The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[mardonna]

Thanks.....I was heading into do on your own......but I thought one I started crunching number paying for 7 people it may be cost effective to do a private car/guided........

 

[woody73]

Woody, understand as said before I agree/part disagree.

Oslo for example, I got a quote for a private car for four hours , car and guide is £700, thats about, $1,000, way more than, DCL, or going DIY, for four people.

Andrew, I think I now understand. You are comparing bottom line prices of a ship's group excursion, independent private car, and DIY.

That's where we are using different comparisons.

I look at a ship's group excursion, and compare what an independent group tour would cost.

Separately, I look at what a private car (up to four people) would cost. But I don't compare a private car with a ship's excursion of 50 people. To me, it's a totally different experience.

Woody

 

[mardonna]

Many say train only.....

• Berlin Discovery, train or bus.
• On your own, train or bus.
• Past and present, says train only.
• Turbulent History, train only.
• Cultural Splendor, train only.
• Sights and Sounds train only.

Private guides will be very expensive, best to get driver/guide, and for smaller groups prorata will be more expensive, than a DCL guide per bus.

even on the ones mentioned with train only......it says in fine print at bottom that it could be by train or bus....so I don't think there are Guarantees.....kind of annoying.

 

[cindy18]

Thanks.....I was heading into do on your own......but I thought one I started crunching number paying for 7 people it may be cost effective to do a private car/guided........

Hard to know without getting some quotes for pp costs of private guides. I will say that SPB offers a Berlin tour with round-trip from Warnemunde for $210 pp. That's pretty cheap, relatively speaking. Humboldt Tours offers round trip for 850 euros, but I think that's up to 6 people max. If you get to and from Berlin on your own, then Humboldt is 240 euros for 5 hours with a guide and 27.50 euros per hour for the car. These are for 4 people. So I think it's cheaper, if I'm doing the conversion math right, to have Humboldt pick up up in Warnemunde than to pay Disney $800 and then hire Humboldt in Berlin. But then of course I don't have the security of knowing I won't miss the ship on the way back.

Of course you could always take the local train in without using anyone or rent a car and drive in. Both of those options are the cheapest but involve the most hassle.

I think the trips via Disney are pretty expensive and you could do it more cheaply on your own, and also see precisely what you want to see in Berlin. So that's where we're headed, but we're not 100% sure.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks.....I was heading into do on your own......but I thought one I started crunching number paying for 7 people it may be cost effective to do a private car/guided........

Some places such as Norway, are so so expensive, its just not worth the money, Oslo is very accessible, and for a family the options there is walk, get the boat over to the Viking museum, go to the castle, and maybe hop in the Magic for lunch. There s the Hop on off bus but book in advance.

Copenhagen is all so so close, again save you money, and in fact, a car would most likely be worse than walking.

 

[mardonna]

I was not talking about SPB or Berlin....

thinking the other ports.....by the time I pay for 7 of us (or 6 if baby is free), doing 2 tours a day at each port.....it seems rather like getting a guide or guide/driver may be better.....I guess you could get guide and do hoh buses .....

 

[mardonna]

Some places such as Norway, are so so expensive, its just not worth the money, Oslo is very accessible, and for a family the options there is walk, get the boat over to the Viking museum, go to the castle, and maybe hop in the Magic for lunch. There s the Hop on off bus but book in advance.

Copenhagen is all so so close, again save you money, and in fact, a car would most likely be worse than walking.

What if we got a guide only and had them go with us to show us the highlights as we travel on Hoho buses......that may be good?

 

[cindy18]

I was not talking about SPB or Berlin....

thinking the other ports.....by the time I pay for 7 of us (or 6 if baby is free), doing 2 tours a day at each port.....it seems rather like getting a guide or guide/driver may be better.....I guess you could get guide and do hoh buses .....

Ah, sorry, thought you had switched form SPB to Berlin.

We're currently planning on doing all the other ports on our own, without a guide, maybe using the HOHO bus where offered (Copenhagen particularly). But your kids are younger, and transport may be an issue.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew, I think I now understand. You are comparing bottom line prices of a ship's group excursion, independent private car, and DIY.

That's where we are using different comparisons.

I look at a ship's group excursion, and compare what an independent group tour would cost.

Separately, I look at what a private car (up to four people) would cost. But I don't compare a private car with a ship's excursion of 50 people. To me, it's a totally different experience.

Woody

Yes, same diamond, -different views, we are looking at the same thing, but in a different way.

Now for example in the Med I did private tours in 5 of 7 ports. It was cheaper than DCL, it was better value per person than DCL, we went to more places, could avoid 'tourist shop' stops, can eat on the run, we could get back and go quicker, if we had seen enough, we could get up streets tour buses couldn't go, and therefore walk less, Trevi fountains Rome comes to mind.

I spent far less going private in 2007, than if I booked DCL, which is worse for me as thats £>$ and they pay in Euros; or get commission in Euro's.

Private tours, I converted £>Euro, avoid $, so cheaper.

Baltic is different as listed before.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

What if we got a guide only and had them go with us to show us the highlights as we travel on Hoho buses......that may be good?

Yes, if they will do that good idea, its often per hour, with a set fee for booking. They will know the routes very well, but a word of warning, in many ports of call, there are other ships in so the HOHO, buses, will be full and there will be queues, for young kids it could also be unsettling.

Walking with strollers could well be better.

IE London.

I live here, I would 'never' recommend you book and pay for a sightseeing bus, a HOHO, just get an Oyster card and go on our normal buses or trains, far easier, cheaper, and form the bus the same view, just no one giving you a tape, 'talk'.

London is far far better, walking around, finding thoose hidden pubs, walking up to St Paul's, from the Tate over the bridge, or Westminster, look, and walk over to London eye, Or walk up/down Regent St, or Oxford St, or Walk to Buckingham palace, up the Mall.

Kids here love the buses and trains, and even if you go to Docklands, they love to get front seats and ''drive' The DLR, Docklands Light railway.

Copenhagen, Tallin and Oslo are like that.

 

[woody73]

Yes, same diamond, -different views, we are looking at the same thing, but in a different way.

I agree!

Woody

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

even on the ones mentioned with train only......it says in fine print at bottom that it could be by train or bus....so I don't think there are Guarantees.....kind of annoying.

Yes, but think that is a 'get out' if there is a breakdown, strike etc, I think the written description gives the best indication, what they plan to do.

 

[woody73]

Yes, but think that is a 'get out' if there is a breakdown, strike etc, I think the written description gives the best indication, what they plan to do.

I find that when traveling on public transportation in Europe -- particularly France -- it is good to be flexible and have backup plans.

Breakdowns, strikes, bomb threats, and public unrest are much more common than in the U.S.

One time we arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport which is connected to a train station. The station was closed due to a bomb threat.

On another trip, we were in Paris and needed to take the RER train to the airport. They stopped running the trains because student protesters were throwing stones at the passing trains.

Sometimes one just has to be patient and flexible.

Woody

 

[grizbuzz]

Ok, you all are making me feel behind in planning! I do still have almost five
months to figure this all out! I don't cruise until June 24.

I wrote Anastasia and Masha. Heard back from Anastasia with a quote of almost $2,000 for 4 adults and 4 kids ( I think the 4 year old is free)

Haven't heard back from Masha yet

Think st Pete is the only city I will do tours. And will do self touring at other ports.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I find that when traveling on public transportation in Europe -- particularly France -- it is good to be flexible and have backup plans.

Breakdowns, strikes, bomb threats, and public unrest are much more common than in the U.S.

One time we arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport which is connected to a train station. The station was closed due to a bomb threat.

On another trip, we were in Paris and needed to take the RER train to the airport. They stopped running the trains because student protesters were throwing stones at the passing trains.

Sometimes one just has to be patient and flexible.

Woody

Again 'yes' and part no.

It is best to plan for a back up. Things can change.

Breakdowns,- Do happen, often bad weather, more in Winter, than summer.
strikes, -France, yes, elsewhere no, bar London Underground.
bomb threats, actually rare at the moment.
and public unrest ,--Not aware of any.

But this is why DCL, has a small print opt out.

 

[mardonna]

If you do dcl tours..your transport always waiting for you ....but on hoho you may have to wait,,,,,,this would be true in all the ports we are visiting right?

Oslo, talln, Copenhagen and Stockholme......I had only looked at Oslo so far.....and it seems there ho ho all stops where dcl does except for Glassworks.....I was thinking the advantage to DCL would be that they would take you to what you "need" to see in the various places you are going......as opposed to taking hoho and getting off but then not knowing how much tie to alot in each museum and stuff.....thus I thought of hourly guide but if you have to wait,,,,,then this would be bad especially with young childen and a baby..I am very torn.....I guess I need to wait for times in Disney and see if you can even do an afternoon and morning tour....and I guess I should just price out cost of hoho bus along with admission to the museums and see how it breaks down.....maybe the cost won't be thhat significant...?

London....we have rented a mews on eaton (Blegravia/Victoria area) our plan was to do the London Travelcard for transport.....as well as the London Pass....do you also recommend pre booking London eye.....we will be in London from June16-24......I have found a babysitting agency who will be helping us with kids for the week....not sure if schools are out that early in Europe....the 21st is start of Wimbledon so not sure if things get more crowded then.....

 

[carolmb]

Yes, if they will do that good idea, its often per hour, with a set fee for booking. They will know the routes very well, but a word of warning, in many ports of call, there are other ships in so the HOHO, buses, will be full and there will be queues, for young kids it could also be unsettling.

Walking with strollers could well be better.

IE London.

I live here, I would 'never' recommend you book and pay for a sightseeing bus, a HOHO, just get an Oyster card and go on our normal buses or trains, far easier, cheaper, and form the bus the same view, just no one giving you a tape, 'talk'.

London is far far better, walking around, finding thoose hidden pubs, walking up to St Paul's, from the Tate over the bridge, or Westminster, look, and walk over to London eye, Or walk up/down Regent St, or Oxford St, or Walk to Buckingham palace, up the Mall.

Kids here love the buses and trains, and even if you go to Docklands, they love to get front seats and ''drive' The DLR, Docklands Light railway.

Copenhagen, Tallin and Oslo are like that.

Hi Andrew,
I have a question about the Oyster card. We will be in London 3 1/2 days pre/post cruise. We are staying at the Hilton Docklands. I know it is off of the beaten path but we are using Hilton points. I am trying to figure out the best the way to optimize the public transportation in London. I looked on the website for the tube and buses and was just confused. I am not sure what kind of card I need or what zones I need it to cover. If you can give me any advice I would appreciate it.
Thanks.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

If you do dcl tours..your transport always waiting for you ....but on hoho you may have to wait,,,,,,this would be true in all the ports we are visiting right?


All destinations will be busy is summer, its hot, there are other cruise ships in.
Whilst these places lay on extra buses etc, hotspots will occur, and you might be in a crowded bus. I know in Barcelona, we stayed there a week and had 48 hour HOHO, tickets, day one was good, we stayed 'on', started at the first, lace on the route, and had top seats, with best views. Next day, we went on and off, and after first visit we were stuck 'downstairs' limited views. We had queues in places but did get on/off each bus that we wanted.

Best if you plan to do this to book tickets in advance, and miss the first queue and jump the line. In Oslo, get the boat to the Viking museum instead.

Oslo, talln, Copenhagen and Stockholme......I had only looked at Oslo so far.....and it seems there ho ho all stops where dcl does except for Glassworks.....

Glassworks is about an hour out of town. So only DCL, its a tourist place, and expect a hard sell.

I was thinking the advantage to DCL would be that they would take you to what you "need" to see in the various places you are going......as opposed to taking hoho and getting off but then not knowing how much tie to allot in each museum and stuff....

Yes.

.thus I thought of hourly guide but if you have to wait,,,,,then this would be bad especially with young children and a baby..I am very torn..

Yes.
...I guess I need to wait for times in Disney and see if you can even do an afternoon and morning tour....and I guess I should just price out cost of hoho bus along with admission to the museums and see how it breaks down.....maybe the cost won't be that significant...?

Some ways a break can be good for kids and costs, IE Oslo, go to the Vikings by boat, come back, eat on ship, good for kids for a break, then do the Castle. PM.

London....we have rented a mews on eaton (Blegravia/Victoria area) our plan was to do the London Travelcard for transport..

Oyster card, look at Website TFL.gov.uk


...as well as the London Pass....do you also recommend pre booking London eye....

Up to you, there can be a long wait, and very popular on hot sunny days, if not prebooked get there first thing. I did prebook, but then you might get a 'bad rainy day'. Its down to budget Vs Time Vs Kids, the queuing time, myself if you are here a few days, time is important so pre book. The cost isn't too bad, when you are coming it will be busy.

.we will be in London from June16-24......I have found a babysitting agency who will be helping us with kids for the week....not sure if schools are out that early in Europe....

Schools generally out 23rd July in London.

the 21st is start of Wimbledon so not sure if things get more crowded then..

Its very localised to that area, busy there in Southfields

...

London is always busy, seen many tourists this week, in central London, and its cold and wet, and snowing.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi Andrew,
I have a question about the Oyster card. We will be in London 3 1/2 days pre/post cruise. We are staying at the Hilton Docklands. I know it is off of the beaten path but we are using Hilton points. I am trying to figure out the best the way to optimize the public transportation in London. I looked on the website for the tube and buses and was just confused. I am not sure what kind of card I need or what zones I need it to cover. If you can give me any advice I would appreciate it.
Thanks.

Firstly, this is the website.

https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do

Look at getting around.

Maps

If you are in Docklands you will need Zone 1 and Zone to, for travel in Docklands and Central London.

If you are doing 3.5 days in a row, (and anything up to 7 days) would say buy a 7 day railcard, if you intend to get around a lot.

But if its a couple of days before and a few after, buy a 'pay as you go' Oyster, you preload this, say with £10>£20, (Adults) and then as you travel on Bus, tube,rail, and DLR, Docklands light railway a must for kids. You touch in to open the gates and touch out, to open the gates, remember to do both even if a gate is open as it calculates the fare, if you do not touch out, you pay max fare of the day.

Kids can get cheaper fares, ask, now up to 11, they should get on free, over 11, our kids have a special ZIP card, a junior Oyster, but they send off for that, free Buses and small £1 fare on Tube, still their 16, but might be UK residents only.

From Docklands get the DLR, to Bank, or South to Cutty Sark, try and get the kids the front seats, no driver, they will love it.-Also to Stratford as on the Left side you will see the Olympic development as you go into Stratford.

All of the different 'uses' are on the same card, sometimes, I load a season ticket onto mine (7 days:1 month etc), sometimes, I prepay 'pay as you go'. There is a £3 deposit, you can get that back.

Oyster also can be used on some boats on the Thames, and NetWork rail, so IE, if you want to go to Hampton Court, or Wimbledon, which are out of town, you can use Oyster, and touch in/out. For season tickets you must buy the Zone(s), pay as you go, it works it out.

Always have a ticket (unless kid below 10) otherwise there are penalty fares or fines.

 

[Lisa_C]

Quick note about the schools - they are out for half term 31 May - 4 June and do indeed finish on the 23rd July for the summer This may affect some people's choice of joining a DLP visit with a DCL vacation as it's a cheep time for the Brits to go and it's busy with school parties.

Another quick point i'd like to mention, that with out a car, Dover is a really boring place to stay for more than a night. Ashford is a better "base" to see East Kent (i.e Canterbury, Maidstone, Tonbridge Wells) by train, and a network South East card can be purchased for £20 giving each adult traveller 1/3 off fares for a year. You can of course use this for a discount on the train to Dover. Only restriction is that it can only be used after 10am.

I'm trying to think if there is anything else I can add to this thread as Andrew DEREK UK does a brill job I'm usually found on the DLP side of the DISboards giving advice on staying in Ashford and am currently looking into booking for the 2011 Med cruise so find this thread particularly useful