The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[wickesy]

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.

You can pick up The Metro at any major railway or underground (subway) station.

 

[justmestace]

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!

Ohhhh YEAAHHHHHHH........

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

You can pick up The Metro at any major railway or underground (subway) station.

TO ADD:-

The Metro at any Tube station from 6.30am Monday to Friday as Wickesy correctly says.

In the center of London, CITY AM is given out and some local magazines.

In the afternoon there is the EVENING STANDARD for free given out at all main line stations and some kiosks, that has news of shows, and good business section.

In London 'The Sun'' Newspaper is only 20p (Monday to Friday) and well worth a read. The lady on page three might get cold in the Winter however and not sure if USA Eyes are allowed to look but its a great paper.

Currently we have the Independent on FREE handout as well, but that might be a promotion.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Well done Andrew! I don't think there is any question that our 2 days in London will be jammed packed! There is so much to see and do. We plan on spending one day on the HOHO busses and will keep your suggestions handy to help decide when to hop off and when just to take a picture as we pass by.
Obviously everyone has different interests but it's fun to hear what the locals say about their city. Reading the posts by Brits whose country we are going to visit is just really cool.
To the comment that "those that live in the area have vastly different interests than those seeing it for the first time". I don't understand this. I've traveled all over the world and the best advice always comes from the locals.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to offer your opinion. Had I know it was gonna be "controversial", I would have PM'd you as I've done in the past for advice/opinions/suggestions but I thought others might also value the opinions of the locals.

~Mike

Had I know it was gonna be "controversial", I would have PM'd you as I've done in the past for advice/opinions/suggestions but I thought others might also value the opinions of the locals.
Mike no problem I post very very little nowadays and generally only to people who ask FOR ANDREW, or on my next and last DCL cruise meets thread.
Didn'T know how it could become controversial, so thought I was safe on answering that one post.
All the Best.

Andrew at one point awhile back you said you might come and see the Magic when we are embarking. Are you still considering this?
We would love to meet you!
Rita

Yes still in my plans for Dover first visit, and my Son and myself will be taking photos. Best place to *view* these will be on FACEBOOK as a friend!

PM me if you wish and I will give details.

"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 opinion 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

Mike as many post, 'they advise me to let it slide', so didn't quote everyone with nice comments, but THANK YOU.

Please understand there was nothing negative meant in the post you quoted.....you may have read more into it than was there....you gave your opinion on what you would like to see, they gave theirs.....they in no way put you down. The reference about different backgrounds was just an example that you live in another country so yes, your background IS probably much different than someone from another country in terms of likes, dislikes, things of interest, etc. It was not a personal attack.
TO EVERYONE...please keep the posts on topic. This is not the place for pro and against posts...many seem to be very sensitive on certain topics.....please try not to take posts so personally...everyone is just giving their own opinions and feedback. Take it or leave it....
This thread is a wealth of info with many great contributions.....I would hate to see it have to be shut down because of petty bickering.
Thank you all for your future cooperation.

MJ

MJ I have always valued you as a great hard working moderator, and all Mods have a hard job, and do not get anything back in return. On heated subjects there is debate, and you guys and lovely ladies have to step in.

So firstly a big thank you, you are always very fair.

On this occasion, I made one response to a post that quoted my name at least four times 9 PM's to me tonight all feel differently to you, the person quoted has responded negatively to many of my posts recently, and I made it clear I wouldn't be drawn into an argument and would respond once.

I made a helpful response to another persons direct request and I was very misquoted, saying I had posted a 'Do not bother list',( I didnt) and they quoted they knew my background, which I think was personal and against your forum rules.

Inbetween those posts other people added constructive opions that were different to mine but all added value.

But thats it, let it slide........

 

[sbell111]

Since you keep bringing up my post, I feel quite compelled to reply.

On this occasion, I made one response to a post that quoted my name at least four times 9 PM's to me tonight all feel differently to you, the person quoted has responded negatively to many of my posts recently, and I made it clear I wouldn't be drawn into an argument and would respond once.

First, I referenced your post because my reply was related to it. Never did I attack you (as you have done to me).

As others have mentioned, this is a discussion board. Posts made to it are to be discussed. If you prefer that your posts not be discussed, I would recommend a blog. If you prefer that only those who agree with you reply to your posts, I recommend that you make them to your facebook page.

I made a helpful response to another persons direct request and I was very misquoted, saying I had posted a 'Do not bother list',( I didnt) and they quoted they knew my background, which I think was personal and against your forum rules.

I never stated that you posted a 'do not bother' list. I merely was stating that some of the things that I would enjoy, you would not bother with just like some of the things that I would enjoy, you would not. This is normal and is in no way an attack on you.

I also never stated that I knew your background. I merely stated that our backgrounds are different, which they are. We differ in all manner of ways and I need not know you personally to know that this simple fact is true.

Inbetween those posts other people added constructive opions that were different to mine but all added value.

Similarly, some clearly found my post to be constructive and helpful.

But thats it, let it slide........

Yet, you have now attacked me twice over this issue.

JillJill and mmouse37 -

I do apologize that my post has continued this issue, I noticed his earlier attacks, but was going to pass on responding, but it has now been made clear that he is insistent on pressing his attack.

 

[slg]

Please stop and let this drop.

I don't see any attacks here, just misunderstandings...clearly.

 

[Rogillio]

I will take most of the blame for the last few pages. I was specifically asking for Andrew's opinion because I wanted a Brit's opinion. I'm kinda of an off-the-beaten-path kind of guy....that's the reason, with the exception of SPR, our entire trip is DIY. I want to experience the country we are visiting and want to visit the places that the locals think are important and worth seeing not just what other tourists think are important.

That said, maybe I should have PM'd Andrew. But actually, other Brits chimed in and I appreciated that too. No offense intended to sbell111 as I know you meant well. Maybe I should have been more clear in my OP.

I'm sorry this blew up into a minor storm. If possible, I'll buy sbell111 and Andrew beers in London and we'll have a good laugh I'm sure! It is very easy to miscommunicate on the internet!

~Mike

 

[RJAYL]

If possible, I'll buy sbell111 and Andrew beers in London and we'll have a good laugh I'm sure! It is very easy to miscommunicate on the internet!

~Mike

I dont know about Andrew or Sbell111 but if your buying the beer Ill meet you in London as well!

Oh & Scrumpy would work just as well!

 

[Caropooh]

I will take most of the blame for the last few pages. I was specifically asking for Andrew's opinion because I wanted a Brit's opinion. I'm kinda of an off-the-beaten-path kind of guy....that's the reason, with the exception of SPR, our entire trip is DIY. I want to experience the country we are visiting and want to visit the places that the locals think are important and worth seeing not just what other tourists think are important.

That said, maybe I should have PM'd Andrew. But actually, other Brits chimed in and I appreciated that too. No offense intended to sbell111 as I know you meant well. Maybe I should have been more clear in my OP.

I'm sorry this blew up into a minor storm. If possible, I'll buy sbell111 and Andrew beers in London and we'll have a good laugh I'm sure! It is very easy to miscommunicate on the internet!

~Mike

If you wanted a Brit's opinion, wouldn't a better option of been to start your post stating that instead of naming AndrewDerek directly?

 

[justmestace]

Andrew has his own Fan Page on Facebook, too, if you wanted to speak with him directly.

 

[Rogillio]

If you wanted a Brit's opinion, wouldn't a better option of been to start your post stating that instead of naming AndrewDerek directly?

Yeah, I think I said, "Maybe I should have been more clear in my OP."

He was just the one Brit that I knew by name.

~Mike

 

[mmouse37]

I will take most of the blame for the last few pages. I was specifically asking for Andrew's opinion because I wanted a Brit's opinion. I'm kinda of an off-the-beaten-path kind of guy....that's the reason, with the exception of SPR, our entire trip is DIY. I want to experience the country we are visiting and want to visit the places that the locals think are important and worth seeing not just what other tourists think are important.

That said, maybe I should have PM'd Andrew. But actually, other Brits chimed in and I appreciated that too. No offense intended to sbell111 as I know you meant well. Maybe I should have been more clear in my OP.

I'm sorry this blew up into a minor storm. If possible, I'll buy sbell111 and Andrew beers in London and we'll have a good laugh I'm sure! It is very easy to miscommunicate on the internet!

~Mike

No problem....now...let's all get back to planning!!!! (well, not me...I am not going to the med..but I did just get back from London last month!!!) Let's just move forward from here.....

Here are my pics....if anyone would care to see....we were in London for 3 nights then 5 nights all around the countryside with stops in Oxford, York, the Cotswolds, Dover, Ramsgate, Cantebury, Brighton and probably a few more I forgot!!!

http://travel.webshots.com/album/577247450fsmvss?vhost=travel

MJ

 

[wintergreen]

Ok, I LOVED Jack Wild when I was a kid. We just watched Oliver! on DVD. Man, he was adorable.

We will see Wicked the night before the cruise leaves. My girls have been wanting to see it forever, and I will wait to tell them until we are on our way, so that it will be a surprise. I usually do the TKTS booth for half price tickets in London, but Wicked isn't selling there, so I went ahead and ordered them. Prices in London better than New York.

 

[kaseyC]

Ok, I LOVED Jack Wild when I was a kid. We just watched Oliver! on DVD. Man, he was adorable.

We will see Wicked the night before the cruise leaves. My girls have been wanting to see it forever, and I will wait to tell them until we are on our way, so that it will be a surprise. I usually do the TKTS booth for half price tickets in London, but Wicked isn't selling there, so I went ahead and ordered them. Prices in London better than New York.

The ticket prices in London are better than Chicago too. I have 3 DDs and they absolutely loved Wicked. Enjoy!

 

[justmestace]

Ok, I LOVED Jack Wild when I was a kid. We just watched Oliver! on DVD. Man, he was adorable.

We will see Wicked the night before the cruise leaves. My girls have been wanting to see it forever, and I will wait to tell them until we are on our way, so that it will be a surprise. I usually do the TKTS booth for half price tickets in London, but Wicked isn't selling there, so I went ahead and ordered them. Prices in London better than New York.

How sad and strange life turned out for both Jack Wild (dying relatively young & alone) and Mark Lester, who now claims to be the biological father of Paris Jackson (Michael's daughter).....

 

[MrsScooby]

Here are my pics....if anyone would care to see....we were in London for 3 nights then 5 nights all around the countryside with stops in Oxford, York, the Cotswolds, Dover, Ramsgate, Cantebury, Brighton and probably a few more I forgot!!!

http://travel.webshots.com/album/577247450fsmvss?vhost=travel

MJ

Great pics MJ
Thanks for sharing

 

[jilljill]

You can pick up The Metro at any major railway or underground (subway) station.

Thanks, will have to be on the lookout for it in July.

 

[kaseyC]

Question for our UK Disers? Is the Telegraph Box Office a reputable place to purchase London theatre tickets? They have some great special offers.

http://boxoffice.telegraph.co.uk/?utm_source=tmg&utm_medium=nav&utm_campaign=boxoffice

 

[carolmb]

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.

You pick where you want to pick it up and it gives you the choices during the application process. I think there were 3 different options. We are picking ours up at Heathrow Terminal 3 the morning we fly in.
Carol

 

[aurorafan65]

You know I didn't even really look at that list above at first as I am having a hard enough time deciding what we want to do in London as it is, but the Benjamin Franklin House is exactly something my history-loving family would like to see

http://www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org/site/sections/default.htm

just checked this out & we'll definitely stop in - after all it would be un-Philadelphian not to