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

[RJAYL]

Excursions help needed!

So, I booked last night, with minimal preparation as we figure we are going to do almost all the towns on our own.

(I have 5 kids and they are all very well traveled and we are fairly free spirited). Also, the cost of excursions for 7 people...

But, we aren't going to skimp on St. Petersburg or Berlin. Having 3 daughters ranging in age from 5-16, we seriously considered the Catherine's Palace Ball excursion. Even the boys (age 15 and 18) thought it would be a memory of a lifetime. BUT...really $2760 for 5 hours. We just couldn't pull the trigger!

So, I booked the intro to St. Petersburg for day 1. Seems like a great way to "meet" the city.

Then, for day 2, we booked Peterhof and Pushkin tour, thinking that would be a neat overview of the 2 palaces. That covers everything we really wanted to see except the Hermitage, but with the wide range in age of my kids and really not wanting to beat us to a pulp, I think that is all we can manage.

So, has anyone been to the Hermitage that can let me know if I am completely missing something? We aren't huge "art" people. We are more "nature and activity" geared. For example, our favorite part of the Panama Canal cruise was Zip lining in Puerto Vallarta. And, we are spending 2 weeks in Europe before the cruise. I am sure we will be going to museums (for example in Paris). So, are we okay missing it? I am also concerned about the crowding.

Next, in Talinn, that day is my 40th Birthday! I booked the city overview/fishing excursion. I am not sure about this at all. Does anyone know how easy Talinn is to do on your own? Also, what are other people doing for Talinn excursions?

Thanks in advance if you have any advice for me!

You go girl i will give you my 4 to take with you as well!

 

[Madisonznana]

Felt it here in Orange County Slow rolls no jerking
Just giving us a taste of what it going to be on our cruise (lol)

hawaiian mickey

Water was sloshing over the sides of our pool!! I really do hate earthquakes!

 

[Caropooh]

I figure by the time I can book - April 19, there will be nothing left but can only hope

That's what I am worried about!

This may sound silly, but my big thing I want is Tea in Palo. Not sure if I'm going to get that or not. I guess we can always try on board.
We are still so undecided on excursions. St Petersburg we already have set up with Anastasia and Copenhagen we hopefully have set up with our old foreign exchange student. We've already decided we aren't going into Berlin (much to Alana's dismay), it's the other ports we don't know about.

 

[Caropooh]

news bulletin: EARTHQUAKE My lamp was really rockin

Felt it here in Orange County Slow rolls no jerking
Just giving us a taste of what it going to be on our cruise (lol)

hawaiian mickey

Andrew called his parents in Palm Springs and they are fine! Glad to hear you are all fine!

 

[mstinson14]

This may sound silly, but my big thing I want is Tea in Palo. Not sure if I'm going to get that or not. I guess we can always try on board.
We are still so undecided on excursions. St Petersburg we already have set up with Anastasia and Copenhagen we hopefully have set up with our old foreign exchange student. We've already decided we aren't going into Berlin (much to Alana's dismay), it's the other ports we don't know about.

Last night when we tried to book they did not have any high tea left available and we logged on at 00:00

 

[Caropooh]

Excursions help needed!

So, I booked last night, with minimal preparation as we figure we are going to do almost all the towns on our own.

(I have 5 kids and they are all very well traveled and we are fairly free spirited). Also, the cost of excursions for 7 people...

But, we aren't going to skimp on St. Petersburg or Berlin. Having 3 daughters ranging in age from 5-16, we seriously considered the Catherine's Palace Ball excursion. Even the boys (age 15 and 18) thought it would be a memory of a lifetime. BUT...really $2760 for 5 hours. We just couldn't pull the trigger!

So, I booked the intro to St. Petersburg for day 1. Seems like a great way to "meet" the city.

Then, for day 2, we booked Peterhof and Pushkin tour, thinking that would be a neat overview of the 2 palaces. That covers everything we really wanted to see except the Hermitage, but with the wide range in age of my kids and really not wanting to beat us to a pulp, I think that is all we can manage.

So, has anyone been to the Hermitage that can let me know if I am completely missing something? We aren't huge "art" people. We are more "nature and activity" geared. For example, our favorite part of the Panama Canal cruise was Zip lining in Puerto Vallarta. And, we are spending 2 weeks in Europe before the cruise. I am sure we will be going to museums (for example in Paris). So, are we okay missing it? I am also concerned about the crowding.

Next, in Talinn, that day is my 40th Birthday! I booked the city overview/fishing excursion. I am not sure about this at all. Does anyone know how easy Talinn is to do on your own? Also, what are other people doing for Talinn excursions?

Thanks in advance if you have any advice for me!

Barb (jilljill) has been there before. I'm sure she could help you with your questions. She's in Florida right now. If I were you, I'd PM her and ask her. She might not see this otherwise, since she said she wouldn't be online much this week.

 

[MrsG]

I would like to wish all of the nice people on this thread a very happy and peaceful Easter Sunday.

In the UK the kids (and parents if we are lucky) have Chocolate Easter Eggs, Easter symbolises renewal a rebirth, and looking forward not back, but overall a time for peace and reflection.

We should think of far more important things, like our friends who are not at full strength and unwell, and think of our kids, who are our futures. My kids were posting on the Kids thread last night and looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing new places. This to me focuses your mind on what it is all about. On this cruise, they might lose out on the last week of school, but knowledge is important, with great exam success in things such as Geography, it reflects that if you inspire the mind, you lead to greater success.

You can be touched by people’s warmth and generosity, for example someone you have never ever met, taking the time to write to you, to say they appreciate you. And an important lesson here is there might be loads of people following our discussions (lurking); and highly visible people not being aware of them, but they are still there, and affected by events. –A big thank you here, for those taking the trouble, it is appreciated.

Sometimes we see the problem in every challenge rather than the challenge in every problem, some people rise above this and offer solutions, where you have local knowledge and connections, the few help the many, such as transport organised for our guests in our country, no easy thing but a massive help and great gesture to help, and in the spirit of solving problems.

I try to help with my comprehensive knowledge of London, I have lived here all my life and passionate about my home city, one of, if not the greatest Capital city in the world. Coming to a vast new place can be disorientating, and confusing, particularly after a long transatlantic flight.


People work hard all year round, and look forward to their vacations and nothing at all should get in the way, of the excitement and enjoyment of a trip of a lifetime, no one person should take that away, and cause disquiet.
When I woke up today, read recent posts and considered the spirit of this day, I felt completed to post, at such an appropriate time.

People might have different views and experiences, it doesn’t therefore mean one person is wrong, Life is like a ''diamond'', you look at it one way and see something beautiful, look at it a different way, you see another thing that’s beautiful, a different colour, a different light, but it is actually exactly the same thing just a different perception from depending where you look from, whether close up and local, or far away.

For those booking last night, well done if you got everything you wanted, and I am sorry if you missed out on one or two things, for you and those still to book at 90 days and 75 days, do not give up, there are always options, Palo for example can be booked onboard if you get to the port early.

Anyway, look after the pennies, even the bad ones, they do turn up, but like people, they collectively add up to an item of value. The people here together are far stronger, than the individual.

Have a great Easter.









Anyone having issues or still to book please look at my guide posted last Sunday on this thread, you should always be able to book at 00:00.





A reminder that the kids thread is active and open to all kids small and big.

Andrew, it is sure nice to have you back! And very well said. It is amazing how relationships are formed by "strangers" who become friends.

I know that you and your family will have a wonderful vacation and I hope that this thread adds to the anticipation and excitement for you and for everyone on our cruise. After all, why else would we be posting here?

P.S. I think Robert really missed you, too. The both of you really liven up this thread. (Shhhhh, I hope Robert doesn't hear this, it will give him a swelled head!)

 

[MrsG]

Just checking, in the US, we can book excursions, etc., at 12 midnight eastern standard time?

I seem to remember booking it at 3AM on the Med.

 

[Madisonznana]

Just checking, in the US, we can book excursions, etc., at 12 midnight eastern standard time?

I seem to remember booking it at 3AM on the Med.

I really think it is 12 midnight, which is 9pm here!!

 

[Sailingpartyof10]

This may sound silly, but my big thing I want is Tea in Palo. Not sure if I'm going to get that or not. I guess we can always try on board.

Definitely try on board, but if you don't get it, I hope you won't be too upset. I didn't get tea or brunch on my 15-night PC cruise and was so disappointed, but then when I did have a chance to go on a Mexican Riviera cruise, I was a little disappointed in the tea. I am a huge Palo fan and love dinner and brunch there, but I thought the tea was not nearly as good. I LOVE going to tea at fancy hotels and love, love, love the whole tiny sandwiches and scones with clotted cream scene, and I just didn't think the Palo one was as good as it should be, compared with how exceptional the other meals are there. If you have a nice hotel or tea room near you or can go to one in London pre or post cruise, I would do that and not worry about getting the Palo one.

 

[Sailingpartyof10]

So, has anyone been to the Hermitage that can let me know if I am completely missing something? We aren't huge "art" people. We are more "nature and activity" geared. For example, our favorite part of the Panama Canal cruise was Zip lining in Puerto Vallarta. And, we are spending 2 weeks in Europe before the cruise. I am sure we will be going to museums (for example in Paris). So, are we okay missing it? I am also concerned about the crowding.

Next, in Talinn, that day is my 40th Birthday! I booked the city overview/fishing excursion. I am not sure about this at all. Does anyone know how easy Talinn is to do on your own? Also, what are other people doing for Talinn excursions?

Thanks in advance if you have any advice for me!

How fun to have your 40th on the cruise! I was in Tallinn for work in 1996 and found it very easy to walk around by myself. It's a really neat place. I didn't do a whole lot of sightseeing indoors, but I did enjoy walking around the city.

As for the Hermitage, I too really enjoy nature and outdoor activities, but I also have wanted to see the Hermitage ever since an introductory art history class in college, when so many of the paintings we studied were from there. I don't think it will be my kids' favorite stop, but very occasionally they must do what Mom wants to do, lol! It will be my first time in St. Petersburg (and Russia), and it's just a must do for me. I have been to all the other ports except Warnemunde so can be flexible for the kids there, but I want to go to the Hermitage! I know it will be crowded and I won't have enough time there, but I still want to!

 

[MI-MINI]

Last night when we tried to book they did not have any high tea left available and we logged on at 00:00

We were up at midnight too booking- and also wanted the High Tea, but were left high & dry...so we booked a brunch instead..

We were able to get all the excursions we wanted - except for the first night I was hoping for the Ballet, but the start time of that conflicted with the end time of the afternoon excursion and the system wouldn't let us book- seeing the times listed, I thought it was feasible, but the computer said no.....

 

[poohmomof5]

How fun to have your 40th on the cruise! I was in Tallinn for work in 1996 and found it very easy to walk around by myself. It's a really neat place. I didn't do a whole lot of sightseeing indoors, but I did enjoy walking around the city.

As for the Hermitage, I too really enjoy nature and outdoor activities, but I also have wanted to see the Hermitage ever since an introductory art history class in college, when so many of the paintings we studied were from there. I don't think it will be my kids' favorite stop, but very occasionally they must do what Mom wants to do, lol! It will be my first time in St. Petersburg (and Russia), and it's just a must do for me. I have been to all the other ports except Warnemunde so can be flexible for the kids there, but I want to go to the Hermitage! I know it will be crowded and I won't have enough time there, but I still want to!

You must be so excited! I don't really have any "must dos" on this trip. We are mostly "winging" it.

 

[poohmomof5]

We were up at midnight too booking- and also wanted the High Tea, but were left high & dry...so we booked a brunch instead..

We were able to get all the excursions we wanted - except for the first night I was hoping for the Ballet, but the start time of that conflicted with the end time of the afternoon excursion and the system wouldn't let us book- seeing the times listed, I thought it was feasible, but the computer said no.....

I read somewhere that someone had this problem and called DCL and they were able to get them on the excursion. Give it a try!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I figure by the time I can book - April 19, there will be nothing left but can only hope

I wish you the best, hopefully DCL will allocate enough places on shore trips for everyone, now thats on the expectation that all people book shore trips on an 'even' basis. Palo Tea/Brunch does look like going, (tea Gone) but if you get to the ship early on embarkation you should get a slot, if you go to Rockin Bar D. Or ask for waitlist at Palo. They haven't opened up Palo for St Petes, hopefully they will do that on ship.

That's what I am worried about!

The booking process is a bit unfair, but thats the way DCL has set it up, other cruise lines you can book Shore trips as to pay in full. Plus there premium restaurants have enough capacity. But as above keep trying.

Excursions help needed!

So, I booked last night, with minimal preparation as we figure we are going to do almost all the towns on our own.

(I have 5 kids and they are all very well traveled and we are fairly free spirited). Also, the cost of excursions for 7 people...

But, we aren't going to skimp on St. Petersburg or Berlin. Having 3 daughters ranging in age from 5-16, we seriously considered the Catherine's Palace Ball excursion. Even the boys (age 15 and 18) thought it would be a memory of a lifetime. BUT...really $2760 for 5 hours. We just couldn't pull the trigger!

So, I booked the intro to St. Petersburg for day 1. Seems like a great way to "meet" the city.

Then, for day 2, we booked Peterhof and Pushkin tour, thinking that would be a neat overview of the 2 palaces. That covers everything we really wanted to see except the Hermitage, but with the wide range in age of my kids and really not wanting to beat us to a pulp, I think that is all we can manage.

So, has anyone been to the Hermitage that can let me know if I am completely missing something? We aren't huge "art" people. We are more "nature and activity" geared. For example, our favorite part of the Panama Canal cruise was Zip lining in Puerto Vallarta. And, we are spending 2 weeks in Europe before the cruise. I am sure we will be going to museums (for example in Paris). So, are we okay missing it? I am also concerned about the crowding.

Next, in Tallinn, that day is my 40th Birthday! I booked the city overview/fishing excursion. I am not sure about this at all. Does anyone know how easy Tallinn is to do on your own? Also, what are other people doing for Tallinn excursions?

Thanks in advance if you have any advice for me!

Personally for StP's, I think you should book

http://www.anastasiaworld.com/

It will be cheaper and you will get more out of it, my basic tour was $1,300 for two days, its now a bit more as we have early entry day two, thats for a family of four. You should be able to still book and select trips that are within budget for you.

Tallinn Port is very close to the old town and easy to DYI. You could walk it, but a short taxi to the top and walk back is an idea.

This may sound silly, but my big thing I want is Tea in Palo. Not sure if I'm going to get that or not. I guess we can always try on board.
We are still so undecided on excursions. St Petersburg we already have set up with Anastasia and Copenhagen we hopefully have set up with our old foreign exchange student. We've already decided we aren't going into Berlin (much to Alana's dismay), it's the other ports we don't know about.

Palo Tea has been hit and miss over the years, Brunch is far better and the star event. Tea is only 30 mins or so, they only open up 50% of the tables in Palo for tea, and of that only about 45% on line in advance so low chance of getting it. A lot of cakes and sandwiches can be obtained at Cove Cafe, any day in the afternoon.

Last night when we tried to book they did not have any high tea left available and we logged on at 00:00

As above something like 22 tables are opened up. Only 50% of Palo is open for tea and then 45% of that online.

Andrew, it is sure nice to have you back! And very well said. It is amazing how relationships are formed by "strangers" who become friends.

I know that you and your family will have a wonderful vacation and I hope that this thread adds to the anticipation and excitement for you and for everyone on our cruise. After all, why else would we be posting here?

P.S. I think Robert really missed you, too. The both of you really liven up this thread. (Shhhhh, I hope Robert doesn't hear this, it will give him a swelled head!)

What has touched me recently is people I do not know, sending me messages we might have a *visible* crew on this thread but there is a lurker crew as well and we should be mindful of that. Its quite powerful to receive messages from people you do not know, and I thank the people concerned.

Just checking, in the US, we can book excursions, etc., at 12 midnight eastern standard time?

I seem to remember booking it at 3AM on the Med.

I really think it is 12 midnight, which is 9pm here!!

12 midnight EST USA, 9pm West coast USA, 5am UK.

We were up at midnight too booking- and also wanted the High Tea, but were left high & dry...so we booked a brunch instead..

We were able to get all the excursions we wanted - except for the first night I was hoping for the Ballet, but the start time of that conflicted with the end time of the afternoon excursion and the system wouldn't let us book- seeing the times listed, I thought it was feasible, but the computer said no.....

Brunch is far far far Better than Tea, and the star prize, the shore trips also are more important than Palo. So well done, try for tea on board, places are kept back for embarkation and also concierge cruisers who might not take them up. Then if still unlucky, go to Cove Cafe, the same cakes are there each day.

I read somewhere that someone had this problem and called DCL and they were able to get them on the excursion. Give it a try!

I did this once, well my TA did and it was successful.

 

[MI-MINI]

I read somewhere that someone had this problem and called DCL and they were able to get them on the excursion. Give it a try!

Thank you so much for this tip, I will certainly call and give a whirl!

And also, thank you Andrew for the thoughts on Brunch vs High Tea! I'm sure you're right; I too am very pleased/thankful for getting the excursions confirmed that we did.

I also hope/think they'll add more buses so cruisers booking them later have a fair shot at good choices.

 

[Celestine]

I figure by the time I can book - April 19, there will be nothing left but can only hope

Me too! THere don't seem to be many first timers on this cruise otherwise it would be 15 days later than that. However, when we did the EBPC repo 2 years ago my parents couldn't book until 75 days out & they got everything they wanted except 1. I'm hopeful it will be similar this time around. For both myself & my parents we are only after trips each day in St P's & we are also after a spa ressie. Must remember to set my alarm early as booking will be 0500 here!!!

Celestine

 

[RJAYL]

P.S. I think Robert really missed you, too.

Not that much & stop the gushing before my sugar levals go up!

The both of you really liven up this thread.

Of course like Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, Abott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy, Chip & Dale

: (Shhhhh, I hope Robert doesn't hear this, it will give him a swelled head!)

This is good as it will make the rest of me look smaller!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you so much for this tip, I will certainly call and give a whirl!

And also, thank you Andrew for the thoughts on Brunch vs High Tea! I'm sure you're right; I too am very pleased/thankful for getting the excursions confirmed that we did.

I also hope/think they'll add more buses so cruisers booking them later have a fair shot at good choices.

BRUNCH; Is the big one you really do want to try that if you can, and on any sea day, DCL will not like this advice, but Nag,Nag,Nag, it works, they give in, I have had things like Palo Tea organised for me when I couldn't book online, but please don't quote me on it. TEA, is hit or miss, because its limited availability, people 'want it' a bit like breakfast at Cinderellas Castle, limited demand makes it a contest and desired, but in fact its no big deal. Its been hit and miss, I have had some good ones, and sometimes poor, where for example the scones are worse than I can cook, it was bad 2008, when a corporate suit made some changes that Palo staff didn't like, its turned back now (2009). But get to port early you should get a slot. If not Cove Cafe is actually better!!!

Me too! There don't seem to be many first timers on this cruise otherwise it would be 15 days later than that. However, when we did the EBPC repo 2 years ago my parents couldn't book until 75 days out & they got everything they wanted except 1. I'm hopeful it will be similar this time around. For both myself & my parents we are only after trips each day in St P's & we are also after a spa ressie. Must remember to set my alarm early as booking will be 0500 here!!!

Celestine

There are a lot of repeat cruisers and the changes to the Castaway Club booking have had an adverse effect, Cruisers who may have been on 10 3 and 4 day Wonder cruisers can book the same as Concierge, it bumps some people forward. I am not in favour of this policy, personally either booking for shore and Palo should be as you PIF, or you PAY as you book, like RCCL. Now some people wouldn't like it, but it cuts 'on spec' booking, ie people might book DCL shore trips now to keep options open as you do not pay then cancel 72 hours pre cruise at no cost.

DCL make circa 12.5% commission on shore trips and on Baltic and Med prices thats big bucks. They will have availability but popular ones and 'limited capacity' say Horse ridding, RIP boats, cannot be added to, but you can always add a bus or two.
PS

Look at Kids thread for the question on where to find Peter Pan in London, and my DD'S Answer, oh to be 6 again.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Not that much & stop the gushing before my sugar levals go up!
Of course like Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, Abott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy, Chip & Dale
This is good as it will make the rest of me look smaller!

Your sugar levels and my blood pressure, send for a Doctor.

No more 'gushing' allowed!!!!!