bberbs

I went to the New York City Consulate yesterday and secured a same day visa for myself and my husband who was not with me. The entire process took two hours and the personnel were super friendly. Probably would be too nervous to wait until January 15th.

Hi

I was on the same cruise with VictOriann. Many of us used Myanmar Shalom Tours - check website and call Sammy. He lives in NYC and Yangon. He is very receptive to cruisers and created a two day comprehensive tour (returning to ship at night) for about 35 of us (combined CCers). BUT he insisted on sending us out in groups of no more than 8. Very attentive to your needs and will create any itinerary you want.

Some of the group flew to Bagan for the second day - long trek from cruise ship to airport given roads and traffic and visa versa (early early am to 10pm) They loved the day!!

And of course, the pricing was excellent and included lunch. Enjoy!!

If you don't count Paquet's Rhapsody aka Statendam IV, Volendam was our first HAL ship.

 

Well, you are the first person on cruise critic that also sailed on Paquet lines, and the MERMOZ!! Wow, we sailed the Mermoz around 1981.

 

Ann - your photos are WOW!!!

 

Bobbi

As a point of information, it has been said that according to contract you may debark at any time - they do not have the right to prioritize who leaves first. Cruisers have insisted and won the argument. Anyone else have the same info?

I had the most terrible time attempting to get my visa through BLS in New York. This is the first time I relied on a courier service. I used "ItsEasy" and believe me they were perfect. I opted to walk our passports into their offices and picked up myself. Cost was visa ($67 and change) plus a non rush courier service charge $59 (per person). I was told 10 business days but visas/passports were returned in 8 business days as the couriers go directly to consulates.

Other cruisers had no problems with BLS in other areas, so check on line for ease of using them in your area. Remember that there is a very large Indian population in this area so BLS could be overwhelmed. I saw the lines waiting to get in there and they were long!!

Good luck and report back to us!

Based on my families need (multi-generational) I am turning 50 - my b-day cruise and Roger is 51. My boys are 16,16 & 20 and my mom is 74 and also medical needs - my mom needs wheelchair for distance (will use scooter on ship wc off) and my boys all have a metabolic disease and can tire easy we are planning private tours in all of our ports for just the 6 of use.

 

I have perused the boards, read a ton and have asked for quotes for several companies that seem to do all the countries/cities but Copenhagen and I have written to them to get quotes - some have responded some have not yet. See Below.

 

Sharon,

 

Just happened to check the boards to help people out - we just returned from a Baltic Cruise and we used SPB tours (Vika) as a private group of 6. When you are a private tour, this company for sure will create excursions to meet any and all of your needs and requests. I must tell you they were stellar when it came to us. It's a busy season so give them another 24 hours. Try again vika@spb-tours .com with your request and can even mention that Bobbi from Eurodam told you to get in touch. They even helped our friends from London within one week of the cruise. BTW Choral Synagogue is gorgeous...........

Bobbi

We are on Eurodam Kiel stop on June 19th. Will we have ample time to train to Lubeck, visit and return to ship by 4:30 without feeling rushed?

I know you mention day pass, but timing is very important. Are there vans at the dock that could take 6-8 people? Would that be better?

Much appreciated. Travelers depend on generous people like you!!

BBerbs