Giantfan13

Hi, cruised a few times but not to this area. Going with MSC Opera to St. Petersburg and Scandinavia on 17th June.

Really wondering what temperatures to expect? Warm enough to sit by the pool? Will we need jumpers / jackets in the evening? I know this gets asked a lot but just interested in others experience so we have an idea what to pack :) never had to plan coats etc into holiday luggage before!

Also any recommendations what to see in ports? Stopping at Amsterdam, Tallin, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Oslo, Copenhagen.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

Gossy :)

 

 

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Post this question on the Northern Europe/Baltic Boards and you will get all the info you need. Many, many threads on these very subjects.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=192

I am a regular over there and myself and others will be more than happy to help you out.

Cheers

Len

There is no general rule. Each cruise line makes their own rates and fees.

We sailed NCL a few years ago and they charged $10 fee for each exchange. So if you wanted to exchange $50 in 3 different currencies the fee would be $30. AND if you wanted to exchange it back, an other $30. Also, as several have said just a terrible exchange rate. Do the ATMs or start out with several of the currencies. We did it from our local bank, Chase, and they charged no fees for this.

Cheers

Len

Anni

I wasn't trying to discredit any of the German people. In our time there, most of the people we met or dealt with were absolutely great. What we did find, especially in Warnemunde was that many of the 'older' folks didn't speak much English, and had to get the 'kids' to translate for them.

Plus, this incident happened several years ago. No harm, no foul.

It was a relaxing trip, but we did it both ways, which, I guess, made it a bit boring the second time. But the people on the ship were great. We bought a beer, served in this tall glass mug with a Rostocker emblem on it. I thought it would make a great gift, so I asked if I could buy one and they sold me one for a few euros. I still have it and use it regularly.

Cheers

Len

IMVHO, it would be Helsinki.

In Helsinki, once you get to market Square, (you will need some sort of public transportation, either taxi or city bus), many of the sites are within a few blocks of each other. Market Square is central, from here a couple of blocks one way is Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral. A block or so the other way is the Uspensky Cathedral. Also right by Market Square is the ferry to the Fortress, which, is nothing else, is a very pleasant ferry ride and you get some great views of Helsinki. From Market Square you can also board the tram, which will take you on a sort of figure 8 trip around the city.

Market Square, a wonderful place to browse around, shop and chat with the locals

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1133.jpg

Lutheran Cathedral in Senate Square

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1062.jpg

View from the Ferry to the Fortress

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1121.jpg

Uspensky Orthodox Cathedral

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1135.jpg

In Market Square is a great place to have some lunch. They prepare these great dishes on these huge grills and woks.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1146.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1147_zps1527e204.jpg

Cheers

Len

Not to step on Anni's toes, but this is not the most exciting or picturesque boat ride you will take. As Anni said, the commentary is in German, and there is basically little to see that might interest a tourist. But, hey, different strokes for different folks.

Had some great beer on the trip though.

And again, not to disparage anyone, but when we did this boat ride, I can understand a little German from my days in the Air force in Germany, when the boat passed by our cruise ship, the commentator was clearing making fun of the 'American's' and their 'rich' vacation aboard a cruise ship, and not in a very nice way. There was no doubt about it.

Cheers

Len

Uhhhh., sorry. Motorized vehicles that transported guests from the north side of the island to the south and east side of the island.

 

After we ate our wonderful lunch, which was lacking any bacon whatsoever, we walked along the roads and trails to the other lagoons. Or should I say, bodies of water.

 

We didn't just sit around and feel sorry for ourselves and consume cake!

Sorry to hijack this wonderful thread. But we are looking to do something like that on the private island. Are these trails marked or is there some sort of guide to them?

Cheers

Len

Ladies

Totes boots

https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=&oq=totes+boots&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGHP_enUS527US527&q=totes+boots+for+women&gs_l=hp..1.0l4.0.0.0.15136...........0.K-wRlXFYPdc&pbx=1#q=totes+boots+for+women&tbm=shop

Cheers

Len

We sailed NCL the last time we did Alaska.

They said, 'You want to eat, get in line at the buffet" :D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

We are booked on the Divina for August and for what we just paid, It will be worth it just to sit out on the deck for 7 days and just watch the world sail by.

we also are experienced cruisers. Even a bad cruise is a good cruise compared to many other things.

Let's see if the OP comes back to answer some of these questions, as I have a few.

If the food was SOOOOO bad, why did you keep coming back? After all there are other places to eat on the ship besides the MDR. If the service was SOOOO bad, why not call it to the attentions of the maître' D.

And from everyone that has written a review of the Divina, they all say the entertainment was the best that they have ever seen on a cruise ship. I guess the OP didn't go to any shows because if she did, she would have to give a compliment, and that just seems impossible.

Like the old expression, a cruise is what you make of it. If you encounter a lemon, make some lemonade and sit back and enjoy it.

We can't wait to sail on this ship.

Cheers

Len

I agree about the Reversing Falls. It's OK to see, but if you don't time it right, you are just looking at a river.

As for Portland, if you are not renting a car, you would be able to wander about and check out the local shops and museums. Nice, but not that exciting. If you do decide to rent a car, then definitely take in the Portland Head Light, you could make Kennebunkport, or Freeport, where the LL Bean Shops are. Depending on your time in Portland, you could try to visit Boothbay Harbor. We had been to Portland on our own, and did all the outside Portland things. When we docked there for our cruise, I was less than thrilled with what Portland had to offer.

You can get a very good look at the Portland head light from the ship as she sails by it.

Portland Head Light from the land

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/Maine/IMG_3886_zpsc0182ca9.jpg

And from the sea

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/canada/IMG_4492_zpsedd12efb.jpg

Again, this was just us, others may find Portland grand and a wonderful stop. Just wasn't our thing.

Cheers

Len

All 3 are suggested, along with go Airport Shuttle (based inside of the FLL airport) on these boards every day -- I think SAS is a larger operation than the other two. No one bats 1000, but all three have been in operation carrying passengers between FLL and POM/downtown Miami for years.

Thanks John

Cheers

Len

I also favor a Canon. I used a Canon Power shot on our last

Alaska vacation and just got amazing pix. I have now switched to a Canon Rebel because I wanted to be able to change lenses and just do more with a camera. But a good point and shoot is highly recommended. If you are serious about pix, a phone or tablet just won't cut it.

As for capturing what you are seeing, never happen. remember we see things in real time, 2-D, 3-D, all a camera does is capture a flat image of what you see in depth of field. It is the entire aura of things, the smell, the breeze, things a camera simply cannot capture.

Cheers

Len

Timing is important. Not many people (relatively speaking) leave Skagway at 08:30 or so, MANY more leave later (including the tour bus hordes). The best light at Emerald Lake is in the morning - your photo shows that by the time you got there, you'd missed it.

I guess we'll just have to do it again :D:D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

Personally, I would. Why take extras when you need other things. If you are comfortable in Jeans and shirt, then that will be fine both on and off the ship. Do you absolutely need to pack flip flops when a good pair of sneakers or walking shoes fit all agenda's.

Cheers

Len

DH and I decided to rent a car in Skagway through Avis. Are there any 'must sees' that we should not miss or places to eat? Is Whitehorse worth making the trip? I plan to get at the car rental early to be able to get out of town quickly. Also - leaning towards downloading the Murry's Guide as well. We'll be in Skagway 12 May - hoping that we'll be able to see some green on Emerald Lake.

Sometimes it pays to wait a bit before heading off to Emerald Lake as many other people have the same idea as you. Not that it will bring traffic jams, but we left a bit later and were the only ones at the lake when we arrived. We took our time going, stopping at many places. The return trip we really didn't stop that much.

Along the way, stop at several waterfalls, to admire some of the majestic scenery, a stop by the 'Entering the Yukon' sign is a must, a stop in Carcross is a must as well as a walk in the desert. We had brought some sandwiches off the ship and made a little picnic at Emerald Lake, and arrived back in Skagway in plenty of time to still wander about the town for a while.

If you are interested, here are a few pix from the trip

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain388.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain397-1.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain407.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain410.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain418.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain427.jpg

Cheers

Len

When cruise ships first started sailing to St Petersburg, Denrus and red Oktober were basically the only choices one had if you didn't want to do the ship's tour. Little by little, guides started leaving them and forming their own tour groups. Now you have about 6-7 major players in St Petersburg, with several other offshoots, that personally, I wouldn't book with until they become well established.

When we were looking, I emailed most of the major players, but was very disappointed with Denrus in that I got a basic form letter, while from several others, I received personal replies. That impressed me and we ended up choosing SPB Tours and loved every minute of our tour.

You have to remember, whichever tour group people use, they all come back and say they had a fantastic time. If you, or anyone is interested, you must contact a few on your own and whichever one you feel comfortable with, then choose that one.

Cheers

Len

We cruised the Baltics mid to late August, and on most days you could definitely feel some of the pre Autumn chill. Most Mornings were cool, maybe in the low 60's. We always left with a light jacket and short sleeve shirts. By mid day the jackets were off and we were very comfortable in shirts and jeans. We are just not shorts people, so opted for jeans every day and we were quite comfortable.

We happened to have glorious weather for our entire 12 day cruise, so never had to worry about running around in the rain. Maybe it's just me saying, but this isn't Alaska and the need for 'layers' really isn't necessary. If you are packing I would include one warm something, like a sweatshirt or lined water proof jacket. After that, there really isn't the need for a bunch of layers.

Our time on the ship was another matter. While cruising and especially on our seas days, there was a definite chill if you are outside. We usually look for a shady spot to sit as I do not want to be out in the sun if I don't have to, but on this cruise, everyone moved their chairs to the sunny side of the ship. In the shade was just too cool.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Len

Yes, we are planning to more or less do exactly what Len suggests above, but if you contact Copenhagen Tourism, they will send you some information including a great map of the city on which a walking tour is clearly marked.

 

Hopefully we will meet up with you at our Meet & Mingle :)

That is EXACTLY what we did and what they sent us. (just Google tourism office in Copenhagen)

We enjoy going at our own pace and never seemed to enjoy a tour. I love to take pix and will stop and wait for a good shot, something you can't do on any tour. We timed it right so we were able to see the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace.

Again, I wasn't suggesting that the guided tour is not a good option, but it just seems to waste valuable time, that can be put to better use if you are off on your own.

A few highlites of our walking tour

The Little Mermaid is only steps from the cruise dock

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe218.jpg

Amalienborg Palace.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe230.jpg

Nyhavn and the canal cruise ( A MUST do)

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe248_zps07b56845.jpg

A different perspective along the canals

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe284_zpscc7bc696.jpg

Town Hall

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe326.jpg

Rosenborg Castle (if you do tour, you will see the Crown Jewels) We opted to relax in the gardens

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe332.jpg

In fact one of our major highlites of our time in Copenhagen, was, on the way back to the ship, we stopped in some park to enjoy some ice cream. It was a Sunday and many families were there enjoying the nice weather. We ended up chatting with a couple of families who were just as curious about us as we were about them. It was really a great hour that we spent there, talking with the locals. Just something you can't do on organized tours.

Cheers

Len

SAS, QLS, MJS, etc. are names of transportation companies.

 

http://www.ridesas.com/

http://www.qualitylimoservice.com/

http://www.gomjstrans.com/

Thank you, that was just what I was looking for.

Are those 3 pretty much equal as far as service and dependability are concerned?

Cheers

Len

We just booked a cruise out of the Port of Miami and we are flying into Fort Lauderdale. We are flying in the day before our cruise and leaving a day after the cruise. We haven't decided if it is better to stay around the Fort Lauderdale airport and ride in the next day for the cruise, or visa versa.

I came here for the exact info that is being supplied in this thread, we need transportation from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, either to a hotel or to the port. I do not want to appear naïve, but I do not understand what all the initials are for, for some of the transportation options. Can some one please help me out here.

Thanks

Cheers

Len

As I understand this walking tour is rated very highly. My only problem with it is it wastes the entire day for the tour. If anyone is interested, it is very easy to walk around Copenhagen on your own. yes, you don't get the details of a guide, but you will get to see much more in the time you have. We wanted a walking tour of Copenhagen, we wrote to their tourism site and they sent us wonderful maps with tours outlined.

An example, if you dock at Langeline, you are 10 minutes from the Little Mermaid, walking along the shore you pass the Marble church, on to Amalienborg Palace, then to Nyhavn where can wander in the terrific area and go on the canal tour. From here, you would walk thru the Stroget, into Town Hall square where Tivoli gardens is. We didn't do the tour in the town Hall, but we wandered about inside. From there we walked to Rosenborg Castle. Again, we didn't tour then Castle, but we relaxed in the gardens. From there we walked back to the ship.

There are also several great walking tours from Frommers, if you are interested.

Yes, it may not be exactly what you were interested in, but it will make much better use of your time and you will see a lot more.

Cheers

Len

We've also been twice, both times from mid to late August and had magnificent weather both times. The only rain we had were on our sea days. But who really knows. On our last cruise, the crew told us that the week before it rained EVERY single day, nonstop.

We always try and cruise late August. many bargains in the shops as they are clearing merchandise for the end of the season, and just zillions of salmon all over the place. Well, not zillions but you get the point. A LOT.

Cheers

Len

If you are strapped for space, leave all those formal things home and opt for maybe a skirt and blouse. Really, why schlepp clothes you will wear once, dress, suits, shoes, when what you really need are more casual clothes. Alaska is very laid back and there is simply no need to dress up, just to 'fit in'. If that is your thing, then by all means go for it, but I gathered packing space is at a premium, so forget the formal wear and go for nice everyday stuff. No ship will deny you access to any dining room, as long as you are dressed presentably. The days of not being admitted because you aren't dressed up enough are long gone.

Cheers

Len

Hello everyone,

 

I need some DIY excursion tips on ports (Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria). We are on a tight budget and this is my first time to AK. I definitely want to do the Bus/Train trip to Skagway. Thanks!

 

Sona

Sona

Since you are on a tight budget, why spend all that money on a tour when for probably half the price you can rent a car/jeep and do the exact same thing and MORE from Skagway. It'll cost you about $115 or so to rent a car for the entire day, Plus some gas and you can drive out to Emerald Lake and see some of the most wonderful scenery going into the Yukon. Compared to what many excursions or guides cost, this is truly a bargain and you will have many wonderful memories of this day.

Cheers

Len

Len said what I was thinking.

Thanks Bee. great minds think alike :D:D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len