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

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Me, too. Surprised there were some times not available for dinner, maybe they reserve those for on board booking.

Yes..

I noticed it got slower, at 4am here, (12 midnight) it was fast, but after 15 mins or so, slowed down a lot.

Reminder to everyone put your chosen port shore trips in my saved activities, you can then clock a link and it cuts it down just to your ones, otherwise there is a lot to go through, and remember to select all people going, and then 'save activity as well, ie Twice, or its unconfirmed.

Palo dinner, they have not released slots for St Pete's night, DCL said to me in an email they would but other people have reported this to be the case on the other Baltic cruises.

 

[Doingitagain]

Yes..

I noticed it got slower, at 4am here, (12 midnight) it was fast, but after 15 mins or so, slowed down a lot.

Reminder to everyone put your chosen port shore trips in my saved activities, you can then clock a link and it cuts it down just to your ones, otherwise there is a lot to go through, and remember to select all people going, and then 'save activity as well, ie Twice, or its unconfirmed.

Palo dinner, they have not released slots for St Pete's night, DCL said to me in an email they would but other people have reported this to be the case on the other Baltic cruises.

Noted that slowness as well and Skyped my sister!

Andrew's suggestion of saved activities is excellent. We saved all our potential excursions there, then when we decided I removed all but the ones I wanted to book.

When you get to the booking page for excursions, you can highlight the circle for "show only saved excursions" and it narrows the list quickly. I also tried to show just the port I was going to book, but that seemed to slow me down and there aren't that many saved activities to scroll down.

And Andrew is right again...until you click on "save itinerary" at the bottom, your status is unconfirmed. I did mine one at a time and saved itinerary after each just to make sure, I lost a Palo dinner a few years ago because it didn't get confirmed so I am tediously careful. It says "unconfirmed" in red so it is easy to see.

Don't bother writing down or printing your confirmation information, when you get done you can go to view My Cruise Plans, Confirmed Reservations, and click on "View Printer Friendly Version". This brings up a list of everything you booked. If you click on Itinerary Long View, you will see all the confirmation numbers and all the detail that you need.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Noted that slowness as well and Skyped my sister!

Andrew's suggestion of saved activities is excellent. We saved all our potential excursions there, then when we decided I removed all but the ones I wanted to book.

When you get to the booking page for excursions, you can highlight the circle for "show only saved excursions" and it narrows the list quickly. I also tried to show just the port I was going to book, but that seemed to slow me down and there aren't that many saved activities to scroll down.

And Andrew is right again...until you click on "save itinerary" at the bottom, your status is unconfirmed. I did mine one at a time and saved itinerary after each just to make sure, I lost a Palo dinner a few years ago because it didn't get confirmed so I am tediously careful. It says "unconfirmed" in red so it is easy to see.

Don't bother writing down or printing your confirmation information, when you get done you can go to view My Cruise Plans, Confirmed Reservations, and click on "View Printer Friendly Version". This brings up a list of everything you booked. If you click on Itinerary Long View, you will see all the confirmation numbers and all the detail that you need.

Yes, I printed out the long view and also, copied and pasted it into my Wordpro, I have known people to say bookings disappear by the time they wake up, but i suspect its not confirming and leaving them unconfirmed, and then maybe by the time they do that they have gone.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

With the changes to the website since last time I booked I tried a different route in and it worked.

I logged into the DCL website, went in via the Castaway club and my cruises, on the Baltic, forthcoming cruise, I clicked on the reservation number, and went to my reservation page.

Here it shows the number of days to the cruise, this was about 11.55pm USA time, and it showed 121 days. I can book at 120 days.

Now do not go to MY CRUISE PLANS until 00:00, you can refresh the reservation screen, until the number of days changes, (120) or just click on at 00:00 internet time. And it worked for me.

 

[Hanover]

I was able to book all of the 9 excursions we wanted and Palo brunch (day 2), high tea (day 6) and dinner (day 11) by 12:20 AM. I third the above suggestions about saving excursions on a wish list and being able to just click on it to avoid going through so many in each port when booking. We are also going to book the Leeds Castle tour for debarkation day once we board. You cannot book it beforehand. We wanted to do the Leeds/Canterbury trip which you can book in advance but it's for the day after debarkation which is the day we fly home. The DCL person I faxed my request to even thought it was for the day we got off the cruise. She called back when she was unable to book it and learned from a supervisor that they go from London back to Dover on the 31st.

Anyone doing the Lion King play the night before we embark? We will be there.

We can't wait for this trip!!

 

[RJAYL]

Good Morning All
I waited untill this morning to book found no problems!

Day 3 Oslo/ Norwegian Adventure @10AM
Day 4 Copenhagen/Tivoli Gardens & Harbour Tour @ 8:30AM
Day 5 Warnermunde/ Hanging around with Barb & Friends Beach & Bar excursion then Palo's for dinner!
Day 7 & 8 STP/ Anastasia tours found that booking 2 tours on day 8 with DCL would be problematic!
Day 9 Tallinn/ Old Town Walking Tour 10:30 AM
Day 10 Stockholm/ Dtockholm, Vasa & Royal Armory 12PM I guess we go shopping in the morning?
Day 11 Palo Brunch @ 11:30

Thats it for now other than registering the little ones for the clubs!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I was able to book all of the 9 excursions we wanted and Palo brunch (day 2), high tea (day 6) and dinner (day 11) by 12:20 AM. I third the above suggestions about saving excursions on a wish list and being able to just click on it to avoid going through so many in each port when booking. We are also going to book the Leeds Castle tour for debarkation day once we board. You cannot book it beforehand. We wanted to do the Leeds/Canterbury trip which you can book in advance but it's for the day after debarkation which is the day we fly home. The DCL person I faxed my request to even thought it was for the day we got off the cruise. She called back when she was unable to book it and learned from a supervisor that they go from London back to Dover on the 31st.

Anyone doing the Lion King play the night before we embark? We will be there.

We can't wait for this trip!!

Good Morning All
I waited untill this morning to book found no problems!

Day 3 Oslo/ Norwegian Adventure @10AM
Day 4 Copenhagen/Tivoli Gardens & Harbour Tour @ 8:30AM
Day 5 Warnermunde/ Hanging around with Barb & Friends Beach & Bar excursion then Palo's for dinner!
Day 7 & 8 STP/ Anastasia tours found that booking 2 tours on day 8 with DCL would be problematic!
Day 9 Tallinn/ Old Town Walking Tour 10:30 AM
Day 10 Stockholm/ Dtockholm, Vasa & Royal Armory 12PM I guess we go shopping in the morning?
Day 11 Palo Brunch @ 11:30

Thats it for now other than registering the little ones for the clubs!

Yes, wasnt too bad last night, I think I was finished in 8 minutes, but I did have a 'nose around', other things. IE We do not book Spa, but wanted to see whats on offer, and look how fast Brunch or Dinner was going just for 'interest', Overall seem's not a lot of differences this morning either so good news ofr people booking at the next stage.

I have moved a few thnigs around.

Brunch day 2 10.30am.

Day 3; Olso: Hadeland glass (swapped back).

Day 4; Copenhagen; Day 4 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Charming Copenhagen - Walk and Cruise Start: 8:45AM end1:00PM


Palo Dinner (DM PALO 2)
Start: 6:00PM Price: $15 per Guest


Day 5 - Warnemünde, Germany (Berlin) - Thursday, July 22, 2010

Berlin Private vehicle and reserved Train 7.15>7.50pm


Day 6 - At Sea - Friday, July 23, 2010

Palo High Tea (DM HIGH TEA 2)
Start: 3:00PM Price: $5 per Guest


Day 7 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 8 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Sunday, July 25, 2010
Private tours (booked)


Day 9 - Tallinn - Monday, July 26, 2010
Best of Tallinn with Concert and Lunch (TA01 TALCON)
Start:9:45AM End: 4:00PM
Price:
$99.00 (ages 10 and up)
$69.00 (ages 3-9)


Day 10 - Stockholm, Sweden - Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Historical Stockholm and Sigtuna (SH05 HISTOCK)
Start: 8:45AM End: 3:00PM
Price:
$119.00 (ages 10 and up)
$79.00 (ages 3-9)


Day 11 - At Sea - Wednesday, July 28, 2010
No activities reserved

Day 12 - At Sea - Thursday, July 29, 2010
No activities reserved

Day 13 - Dover, England - Friday, July 30, 2010
No activities reserved

 

[jilljill]

Good Morning All
I waited untill this morning to book found no problems!

Day 3 Oslo/ Norwegian Adventure @10AM
Day 4 Copenhagen/Tivoli Gardens & Harbour Tour @ 8:30AM
Day 5 Warnermunde/ Hanging around with Barb & Friends Beach & Bar excursion then Palo's for dinner!
Day 7 & 8 STP/ Anastasia tours found that booking 2 tours on day 8 with DCL would be problematic!
Day 9 Tallinn/ Old Town Walking Tour 10:30 AM
Day 10 Stockholm/ Dtockholm, Vasa & Royal Armory 12PM I guess we go shopping in the morning?
Day 11 Palo Brunch @ 11:30

Thats it for now other than registering the little ones for the clubs!

I'm sorry but your reservation for the Warnemunde Beach and Bar excursion must have gotten lost in cyber-space, you will have to reserve it again thru my online booking system.
I found it comical that you put it that way in your plans.

 

[Hanover]

We booked:
Oslo:Hadeland Glass Works and Viking Ships
Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens and Harbour Tour /Plan on a taxi to Carlsberg brewery in afternoon
Warnemunde: Sights and Sounds of Berlin
St. Petersburg Day 1: Peterof Parks and Fountains & Evening Canal Boat Tour
St. Petersburg Day 2: Catherine's Place and Hermitage & A Night of Russian Ballet
Tallin: Old Town, Fishing and Mini Zoo
Stockholm: Stockholm, Vasa and Royal Armory

Palo Brunch Day 2 10:30 AM
Palo High Tea Day 6 3:00 PM
Palo Dinner Day 11 7:00 PM

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We booked:
Oslo:Hadeland Glass Works and Viking Ships
Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens and Harbour Tour /Plan on a taxi to Carlsberg brewery in afternoon
Warnemunde: Sights and Sounds of Berlin
St. Petersburg Day 1: Peterof Parks and Fountains & Evening Canal Boat Tour
St. Petersburg Day 2: Catherine's Place and Hermitage & A Night of Russian Ballet
Tallin: Old Town, Fishing and Mini Zoo
Stockholm: Stockholm, Vasa and Royal Armory

Palo Brunch Day 2 10:30 AM
Palo High Tea Day 6 3:00 PM
Palo Dinner Day 11 7:00 PM

Sounds good, I will see you at Palo for Brunch and Tea.

I went for Dinner at Copenhagen on the understanding thats a Rotational Parrot Cay dinner. The kids will go to that, we will eat at Palo same time and meet up for the show. We depart at 5pm so expect some nice views at 6pm.

 

[MrsScooby]

I am soooo excited. I sent away for tickets to the "Ceremony of the Keys" at the Tower of London. Saw this on a BBC Documentary on the Tower. It looks so cool. The tickets are free of charge.

Here is the information on how to get tickets for anyone else who might be interested.

www.hrp.org.uk

select Tower of London
then What's On
then Ceremony of the Keys

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

We'll see you there
We have tickets too thanks to a friend

 

[MrsScooby]

Laurie I'll also celebrate with you on the 'less than 4 months to go' anniversary.

Me too!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Agree, 120 days, is a landmark, and we are getting closer, at least I can relax now, its all over, the main planning, now have to decide, where my driver will go in Berlin.

I plan to place a stateroom credit on my account equal to the shore trips and Palo cost, when the pound returns to a sensible level.

 

[MrsScooby]

Thanks for the tips about saving excursions...but we're not booking any with Disney this time.

I'm enjoying planning my own day trips

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for the tips about saving excursions...but we're not booking any with Disney this time.

I'm enjoying planning my own day trips

For most that is very feasible... and probably far cheaper...

 

[Hanover]

Sounds good, I will see you at Palo for Brunch and Tea.

I went for Dinner at Copenhagen on the understanding thats a Rotational Parrot Cay dinner. The kids will go to that, we will eat at Palo same time and meet up for the show. We depart at 5pm so expect some nice views at 6pm.

I did the semi formal Captain's Gala night for Palo because my husband and I don't like lobster and figure we would be dressing up a bit more fancy that rotational dining that night anyway. I think Copenhagen is a good night to go too. My husband really wanted 2 days of brunch (which we may do once we board and can wait list) but we get the dinner for "free" for being Platinum members.

The only thing left on our list to plan is a mode of transportation from Heathrow to the Park Plaza Westminister Bridge.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I did the semi formal Captain's Gala night for Palo because my husband and I don't like lobster and figure we would be dressing up a bit more fancy that rotational dining that night anyway. I think Copenhagen is a good night to go too. My husband really wanted 2 days of brunch (which we may do once we board and can wait list) but we get the dinner for "free" for being Platinum members.

The only thing left on our list to plan is a mode of transportation from Heathrow to the Park Plaza Westminister Bridge.

Normally we book 'Palo' for Captains Gala night, for the reason of Lobster, but the opposite of your reason. My Mrs loves lobster, and Palo get the best bits and its always a special on that night. I am Allergic to all Fish and Sea food, so it doesnt bother me.

I have figured we are loosing at least three dinners, StP x2, and Berlin night, also I want to do the new Villains and the tastes of Scandinavia nights, so Parrot Cay rotational is expendable, but ok for kids as they like a lot of that stuff. Copenhagen is my shortest shore trip, so we will be fully ready for Palo.

Plus we can sleep on the train if required to Berlin and Back, if we have a late night.

 

[Celestine]

YES.

Interesting this is one cruise I havent seen advertised much in the UK,The Med>UK and back repos are advertised and all the 10/11 night Meds but not the Blatics, it implies they have sold well.

But we have only a few people posting.....................

I read an article that said UK agents were being asked not to advertise the Baltics as DCL felt sure they could fill it with repeat cruisers who were looking for new ports of call, which i guess is logical. Instead they w ere to sell the Med as there would be less repeat customers as they ahd been there before

Celestine

 

[MrsG]

Hi all,

If anyone knows, can you post which days are the Captain's Gala, semi formal, formal, pirate night (if they will have it), etc. so we can plan Palo. Also, is it possible to request a certain dining rotation? We have 2nd seating.


On a sad note, I just heard from Harole Ann that she will not be able to make the cruise. She is having some health issues and just feels it's best to cancel. We will miss her.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I read an article that said UK agents were being asked not to advertise the Baltics as DCL felt sure they could fill it with repeat cruisers who were looking for new ports of call, which i guess is logical. Instead they w ere to sell the Med as there would be less repeat customers as they had been there before

Celestine

Yes, I have seen the TransAtlantic(s); Med 10/11 nights; Repos to/from Dover/Barcelona, advertised heavily in our newspapers, and on Sky 3. But no Baltics.

So far no change on our cruises fares, slightly *less* availability since last week, but today's bookings appear limited on the website with no sell outs so far. All Brunch and Tea slots available when I reviewed within the hour.