celebrations: our 18th wedding anniversary 7/19/2010

31.Disname RJAYL
Me- Robert, On the Dole anyone got a quarter for a cruise
DW-Denise Full time Home Agitator
DS-Allen will be 17 (Hockey Computer X-Box PS-3)
DD-Arielle will be 15 (Figure Skating Reading Annoying siblings & Parents Speaks French Fluently!)
DD-Karisa will be 9 (Figure Skating, Talking, Learning to Speak French Fluently?)
DD-Shaina age at time will be 6 (Hockey Bouncing general mischief & mayhem!)
We are just outside of Boston
We are doing Captains/early/main Dining
We are located some where on Deck 8 on the opposite side away from Andrew!
My first Trip to WDW was 1971 we stayed at the Poly

32. DisneyDoc1895, real name Ken
DW is AnitaDisneyVacation
DD#1 will be 8
DD#2 will be 10
We are from just north of Philly, but I already have my FL license and plan to move there someday
This will be our 3rd DCL cruise, we did the EB Repo this August

33. Karen aka Madisonznana
my DH Bob is Madisonzpapa even though he doesn't play here!
Madison (our DGD) will be 8 at the time of the cruise.
My BIL Randy
His DW Alina
Their girls, Rheanna who will be 11 and Shelby will be 8


34. Msec (Michelle)
DH, DD14 and DD12

35. Disname: jjsmith
Me: Rob
Wife: Toni
DD 12(on cruise)-Addie (dance, theatre, texting)
DS 10(on cruise)-Sam (video games, sports)
This will be our 2nd Disney cruise
Cat 6 stateroom GTY
We live just south of Cincinnati in N. Ky

36. Disname: disneycruising (Cindy)
DH
DD (16)
DS (14)
DS (12)
DD (10)
We live in Northern California.
We have 3 B2B cruise booked right now. This one... the July 30th --8 night & Aug 7th --11 night med. We will have to see as the time gets closer... what ones we can truly afford.

37. Disname: tfitz
from Hilton Head SC
Me and husband plus three kids:
DD(11 at time of cruise)
DD(6 at time of cruise)
DD(4 at time of cruise)
This will be our 7th cruise with Disney
Cat 4, starboard midship requested

38. Disname: ladyvet
Beth
Dan
Caleb (14 at sailing)
Ivey (12 at sailing)

39. Disname: Samanthasmom1- Monica
DH: Scott
DD: (will be 6 when we cruise)- Samantha
Cat. 9 room # 2632 (I think) right now
We live in Albuquerque, New Mexico
We will be celebrating our DD's 7th birthday. She turns 7 on the last day (7/30).
We have been to Disney World many times in the past couple of years but have never been on a DCL cruise.

40. DIS name: KathyInCitrus
Mundane name: Kathy (with Mary & Sandy)
I'll be in cabin 5012. Mary & Sandy are in cabin 7504.
I live in Florida full-time, Mary & Sandy live in Rhode Island in the summer, Key West in the winter. They visit me on the way down and back.
I am "between" positions at the moment and studying for a degree in communication; Mary & Sandy are retired Navy medical types.
[OK, so I'm not 20-something] Let's just keep it friendly and call me a baby boomer and leave it at that.

41. DIS name: Disney Pata (Joyce)
my husbands name is Rich
Dining First Seating
Cabin #6566 for both cruises - we are doing b2b 7/18 & 7/30
We live in the City of Orange, In OC, CA
This is our 5th cruise

42. Disname: mstinson14 Real name Sharon
Daughter turning 14 on July 25 2010.
mom
dad
room 5522 will have fish extender

43. Disnameoingitagain - Marie
DH -Tim
DD21 (on cruise) - Beth
DD18 (on cruise) - Michael
This will be our 8th cruise (9th for DD)
Cat 3
We live in Minnesota, close to the airport in the metro area

44. disname: caven 553 - Brent (36)
DW - Lisa (35)
DD - Larissa (6)
Father in law - Ken
Mother in law - Linda
Sister in law - Laura (25)
Brother in law - Leon (30)

45. JetsMets (Phil)
from New Jersey
traveling with wife (Kristen), in-laws (Art and Sharon) and DDs 10 (Kaitlin) and 8 (Allison)

46.scrapycruiser
Bruce&Gina
grandson Nick, 15
Newport News,VA
London,Renaissance Chancery Court pre-cruise
2nd seating

47. cousinorville
Kevin&Kathleen
Gavin (5) & "baby" (6 mos)
Houston,TX
London,Renaissance Chancery Court pre-cruise
2nd seating

48. Disname: MI-MINI
First name: (of main poster) Leslie
Hobbies: Travel whether by air or road, reading
Family with you: I'm leaving the DH & DS home, and going with a DF & her sister.
Where you live: Pennsylvania
Cat number if assigned.- Pitifully I'm not sure- I think deck 7, near the 'back' and it is a handicapped room for my friend's sister.
This will be my 4th cruise, but 1st with Disney.

49. Poohmomof5
Nicole, 39 (turning 40 onboard)
Jay, 40
Andrew, 18
Sarah, 16
Casey, 15
Emily, 12
Jessica, 6

Late dining
Connecting cat 5 rooms

49. mca - Moe (44)
DW Nicky(44)
DS Eric(12) & DS Danny(10)
Location: Ontario Canada
Cabin Cat 10 Deck 7 fwd
First gold castaway cruise
Going to DLP after cruise

50. markmyboy - Bridget
DH - Phil
Kids: Mark (12) and Claire (8)
from New Jersey

51. Smilis - Sandy
DH - Gary
# of cruises: 4 with Disney, many more with other lines. Celebrated our 30th anniversary in the Mediterranean 07 with DCL
Celebrating 32 years this July.
From: Livonia, MI
Hobbies: travel, DVC, grandkids
Stateroom: #6089 Cat. 11

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Price

2XA 2XC CAT 12 -Our cruise.

Standard Inside Stateroom
Category 12 $9,536.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $3,469.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $3,469.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,349.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,249.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88


Total Price $11,216.88

Price
Standard Inside Stateroom
Category 11 $9,896.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $3,649.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $3,649.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,349.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,249.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88
Total Price $11,576.88


Price
Deluxe Inside Stateroom
Category 10 $10,236.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $3,819.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $3,819.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,349.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,249.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88
Total Price $11,916.88


Price
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom
Category 09 $11,186.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $4,199.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $4,199.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,439.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,349.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88
Total Price $12,866.88


Price
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom
Category 08 $11,906.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $4,559.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $4,559.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,439.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,349.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88
Total Price $13,586.88


Price
Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah
Category 06 $14,016.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $5,409.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $5,409.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,649.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,549.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88
Total Price $15,696.88


Price
Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah
Category 05 $14,376.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $5,589.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $5,589.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,649.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,549.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88
Total Price $16,056.88


Price
Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah
Category 04 $15,336.00
Guest 1 Cruise Fare $6,069.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $6,069.00
Guest 3 Cruise Fare $1,649.00
Guest 4 Cruise Fare $1,549.00
Vacation Insurance (Optional) $676.00
Ground Transportation (Optional) $660.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $ $344.88
Total Price $17,016.88


and TWO Cat 1's availabile for $22k.............

 

[RJAYL]

And a good afternoon from him...........


How are you this fine day.....


From tonight there is only four hours in time zones between us!!!

We are going to have a rainy weekend!

So roll call who do we know is going?????

Of the 51 people listed Most are MIA at this point!

Price

and TWO Cat 1's availabile for $22k.............

Dont think so!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We are going to have a rainy weekend!



Of the 51 people listed Most are MIA at this point!

Yes, lots AWOL.

Dont think so!

Well, I found out there are two Cat 1's on sale..... so the TA nicked the last payment then????????

 

[RJAYL]

Well, I found out there are two Cat 1's on sale..... so the TA nicked the last payment then????????

At that price yes they are on Sale I will have to call up & book 1!

I will let you know about the TA on the 20th as I will not be able to book anything if not paid in full!

 

[Doingitagain]

This is our big excursion planning weekend. I have printed out the excursions for five of us to "vote" on our favorites. We generally stick with DCL excursions, we tend to worry a lot if we will get picked up on time, dropped off on time, etc. And we don't want to spend our vacation worrying.

The biggest thing that bothers me about DCL excursions is that they are large groups. They fill to capacity and it never fails that one or two groups don't get back on time and we all wait. Plus if we take transportion they cram you in seats and DH and DS are very tall. So I think for Berlin we are going to do the train and private car because it is such a large excursion.

DH wants to do some excursions where we just walk around on our own, but I don't know how close the ports are to any of the attractions.

I am curious to see how many the five of us agree on!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

At that price yes they are on Sale I will have to call up & book 1!

I will let you know about the TA on the 20th as I will not be able to book anything if not paid in full!

If you have contacts you can get a good price, anyway, hope you can book *if* PIF.

This is our big excursion planning weekend. I have printed out the excursions for five of us to "vote" on our favorites. We generally stick with DCL excursions, we tend to worry a lot if we will get picked up on time, dropped off on time, etc. And we don't want to spend our vacation worrying.

The biggest thing that bothers me about DCL excursions is that they are large groups. They fill to capacity and it never fails that one or two groups don't get back on time and we all wait. Plus if we take transportation they cram you in seats and DH and DS are very tall. So I think for Berlin we are going to do the train and private car because it is such a large excursion.

DH wants to do some excursions where we just walk around on our own, but I don't know how close the ports are to any of the attractions.

I am curious to see how many the five of us agree on!

Yes these are the issues, and as they are provided by local operators you never know exactly what you will get.

I recall some bad ones but also a lot of good tours.

Acauplco, being forced into one tourist shop with inflated prices, tour operators often do this, saying you cant trust the others and you will be gone soon and not coming back, but they get a big kick back on commission.

Yes, lots of cruisers all in one small place, all for 20 mins then all gone. Now in Cabo San Lucas we did a private DCL tour and had the glass factory to ourselves, just 4 of us. Minutes later three tour buses x 31 people turned up.

If you DIY, you can avoid the crowds, and you can do it cheaper, for all ports bar StP and going to Berlin there isn't a worry about getting back to the ship on time its very local.

Main Baltic thread shows a lot of HOHO buses in the main cities, these are cheap and a good way to see the places but, if lots of cruisers all hop off and on at the same time the bus will not cope. I did HOHO in Barcelona, getting on at 8am we had top fron seats to ourselves, and stayed on aorund all the route, then we started HOHO, and there were times we had a 20 min wait the bus was full or we would stand, or would be 'below' without a window.

In my 'saved activities' I have two trips saved for each port, not sure if I will unsave/remove one before booking, but I want the options, family have nearly voted on these and we do know what our plan is.