Giantfan13

Has anyone did the two day excursion that Royal Caribbean offers in St Petersburg? If you have I would welcome any all all feed back good and bad

First of all, welcome to Cruise Critic and the Northern Europe/Baltic boards.

As all my fellow cruisers have already told you, forget the ship's excursions and seriously look into booking a tour with any of the 5 or 6 top tour companies in St Petersburg. I understand some people are hesitant about booking excursions with anyone other than the ship, but in this particular case, you are safe, in good hands, you will see much more and you will be guaranteed a remarkable visit.

I have said this countless times already, ship's excursions, ANY ship's excursion, just doesn't really care if you have a good time or not. They promise to take you here and there and along with 50 other people crammed into some large bus, you will see those things. Opposed to any of the private tour operators, the most people you will have on any tour is 16 or so, you will be taken in a sort of mini bus/van, and these people do care very much if you have a grand time. They need your recommendation very much and will bend over backwards to accommodate you and what you want to see and do.

They guarantee you will not miss your ship and they even offer to pay for you to get to the next port if that ever did happen, but it will never happen.

We used SPB Tours and just a couple of examples how they fared over a ship's tour. On our first day, we had glorious weather, so they rearranged our schedule to take advantage of this glorious weather and we did several of the outdoor things that were previously scheduled for day 2. No ship's excursion would do that. We also wanted to add the Grand Choral synagogue onto our itinerary. They said, NO PROBLEM and it was included. Again, no ship's tour would ever do anything like that.

Do yourself a favor and forget RCCL and any excursions that they offer and book a private tour. Check your roll call and see what fellow passengers are doing. form a group or join one already made.

Have a ball, St Petersburg is a true jewel to see.

Cheers

Len

Guest services confirmed there are no jacuzzis in the ship that are adults only. Even the spring break college kids can't get in. They do take them over after ten but there are still plenty of kids.

 

 

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Not to disagree with 'Guest Services' but they don't know what they are talking about.

On the Lido deck, on the aft of the ship, there is an adult only pool and two adult only hot tubs. It said that very plainly when we cruised on Feb 13, 2014. I might even have a pix of those signs.

It doesn't mean that kids weren't in that pool or hot tubs, but they are supposed to be Adults only area and Carnival should enforce that or take down the signage.

Cheers

Len

I haven't but I am willing to bet that the required "presentation" is selling you something, likely a timeshare. I haven't done one of those but from what I understand the fees and restrictions often make it very difficult or worth it to claim your prize.

We did one of these a couple of years ago. They were trying to sell us vacation club memberships with a free cruise as an incentive to come. When we tried to register for the 'free cruise' you have to send in a sort of deposit just to get the form to submit for the cruise. To make a long story very short, once they have your registration money, if you ever hear from them again, you will be the first one to. It is all a scam, that they do all over the country.

Google the travel company and see what you get?

Cheers

Len

Stonehenge was always on our Bucket list and we found it well worthwhile to visit is. As was said, even with the audio tour, you might find it very hard to spend more than an hour or so there, two at the most, so unless you are driving yourself, there are several very good tour companies that combine other sites with Stonehenge. We did a Bath, Windsor and Stonehenge tour and loved the entire thing.

We used Even Evans tours, but there are several who do the same thing, all about the same price. It just depends on what you want to combine with Stonehenge and there are quite a few options.

http://www.evanevanstours.co.uk/stonehenge-bath-tours.htm?gclid=CK6F_OHAkL0CFSho7AodqTIAKg

Cheers

Len

How do you book a rental car in Skagway? In advance? Which rental companies? Cost?

I believe there are 2 rental places in Skagway. We used AVIS and we paid about $120 for a Camray. And I would say that it is a must that you reserve in advance. You do not pay up front, so it's better to have a car and not take it, then to want a car and none are there.

Cheers

Len

Can I add some more info into this. When we reserved our car from Avis, that morning it was terribly overcast, foggy et al. (a usual thing for Alaska). We debated if it made any sense to rent the car and drive if the weather was that bad, would we be able to see anything. Where the train went was completely engulfed in clouds and anyone on that morning train, didn't see anything but fog out any window. But the people in Alaska, especially the people in Skagway are so great and helpful. We went into the tourist office (or it might have been a ranger station) and asked them how hey felt the day would be and the drive to emerald lake. They turned on the computer and brought up cameras that that they had on the mountain and into the pass going to emerald Lake and those shots came up nice, with minimal clouds and fog. They even called another station along the way and reported that the weather was fine and the forecast was for the sun to break free. So we rented the car and were off. Skagway is situated in the valley between the mountains and once out of the valley, we had clear sailing the rest of the way. Sure many of the mountains still had that clouds on the top, but it made for some great pixs, but overall the weather was great the entire trip.

with a car, you DO have the option of not going if the weather is terrible, but once you book that train, you go if you can see anything or not.

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

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain415.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain446-1.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain452.jpg

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

Cheers

Len

We carry our passports off every time we are in a different country. It may not the 'in' thing to do, but it just makes US feel safer knowing we have them if needed.

Plus, my DW likes to get hers stamped every time we cross a border.

Cheers

Len

Gosh, I haven't driven on the Autobahn in 45 years, since my days in the service in Germany. I'm sure things have changed and Anni can help us with this, but back then, the mortality rate for people driving the Autobahn was highest in the world. People are NUT's driving those roads.

Are there still no speed limits on most of the roads (or close to no speed limits).

Personally, while the thrill of driving may be great, since you still have to take the train to get into Berlin, I would just opt for the train all the way, or book a tour. A whole lot safer and relaxing.

Cheers

Len

We were on the Feb 13 sailing on the Splendor and loved the entire cruise. Got there in a huge snow storm, but once on board, life was great again.

Service was A-1, entertainment was much better than we had on previous Carnival cruises, and the food also seemed to be better than our last Carnival cruise last summer. Our only negative were the wildness of the teens that were on this ship. It was a holiday week and they ran wild. Other than that, and for the price we paid, couldn't have been better.

ON a side note and I forgot to mention this on my write up after the cruise. If you want some free playing cards, go the guest services and ask. I nice little memento.

Cheers

Len

And I will take the other side and tell you to rent a car and drive.

I guess it all depends on what type of person you are. Ourselves, we like to go at our own pace, stopping when we like, spending an extra few minutes, or longer, at places WE find worthwhile. We like to stop and chat with locals and not worry about getting back to the train or bus. I love to take pictures and will wait a few extra minutes, maybe for the sun to come out to make a good pix, great. But, as I said, if you are one that likes to go at your own pace, rent the car. if you want others to do the driving, or just sit back and watch the world roll by, take the train.

I know too many people are always rushing from one place to another and never 'step to smell the roses' as they say. We always do, so don't want some one to tell us to move on, when we don't really want to.

PLUS, the drive to Emerald Lake is a very easy one. It's not like you are single lane, climbing some mountain. Even as the driver, you can relax and see the wonderful scenery, stopping when you like and moving on when the mood suits.

Cheers

Len

Thank you for the info.

We have port time 7-4:30. So we plan Gamla Stan first since there is no "open time" then the city hall which opens at 10am, Palace and then Vasa. If I wait to do Vasa first at 10 am I have wasted valuable port time. We are there mid May and are the only ship in.

Thanks Karen

Karen

since you are the only ship there and in mid May, you shouldn't have a problem with any lines. Do try and leave amply time to see this wonderful place though.

Cheers

Len

In Helsinki you will need 50c euro for coins-in-the slot (right door). Urinals (left door) are free.

 

Here is a map of locations:

http://www.hel.fi/palvelukartta/?lang=en&search=toilets&city=helsinki

 

 

 

Ah, us men have all the advantages :D:D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

Plus, I would look to reverse the order of what you are planning to do. IMVHO VASA is the main attraction in Stockholm and really the one thing not to be missed. Depending on your time in port and when you will be there, most people suggest to get to VASA as soon as possible. Also depending on how many ships there might be in port, the lines for VASA could grow. They only allow a certain number of people in the museum at one time and if there is a crowd, you could be on line and not have ample time to see and tour the museum. It is my understanding that up until May 31, VASA opens at 10:00 AM and starting June 1, it opens at 8:30 AM. Do try and make this your first stop.

When we went, we didn't know that much about the VASA and we thought we would drop in, take a few pixs and be off. We watched the movie and were so enthralled with this wonderful place, we ended up being here for about 2 hours, and my DW had to pull me out to move on to our next stop. Seriously, this is the one thing that should not be missed and do leave time to see the movie on how they found and raised the ship, and time to do the tour. You will not regret it.

Cheers

Len

Who are you sailing with?

We found the same thing(except for the no bargains thing, we are from Canada and liquor prices in ports and the US are considerably cheaper than home, unfortunately we can't bring a lot back). I didn't check all prices of course, but what I did was cheaper on the ship.

Carnival also has a price match guarantee on liquor. Bring them a photo of the cheaper price and they will match it.

The only difference I guess is if you find one that the ship doesn't stock.

AS I said, we sailed Carnival, on the Splendor. Yes, they advertise that they will match any price that one can find. Of course, they are not going to stock every type of Rum or other liquors, so if you, or some that have already posted, like a specific brand it probably will be cheaper on shore. We weren't looking for that. We wanted basic stuff, like Bacardi's, some Kahlua, Jack Daniels etc. and we found we didn't have to show them anything, they already were cheaper than any of the locals on those products.

Cheers

Len

I also concur with the last poster. Forget any heavyweight type of jacket. Just get a simple thing that is waterproof. personally, since you are from Hawaii, and probably wont use items like this very much again, I would look for the cheapest item in that category. Why go out and buy one of those top of the line things when you MIGHT use it once or twice and then store it away for years. I would try Craig's list, or even the local Walmart for end of season specials.

again, think light weight but pack some warm underwear, maybe a turtleneck shirt and a hoodie, along with your regular items. You will be fine. For the most part, even at the end of August, temps won't be that cold in most locations. Find a very inexpensive thin pair of gloves and all that will be fine even for on deck viewing when you are by the glaciers.

Layering is the trick to staying warm, not how much you spend on those layers.

Cheers

Len

Any suggestions for Skagway? Will be there mid august from 7am until 830 pm. Sightseeing or nature related suggestions or experiences would be great. Thanks for any info you can provide.

Skagway is a nice little town, but that is all it is, a little town. You need to get out of Skagway to really see what Alaska has to offer. Best way to do that, rent a car and drive to Emerald Lake. Sure you can do the train. it is nice and enjoyable, but for a much cheaper price, you can drive almost the same route as the train, and when the train turns around to go back, you go off into the Yukon to really experience Alaska.

Alaska is set up so you simply cannot get lost or anything like that. There is one major road there and back. The trip is about 100 miles or so ( anyone can correct me if I am off) and the entire trip there and back, with many, many stops in between should take about 5-6 hours, quicker if you want to just drive there and back. You print out Murrays guide for about $5 and it will tell you mile by mile what to see and do, where to stop etc. We stopped by a waterfall to take a pix and a bear comes wandering out across the road about 30 feet from us. We stopped to take pics of Eagles nesting in trees, we picnicked at Emerald Lake, we stopped for ice cream at a local store.

Along the way, there is a big sign that you are now entering the Yukon territory. By the sign, there was a woman selling some stuff. We bought a local thing from her and we chatted for about 25 minutes about things in the Yukon. We loved to try and chat with locals as you gain a greater perspective of the places you are at, than chatting with tourist trap people.

All in all, a truly wonderful trip and a memorable day.

Cheers

Len

I am also a huge proponent of doing everything yourself, especially against anything ship related.

As I said in another thread, I like to take pictures. Driving myself, is the best way to see anything. Alaska highways are a mecca for just being able to pull over, see what you want to see, when you want to see it and for how long you want to see it. You pass a waterfall, want to get out and take a pix, go ahead. Last time we were in Alaska, we did just that and a friendly bear wandered out across the road. We saw Eagles in trees, stopped to take pix, we picnicked out on a magnificent mountain area, we stopped for some of the best ice cream we ever tasted, and the list can go on.

Rent a car and really see what Alaska has to offer, at a guaranteed much cheaper rate.

Cheers

Len

Sorry if I am duplicating posts here...we are traveling on the legend of the seas this summer with an overnight in st Pete...I know it's Russia, so do we need to apply for a visa? We are a group of dyi folks rather than tours with the ship. I know the ship usually has a special visa for their tours, but like I said, we will be on our own. If possible we'd like to stay in Russia overnight rather than on the boat. Just trying to experience the city.

 

Thoughts and advice is very much appreciated.

Most of the posters here will advice you against DIY in St Petersburg. if you spend a few minutes reading many of the threads here, you will see the best way to see St Petersburg is with one of the several private tour companies that most of us have used. Forget any ship's excursions and join a private group. We all have no money to be made by recommending this companies, just trying to help those that are puzzled as to how to see this wonderful city.

yes there have been some that were adventurous and have tried to see St Petersburg on their own, but be aware, the ship doesn't dock in an area where many of the sites are, most people in St Petersburg do NOT speak any English, most signs and directions are in Russian and not English, so it will be hard to get around and see what you might like to see. Add to that, places like Pushkin and Catherine's Palace are outside the city, make seeing those places hard adventure to get to and to return. If you only have 2 days, or even 3 days there, you would be much wiser to contact several of the major tour operators mentioned on these boards and tell then what you want to see etc. They will supply a temporary visa for your stay as long as you are touring with them and they will customize a tour hopefully, to your liking. Basically for about the same price you will pay for your visas.

Visas are fairly expensive, harder to get, and many times, just not worth the effort when you are challenged by so many obstacles. Sure it can be done, but in a place where very little English is spoken, and time is a major factor, it really doesn't make a lot of sense.

Cheers

Len

In Bermuda we were able to purchase duty free and it was sent to the ship. With only one day in port are we able to purchase at the Rum factory, liquor stores duty free and have it sent to the ship or is it as is cost and declare at boarding?

 

Any other Spirits a must have from Nassua?

 

Thanks

We were in the Bahamas a couple of weeks ago looking to restock our bar from our last Virgin Islands cruise. You know what we found, the prices from our ship, the Carnival Splendor were cheaper than all of the places we stopped in. We found absolutely NO bargains on any liquor. We ended up buying from the ship. We didn't get to the Rum factory, so I can't speak for them, but any of the 'stores' we went into, prices were more than what our ship was selling them for. like 1 liter Bacardi's was selling for 2/$22 and on shore it was 2/$25.

Cheers

Len

For the two cruisers who are flying out of Anchorage at night, you didn't say when your cruises were. Why?

We were in the same situation, that is, flying out of Anchorage at midnight. We were there late August and some one on these boards told us to make sure you sit on the left side of the plane. Why, to see the Northern Lights, of course. Well, we did change our seats, and to make a long story short, that night, we were treated to over an hours worth of Northern Lights viewing. even the Captain of the plane said that they were very active this particular night. So, if you happen to be in that situation, take this advice from some one who knows, and at least try and sit on the left side of the plane, just in case............

Cheers

Len

I second what Karen has suggested about renting a car and driving to Emerald Lake. For a first time cruiser, it might sound, WHOA, why should I drive off on my own, into the Yukon and never be heard from again. Balderdash.

The drive to Emerald Lake is safe and you will have plenty of time to go there, stopping along the way whenever you want and returning to Skagway with plenty of time to spare. I am also a photographer (be it a minor one), but when I want a pix, I want to do it the way I like. I have cruised all over the world and very rarely do we do a ship's excursion because they won't wait for you to take a pix if the sun is behind a cloud and you want to wait a few minutes for it to come out. or you want to climb a bit to get a better shot from over there. I think you know what I mean. On your own you do what you want, when you want. And you cannot get lost as there is basically one road there and back. AND the Yukon is exciting. ( and the photo ops are just magnificent)

In Juneau, just get off the ship and there are many 'booths' with tours away from the ships. You want to go to Mendenhall, it will cost you $10PP or whatever it is now, and you can spend as long as you want there. Want to whale watch, do it with any of several private companies.

My logic on this is private companies will always bend over backwards to ensure you have a great time and come here and recommend them. They will always have you back on the ship in plenty of time or their names will be mud from then on. cruise lines really couldn't care less if you enjoy your excursion, they already have your money and don't need your recommendation.

Again, I understand it's your first cruise, but take it from all who post here, do a few things on your own and you won't be sorry.

Cheers

Len

Glad you had a great time. We were on the Splendor 2/13-2/21 and loved most of the cruise. We thought the entertainment was much better than previous cruises and YES, Ms Ivy was just sensational.

We also thought the food was again, A+. We tried the Tandoor grill several times and really got to like it. They had fresh hot flatbreads, right off the grill, and put that together with the fresh Hummus and it was a great start to a meal.

We also got the Deli several times. They list Tuna on white bread, but we wanted it on a club roll that they have there. after ma long discussion with them, they relented and gave us what we wanted, and after that, he got to know us, and we created a new meal for them.

We did the Segway tour in Freeport and loved it.

Cheers

Len

I sure hope the sommelier has a good severance package. I would assume the demand for this line of work might mean the unemployment line for several years to come.

Can you just see his resume.

years working 15,

job title - sommelier

Now that is an impressive resume.

Cheers

Len

I can't argue with those that enjoy the ride down the Mississippi. We didn't. We were there a year after Katrina and it DID smell. If some find that enticing, that's OK.

Different strokes for different folks.

Cheers

Len

Hello all,

 

Thanks for reading my thread, I have a few questions... I am going to be sailing on the Carnival Splendor 1 month from today April 2nd and we are leaving from NY sailing to Port Canaveral, FL; Nassau, Bahamas and Freeport, Bahamas. I would like some input as to what everyone would recommend we do as excursions or are we better off going out on our own? There are about 16 of us traveling together I am 26 but our ages range from 2 to 60. In Port Canaveral I will be meeting with friends off the ship so I don't really plan on doing an excursion but both stops in the Bahamas I am wondering what is there to do and I would love help!! Thanks so much :)

Britti

Not to sound a bit annoying, but did you try reading some of the threads on even the last few pages here. They are just loaded with questions and suggestions as to what to do in Nassau and Freeport. Take a quick look, they if you have specific questions, just ask a way. Most are here to help.

Cheers

Len