July 6, 2010 - 7/6/2010 ~ Pounds to Rubles ~ Mickey invades the Baltic Sea

[scottishwee35]

I agree the cruise will be expensive. Here are some of the things we are doing to keep costs down:

1) We are buying 2 of 4 airline tickets with points and the other part with cash so, I figured it will be about $2500 for the 4 tickets.

2) We are using Marriott points for our pre-stay in London so, that part is free.

3) We plan to buy the Marriott breakfast package each morning to save on food in London Hopefully, my kids will want to eat Fish & chips the rest of the time to save money.

4) We plan to do an organized tour in St. Petersburg so, that we don't have to get a Visa (the tour company does it).

5) We'll probably try and do as many tours as we can on our own to save money. However, I'm pretty picky in that I want a narrator talking to me and telling me what I am seeing. I'm not one to wander around town and look at buildings. I want someone to tell me what I am looking at. So, this isn't an area I plan to skimp on.

6) I'll probably set a budget for purchases on the ship like the alcohol, souvenirs, pictures, etc... This way I won't over spend.

I know it will be expensive but if it is anything like the Med. cruise, I know we'll love it!

Aye, I know it will be very expensive but might be worthing...

just like Med 07 was awesome too I would love to do it again at Med...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Does anyone know if you can purchase a ONE-WAY transfer? We will be getting ourselves to the dock, but I think it would be easier to use the Disney transfer at the end of the cruise to get ourselves back to the airport. Thanks!

No, I dont know but can be expensive...

Scottishwee35

 

[OurDogCisco]

Are you planning on doing St. Petersburg via Disney? If not have you looked into other companies? The only one I started to look into was DenRus Tours.

The only one I've look at is Antastasia World. http://www.anastasiaworld.com/enghtml/index.html

I've been reading a lot on cruise critic.

At this time I'm not sure who I'll use. We did a mixture of private, on our own & Disney tours last time when we did the Med. On one private tour we went on I wasn't impressed. It wasn't cheaper than Disney and the tour guide was horrible. They barely talked and I guess we didn't click. But on the flip side I went one horrible Disney tour where the tour guide was just plain rude. However, we did one tour at the Sistene Chapel through Disney where we got a private viewing of the museum and chapel. When I was talking to the tour guide, she said that this was AWESOME as we got breathing room in the chapel. Had we done the tour on our own she said that we would have waited minimum 4 hours to get in and then, we would have been packed in like sardines. The chapel does not have A/C so, it would have been very hot and stuffy. She said that she was actually enjoying herself as well. This was my favorite tour of the entire trip. I will never forget it. I do know we won't do anything on our own without a tour guide. Unless it is just to walk around and shop but highly unlikely we'll go to Europe to shop.

 

[Fivepin]

The only one I've look at is Antastasia World. http://www.anastasiaworld.com/enghtml/index.html

I've been reading a lot on cruise critic.

At this time I'm not sure who I'll use. We did a mixture of private, on our own & Disney tours last time when we did the Med. On one private tour we went on I wasn't impressed. It wasn't cheaper than Disney and the tour guide was horrible. They barely talked and I guess we didn't click. But on the flip side I went one horrible Disney tour where the tour guide was just plain rude. However, we did one tour at the Sistene Chapel through Disney where we got a private viewing of the museum and chapel. When I was talking to the tour guide, she said that this was AWESOME as we got breathing room in the chapel. Had we done the tour on our own she said that we would have waited minimum 4 hours to get in and then, we would have been packed in like sardines. The chapel does not have A/C so, it would have been very hot and stuffy. She said that she was actually enjoying herself as well. This was my favorite tour of the entire trip. I will never forget it. I do know we won't do anything on our own without a tour guide. Unless it is just to walk around and shop but highly unlikely we'll go to Europe to shop.

When we did the Med in 2007 we did excursions all via DCL. We just did Palermo on our own. It's true about the tour guide though....We loved ours we did Rome and ours in Naples for the Herculaneum was awesome. On the flip side the one in Florence/Pisa was horrible. We were the last bus back and the ship had to wait for us. We were about 45 mins late, and by the time we got to Pisa we only had about 30 mins or so. Therefore, couldn't do the tower. She was just very unorganized and several left the group in Florence to do go on their own and do some shopping and met back after the lunch.

I'm just curious to see the prices for the excursions. I'll have to brace myself, because I remember how much we spent on the Med cruise.

 

[Fivepin]

Does anyone know if you can purchase a ONE-WAY transfer? We will be getting ourselves to the dock, but I think it would be easier to use the Disney transfer at the end of the cruise to get ourselves back to the airport. Thanks!

I just know that if you don't have a hotel stay booked thru DCL you can't use them for a transfer. I called DCL b/c the website wasn't very clear. The CM checked with the manager and confirmed that. We're using points for the hotel, so therefore, doing transfers on our own.

 

[MN Dis Fans]

OK, we're back! (although we have been lurking in the background)We've not posted here for a while, was busy with the planning of our last 2x trips. No more cruising planned for us now until this one next July 2010, so I can now go into full commando planning mode for this one.
Looks like we're way behind some of you other folks though.

One thing: I need to update our siggie. Would you folks mind if I borrowed the pounds to rubles ticker? If so, could you send me the link please? TIA

Early days for us yet, but it looks like the DW & the 2x DS's will fly over a few days before cruise, and will do some sightseeing while the internal clocks get adjusted to + 6 hours. As it stands by my current schedule, I will fly up from North Africa the day before the cruise, and will meet them somewhere in the UK. (Location to be determined.)

I found some of the recent posts about hotel rooms not being able to accommodate 4x people extremely interesting. I've never really thought about it / worried about it, as I am normally traveling solo.

I did do a quick double check, but I do know that the Hilton at LGW does do family rooms (suites?) which will take 4x people. Perhaps what we may do, is I'll start ferrying luggage to the UK ahead of time, (so they don't have to lug large bags everywhere they go around with them) and will plan to have the rest of the family meet me at LGW (that's where I fly into from Algeria), and we all can travel down to Dover together?

The DW has started checking out the various ports of call on cruise critic, although we have certainly not come to any consensus as to what we'll be doing at any of them. It will probably take us the next 10x months to figure this all out.

Anyhow, we're back!

 

[Fivepin]

OK, we're back! (although we have been lurking in the background)We've not posted here for a while, was busy with the planning of our last 2x trips. No more cruising planned for us now until this one next July 2010, so I can now go into full commando planning mode for this one.
Looks like we're way behind some of you other folks though.

One thing: I need to update our siggie. Would you folks mind if I borrowed the pounds to rubles ticker? If so, could you send me the link please? TIA

Early days for us yet, but it looks like the DW & the 2x DS's will fly over a few days before cruise, and will do some sightseeing while the internal clocks get adjusted to + 6 hours. As it stands by my current schedule, I will fly up from North Africa the day before the cruise, and will meet them somewhere in the UK. (Location to be determined.)

I found some of the recent posts about hotel rooms not being able to accommodate 4x people extremely interesting. I've never really thought about it / worried about it, as I am normally traveling solo.

I did do a quick double check, but I do know that the Hilton at LGW does do family rooms (suites?) which will take 4x people. Perhaps what we may do, is I'll start ferrying luggage to the UK ahead of time, (so they don't have to lug large bags everywhere they go around with them) and will plan to have the rest of the family meet me at LGW (that's where I fly into from Algeria), and we all can travel down to Dover together?

The DW has started checking out the various ports of call on cruise critic, although we have certainly not come to any consensus as to what we'll be doing at any of them. It will probably take us the next 10x months to figure this all out.

Anyhow, we're back!

Welcome back...
After I get flights booked for this cruise, I'm going to be heads down with my upcoming cruise in November. So any research found on our ports and such, please share. I was just on at midnight today trying to get Palo brunch for November cruise. I was on at 12:01 and there was only 1 time & day slot avail & it was not the day I was trying to get so that we could be with the DIS group. By the time I got done book brunch High Tea was gone.
All I know right now with our plans...fly in 7/3/10, take in the sights & somehow squeeze a day trip to Paris. On the 5th head over to Dover for the day via rail-take in those sights and get some wine/champagne for the cruise. The taxi(transfer) were quite pricey. Staying one post night to take in any sights we missed post cruise.

 

[denise]

MN Dis Fans------

Welcome back....sounds like you and your family really travel!

I will look for the design, I think it is on one of the back postings and let you know where I found it..
I haven't done much in the last couple of days...really got burned out. But I did find problems with 3 to a room. We always use Marriott's, because of the points, and found the one at the airport said only 2 in each room. Got 2 nights at Bexleyheath which is a ways from London but it was only 10,000 points a night (on sale) and 3 to a room. So we will stay longer post cruise. I will still keep looking though. Just got it in case I don't find anything.

We go to Hawaii next month and I really need to plan some things for that trip too!

I will let you know if I find it....
Happy planning!

 

[denise]

One thing: I need to update our siggie. Would you folks mind if I borrowed the pounds to rubles ticker? If so, could you send me the link please? TIA

Is a 50% reduction good?

The URL is http://disney.crissup.com/DCL1007/CAPCRUISEMICKEY400x85.jpg

Here it is!!! I found it on post #822......

 

[Stimpy]

Back from the Nick Cruise and now I can really get to work on this one

 

[CarolAnnC]

You can all also feel free to use the Baltic Cruise logo from my siggie. John set that one up too, for us!

 

[Crissup]

Here it is!!! I found it on post #822......

Apologies for any broken clip art links. My home Internet connection is currently down, and they're stored on the web server in my basement. I'm working with Comcast to try and get a guy out here ASAP. They think they might be able to get a guy out today, otherwise, it won't be until tomorrow (Wednesday). I'll have the Baltic Ports Clipart and the banner clipart back online as soon as the connection comes back up.

 

[gandyfamily]

I've been to London a few times (for business and for vacation) and have some recommendations for those of you visiting before or after the cruise:

For those of you looking for family rooms, the Premier Inn has "family" rooms that accommodate 4 people. They are inexpensive, clean, and well run -- similar to a Hampton Inn here in the US. There's one at County Hall (next to the Marriott) and others in central London at Kings Cross Station and London Bridge. My familoy of 4 has stayed at the County Hall one a couple of times and had a great experience both times.

London has some great inexpensive eateries. Check out the Rick Steves London guide for recommendations. My family loves Wagamama (a Japanese noodle bar), Yo Sushi (a very fun Japanese restaurant with a robot that serves you drinks and sushi on a conveyor belt), Hummus Brothers (cheap and delicious Middle Eastern food), and the cafe in the crypt at St. Martins in the Fields (great inexpensive cafeteria style lunches and afternoon tea). Of course you can't go wrong with a pub or fish and chips place!

In terms of things to do, of course must sees are the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. We enjoyed the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and at the Horse Guards palace. My kids loved the Thames boat tours and the National History Museum -- and seeing "Platform 9 3/4" in Kings Cross Station. St. Martin's in Trafalgar Square has a brass rubbing center that is extremely fun for kids. And Hamley's is a must see for kids -- it's bigger than FAO Schwartz in NY with a tea room on the top! If you have younger kids definitely check out the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens -- it has a Peter Pan theme with a large wooden boat, teepees, and swings and is honestly the nicest playground we've ever been to.

We are so excited about the cruise and our pre-cruise London stay! Have fun planning, everyone!

 

[DW2DH&DS]

Thank you gandyfamily!!!!!

Well, we are now officially booked for roundtrip air using miles for Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy!!! What a nightmare trying to get home. We couldn't get a flight home on the 18th, so we have to stay a night post cruise. Waaaa!! I know, but we are a week precruise, and hubby only has so many days of vacation. Hubby was and is a super trooper...calling every couple hours trying to find 3 seats!!!! Heck, we were considering flying home to Vegas or San Francisco and catching a quick flight home to LA. It all worked out in the end!!! Gotta love nonstop to go through this!!! Now for the activities planning!!! man, I am soooooo excited!!!!

 

[sinnika]

Well after several days of considering, we moved our cruise to one of the Med cruises (this will be our first Med cruise! ) We were really looking forward to this one, but are now planning a land tour in 2011 for Finland, Sweden and Russia since DH and DS are already planning to be in Sweden for World Scout Jamboree. The kids sail free offer was too irresistable - we are paying a little more than 1/2 what the Baltics cost for same cat 6. At least now we have the airfare covered and side trip to Paris and DLPR. Happy cruising, everyone!

 

[OurDogCisco]

2 more days until I book our flights on points! We are doing 2 with points and 2 on cash. I'm wondering if I should wait on cash or book right away? My fear is that there is only one flight that departs on 3:20 pm on the last day we dock. I definitely want to get that flight but the prices are wild somewhere in the $1500 to $1700 range but I do want to be on the same flight with my family together. UGH...

 

[OurDogCisco]

Well after several days of considering, we moved our cruise to one of the Med cruises (this will be our first Med cruise! ) We were really looking forward to this one, but are now planning a land tour in 2011 for Finland, Sweden and Russia since DH and DS are already planning to be in Sweden for World Scout Jamboree. The kids sail free offer was too irresistable - we are paying a little more than 1/2 what the Baltics cost for same cat 6. At least now we have the airfare covered and side trip to Paris and DLPR. Happy cruising, everyone!

The Med cruise is awesome! You'll have a great time. I would have done the same. No point in going to the same place twice. Have fun on your cruise!

 

[DW2DH&DS]

Is anyone staying he night in Dover on the 5th? I just booked Premier Inn Dover Central. Is anyone else staying there? I looked at a lot of the B&Bs, but the hubby isn't keen on them (for this trip anyway!!).

 

[goingsouth]

We are staying in a B&B in Dover on the 5th. I think it will be ok..

Joanne

 

[Fivepin]

I've been to London a few times (for business and for vacation) and have some recommendations for those of you visiting before or after the cruise:

For those of you looking for family rooms, the Premier Inn has "family" rooms that accommodate 4 people. They are inexpensive, clean, and well run -- similar to a Hampton Inn here in the US. There's one at County Hall (next to the Marriott) and others in central London at Kings Cross Station and London Bridge. My familoy of 4 has stayed at the County Hall one a couple of times and had a great experience both times.

London has some great inexpensive eateries. Check out the Rick Steves London guide for recommendations. My family loves Wagamama (a Japanese noodle bar), Yo Sushi (a very fun Japanese restaurant with a robot that serves you drinks and sushi on a conveyor belt), Hummus Brothers (cheap and delicious Middle Eastern food), and the cafe in the crypt at St. Martins in the Fields (great inexpensive cafeteria style lunches and afternoon tea). Of course you can't go wrong with a pub or fish and chips place!

In terms of things to do, of course must sees are the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. We enjoyed the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and at the Horse Guards palace. My kids loved the Thames boat tours and the National History Museum -- and seeing "Platform 9 3/4" in Kings Cross Station. St. Martin's in Trafalgar Square has a brass rubbing center that is extremely fun for kids. And Hamley's is a must see for kids -- it's bigger than FAO Schwartz in NY with a tea room on the top! If you have younger kids definitely check out the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens -- it has a Peter Pan theme with a large wooden boat, teepees, and swings and is honestly the nicest playground we've ever been to.

We are so excited about the cruise and our pre-cruise London stay! Have fun planning, everyone!

Thank you for the tip. We were wondering where to eat and hoping we can squeeze in everything we want to do.

Thank you gandyfamily!!!!!

Well, we are now officially booked for roundtrip air using miles for Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy!!! What a nightmare trying to get home. We couldn't get a flight home on the 18th, so we have to stay a night post cruise. Waaaa!! I know, but we are a week precruise, and hubby only has so many days of vacation. Hubby was and is a super trooper...calling every couple hours trying to find 3 seats!!!! Heck, we were considering flying home to Vegas or San Francisco and catching a quick flight home to LA. It all worked out in the end!!! Gotta love nonstop to go through this!!! Now for the activities planning!!! man, I am soooooo excited!!!!

I still have a few more days before I can book on American.

Well after several days of considering, we moved our cruise to one of the Med cruises (this will be our first Med cruise! ) We were really looking forward to this one, but are now planning a land tour in 2011 for Finland, Sweden and Russia since DH and DS are already planning to be in Sweden for World Scout Jamboree. The kids sail free offer was too irresistable - we are paying a little more than 1/2 what the Baltics cost for same cat 6. At least now we have the airfare covered and side trip to Paris and DLPR. Happy cruising, everyone!

You'll love the Med cruise. We did it in 2007. I saw that offer with the kids sailing free on the Med. That is really great. We are going without kids on this one.

2 more days until I book our flights on points! We are doing 2 with points and 2 on cash. I'm wondering if I should wait on cash or book right away? My fear is that there is only one flight that departs on 3:20 pm on the last day we dock. I definitely want to get that flight but the prices are wild somewhere in the $1500 to $1700 range but I do want to be on the same flight with my family together. UGH...

That is my same fear. I have enough points for a round trip and a one way. We are flying out of Tampa and then a direct flight to London from Miami. There is only 1 direct flight out of Miami and coming back as well. The others take us via Dallas or Chicago and takes forever. We get in around 7am to London. So, we still have a full day. My mom has the AA credit card and we have been putting everything on there. I looked at the prices of one way tickets, and it's only $200 less than a roundtrip(around $1300)

Is anyone staying he night in Dover on the 5th? I just booked Premier Inn Dover Central. Is anyone else staying there? I looked at a lot of the B&Bs, but the hubby isn't keen on them (for this trip anyway!!).

We're heading to Dover on the 5th via rail after we check out. We are staying at Ramada in Dover. I still have a B&B booked at Folkestone, but leaning towards canceling it. DH doesn't want to take taxis back and forth, b/c we were planning on doing the sights in Dover that day. So, after taking the extra taxi rides in consideration, we would only be saving 30 pounds and a breakfast.