The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[MJGirl]

Don't know if this has been posted or not ... But Cruise Critic has a video blog of the first Baltic cruise. Here is the link!

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1128

 

[dylan'smom]

If anyone took any DCL excursions, I'd love to know your opinion on them...worth it, not worth it.

We did lots of DCL tours and enjoyed most. Some highlights...

We absolutely LOVED the cultural tour of Berlin (the best), and the castles in Denmark (sorry, can't remember the exact names, so hope this makes some sense)!!

The Hermitage (amazing) & Catherines palace was a good one as well - lunch included a shot of Russian vodka if you chose. :]

Helsinki with Porvoo & lunch was fun & a beautiful view of a quaint town.

In Oslo, the viking & maritime museums were small and way too crowded to enjoy, but maybe they will work out the kinks & not send everyone at the same time!

In Stockholm, the ice bar was too fun, but the walking tour was a bit tedious & the weather was turning cold (most stops had wonderful weather - so lucky, even in Oslo, we missed the rain w/ a shorter tour).

Any idea what occupancy rate was for the first Baltic cruise? It was hard to tell on the ship as the temps were chilly most days so there deck 9 was never full of people like it usually is. Our server only had 2 (4 person) tables for the first dinner seating. I think that is less than 1/2 of what they normally get.~Mike

Our server, head server & room host all told us that 1600 was the final count, with 1200 return cruisers!!!!!

 

[scrapycruiser]

We did lots of DCL tours and enjoyed most. Some highlights...

We absolutely LOVED the cultural tour of Berlin (the best), and the castles in Denmark (sorry, can't remember the exact names, so hope this makes some sense)!!

Thrilled to hear about the Cultural Tour in Berlin !! We just switched to this tour today !!

The Hermitage (amazing) & Catherines palace was a good one as well - lunch included a shot of Russian vodka if you chose. :]

Helsinki with Porvoo & lunch was fun & a beautiful view of a quaint town.

In Oslo, the viking & maritime museums were small and way too crowded to enjoy, but maybe they will work out the kinks & not send everyone at the same time!

In Stockholm, the ice bar was too fun, but the walking tour was a bit tedious & the weather was turning cold (most stops had wonderful weather - so lucky, even in Oslo, we missed the rain w/ a shorter tour).





Our server, head server & room host all told us that 1600 was the final count, with 1200 return cruisers!!!!!

Thanks !

 

[flower91882]

Our plans for Berlin:

Disney Excursion: "Berlin On Your Own" Travel by Train to Berlin

11am 3.5 Hour Free (+ TIP) Sandeman's New Berlin Tour: http://www.newberlintours.com/nbt/dailytours.html

Pergamonmuseum

Travel by Train back to port with Disney Excursion

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

BERLIN PRIVATE CAR.VAN AND RESERVED TRAIN COMPARTMENT TOUR

Has anyone done this now, what was your feedback on driver, otur and what did you do?

Did you take the option to include a qualified tour guide.

These private vehicles are designed for guests who wish to create their own itinerary for the day ashore. What did you do, or what did they suggest? Items such as meals, parking & any applicable entrance fees are not included, did you have extra costs?

I have had great feedback on the private train to Germany.-The train is comfortable, but a long trip, about 2 ½ hours each way. Your views?

Compartment reserved, ok?

Snacks food on train?

I was informed they do have a few I-Pods available for loan to keep you occupied on the trip.?

As far as what to do when you get there, was there time to do many stops.

Any/ restrictions. I was informed there are no restrictions other then back to the train by departure time. ?

The guide also does definitely speak English and the feedback is they were very informative and came up with great suggestions? Your views?

 

[Rogillio]

BERLIN PRIVATE CAR.VAN AND RESERVED TRAIN COMPARTMENT TOUR

Has anyone done this now, what was your feedback on driver, otur and what did you do?

Did you take the option to include a qualified tour guide.

These private vehicles are designed for guests who wish to create their own itinerary for the day ashore. What did you do, or what did they suggest? Items such as meals, parking & any applicable entrance fees are not included, did you have extra costs?

I have had great feedback on the private train to Germany.-The train is comfortable, but a long trip, about 2 ½ hours each way. Your views?

Compartment reserved, ok?

Snacks food on train?

I was informed they do have a few I-Pods available for loan to keep you occupied on the trip.?

As far as what to do when you get there, was there time to do many stops.

Any/ restrictions. I was informed there are no restrictions other then back to the train by departure time. ?

The guide also does definitely speak English and the feedback is they were very informative and came up with great suggestions? Your views?

I can't speak directly to this but on a related note...we got a rental car in Germany and while we did not chose to go to Berlin, it would have been very easy to do and pretty quick too. Our rental car including GPS and pick-up/drop-off at the port cost us right at $100. We had a full sized car that was quick snazzy and we cruise on the autoban between 70 and 90 mph. The roads were all excellant and it was very easy to navigate - especially with the GPS. The only other transport cost we had was $22 for gas (actually diesal) and $5 for parking in Lubeck.

I've heard people say they'd be feaful of not getting back in time and missing the boat due to traffic but with the GPS, we could have easily found an alternate route if we had to.

Anyway, just an alternative to think about.

~Mike

 

[Stimpy]

Not sure if this would be the best place to post this

We leave Monday and it's been many years since flying internationally. What are the rules for carrying on liquids to and from London? Is it the same as here....4 oz each in small ziplock?

Thanks!!

 

[shoes99]

Not sure if this would be the best place to post this

We leave Monday and it's been many years since flying internationally. What are the rules for carrying on liquids to and from London? Is it the same as here....4 oz each in small ziplock?

Thanks!!

3.1 oz in quart bag, one bag per traveller.
You can put as many items in one bag, as long as it will seal....and zip.

 

[slg]

I called DCL and asked about the copies of passport question and was told b/w is fine. She said one copy was sufficient for all 3 excursions, but recommended I take two, just in case we lost our passports.

 

[DisneyDoc1895]

Are there any of the ports where there is a free (or cheap) and efficient shuttle into the main part of town? We like walking, but with the kids, we often take them into the port cities for the morning, go back to the ship and then DW and I go back out in the afternoon while they are in the camp.

Thanks

Ken

 

[rotary2808]

Are there any of the ports where there is a free (or cheap) and efficient shuttle into the main part of town? We like walking, but with the kids, we often take them into the port cities for the morning, go back to the ship and then DW and I go back out in the afternoon while they are in the camp.

Thanks

Ken

I seem to recall both Helsinki and Stockholm having a shuttle into town from the port. I can't remember about the other ports though.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I can't speak directly to this but on a related note...we got a rental car in Germany and while we did not chose to go to Berlin, it would have been very easy to do and pretty quick too. Our rental car including GPS and pick-up/drop-off at the port cost us right at $100. We had a full sized car that was quick snazzy and we cruise on the autoban between 70 and 90 mph. The roads were all excellant and it was very easy to navigate - especially with the GPS. The only other transport cost we had was $22 for gas (actually diesal) and $5 for parking in Lubeck.

I've heard people say they'd be feaful of not getting back in time and missing the boat due to traffic but with the GPS, we could have easily found an alternate route if we had to.

Anyway, just an alternative to think about.

~Mike

THANK YOU MIKE

Not sure if this would be the best place to post this

We leave Monday and it's been many years since flying internationally. What are the rules for carrying on liquids to and from London? Is it the same as here....4 oz each in small ziplock?

Thanks!!

There are limits on liquids, check each airline for details as each airline sets its own rules.

Basically, as a family we do not do it at all, thats easy then.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I know there is another wave of cruisers coming over this weekend for the next Baltic cruise, and many of you like to know the weather. Its not as good as recent days, we have had lots of hot dry sun, now its more *humid* I call it Orlando Summer weather, very muggy, we need a storm to clear it.

 

[3princessMommy]

Cruise critics day nine is up. http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1128

She enjoyed Santa' s village for those still deciding.

They were on our tour, so my kids are in that video too!

 

[wickesy]

I've got most of my photos uploaded now so here are some dockside photos so people leaving soon know what to expect.

Oslo, Norway

Sightseeing buses park right next to the ship

Akhersus Castle

Walk to the end of the pier for the town centre and ferries to Bygdoy

Copenhagen, Denmark

I can't guarantee the band will be there to meet you but again you can see the HOHO buses parked across the street from the ship.

Warnemunde, Germany

The train station is across the street and if you walk underneath it you come to the town centre.

St Petersburg, Russia

Cruise Terminal

Helsinki, Finland

Free shuttle bus to town centre

Stockholm, Sweden

As the sign says

Hope these are useful to somebody.

 

[Toocoolmom]

Thanks for the pictures. That was a great idea.

Sarah

 

[scrapycruiser]

Wickesy...THANKS for the pictures !

Sooooooooo glad it's July !!! Just 11 days til we leave for London...love that city !! And just 15 days til we see our Grandsons ( Cousin Orville's kids ) !!!
Met Sue from the DisBoards ( DL1957 ) yesterday. She was so sweet to bring me copies of all the Navigators !! We met her at her office and chatted for over an hour !! We plan to get together when we get back. Love these Dis Folks !!

Sue did say that Brent warned people repeatedly about not using credit cards in St Petersburg!!!! I think we'll get some rubles on the ship. If we want to purchase a big ticket item ,more than $ 100, not sure what we'll do ? The lacquer boxes, hand-painted , are beautiful ! She said they have a Russian Bazaar on board when they leave Stockholm. Prices similar to St P , but who knows what the selection will be. But for us July 18th cruisers, maybe they'll reduce the prices since it's the last Baltic cruise ??

Sue also said that Brent warned people often ,that no one will be allowed off the ship who isn't on a private or DCL tour, or if you have a visa. Apparently, some just wanted to get off and shop at the store at the pier and were quite upset that they weren't able to.

No problem getting off to meet your Priv tours in St P.

In Wandemunde, those going to Berlin got off before anyone else. And those on DCL's priv tours got off first . No one complained about the train not being a/c. But we plan to bring our little hand held fans that we take to the park.

Anyone planning to book a cruise while on board ? We went to the Med in '07 and would love to go back. I think we can only afford the 7 nt Med, after taking this Baltic cruise. And I can't imagine a Med cruise w/o a seaday to break it up ??

 

[MrsScooby]

Sue did say that Brent warned people repeatedly about not using credit cards in St Petersburg!!!! I think we'll get some rubles on the ship. If we want to purchase a big ticket item ,more than $ 100, not sure what we'll do ? The lacquer boxes, hand-painted , are beautiful ! She said they have a Russian Bazaar on board when they leave Stockholm. Prices similar to St P , but who knows what the selection will be. But for us July 18th cruisers, maybe they'll reduce the prices since it's the last Baltic cruise ??

No credit card in St Petersburg
What did I miss

 

[scrapycruiser]

No credit card in St Petersburg
What did I miss

Brent said that there had been numerous reports of CC freud in St P. Not sure where he got his information. Sorry, I should have added that he did say this was primarily for shops. Private tour operators should be fine. And with their reputation at stake, I'm sure they will .

 

[Kailey's Mom]

Brent said that there had been numerous reports of CC freud in St P. Not sure where he got his information. Sorry, I should have added that he did say this was primarily for shops. Private tour operators should be fine. And with their reputation at stake, I'm sure they will .

We used our Capital One card in the shop we went to while on a Disney sponsored tour. Didn't have any problems at all......Also, in the shop you could pay in Rubles, USD or Euros. In fact, all the prices were listed in Euros! I was really surprised.

Just thought I would let you know what our experience there was

~Julie