The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[RJAYL]

From reading today's posts I think this summarizes it:

1) There are people who agree/disagree with opinions and suggestions (given in good faith, I believe) on the boards.

2) People look to the boards for advice that they can "take or leave". That's the beauty of asking for opinions. It helps you make your own informed decisions.


One thing I think we can all agree on:

We can agree that is OK for all of us to disagree (respectfully, of course!)

Not with me!

Yup
Works for me

Not for me

I'm sorry but I have to disagree.....j/k

I spend much of my internet forum time on a triathlon forum...and you've never seen such disagreement as you see with a bunch of competitive triathletes.

I agree we are all entitled to our opinion but it seems to me that when people opine about someone else's opinion, that is when things start to go down like an airplane in a cloud of volcanic ash! What I mean is, it's ok to offer an opion differnt from someone else. We can do this simply by offering a different opinion....w/o ever even mentioning the opinion we disagree with. Does this make any sense?

~Mike

NO!

'
There was a list.
Yes, it was asked for Andrew to give an opinion on the list.
But...the list is posted on a PUBLIC forum.
Andrew gave his opinion.
Someone else gave theirs.

That's not opining on someone else's opinion, that's SIMPLY GIVING ANOTHER OPINION.

Please......the first opinion-giver needs to quit getting his knickers in a knot.


AND....this is a DISCUSSION FORUM. I think we all know the definition of DISCUSSION. Boiled down, it means that one person can say something, and others can discuss it.

I do like the phrase Knickers in a knot especially if you say it 3 times fast!

"Those individuals who live in the area or have visited it frequently are not going to have the same interests as those who are seeing it for the first time, as evidenced in Andrew's choices. "

This is NOT giving an opinon on the list. That is giving an opinion about the opinion giver. Much l better to simply say, "As an American I would like to visit the BF place...." than to tell why the other person's opinion is invalid or not as good.

"needs to quit getting his knickers in a knot"

Opinions like this are never welcome IMO and are out of line.

~Mike

Opinions are like arm pits everyone has at least 2 & they usually smell!

It seems to me that after today everyone needs to take a step back and take a deep breath. People are asking for opinions/suggestions which others are giving, not everyone is going to agree.

Also, making snide comments or rude remarks is totally out of line and against DISboard guidelines. We have to remember we are all adults posting on this thread and we should all act that way.

Nope lets not, lets stir things up & have some fun!

 

[Rogillio]

Not with me!

Not for me

NO!

I do like the phrase Knickers in a knot especially if you say it 3 times fast!

Opinions are like arm pits everyone has at least 2 & they usually smell!


Nope lets not, lets stir things up & have some fun!

2 words: Evinrude sespool.

;-)

 

[MrsScooby]

Thanks a lot, you just cost me another $284. We have always wanted to try this...it's looks so fun. Looks like $71 per person, right? Thanks for posting this!

~Mike

Glad to oblige
For us it is a way to get the site-seeing in in a way that will appeal to my kids (16 and 13).
DH and I did the segway in Nassau and had a ball and that was just roaming around their "jungle" offroads.
Now, I have never tried this company, but his reviews on Tripadvisor looked good so hopefully we will all have a great time. Looking for ward to your trip report when you come back

I think one thing for everyone to keep in mind is that although all of us post in English, not everyone on these boards has the same nationality. Priorities, perspectives and even the way that sentences are phrased can be construed differently across different cultures, even English speaking ones. Even as a Canadian I notice the differences between us and Americans.
There are differences even among the terms and phrases used by Americans as well. I know I would appreciate a pm if I happen to step on someone's foot by unintentionally saying something hurtful

Sometimes offence is taken where none is meant, just by the way things are worded. I think all of us are excited and want the best trip possible. I know I am!

As for seeing shows in London, again it depends on what your priorities are. London is the world centre (along with New York) for theatre, and as someone who works in the theatre, most of my friends, students and colleagues go to London just to see shows! In my opinion it is something not to be missed! We are hoping to see 3 or 4 shows during our time there. And if you like Shakespeare, don't miss Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, an authentically built recreation of the original!

Ah London. So much to see, so little time. There is something for everyone.

Maybe it is because I have had the opportunity to see several plays on Broadway as well as the traveling Broadway plays in Washington DC, but seeing a play in London is just a bit lower on my list than it is on some other's
Just not enough time to see eveything so we have to prioritize based on the specific interests of the group. For us the historical sites take priority. I do hope to visit London again for a longer trip and maybe get a chance to see a play then.

We have tickets for OLIVER ! When my son was 11 he was one of Fagin's boys. We'll be taking my Grandson who is 15. Looking forward to it !!

I do love this play If I was going to see one show in London this would be the one I would choose. I remember the movie when I was a kid-for some reason it made my parents seem ...not so bad

Nope lets not, lets stir things up & have some fun!

You need something constructive to do Robert

 

[kaseyC]

Shows on our list to see are: Oliver!, Les Miserables, Wicked, Lion King. DH and I have to take in consideration that we are taking our 3 boys along: 11,8,14, so they need to be family friendly. My oldest son is hoping to make a profession in the theatre, he loves musicals!

We're not going to book anything until we get there. Going to try our luck at the half-price booth and just see what is available. We are there 12 days so I'm hoping there'll be tickets for something. We don't even all have to sit together, just an adult with the 2 youngest.

We have seen all of the shows on your list except Oliver! and they are all excellent. Since you mentioned you have 3 boys, another show in London that is creating quite the buzz is "War Horse". The horses are life size puppets!

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/warhorse

 

[RJAYL]

Glad to oblige
For us it is a way to get the site-seeing in in a way that will appeal to my kids (16 and 13).
DH and I did the segway in Nassau and had a ball and that was just roaming around their "jungle" offroads.
Now, I have never tried this company, but his reviews on Tripadvisor looked good so hopefully we will all have a great time. Looking for ward to your trip report when you come back


Maybe it is because I have had the opportunity to see several plays on Broadway as well as the traveling Broadway plays in Washington DC, but seeing a play in London is just a bit lower on my list than it is on some other's
Just not enough time to see eveything so we have to prioritize based on the specific interests of the group. For us the historical sites take priority. I do hope to visit London again for a longer trip and maybe get a chance to see a play then.


I do love this play If I was going to see one show in London this would be the one I would choose. I remember the movie when I was a kid-for some reason it made my parents seem ...not so bad



You need something constructive to do Robert

No I need a vacation but after Barb closed thread 5 early I might as well cause some trouble!

2 words: Evinrude sespool.

;-)

Another way would be to put it a Johnson in a Septic system!

oops that could be taken another way!

 

[Rogillio]

We have tickets for OLIVER ! When my son was 11 he was one of Fagin's boys. We'll be taking my Grandson who is 15. Looking forward to it !!

I, too am a fan of Andrews and totally agree with everything you said !

Cha-ching! Another $281.60 for 4 tickets to Oliver.

You guys are killing....how about some "free" things to do?!

~Mike

 

[Rogillio]

Nm

 

[kaseyC]

I do love this play If I was going to see one show in London this would be the one I would choose. I remember the movie when I was a kid-for some reason it made my parents seem ...not so bad

Just mention "workhouse" to my girls and all of a sudden I'm "mother of the year"!!

That's one of the reasons we are planning to take our DDs to see it. I loved the 1968 film version as a child and my girls have grown up watching it and singing all of the songs. It just seemed to be the perfect show to see in London.

I have to agree with others that this thread has a wealth of information on it. We are not doing a DCL Baltic cruise but we are traveling to London in June and doing a TA crossing from Southampton to NY. I've reaped the benefit of the many experiences and opinions shared on this thread

 

[MrsScooby]

You know out in the real world when I try to talk about this trip, I can't find anyone interested enough to spend more than a minute or 2 discussing it
But here is where I'm not alone with my planning obsession
Plenty of other people here also interested in the dilemmas of choosing the perfect tour, hotel etc.
Get new ideas all the time from this Board and this thread in particular.

I'm a fan of everyone that takes the time to post and put their thoughts and ideas out in a respectful manner

 

[MrsScooby]

Just mention "workhouse" to my girls and all of a sudden I'm "mother of the year"!!

That's one of the reasons we are planning to take our DDs to see it. I loved the 1968 film version as a child and my girls have grown up watching it and singing all of the songs. It just seemed to be the perfect show to see in London.

I have to agree with others that this thread has a wealth of information on it. We are not doing a DCL Baltic cruise but we are traveling to London in June and doing a TA crossing from Southampton to NY. I've reaped the benefit of the many experiences and opinions shared on this thread

Gotta find the movie and make my family watch it with me

 

[MJGirl]

The Mark Lester and Jack Ward (oops ... I mean Wild) (Oliver and Dodger) version of Oliver has always been my favourite. I can't believe that version is over 40 years old. Who else here remembers HR Puffenstuf! I had such a big crush on Jack Wild!

 

[Celestine]

Cha-ching! Another $281.60 for 4 tickets to Oliver.

You guys are killing....how about some "free" things to do?!

~Mike

THe majority of museums are free, Greenwich Observatory & best of all, walking around & absorbing the feel of London as well as looking at all the architecture, famous sites etc. Whichever cruise you are on London will be busy. THere is a free paper in London called the Metro & its suggestions for trips with kids are:
London International Gallery of children's art www.ligca.org
National Army Museum www.national-army-museum.ac.uk
Pumphouse educational museum www.thepumphouse.org.uk
Battersea Park Children's zoo www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
Pollock's toy museum www.pollockstoymuseum.com
Crystal palace park www.crystalpalacepark.org

As some one born in London & now living just 30 miles away, I was surprised that I had been to none of these places, so they are now on the ever increasing list of things to do!

Celestine

 

[jilljill]

THe majority of museums are free, Greenwich Observatory & best of all, walking around & absorbing the feel of London as well as looking at all the architecture, famous sites etc. Whichever cruise you are on London will be busy. THere is a free paper in London called the Metro & its suggestions for trips with kids are:
London International Gallery of children's art www.ligca.org
National Army Museum www.national-army-museum.ac.uk
Pumphouse educational museum www.thepumphouse.org.uk
Battersea Park Children's zoo www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
Pollock's toy museum www.pollockstoymuseum.com
Crystal palace park www.crystalpalacepark.org

As some one born in London & now living just 30 miles away, I was surprised that I had been to none of these places, so they are now on the ever increasing list of things to do!

Celestine

Where are some of the places that free newspaper can be picked up while in London? That would be a great paper to pick up to peruse thru.

 

[kaseyC]

Where are some of the places that free newspaper can be picked up while in London? That would be a great paper to pick up to peruse thru.

I would love to know too.

 

[MrsScooby]

The Mark Lester and Jack Ward (Oliver and Dodger) version of Oliver has always been my favourite. I can't believe that version is over 40 years old. Who else here remembers HR Puffenstuf! I had such a big crush on Jack Wild!

Oh I would watch HR Puffenstuff just for the cute British guy on it
Never remembered his name though and no internet then to stalk/research anyone then
Must be my favorite version of Oliver as well then.

THe majority of museums are free, Greenwich Observatory & best of all, walking around & absorbing the feel of London as well as looking at all the architecture, famous sites etc. Whichever cruise you are on London will be busy. THere is a free paper in London called the Metro & its suggestions for trips with kids are:
London International Gallery of children's art www.ligca.org
National Army Museum www.national-army-museum.ac.uk
Pumphouse educational museum www.thepumphouse.org.uk
Battersea Park Children's zoo www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
Pollock's toy museum www.pollockstoymuseum.com
Crystal palace park www.crystalpalacepark.org

As some one born in London & now living just 30 miles away, I was surprised that I had been to none of these places, so they are now on the ever increasing list of things to do!

Celestine

Living just outside of Washington DC now and many years previously outside of NYC and there are still tons of things on my to do list for these places as well
Easy to get busy and forget the treasures you have in your own backyard

Where are some of the places that free newspaper can be picked up while in London? That would be a great paper to pick up to peruse thru.

I would love to know too.

Ditto
Me too

 

[WeLoveABD]

Another source of ideas for trips is the Adventures By Disney website--we look there when going to certain areas (in the US or outside)--as they have scouted it all out pretty well. We did the Knights and Lights (London/Paris) ABD a couple of years ago and saw a lot of great stuff in London--so, check that out too for ideas! (Look up the day to day detailed trip and not just the overview).

We're on the June 12 sailing--getting close now!!

 

[auntsue1]

The Mark Lester and Jack Ward (Oliver and Dodger) version of Oliver has always been my favourite. I can't believe that version is over 40 years old. Who else here remembers HR Puffenstuf! I had such a big crush on Jack Wild!

That's too funny we were just talking about this old TV show @ work the other day. I too had a crush on Jack Wild. I remember the old theme song:

HR Puffenstuff who's your friend when things get rough
HR Puffenstuff can't get a little can't get enough!

 

[DL1957]

You know out in the real world when I try to talk about this trip, I can't find anyone interested enough to spend more than a minute or 2 discussing it
But here is where I'm not alone with my planning obsession
Plenty of other people here also interested in the dilemmas of choosing the perfect tour, hotel etc.
Get new ideas all the time from this Board and this thread in particular.

I'm a fan of everyone that takes the time to post and put their thoughts and ideas out in a respectful manner

Great observation. We booked this in 2008 and even DH who is going doesn't want to talk about it. We are a great support group

 

[xangav]

Has anyone taken the tour at the Globe? What ages do you think would enjoy it? I know different kids have different interests in and tolerances for that kind of thing, but I'd just like a general idea of how kid-friendly it is. Also, I think Andrew recommended booking ahead of time, but I don't see an option for that for groups of fewer than 15. Is there a way to book ahead for a group of 10?

Thanks!

Hi, just lurking here as there is so much good info available.

As someone who has just booked the Globe I will tell you what I have found out.

We will be in London for our pre-Epic transatlantic for six days in June and thought it was the thing to do while there, especially since we live near Las Vegas and can see plenty of shows and we will be ending our trip in New York.

I booked the tickets on March 29th and the good seats were very limited for a group of four. However, if you don't mind standing you can get "groundling" tickets for something like 5 pounds and if you get tired you can always leave early (per the website). After touring all day we chose seats.

Our son is 18 and really wants to go. Our 12yo DD was not so sure until we discovered that she would be studying Shakespeare's time in History. It was perfect! Our tickets arrived in the mail and she took the playbill in to her history class to show her teacher. Her teacher was very jealous of DD's upcoming trip and opportunity to see Henry VIII.

The website is great! It has a virtual tour so you can decide if you want to go and where you might want to sit or stand.

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/

Hope this helps.

 

[xangav]

I think the Zip card is the same as the Oyster photocard. I copied this from www.ricksteves.com/books/update/bk-rs-lon.htm and it sounds just like the photocard:
A paying adult can still take up to four kids, aged 10 and under, for free any time of day. Families with older kids can consider the Oyster "Zip" card, which allows kids ages 11–15 to travel all day for £1 on the Tube and for free on buses. The "Zip" card must be ordered online three weeks in advance and requires a £5 deposit and digital photo (pick card up on arrival, details at www.tfl.gov.uk/zip).

I got the 5-10 photocard for DD who will be 9. She is tall for her age and I did not want there to be any confusion. My DS is 11, almost 12, and I got him the 11-15 photocard. Very easy to do online.

Carol

I am trying to get my DD an oyster and it says to pick it up at the Travel information center. Do you get to choose where you want to pick it up during the process? Thanks.