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Do any Baltic ports charge tax for alcoholic drinks when docked in their ports?  Or have other rules limiting the serving of drinks while in their ports/waters?  I know that some ports charge local tax, and others limit the number of bars which can be open.  I've heard some Baltic countries (Sweden, mostly) have very strict alcohol laws, and didn't know if this would affect any ports?

On 5/8/2024 at 12:15 PM, Popsy_cruises said:

We had an unexpected sea day during this cruise and the weather was awful so no one was relaxing upstairs by the pool.

Was one of the ports cancelled?  Which one, and what was the reason passengers were given?

There have been rumors that during the dry dock starlink internet was installed on the Dawn.  Is this the case?  How has the internet been on your trip?

My boat is docking at Gdinya at 7AM and has an all-aboard time of 2:30 PM.  Wanting to see Gdansk, what is the best idea to maximize our time to see the sights?  Looking for advice on quickest ways between the cities (hire a driver for the day?), and what could be done in Gdansk as it seems most shops and sights open at 10 or 11, leaving little time to see those attractions, but some time in the city before they are open.

Looking forward to thoughts and experiences of those who have been before!

What about for using restrooms?  Do they charge for restroom use in these countries like in mainland Europe?  Is this all electronic too?  I was assuming I'd need some small coins for restroom access

What about for using restrooms?  Do they charge for restroom use in Norway like in mainland Europe?  Is this all electronic too?

No shutdowns on the ship to my knowledge. Only saw the ice show and the ‘Duo Quintessence’ aerialist shows, but did see solo musicians performing on bars and heard shows going on in various lounges and theaters. 
 

we purchased a photo package before the cruise and re-purchased it during the Black Friday sale, $129 for 100 digital pics I believe. Saw on board prices were something like $130 for 10 pics, up to $399 for 100. 
 

we did excursions with Royal on all but Sint Maarten. There we did a local tour of 2 beaches. No issues. Only getting off in Bonaire did they look at vaccine cards. 

Hello, I’m on the Explorer right now (will be for a few more hours anyways as we’re headed to its home port).  I have a very different opinion than Zpdw484, we’re not as avid cruisers as they are but we’ve had a great time on the ship and enjoyed immensely.
 

We agree that the staff is hard working and in great spirits, and that Sea Dog’s definitive review from a few weeks ago was great and a must-read to help you plan your time on the ship. 
 

Any specific questions, just ask. For the drink special, we only saw it mentioned in yesterday’s compass, and trying to down 10 drinks in 1.5 days left would be too much for my spouse and I. If they had offered a day or tel earlier, maybe we’d have done it. It’s my understanding from other posts I’ve read that the package is typically offered mid-way through or with a few days left on the cruise, to boost alcohol sales if needed. 

If she’s vaxxed you just show the card at embarkation, and they will give her a sticker to wear showing she has been vaccinated and on you go. 
 

for my cruise (on the Explorer now out of San Juan), they directed us to a special line because we had young kids, at the end of that line (much shorter than the regular boarding lines), we showed the vax card and passports and got the stickers. 
 

Once on board guest services called and asked us to come down with the vax cards and proof of negative tests, to make copies as you know the app won’t let you upload this. Seems there were 16 kids on this list in a similar situation. A small hassle but we appreciated their concern and thoroughness. 

On 11/7/2021 at 7:32 PM, Sea Dog said:

Explorer of the Seas sail away was beautiful. Check this out.

 

 

 

Later drinks in the Schooner Bar and a lovely meeting with Cruise Critic members David and Beth. I enjoyed meeting and talking with you. Let's do it again. Cheers!

Great video!  What equipment did you use, and what were the time lapse settings?

I was wondering if there was still a pirate night on the Disney Wonder Alaska cruises? They had the traditional 'Pirates in the Caribbean' on my previous Wonder Cruises (which were all West-coast cruises, so a bit of a misnomer), but I'm not so sure for my upcoming cruise. I see now from previously posted navigators and dinner menus that there are many theme nights, but none are 'Pirate'. Frozen, Captain's Gala, Golden Mickey/Formal night, Prince & Princess, etc.

Can someone who's been on the Wonder this Alaska season please advise? I don't want to pack pirate garb if it's not needed. Thanks!!