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

[jilljill]

I am very new to these boards and just registered today. I was given the link by MrsG and told about the Ballyhoo Bus. I was going to try to send a PM to Celestine, but they said that I need to post at least 10 times before I would be allowed to PM. My husband and I are interested in reserving space on the bus. Is there still availability for two people? If so, can we get the details?
Being so unfamiliar with the way this works, I am not even sure how I need to check for answers to my question, so if someone could tell what to do about that too, It would be very much appreciated. Thank you!
Jan

First off

Celestine and her husband are arranging for buses to pick up cruisers from central London to go the port the day of embarkation and then from the port to Gatwick and Heathrow the day they kick us off the ship. When she checks in I'm sure she can get you more details. As of now, I believe she said the cost is 16 pounds/person each way payable in cash/notes that day.


The first post of this thread is full of great information and there's also a Baltics cruise thread on the main cruise boards that has lots of info.
If you want your info listed in the first post, as others have done, let me knwo and I'll add you to the list.

Any questions just ask and feel free to jump right in.

 

[Celestine]

PM sent to new travellers....and Welcome aboard.

 

[MrsScooby]

I am very new to these boards and just registered today. I was given the link by MrsG and told about the Ballyhoo Bus. I was going to try to send a PM to Celestine, but they said that I need to post at least 10 times before I would be allowed to PM. My husband and I are interested in reserving space on the bus. Is there still availability for two people? If so, can we get the details?
Being so unfamiliar with the way this works, I am not even sure how I need to check for answers to my question, so if someone could tell what to do about that too, It would be very much appreciated. Thank you!
Jan

Welcome aboard

In the top right hand corner of the screen you will see a yellow box that will have a link to your private messages.

Lots of planning going on
Is this your first Disney cruise?

 

[Madisonznana]

I am very new to these boards and just registered today. I was given the link by MrsG and told about the Ballyhoo Bus. I was going to try to send a PM to Celestine, but they said that I need to post at least 10 times before I would be allowed to PM. My husband and I are interested in reserving space on the bus. Is there still availability for two people? If so, can we get the details?
Being so unfamiliar with the way this works, I am not even sure how I need to check for answers to my question, so if someone could tell what to do about that too, It would be very much appreciated. Thank you!
Jan

Welcome Jan! Pop in anytime!

 

[abacab]

Hi folks,

I am having a problem trying to figure out how to get to Disneyland Paris after the cruise. I would apreciate any info or alternatives.

My first choice is the Eurotrain. I have found a site selling tickets for $650 us dollars for first or second class one way ickets for the 4 of us. Since debarkation is at 8 am I was planning on eating at the buffet early so I could get in line at 7:30am and be one of the first groups off. We were also thinking of keeping our luggage with us so we could skip lugage pick up and make sure no pieces are lost. After passing customs we would hop on a taxi cab to take us to Ashford station. The connection leaves at 10:28 am.

Is this possible?

The tickets are non refundable, should I pay extra for the ones that allow a change?

What other means of transportation is there to get to DLP?

Help please!!!!

We're trying to figure this out too, except we're going to Paris instead of DLP. Looks like the train from ashford leaves for Paris at 10:55am... Wondering if this is doable if we book a car service to get from Dover to Ashford...

 

[abacab]

Hi. We are working on St. Petersburg too. I have found several private tour operators, as we were looking to travel as a family or just a small group. Our thoughts are Catharine's Palace, Hermitage, Peterhof, shopping, etc...Does anyone have any recommendations?
Thank you,
Janice, DH, DD(15) and DD(12)

Has anyone figured out if you have to get a visa to use these private tour operators (like Red October, Anastasia, or DenRus)? The tour operators say you don't need a visa if you go on one of their tours, but DCL insists you need a visa unless you go on a ship-sponsored excursion.

 

[Caropooh]

Has anyone figured out if you have to get a visa to use these private tour operators (like Red October, Anastasia, or DenRus)? The tour operators say you don't need a visa if you go on one of their tours, but DCL insists you need a visa unless you go on a ship-sponsored excursion.

The private tour operators handle getting the visa for you. Once you book with them and they confirm your booking, they will send you a form to fill out for the visa. It includes all names, birtdates, passport numbers, passport expiiration date, country of origin. ( I believe that's everything) You'll send it back to the tour company and they will handle getting the visa. They will send you all necessary documents to get off the ship about a month before the cruise.
Barb, will you confirm that this is correct? I'm just going by the info in my email from Anastasia! You have first hand knowledge!

 

[scottishwee35]

I think I read that they make special helmets for people with cochlear implants

Ummm...By football you mean what we call soccer, right??
So noone is wearing a helmet

You know I worry too about getting hit in the head
I think it is something you will always worry about
I would have her avoid hitting the ball with her head (forget what that's called-never played soccer/football).
Make sure her teammates know to be careful as well

The website I got the medical alert bracelet from was mymagicfairy .com
(not sure with the DIS rules if I can post a link for purchasing items)
They also had some cute accessories for kids with cochlear implants too.
Free shipping on the bracelets too.

Hello

Sorry I keep forget football should be scoccer, I spoked to coaches and they said that one girl goalkeeper she is wearing helmet for goalkeeper only and she didn't bother to wear for playing scoccer... but Olivia is playing for under 10 matchs if she will pick under 13 I think she have to wear helmet?...

She love scoccer and enjoyed the training and matchs...

Did you have two cochear implant or just one?

My daughter have one on her left side but the hospital offered her to have another one on right side but she is not sure about it...

that is great about mymagicfairy.com and I will show Olivia what she want then order it

Scottishwee35

 

[jilljill]

Has anyone figured out if you have to get a visa to use these private tour operators (like Red October, Anastasia, or DenRus)? The tour operators say you don't need a visa if you go on one of their tours, but DCL insists you need a visa unless you go on a ship-sponsored excursion.

The private tour operators handle getting the visa for you. Once you book with them and they confirm your booking, they will send you a form to fill out for the visa. It includes all names, birtdates, passport numbers, passport expiiration date, country of origin. ( I believe that's everything) You'll send it back to the tour company and they will handle getting the visa. They will send you all necessary documents to get off the ship about a month before the cruise.
Barb, will you confirm that this is correct? I'm just going by the info in my email from Anastasia! You have first hand knowledge!

Caro you got all the info correct. If you book a tour with a private tour operator their price includes the 'blanket visa' that is necessary to enter the country.
Every cruiseline will tell you that you need to get your own visa is you are not taking their sponsored tours.

We had no issues at all with the paperwork that Anastasia issued us last time to enter Russia. Just make sure you take 2 color photocopies of your passport to turn into the Russian authorities when you go thru immigration, you will turn in 1 each day if going off the ship both days.

Also, when you go thru immigration you will be given a red or blue card that you will keep with your passport and that has to be turned back in when passing back thru immigration to go back to the ship. They don't make things easy to enter or leave.

 

[Celestine]

We're trying to figure this out too, except we're going to Paris instead of DLP. Looks like the train from ashford leaves for Paris at 10:55am... Wondering if this is doable if we book a car service to get from Dover to Ashford...

So you will need to be at Ashford no later that 1025. If you get off at 0830 & the car is waiting, that should not be a problem. It is about 28 miles or so & theoretically should only take about 30 minutes, but please allow for. potential traffic etc. especially as it is a working day (Friday). You must leave the port by 0930 in order to make it imho

Celestine

 

[Hanover]

We just found out today that my DH will probably be promoted in his police department in June. He's tried for about 6 or 7 years for this and finally scored in the top 5 out of about 300 test takers. He's scored in the top 15 twice but they never promoted that many to Corporal those years. Supposedly 5 will be promoted in early June. Of course when he told me I already started looking at booking another cruise with that extra money he'll earn! The LA to Vancouver repo is very tempting, especially with friends cruising we met on our Med cruise in 2007 and met up with at the parks a couple times. Even with DVC points, it's a good deal---less points than what we are using on a 4 day this December.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Easter to those that celebrate it! It's finally warm and sunny here in PA.

 

[Madisonznana]

We just found out today that my DH will probably be promoted in his police department in June. He's tried for about 6 or 7 years for this and finally scored in the top 5 out of about 300 test takers. He's scored in the top 15 twice but they never promoted that many to Corporal those years. Supposedly 5 will be promoted in early June. Of course when he told me I already started looking at booking another cruise with that extra money he'll earn! The LA to Vancouver repo is very tempting, especially with friends cruising we met on our Med cruise in 2007 and met up with at the parks a couple times. Even with DVC points, it's a good deal---less points than what we are using on a 4 day this December.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Easter to those that celebrate it! It's finally warm and sunny here in PA.

Congratulations to your husband. Watch out for those promotions though. My husband got promoted to LT. and now he is a chief of Police in an Orange County city and no longer gets overtime. Boy was that a drop in pay! Plus he hasn't received his last three cost of living raises because the county in broke.

 

[Hanover]

Congratulations to your husband. Watch out for those promotions though. My husband got promoted to LT. and now he is a chief of Police in an Orange County city and no longer gets overtime. Boy was that a drop in pay! Plus he hasn't received his last three cost of living raises because the county in broke.

Thanks. Luckily his County Supervisor assures that they are financially set for a minimum of 3 years for all of their fire & police officer raises/steps in pay. He can retire in about 5 years (with 20 years of service) but will go to 25 so I have full medical/pension coverage for life. We are just keeping our fingers crossed he gets a decent shift and the precinct he'll be stationed at won't be too much further for him. He drives almost an hour now and they have precincts up to an hour and a half away. He can take ask for a transfer in 9 month and can take the sgt. exam in a year. We'll cross that bridge when we get there though.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Welcome

Congrats

We have sunshine for 1 1/2 days - not sure what that big bright ball is in the sky but will take it

Kid started spring term on Tues - this term she is only going Tues/Thur so have to 'readjust' the schedule once again

Her new boss mentioned over weekend that she was late swiping in one morning last month, she said not my problem who was to unlock doors was late, he said well you could have called me, and she looked at him and said we don't have your contact number and pulled out their contact sheet that comes with their monthly schedule

 

[jilljill]

We just found out today that my DH will probably be promoted in his police department in June. He's tried for about 6 or 7 years for this and finally scored in the top 5 out of about 300 test takers. He's scored in the top 15 twice but they never promoted that many to Corporal those years. Supposedly 5 will be promoted in early June. Of course when he told me I already started looking at booking another cruise with that extra money he'll earn! The LA to Vancouver repo is very tempting, especially with friends cruising we met on our Med cruise in 2007 and met up with at the parks a couple times. Even with DVC points, it's a good deal---less points than what we are using on a 4 day this December.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Easter to those that celebrate it! It's finally warm and sunny here in PA.

Good thoughts for your DH.
Have a great Easter as well.

Welcome

Congrats

We have sunshine for 1 1/2 days - not sure what that big bright ball is in the sky but will take it

Kid started spring term on Tues - this term she is only going Tues/Thur so have to 'readjust' the schedule once again

Her new boss mentioned over weekend that she was late swiping in last month, she said not my problem who was to unlock doors was late, he said well you could have called me, and she looked at him and said we don't have your contact number and pulled out their contact sheet that comes with their monthly schedule

We've had that bright thing in the sky as well for 2 days, it's takes some getting used to.

Kudos to your DD for calling out the boss on no contact info.

 

[Caropooh]

Caro you got all the info correct. If you book a tour with a private tour operator their price includes the 'blanket visa' that is necessary to enter the country.
Every cruiseline will tell you that you need to get your own visa is you are not taking their sponsored tours.

We had no issues at all with the paperwork that Anastasia issued us last time to enter Russia. Just make sure you take 2 color photocopies of your passport to turn into the Russian authorities when you go thru immigration, you will turn in 1 each day if going off the ship both days.

Also, when you go thru immigration you will be given a red or blue card that you will keep with your passport and that has to be turned back in when passing back thru immigration to go back to the ship. They don't make things easy to enter or leave.

Thanks Barb! It's nice to have first hand information from someone who has already been there and gone through the process!

 

[Caropooh]

Thanks. Luckily his County Supervisor assures that they are financially set for a minimum of 3 years for all of their fire & police officer raises/steps in pay. He can retire in about 5 years (with 20 years of service) but will go to 25 so I have full medical/pension coverage for life. We are just keeping our fingers crossed he gets a decent shift and the precinct he'll be stationed at won't be too much further for him. He drives almost an hour now and they have precincts up to an hour and a half away. He can take ask for a transfer in 9 month and can take the sgt. exam in a year. We'll cross that bridge when we get there though.

Congrats to your DH! I hope everything works out the way he wants it!

Welcome

Congrats

We have sunshine for 1 1/2 days - not sure what that big bright ball is in the sky but will take it

Kid started spring term on Tues - this term she is only going Tues/Thur so have to 'readjust' the schedule once again

Her new boss mentioned over weekend that she was late swiping in last month, she said not my problem who was to unlock doors was late, he said well you could have called me, and she looked at him and said we don't have your contact number and pulled out their contact sheet that comes with their monthly schedule

We've had sun and clouds off and on today. We're supposed to get hit tomorrow and Saturday with heavy rain and wind.

Good job to your DD for calling the boss out!

 

[jilljill]

Thanks Barb! It's nice to have first hand information from someone who has already been there and gone through the process!

You're welcome. Now we just hope that DCL doesn't try and pull the same trick that Carnival tried to pull on us and only want to let the cruisers off that booked their tours. They wanted everyone else to wait until all their tour passengers were off before they would begin to let everyone else off the ship. It turned into a madhouse of 3400 people wanting off the ship.

 

[MrsG]

i just wanted to apologize to everyone for a couple of posts on here today. Many of us don't like being told we are wrong when we've been thru something in the past. Yes things can change, but then again things can stay the same or change back to the way they were.

So true! Hopefully all is well now. We have such a wonderful thread and everyone has always been so nice.

we just found out today that my dh will probably be promoted in his police department in june. He's tried for about 6 or 7 years for this and finally scored in the top 5 out of about 300 test takers. He's scored in the top 15 twice but they never promoted that many to corporal those years. Supposedly 5 will be promoted in early june. Of course when he told me i already started looking at booking another cruise with that extra money he'll earn! The la to vancouver repo is very tempting, especially with friends cruising we met on our med cruise in 2007 and met up with at the parks a couple times. Even with dvc points, it's a good deal---less points than what we are using on a 4 day this december.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and happy easter to those that celebrate it! It's finally warm and sunny here in pa.

Congrats to your hubby!!!!

 

[abacab]

Caro you got all the info correct. If you book a tour with a private tour operator their price includes the 'blanket visa' that is necessary to enter the country.
Every cruiseline will tell you that you need to get your own visa is you are not taking their sponsored tours.
.

Thanks to Caro and JillJill! This is very helpful.