Bet & Peg

We were in Vigo September 2011 and hired a guide to take us to Santiago de Compostela and also a winery. His name was Brendan Lowe from:

Guided Galicia: Shore Excursions From Vigo and La Coruña, Spain: Cruise Tours

He was very, very good!!

I didn't do the actual hiring - there were 4 couples/8 people on the tour.

If you haven't done so already, a suggestion is to check your Roll Call to see if you could join with others and form a small group to share the cost of the tour.

Fran ~ once again thanks SO much for your comments! And I completely agree with you about the chef & cruise director "making" the trip - SO much more than on a big ship cruise where there are really so many chefs (although the Greek Executive Chef on our 2011 Constellation trip made it much mire enjoyable!!) and you might never be involved with the cruise director! Before October (our first RC) I had read so many comments about the CD on certain ships and really didn't "get it" until we experienced Kurt on our trip - he was great and really did add to the overall enjoyment of the entire cruise!

And you are SO correct - there is no control over many things - like delayed luggage! - and its up to each person to "go with the flow" or ruin their trip (and my checked suitcase arrived the 4th day!). You "make lemonade" I feel like its preparing and then getting on the merry-go-round and enjoying the ride - even if things aren't perfect - no control over weather, fellow passengers, etc.!!!! And, YES, lost luggage taught me a lot and gave me the best story - only gay men understand "hot pink" isn't red!!!!

Thank You all SO much for your fast replies!! CC is the best!!

LzzyCrzr ~ good suggestion about just long sleeve ****s (will look for post-Christmas sales!!) and packing coat/boots in carryon. I fear I'd be leaving lots of clothes in Europe or buying an extra bag for purchases!!

franski ~ thought from one of your post that you might have done the Rhine River cruise - what cruise line? was it Christmas Markets or another time of year? Please tell me about it whenever it was - trying to gather as much info as possible!!

caviargal ~ we're actually planning on seeing the markets while on a cruise - but your driving idea is interesting! In 2010 we did a summer land trip in Germany and were in Munich (fantastic went back last year for Octoberfest!), Garmish (fabulous area!!), Zugspitze (still remember that cable car and the views...!!!). Berline & Prague are still on our list of "must sees" ~ just too many places to go!!!

Again - thank you all - any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!

Fran ~ thanks SO much for your quick reply!!! Certainly helps!! Like the tip of bring bubble wrap! Last cruise I saved some from something - can't rememver what - and my DH though I was crazy until we were packing wine bottle to come home! Then I turned into the smart one!!!

Thanks for info on excursions - I can understand some things would be different because of the weather but just wondered about excursions since Viking doesn't have specific info for their Christmas Market trips - at least not for the Rhine River.

Now for another question - did you bring boots??? I don't think I'd like to wear them on the plane - I usually wear my skechers, my heavest shoes but 6-7 hours in boots??????

Thanks much - Peg

This thread is fabulous and exactly what I was looking for!!!

We are thinking of a Viking Christmas Market cruise next year. DH would like to take a Rhine River cruise and I was wondering if we could combine the two - reading this thread it sounds like a possibility! We did a two-day land trip through the Kolbenz part of the Rhine area and just loved it! Have been to twice (leaving on big ship cruises) and love that city - but never been there in December!!

Questions ~ those of you who have taken a Christmas Market cruise:

*do you also have time to see others sites in the area?

*do the ships still have their regular excursions?

*how cold is it really? (I know this can vary from year to year but your experience)

*how did you find room to bring home gifts?? I can hardly manage it without packing sweaters, etc for cold weather!!!

Any help will be greatly appreciated and prehaps be the idea to "push us over the edge" and into booking!!!!

Thanks Much!

Terry is OH SO right! and always gives excellent advice! The Baltics are port intensive but also fabulous - just be prepared!!

Cobblestone warning is very good - good shoes are very important - at least in most of the areas - good sandles (like above photo) will also work depending on the temperature which can never be easily perdicted. In July 2010 we weremall prepared to layer our clothing but never need to - we hit the beginning of an unusual warm time in the Baltic area - temps in the high 80s!! We never even need a blanket on our balcony and had bk outside almost every morning!

Good advice given about booking SP tours early - fabulous if you can book a small tour (8-10 people) you'll be able to tailor the tour to your main interests and preferences - history, art, etc. And probably have lunch in a

local place and maybe even a subway ride and market visit.

Many ports can be done on your own - just search these threads for lots of suggestions to maximize your time - you'll find lots of ideas!

And if you're in Tallin - try lunch at Olde Hansa in the center of town - best mushroom soup ever! Some say its touristy but in that setting its a lot more authentic than the Pizza place down the street!!

In Helsinki for something different think about taking the ferry to Suomennlinna fortress - place where the residents go for a picnic. Nice Bistro by the ferry dock for lunch.

Whatever you do - have a blast and a great cruise!!!

If you're the woman who volunteers at the tourist board whenever an American Cruise ship is in port then we met you in July (I think the 5th) while we were in Rostock! You suggested that we walk back to the center of town via the wall - what a fabulous treat! We happened upon the rehearsal of a stage play - didn't understand anything but it was a wonderful opportunity to view "real" life!

Rostock is a treasure of a little town - the church is a real treat! And we completely enjoyed Warnemunde. We were SO happy that we didn't bother with the long trip to Berlin!

Thanks much for your advice!!

This past April, Constellation was in dry dock and "solsticeized". The T-pool was still there on our July Baltic Cruise! I can't imagine it being changed without a MAJOR overhaul!

NO fee - and its absolutely FABULOUS!!!!! especially after a day of walking on cobble stones! or through the old European cities!!!! My DH is not a pool person but fell in love with the Thalassotherapy pool!!! And a note - the chairs/lounges are wooden and look very uncomfortable - but line them with one/two towels and they're great - at least our opinion! And the area is usually quiet - only adults!

We'd sight-see all day, get back to the ship, change, head straight to the pool - heaven!!!! Its enclosed but the large windows (that open for air & photos) are perfect for sailing out of port!

Have a GREAT cruise!

Last July (Celebrity Baltic Cruise) we did Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn on our own. (We also had an 8-person tour in St. Petersburg!) All three cities are easy to see without tours - althought we didn't dock in Nynashamn in Stockholm - docked in the sourthern part of the city.

We had been to Stockholm a few times before so we chose to see places we had missed on earlier tips (Son-in-law is from Swedne and his family lives there.) I would highly recommend the Vasa Museuma nd also Galm Stan (old city). They are across the harbor from each other and should be doable - check thread here on CC for advice from your port.

Helsinki - my DH is an historian so we decided to see the fortress on Suomelinna Island - fabulous time especially if you're into history. If not, there's an on-off tram that goes around the city to main points. And don't miss the market by the port.

Tallinn - there's a great walking tour on CC - TallinWalkingTour - we found the town very interesting and had lunch at Olde Hans which we enjoyed - touristy - but the whole town is! Olde Hansa

There's SO much info on CC and also the internet that I really don't think you need ship excursions or private tours in any of these ports. Just find what you really like to so - history, museums, shopping, etc. - and go with it!

Have a GREAT cruise!!

Beware ALL over - and that goes for every place you visit! And I'm not paranoid - just come from New York City! We were very careful and had NO trouble in Barcelona on the Rambles or Barri Gotic area or by the waterfront but just avoided an incident in Montjuic!

We had spent the morning there and had just paid admission to the Spanish Village when a young Asian woman walked up to us with an open map asking directions to the Fort in the park. My DH, being an historian and us just coming from there, was trying to be helpful when I realized she was a bit too close and the open map was conveniently between them hiding his belly bag. I pushed-in louding asking what the problem was as she turned and hurried off. She must have seen him putting away his money. The area wan't too crowded but it also wasn't too empty.

The incident didn't ruin our trip (especially since we avoided losing anything) and we'd go back to Barcelone in a heart-beat (although we found the airport is the worst!) but it reinforced or dedication to always being alert - at least one of you if you're traveling together!

So don't be paranoid but always be alert - everywhere! While I'll never assume the worst of anyone, I'll also be very careful of everyone!

Ultima Thule and north-bound ~ again THANK YOU for all your help! The views look fabulous - but another clif to climb - we may pass unless we have lots of time or take a cab! Even though we've been there before, I still wish we had more time in Stockholm!

Ultima Thule and north-bound ~ THANK YOU for your bus/walking directions through Södermalm to Stadsgården and the ship.</SPAN>

On our first visit to Stockholm our son-in-law’s brother-in-law (sorry for the complications!) drove us all by van into the city. I remember he pulled over to show us a view of the city that was fantastic - and I think it may have been in this area! We look forward to seeing it again!

Question ~ I noticed on one of the maps a restaurant/café FAFNGAN. I can find only a little information on-line. Is it possible to continue walking along Folkungagatan and turn right (instead of going down to the ship) and reach the cafe? It’s hard to tell on the map if its walkable. Do you know anything about the café? Would it be possible to walk to the ship? Would cabs be available?

Al ~ thanks SO much for your info - La Mano - I have seen it mentioned and in area of our dock and was hoping to find it - you read my mind! My historian husband is especially interested in see it!

Ultima Thule ~ thanks for the map - I know it'll come in handy!!

To both ~ our original thoughts were to head to the Royal Palace fastest way and then eventually walk back - but maybe we'll reverse our plans and slowly walk to the Palace and then take bus/taxi back to the ship - we'll have less energy towards the end of the day! We'd like to see the Palace & Museum and also the Medieval Museum - then walk through Galma Stan again. We've been to Stockholm a few times but never inside the Palace.

Thanks so much for all your help - any further advice regarding buses/traveling will be much appreciated!

tack så mycket

Al ~ quick question - I know you say its walkable from Stadsgarden 167 to Galma Stan but is it also possible to take a bus - number 76???

If so would we get it on Katarinavagen??

Is it easy to get from the dock to Katarinavagen - from the map I have it looks like train tracks between.

Thanks SO much for all your help!!!

Sbhdmh ~ what a shame you can’t get the dossiers published but THANK YOU for sharing with everyone! Someone on our cruise who just joined our thread is traveling with two daughters – older than yours – and I suggested your Baltic thread – that’s what led me to read it – am I ever glad I did!!

Years ago we did a lot of car traveling with our kids – also camping throughout the east coast. I can still remember us all in the car often “reviewing” what states we had driven through! favorite cities!! and “adventures”!! Now they’re all adults and often travel on their own – both business and vacations!

Your daughter will be the winner – as you’re finding out already! I copied the dossiers and will change them for trips with our grandchildren and I KNOW they’ll enjoy them and also learn from them!!!! Thanks SO much!!!!!!!!!

AND YES!! KEEP THIS THREAD ALIVE!!!!!

sbhdmh ~ How FABULOUS!!!! Your idea of a dossier for each port is genius!!! We're not traveling with any children but I know I'm going to "steal" your idea whenever we go on a trip with our grandchildren!!! You should choose a few more cities and publish your dossiers before someone else does!! Wish I had thought of this idea years ago when traveling with our children - we never went international then - but even within the USA it would have been a great way to them even more attentive - they've all turned into travelers themselves - as I'm sure your daughter will as she gets older!

All the list are GREAT and you can tailor them for your individual likes/needs. Two years (first 12 day cruise) my husband was going to lock me up as a "crazy" when we first unpacked and he saw all the "junk" I brought - until he used the ducktape for something and found the bungee cord was convenient! And I've long traveled with postcard labels

Since then (February Mardi Gras Cruise) I've added ~ pack of FunTac to easily attach CC Door Sign or decoration to the door (on big ships it makes finding "home" easy!!). Also helps to post room calendar with info for ports/excursions/etc.

I also make sure that we each carry copies of each other's passports and daily medicines as well as ICE numbers. Thank God we've never needed any but....

The best advice so far has been to bring a good attitude, good manners and a big smile ~ makes borrowing the things you've forgotten easier!

No matter where you're off to ~ have a Great Safe trip!!!!!!!

Al_Frescoe ~ Thank You for the info and sites - you've cleared it up - we must have walked past the Army Museum - I know we parked on a side street and walked to Strandvagen (beautiful buildings!) to get the ferry.

Now another museum - maybe I can hide it from my DH or we'll never make the boat!!

All the Swedes - tack så mycket for all your help!!!

Of all the "history" museums which is the best???? (I know it depends on what WE like - but maybe gathering opinions will help - we won't have time for everything!)

north-bound ~ Once again THANK YOU for the fantastic lead to the Medieval Museum - sounds like it's a real treasure! Just the entrance sounds scary and interesting! Its on our list - the rooms upstairs in the Royal Palace may get crossed off!!

Now another question - if you have time! On the Medieval links page, my husband found the Historiska Museet - this also looks good from the web site. Do you know anything about this museum? (I think we might have actually passed it in our 2008 visit walking back to our van - eight of us traveled through Sweden with Swedish our son-in-law. That day we had enjoyed a Smorgasborb on a wonderful ferry trip to Voxholm. Needless to say my husband was the only one interested in the tank parked in the courtyard of a large building!)

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

north-bound ~ THANK YOU so much!! You've cleared up so much! You're much, much better than the Royal Palace site!! I guess from you indicated we can spend a few minutes seeing the Palace rooms and then head for the Armory my DH will like that! I did find the Royal Armory somewhere but not the link you sent which is excellent!

One more question if you don't mind - is the Royal Armory the same as the King Gustav III Museum of Antiquities??

Thanks much!

acjb ~ question about the Royal Palace you might be able to answer. We've been to Stockholm on land trips before - a fabulous city! (Our son-in-law is from Hallstavik and he's spoiled us with wonderful visits to Sweden.) We'll be in Stockholm for on July 7th on the Constellation during a Baltic cruise.

We've seen the Changing of the Guard (on Princess Victoria's birthday in 2008!) but have never been inside the Palace. I've gotten information on their web site about times and prices but wonder if they ever run-out of tickets? I can't find any where to order tickets in advance (as Buckingham Palace). I have E-mailed a question but have not received an answer yet.

We'd like to see at least the Royal Apartment and Gustav III´s Museum of Antiquities - I understand there's a combination ticket.

Any information you can give us would be greatly appreciated. And I must say - you are a fabulous person to offer such detailed help! I've lived in NYC all my life and don't think I'd be able to give the same detailed help regarding my city! I've never traveled here!!! Thanks much!