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

[Celestine]

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!

We had this meeting last night - me, DH & my parents (eldest DD just pulled faces). I've set my parents up with a DCL account & saved the excursions they are interested in. We are DIYing in all ports bar ST P and have identified gallivantproductions in Stockholm for the viking tour and bikecity.ee in Tallinn for a bike tour and/or walking tour. Oslo will be the ferry to Bygdoy & Copenhagen will be a walk & tivoli. Germany is the only one where we will "wing it"

Celestine

 

[jilljill]

'Afternoon all on the VERY rainy day. We have ducks swimming in the back yard.


I have to say all this excursion talk/planning is making me tired. I just can't make that many plans so far ahead. I'm still working on my airfare.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Very bad news..........

Hi Andrew;

I've had some bad news this week and will definitely not be able to travel this summer -- believe me, it breaks my heart but I just won't be able to go. Please let everyone on the boards know, but also let them know that I need my privacy right now.

Much love, Julie

I have responded and said many of you had posted very warm wishes and pixie dust to Julie.

 

[markmyboy]

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

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

We are still going on the cruise, just doing a lot of reading & researching right now. I haven't had much to share, as so much of the information I have found has been posted here already.
We will be joining those of you taking the coach from London to Dover that Celestine is so kindly putting together.
We are also on the repositioning cruise immediately following the last Baltic cruise, and haven't taken much time to make plans for that cruise because I've been concentrating on all of the Baltic ports.
We've booked our private tour in St. P, but really need to sit down & discuss what everyone wants for all of the other ports. I'm all for getting Citycards for each port & use the HOHO bus, but I think the kids may want something a little different. Seeing as how our booking window opens in less than a week, there is no time like the present to iron out all the details!

I'm sure there will be a ton of posts next Saturday morning, reporting everyone's experiences with online bookings!

Bridget

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We are still going on the cruise, just doing a lot of reading & researching right now. I haven't had much to share, as so much of the information I have found has been posted here already.
We will be joining those of you taking the coach from London to Dover that Celestine is so kindly putting together.
We are also on the repositioning cruise immediately following the last Baltic cruise, and haven't taken much time to make plans for that cruise because I've been concentrating on all of the Baltic ports.
We've booked our private tour in St. P, but really need to sit down & discuss what everyone wants for all of the other ports. I'm all for getting Citycards for each port & use the HOHO bus, but I think the kids may want something a little different. Seeing as how our booking window opens in less than a week, there is no time like the present to iron out all the details!

I'm sure there will be a ton of posts next Saturday morning, reporting everyone's experiences with online bookings!

Bridget

Great news, and back to back, nice, and I know a lot of people on that cruise.

 

[scottishwee35]

Very bad news..........




I have responded and said many of you had posted very warm wishes and pixie dust to Julie.

Oh I am so sorry to hear that news... Take Care to Julie...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Andrew

I forgot check Euro until now guess what I got 3 and one lucky star...

only 22 pounds huh

never mind maybe next week

Scottishwee35

 

[MrsScooby]

Very bad news..........




I have responded and said many of you had posted very warm wishes and pixie dust to Julie.

Really bad news
Please let her know we are worried and that she and her family are in our prayers.

 

[Flora Fan]

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

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

We're in and paid for.

I know I don't post much, but I do read the boards almost everyday. I'm just not a "chatty cathy", but love to read everyones posts. You guys are a scream...(now you can ask yourselves, "Hmmm, did she mean or I'll leave it to you to decide." )

Seriously though, I downloaded the 2010 Lonely Planet Guide for St. Pete and found out a couple of things I wanted to share with you all.
(1) DON'T drink the water in St. Pete. Tiny traces of Giardia lamblia, a parasite, has been found in the water in St. Pete.
(2) From May to Sept. mosquitoes are VERY prevalent. Insect repellent with 95% DEET is recommended (except for children of course)

I hadn't even thought about packing insect repellent. Can one buy insect repellent with DEET in Britain? I don't think they sell it in the US anymore.

 

[Doingitagain]

On our booking date, what time can we sign in on the computer Eastern US time?

 

[mstinson14]

On our booking date, what time can we sign in on the computer Eastern US time?

I believe it is 7 am.

 

[Samanthasmom1]

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



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.

We are still in!

I am on here often reading what others are posting but I don't have much to say. I still feel a little shy.

We are still working on our flights too. I was hoping I would have seen some movement in the costs (downward!) but it hasn't happened yet.

For those of you that are not going to Berlin, are you planning on staying in the Rostock/Warnemunde area or venturing out a little farther? I just got some brochures from the tourist board of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the whole area looks beautiful! Especially Schwerin Castle. I wonder just how risky it really is to venture out on our own....Or, is there enough to see/enjoy in Rostock/Warnemunde that we would miss if we tried to see Schwerin Castle and Wismar instead? Decisions, Decisions...

Monica

 

[jilljill]

On our booking date, what time can we sign in on the computer Eastern US time?

I believe it is 7 am.

Online booking begins at 1 minute past Midnight eastern time (00:01). Do not log into before this or you risk being locked out for up to 20 minutes.

 

[jilljill]

We are still in!

I am on here often reading what others are posting but I don't have much to say. I still feel a little shy.

We are still working on our flights too. I was hoping I would have seen some movement in the costs (downward!) but it hasn't happened yet.

For those of you that are not going to Berlin, are you planning on staying in the Rostock/Warnemunde area or venturing out a little farther? I just got some brochures from the tourist board of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the whole area looks beautiful! Especially Schwerin Castle. I wonder just how risky it really is to venture out on our own....Or, is there enough to see/enjoy in Rostock/Warnemunde that we would miss if we tried to see Schwerin Castle and Wismar instead? Decisions, Decisions...

Monica

Just jump on in and have a at Robert or myself.


We'll be staying around Warnemunde with Robert and family, enjoying the quaint seaside town. We really liked the town the last time we were there and are looking forward to a relaxing day hanging out at the cafes and beach.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

DIS name: Marla Hellwig
this will be our 2nd dcl cruise and just me (Marla) and my daughter (Kara

cat 6 6584
late dining

Need to sit down with what we looked last month for excursions

I know we are going with DCL for St. P, Kara wants to try a beer in Germany

she is looking foward to be able to use adult pool, Palo (if we get lucky), the adult entertainment

 

[Caropooh]

We are PAID IN FULL!!! (at least we are once the payment goes through!) The only port we know what we are doing is St Petersburg. Finishing up final arrangements on that. Oh, and Copenhagen, hopefully! Otherwise, not real sure. The do it yourself with the hop on, hop off busses sounds good, Andrew and I just need to talk and decide. We've decided against Berlin and will stick around the port. Decided it's just too long of a day and expensive.

Andrew Derek, please let Julie know we are thinking about her.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I believe it is 7 am.

00:00 Midnight Eastern USA Time.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Oh I am so sorry to hear that news... Take Care to Julie...

Scottishwee35

I have past on best wishes to her, her correspondence is limited, which to me is not a good sign, I have past on a couple of times the kind thoughts of the great people here.

Andrew

I forgot check Euro until now guess what I got 3 and one lucky star...

only 22 pounds huh

never mind maybe next week

Scottishwee35

I cant see us getting a good Euro rate or Dollar rate for a while, if you notice when ever there is headline news both take a battering, but when no one talks about it, they both start to recover. So don't talk about it, but it will be volatile until the Election, first week in May.

Really bad news
Please let her know we are worried and that she and her family are in our prayers.

I have passed these on, and I am sure your thoughts are really appreciated.

We're in and paid for.

I know I don't post much, but I do read the boards almost everyday. I'm just not a "chatty cathy", but love to read everyone's posts. You guys are a scream...(now you can ask yourselves, "Hmmm, did she mean or I'll leave it to you to decide." )

Seriously though, I downloaded the 2010 Lonely Planet Guide for St. Pete and found out a couple of things I wanted to share with you all.
(1) DON'T drink the water in St. Pete. Tiny traces of Giardia lamblia, a parasite, has been found in the water in St. Pete.
(2) From May to Sept. mosquitoes are VERY prevalent. Insect repellent with 95% DEET is recommended (except for children of course)

I hadn't even thought about packing insect repellent. Can one buy insect repellent with DEET in Britain? I don't think they sell it in the US anymore.

Yes don't drink the water in StP, I posted this in the main thread before. Hate Mozzies, will get some repellent.

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



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.

We are still in!

I am on here often reading what others are posting but I don't have much to say. I still feel a little shy.

We are still working on our flights too. I was hoping I would have seen some movement in the costs (downward!) but it hasn't happened yet.

For those of you that are not going to Berlin, are you planning on staying in the Rostock/Warnemunde area or venturing out a little farther? I just got some brochures from the tourist board of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the whole area looks beautiful! Especially Schwerin Castle. I wonder just how risky it really is to venture out on our own....Or, is there enough to see/enjoy in Rostock/Warnemunde that we would miss if we tried to see Schwerin Castle and Wismar instead? Decisions, Decisions...

Monica

Its great to know who is still 'in' after a few high profile, Dissers have had to cancel,I am off to Berlin so cant answer Warnemunde.

I have two DCL tours 'saved' on my wish list for each of the ports, i have to book at, StP and Berlin are booked. We had a family conference last night and agree on the priority one now in each of those ports. Six days to go!!!

cat 6 6584
late dining

Need to sit down with what we looked last month for excursions

I know we are going with DCL for St. P, Kara wants to try a beer in Germany

she is looking forward to be able to use adult pool, Palo (if we get lucky), the adult entertainment

Germany is famous for its Beer, but also go to a UK Pub and try a local beer, for taste.

We are PAID IN FULL!!! (at least we are once the payment goes through!) The only port we know what we are doing is St Petersburg. Finishing up final arrangements on that. Oh, and Copenhagen, hopefully! Otherwise, not real sure. The do it yourself with the hop on, hop off busses sounds good, Andrew and I just need to talk and decide. We've decided against Berlin and will stick around the port. Decided it's just too long of a day and expensive.

Andrew Derek, please let Julie know we are thinking about her.

Congrats on PIF, and I have told Julie of everyone's warm wishes at this difficult time.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Had a family conference on shore trips and we are still down to these:-

Shore Excursions
Copenhagen
1. Charming Copenhagen - Walk and Cruise
2. City and Harbour Tour

Oslo
1. Viking heritage
2. Hadeland Glass Works and Viking Ships

Stockholm
1. Historical Stockholm and Sigtuna
2. City Hall, Royal Palace and Old Town


St Petersburg
• Private tours two days. (Booked)

Tallinn

1. Best of Tallinn with Concert and Lunch
2. Tallinn by Tram

Warnemunde
DCL Berlin Private tour, by train. (BOOKED)

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Repeated for ease of reference.

Baltic Excursions Start time(s) and then hours of length.

Oslo

• Hadeland Glass Works & Viking Ship 8:45 7.5
• Nobel peace Center for Families 9:45 2.5
• Norwegian Adventure 10:00 3.5
• Oslo Highlights 9:30 3.5
• Oslo Walking Tour with City Hall 9:45 3
• Pirate Cruise 9:30 / 12:30 3
• RIB Boat to Oscarsborg Fortress 9:00 / 12:30 3.5
• Scenic Oslo 9:15 / 11:45 2.5
• Sea Explorers 9:15 / 12:15 4
• Viking Heritage 8:30 AM 5.5 hrs

Copenhagen

• Castles of North Zealand 9:15 7
• Charming Copenhagen - Walk/Cruise 8:45 4
• City & Harbor Tour 9:45 3
• City Highlights & Open Air Museum 9:15 7
• Copenhagen & Dragoer Fishing Village 1:00 3
• Copenhagen Sights & Ice Bar 12:45 3
• Copenhagen Walking Tour 8:45 4
• Horseback Ride 10:00 2.5
• Panoramic City & Carlsberg Brewery 12:30 PM 4
• Royal Copenhagen 9:00 4
• Tivoli Gardens - All Inclusive 8:30 5.5-7.5
• Viking For a Day 9:30 4
• Wild Kingdom of Copenhagen 9:00 4.5
• Wonderful Copenhagen 9:30 3
• Canoe Trip 9:45 3
• RIB Boat Adventure 10:00 1.5
• Tivoli Gardens & Harbor Tour 8:30 AM 4.5 hrs

Warnemunde

• Berlin Signature train and Private V. 7.15am 12.75
• Berlin Discovery 7:15 AM 12.5 hrs
• Berlin on your Own 7:15 12.5
• Berlin Past and Present 7:15 12.5
• Berlin's Turbulent History 7:15 12.5
• Building the Dream 7:45 11.5
• Cultural Splendor of Berlin 7:15 12.5
• Molli Steam Train 8:45 AM/ 1:45 PM 4
• Rostock by Historical Train 8:45 AM/ 1:45 PM 3.5
• Rostock Regional Highlights 8:45 4
• Sights and Sounds of Berlin 7:15 12.5
• Warnemunde & the Little Train 9:15 AM/ 2:15 PM 2.5

St Petersburg Day 1

• Backstage Experience at the Russian Ballet 5:30 5.5 hrs
• Catherine's Palace in Pushkin 12:45 4.5 hrs
• Evening Canal Boat Tour 7:00 2.5 hrs
• Exclusive Ballet Master Class (Onboard) 1:30/2:45/4:00 1 hr
• Hermitage Museum and Gold Room 1:00 4 hrs
• Hermitage Museum 12:45 3.5 hrs
• Night of Russian Ballet (Palace Theatre) 6:30 4 hrs
• Peterhof Parks and Fountains 12:15 4.5 hrs
• Royal Ball at Catherine's Palace 6:15 4.5 hrs
• Russian Folkloric Show 6:45 3.5 hrs
• St. Petersburg Introduction 1:00 3.5 hrs
• St. Petersburg Shopping Experience 1:15 3.5 hrs
• Walking Tour of St. Petersburg 12:30 4 hrs

St Petersburg Day 2

• Backstage Experience at the Ballet 5:30 PM 5.5
• Catherine's Palace & Hermitage 7:30 9
• Catherine's Palace 7:30 4.5
• City Highlights and Hermitage 8:00 8.5
• Evening Canal Boat Tour 7:00 PM 2.5
• Hermitage & Peterhof 7:45 9.5
• Hermitage 8:15 3.5
• Majestic SPilled Blood Cathedral & Boat Ride 8:45 4
• Night of Russian Ballet (Palace Theater) 6:30 PM 4
• Peterhof Parks & Fountains 8:45 4.5
• Peterhofs, Fountains, Train Ride 8:45 5
• Russian Folkloric Show 6:45 PM 3.5
• Shopping Experience 8:45 AM 3.5
• St. Petersburg Intro 7:45 3.5
• Walking Tour 8:00 4
• Hermitage/Gold Room 8:15 4
• Pushkin and Peterhof: Suburbs 7:15 AM 9.5 hrs

Tallinn

• Best of Tallinn with Concert and Lunch 9:45am 6-6 ½
• Tallinn by Tram 10:00am 4-4 ½

Stockholm

• Best of Drottningholm 9:15 4.5
• City Hall, Royal Palace, Old Town 8:15 4.5
• Cycling Around Royal Djurgarden 8:45 / 12:15 3.5
• Historic Stockholm & Sigtuna 8:45 6.5
• Ice bar & Old Town 12:45 3
• Nobel Tour 9:45 4.5
• Panoramic Stockholm 9:15 / 1:45 2.5
• Ribboat Adventure, Grinda Island & Vasa 10:15 5.5
• Royal Palace & Waterways 8:45 3.5
• Skansen & Vasa 8:15 / 11:45 5
• Stockholm & Vasa 9:00 / 12:30 3.5
• Stockholm, Vasa and the Royal Armory 12:00 PM 4.5
• Viking Walk 8:45 / 12:45 3.5
• Skansen & Swedish Fairytales 8:00 AM 5 hrs