The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[Madisonznana]

I think the only shot you need for this cruise is a shot of whiskey when you pay off your balance for the cruise!

~Mike

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I think the only shot you need for this cruise is a shot of whiskey when you pay off your balance for the cruise!

~Mike

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amen!!!!!

 

[denise]

Too Funny........

Called Kaiser and they make a phone appointment to discuss what shots are needed by the countries we are going to. Well seems it is too soon. They will only talk to me when it less than 3 months from travel...so I guess I will call back then...just wanted to get it out of the way.

 

[slg]

I think it also depends what country you are coming from. Certain countries are at a higher risk for diseases like yellow fever and malaria, and if you are from that country, then there may be a requirement to be immunized.

I haven't found any information requiring any shots for Canadians going to the Baltic Countries.

However, looking at the paperwork, it looks like we have to have a photocopy of our passport as well as the passport itself to get into Russia.

 

[jilljill]

I've been to the Baltics before and no shots were recommended or needed.



For Russia, you will need 2 or 3 photocopies of your passport and those photocopies may be required to have a stamp from the ship on them. But that won't be known until you are on the ship. Just take 3 copies to be on the safe side. The last time we went thru Russian immigration they kept a passport photocopy each day.

 

[DL1957]

We're thinking about it. My DH found a list of recommended shots for certain countries but I can't remember where he found it and which ones they were.

WHO is the World Health Organization.

I don't think any are required, at least not that I'm aware of, but it just might be a good idea and precaution to get them.

Our doctor has recommended the H1N1 flu shot if you have not already received it. It could come back later this spring/summer in Europe. Not required but a good idea so your trip is not interrupted.

 

[aurorafan65]

If you book DCL transfers you will either have to go back to one of the airports or to one of the hotels they are using to use their transfers.
We used National Express Coach 2 years ago to go to Dover and found it easy and very affordable, it left from Victoria Coach Station.

thanks

 

[Madisonznana]

I have completed my booking with Anastasia. The one part of my trip that is done.

 

[ImprovGal]

I noticed that a couple of airport hotels were added to the Pre/post stay options. The one at Heathrow is the Sofitel (walking distance from T5 apparently) and there's also an option at Gatwick. I'm flying in the day before and am considering the Sofitel.

 

[jilljill]

I noticed that a couple of airport hotels were added to the Pre/post stay options. The one at Heathrow is the Sofitel (walking distance from T5 apparently) and there's also an option at Gatwick. I'm flying in the day before and am considering the Sofitel.

I just booked a hotel near Heathrow for the day they kick us off the ship and it's the Jurys Inn at Heathrow and it was only 48 GBP for the night. It's on the Hoppa bus route that will take you to/fro Heathrow airport. Not sure what DCL is charging for the Sofitel, but I can bet it's expensive since their other hotel options are much more than what you can book on your own.

 

[dylan'smom]

I noticed that a couple of airport hotels were added to the Pre/post stay options. The one at Heathrow is the Sofitel (walking distance from T5 apparently) and there's also an option at Gatwick. I'm flying in the day before and am considering the Sofitel.

Can I jump in here? I was lurking last night, lol, & saw your post so checked on the Sofitel today.

They apparently have a 2 day minimum for Pre & Post & for our family of 3 they also required 2 rooms, so that didn't pan out for us. Two rooms close to $500, so may as well stay at the pricier Park West (IF doing DCL transfers). Also, they were booked up Post cruise already!!

We are just now starting to plan these things & lots of hotels are sold out....yikes that's what I get for just starting now...

 

[sbell111]

Can anyone guide me through how to get from the ship to Disneyland Paris?

 

[ktkspider]

Can anyone guide me through how to get from the ship to Disneyland Paris?

We are traveling from Paris (Paris Nord) to Canterbury via Ebbsfleet on the Eurostar. The tickets (ordered right now) were about 45 GBP per person.

You can take the Eurostar to either Ashford or Ebbsfleet and then a Southeastern train to Dover. (We found cheaper and better times to Ebbsfleet) There is suppose to be a deal with free transport on the Southeastern system to continue your trip from the Eurostar. (don't have that quite figured out yet)

Sites with times and in
http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/index.php/cms/pages/home
http://www.eurostar.com/dynamic/_Sv...pressBookingTerm&_LANG=UK&_AGENCY=ESTAR&VT=EB

hope that helps.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We are traveling from Paris (Paris Nord) to Canterbury via Ebbsfleet on the Eurostar. The tickets (ordered right now) were about 45 GBP per person.

You can take the Eurostar to either Ashford or Ebbsfleet and then a Southeastern train to Dover. (We found cheaper and better times to Ebbsfleet) There is suppose to be a deal with free transport on the Southeastern system to continue your trip from the Eurostar. (don't have that quite figured out yet)

Sites with times and in
http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/index.php/cms/pages/home
http://www.eurostar.com/dynamic/_Sv...pressBookingTerm&_LANG=UK&_AGENCY=ESTAR&VT=EB

hope that helps.

This is correct, Ebbsfleet is quite a small station really most of it in one location and easy to get around, the Eurostar and trains to Ashford and Dover use the same part and its an escaltor up from one and down form other, for Canterbury services its more of a walk.

Check if there is any Eurostar service stopping at Ashford international then swap there. There is at least one direct train to DLP from London each day, if not you can swap at Lille Europe, Stn, for TGV, to DLP, or get Eurostar to Paris and then Metro (Underground) requires a change to Marne La Vallie.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I noticed that a couple of airport hotels were added to the Pre/post stay options. The one at Heathrow is the Sofitel (walking distance from T5 apparently) and there's also an option at Gatwick. I'm flying in the day before and am considering the Sofitel.

I have stayed in the Sofitel at Heathrow T5, it joins T5 with a short walkway, its the only hotel to my knowledge on site, its really nice with good rooms, from T5 you can get Tube. Train, bus taxi, to any terminal and to London via Piccadilly line or Paddington.

All other hotels require a bus shuttle transfer with is difficult with cruise luggage.

 

[denise]

This is correct, Ebbsfleet is quite a small station really most of it in one location and easy to get around, the Eurostar and trains to Ashford and Dover use the same part and its an escaltor up from one and down form other, for Canterbury services its more of a walk.

Check if there is any Eurostar service stopping at Ashford international then swap there. There is at least one direct train to DLP from London each day, if not you can swap at Lille Europe, Stn, for TGV, to DLP, or get Eurostar to Paris and then Metro (Underground) requires a change to Marne La Vallie.

Andrew,
I have a question. We will be in DLPR before our Baltic cruise. (Then 2 nights at a B & B in Dover, then the cruise.)
I have been tossing around driving to Calais from DLPR, then take the ferry (without a car) to Dover. We will be renting a car for a few days while we are there and we can drop it off at the docks in Calais. Have you ever done this. Seems cheaper then the Eurostar and more direct. Plus we would have a nice drive through France on the way to Calais. What do you think?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew,
I have a question. We will be in DLPR before our Baltic cruise. (Then 2 nights at a B & B in Dover, then the cruise.)
I have been tossing around driving to Calais from DLPR, then take the ferry (without a car) to Dover. We will be renting a car for a few days while we are there and we can drop it off at the docks in Calais. Have you ever done this. Seems cheaper then the Eurostar and more direct. Plus we would have a nice drive through France on the way to Calais. What do you think?

Yes, its a very good alternaitve considering the logistics. As long as the channel isnt rought, or there is a strike, (regular). You have a two day buffer zone so should be ok.

I havent driven that but Eurostar follows a motorway from Paris to Lille and that one looks a nice run. Open fields and nice old rustic French towns.

With the train you have to go to at Least Ashford, maybe Ebbsfleet then come back down again which is a bit of a waste of time. Then Dover priory is a taxi ride from the port.

You will get the Ferry direct to Dover docks, where the Magic is, and cut out the taxi as well.

 

[Flora Fan]

My DH found a list of recommended shots for certain countries but I can't remember where he found it and which ones they were.

I don't think any are required, at least not that I'm aware of, but it just might be a good idea and precaution to get them.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following shots:

Hep A; Hep B - these can take 6 months for a full series. (Set of three shots: original, then 2 months later, then 4 months) However, healthcare professional told us better to have some than none.

Typhoid - this is apparently expensive and they don't carry it normally. For us, we have to call and let them know we are coming so they will have the doses available for DH and I.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following shots:

Hep A; Hep B - these can take 6 months for a full series. (Set of three shots: original, then 2 months later, then 4 months) However, healthcare professional told us better to have some than none.

Typhoid - this is apparently expensive and they don't carry it normally. For us, we have to call and let them know we are coming so they will have the doses available for DH and I.

These are fairly standard recommendations, for all ports of call, it is safe and you are only in port a limited time. Risk is when you eat/drink, locally.

St Pete's , for us who do not live there, its best to buy or bring bottled water. This is 'advisory'.

The DCL tours that include meals should be suitable for health, as they will check these out prior to our cruises, but if you have any allergies, you best contact DCL in advance, for details of the food served, if you want to book a trip with a meal. IE Typical Norwegian food will have a lot of fish, and many people have a fish/seafood allergy.

 

[Rogillio]

My source at DCL tells me they are considering Viking night and/or parties for the Baltics cruise. So, how do we dress like a viking....and not look like a pirate?

~Mike