Giantfan13

The liquid soap is greenish in color, if that means anything. :eek::eek::eek:

Cheers

Len

We did a B2B out of NO on the Fantasy a few years ago, and I didn't know about the 8 hour sail, going 5 miles an hour, with the smell of oil refineries everywhere, up the Mississippi. I was like others, who look at NO right on the gulf and couldn't believe we had to sail 8 hours to get out into open water. Then we had to do it all over again. I will never sail out of NO again.

Maybe it didn't bother others, but it did bother us.

I wish I had paid more attention at Cruise Critic class.

Cheers

Len

Bee

As the old saying goes, "different strokes for different folks". For us, the Baltic cruise was about the ports and the itinerary, and not the food they are going to serve me on the ship. You may never get back to this part of the world and I would be more concerned about not being able to dock in Stockholm and miss several hours of exploring this wonderful city, PLUS missing out on sailing thru the archipelago, rather than whose food is better.

As I said, that is just me. if the other is more important to you, go for it.

Cheers

Len

Be it from me to throw cold water on some of the cruise lines, but we sailed the NCL Pearl a couple of years ago, and their itinerary was terrible. Looking quickly at it for this season, nothing really has changed. We cruised mid August.

First of all, you are in Juneau till 10:00PM. They basically roll up the sidewalks at 7:00 or so, so there is nothing to do there that late.

In Ketchikan, you are there way before most shops and things are open and leave about 1:00, right in the heart of the day. Skagway has a great time frame and we rented a car to travel to Emerald Lake. Even Victoria, you get there at 6:00 in the evening and leave at 12:00 at night. hardly time to do much of anything, especially if you want to get the Buchart Gardens. I understand they have to do what they have to do, but if we hadn't been there before, we really would have been pissed about not being able to do many of the things we would have liked to do.

Check the other lines. If this is your first cruise to Alaska, you want to have the most time as possible in ports. NCL stinks.

Cheers

Len

You say you are looking to sort of 'do your own thing' with the vows, so I would also suggest Emerald Lake. We have done this twice and each time it's a new adventure. Last time, we were told not to try and be the first ones there, so we waited a bit and really took our time driving there. When we arrived we were the only ones there and it was spectacular. We packed a picnic lunch and just sat around for about an hour admiring the beauty of it all.

I would also say this is exactly what you are looking for. On our drives we saw plenty of wildlife, some majestic places to just stop and admire where you are and you go at your own pace. It is an easy drive and a wonderful day.

Emerald Lake

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/IMG_1501.jpg

Along the way

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

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

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

A bear that sort of wondered out right in front of us

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain386.jpg

Once again, Emerald lake

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

Cheers

Len

I agree with everyone else. no panic, just watch and see. I believe the cruise ships will not go into any area where there can be trouble. There are enough problems that make the national news every other week.

No one panic and as long as you have trip insurance, If you have to, cancelling at the last minute won't be a problem.

Cheers

Len

about 9 carrying your own luggage

Sorry, but that is just not so. By 9, most who were carrying their own luggage were off or were in the process of getting off. Seemed 1/2 the ship was carrying their own luggage off, so it got kind of bogged down going thru customs.

The ship docked about 7:30 and by 8 or so, people were starting to get off.

Cheers

Len

Tennessee

We cruise very often with good friends and they are 'big' also. When they sit in the dining room they need chairs without arms so they can fit into them. My friends couldn't care less about water slides but they do love the pool and especially the hot tubs. Those things can accommodate anyone, any size.

As has been said, don't worry about the small stuff ( Just kidding, of course) and prepare to enjoy yourself.

Do you enjoy eating? If so, how much you weigh before the cruise starts, add a few more pounds to that before you leave. Again, who cares, you are cruising, enjoy it while you can.

Cheers

Len

Do any of the tour companies offer an overnight stay in St. Petersburg? We want to take advantage of all our time there!

Are you talking about staying in a hotel instead of on the ship?

Personally, that really makes no sense. If you book a tour with a private company, they are responsible for you when ever you are off the ship. they sure aren't going to allow you to stay by yourself in a hotel.

Plus, even if you could do that, it will save you nothing as to time. The tour company picks you up bright and early and delivers you back about dinner time. Plus, you would have to find places to eat etc.

really, if that is what you are thinking, IMVHO, you should really rethink it.

Cheers

Len

We just got off the Splendor last week. Disembarkation went slowly. We didn't have walk off disembarkation, so we waited, but they call numbers even for the carry offs. seems half the ship was doing this. that is why6 it went so slowly, people jam at customs etc. Since your bus is only a few minutes away, you should not have any trouble. ship docked about 7:30 and people started getting off about 8:00. You can speak to some on the ship if you MUST leave a bit earlier. I'm sure that won't be a problem.

Can't beat those Mega Bus deals.

Cheers

Len

You should check the Bahamas board for a lot more detailed advice.

In Freeport, we did the Segway Tour and it was fabulous. Instead of walking around, we let the Segway take us. Again, check the Bahamas port of call board for a much more detailed description of this outing.

Cheers

Len

Tennessee

First of all, welcome to cruise Critic.

Please do not fret the small stuff. Cruising is the ultimate vacation, and really, it is NOT a hassle. yes, for a first timer, just getting to know what is expected of you, may seem a lot to handle, but believe me, it is not. I can guarantee, you and your son will absolutely love the cruise. You didn't say which cruise line you are using, and that may make a big difference for your son. Lines like Carnival, have many, many kids and activities for a 9 year old, other cruise lines not as many. Either way, just being together will make it all worthwhile.

We are seniors but when we cruise, we also do it on a budget, so we always look for the best deals and the easiest way to enjoy ourselves without shelling out big bucks. First of all, stay away from all ship sponsored excursions. Whatever they offer from the cruise line can be done much cheaper on your own. If you just want to lay out on the beach, go to Cable Beach. It is a bit further than the ones already mentioned, but, I believe, if you take the #10 bus, for $1.25 PP each way, it will take you there.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147416-d555427-Reviews-Cable_Beach-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html Check out this site on Trip Advisor. It will give you loads of things to do in Nassau.

In Freeport, that is a whole different ball game. There is nothing around the dock to do, but you can take a taxi to several places, beaches, and they aren't too expensive.

As for the tips, they will automatically be added to your ships account. Since you already pre registered and gave them a CC number, you don't have to do anything else. On the final morning of your cruise, you will get a bill for what has been charged to your card and automatically entered. Just be aware that money isn't used on the ship, everything is done with your ship's card. Be aware that many a cruiser was in for a big surprise when they got their bill, drinks really add up. If you son drinks soft drinks, you might want to consider the kids soft drink thing. or else every time you or he has a soda, you will be charged for it. Same for you, if you drink, and they push drinks 24/7, you never realize you had so many until you see that bill.

We prepaid our tips, so last cruise we were on, our total bill came to 5.99, my wife bought a magnet. Once onboard, you don't have to spend a penny unless you want to, but they will sure try and get you to.

Again, chill out and start to enjoy your upcoming cruise. The excitement of boarding the ship, exploring it that first day is always exciting for all of us.

Have a ball

Cheers

Len

We just got off the Splendor, cruising form NY to the Bahamas. We left in the middle of a Blizzard and we couldn't go out on any deck for the entire first sea day as they had so much snow on the decks. But, by the second day it was off and by the third day we were in warmer weather and everything on the ship was in use.

Now, the main pool on the Lido deck does have a retractable roof and that pool is open all the time (except at night when they are cleaning it). If the weather is nice they retract the roof, or else it is on all the time. The kiddy water park was open but very few people were using it and the slide was never in use, as the pool on the upper deck wasn't open either.

Going to Canada, you can be sure the pool on Lido will be open. Just prepare yourself for major noise when the roof is closed. You can't hear yourself think it gets pretty loud.

Cheers

Len

We have been to Bar Harbor several times, on our own and with a cruise ship. Our last cruise, last July, stopped at Portland instead of Bar Harbor and I am still scratching my head WHY?. We have also been to Portland and there is simply no comparison. Portland is nice, Bas Harbor is an adventure.

Even for a day off the ship, there is simply so much to see and do in Bar Harbor and in the neighboring Arcadia National Park.

Just forget driving, hopefully, 3 hours each way, for what, just to say you were in Bar Harbor. In the short time you will have in Bar harbor, you MIGHT have time for lunch and that's about it.

Just do the cruise that stops in Bar Harbor and enjoy this wonderful city. Everyone will be much happier.

Cheers

Len

No need to go any further, Nitemare said it all very well. Almost everyone here feels exactly the same way.

Cheers

Len

I saw a post on here the other day now can't find it. Someone mentioned a zoo or a place with animals. We will be in Nassau on Oasis from 7-2. Will be me, my wife and 2 kids ages 13 and 5. We were thinking of doing a day pass to Melia or British Hilton but just don't know if there will be enough time to warrant this. Trying to find some other ideas. If you have any other ideas besides this zoo or whatever it is let me know.

Try looking down the page, there is a 2 page thread on the zoo???

Cheers

Len

I'm still hoping someone will share how they did this excursion in terms of what to bring and how. Did you go to the beach in the closed shoes required for the Segway portion? If you brought beach shoes, did you bring a towel? Did you ride the Segway with a backpack big enough to have beach shoes and a towel available at the beach? Just wondering about the logistics.....

OK Granny, here you go. Sorry I didn't see your specific questions before.

First, you can bring whatever you like, but while riding the Segway, they have a sort of pouch thingee hooked up to the front. Sort of like a small back pack and whatever you can fit in there, you can take with you. All other items, like a pocket book, you put in a big barrel and they lock it up in their van/truck. They supply you with a bottle of water also. I just took my camera, as they do give you several great photo ops, and Felix took pix of everyone

on their Segways, with whatever cameras you give him to sue. . My DW didn't take anything extra along.

As for the beach part, if you bring stuff for the beach, again, it will be stored for you while you are on the Segways. If you want to swim at the beach, you must bring towels etc. Where they brought us, there was a small restaurant, a very small beach with some beach chairs already out. Ourselves, we just took our shoes and socks off and walked along the waters edge for a while, turned around and walked back. others did go into the water in bathing suits. If there is a changing room at the restaurant, I don't know. You are basically, on your own while at the beach. When everyone is finished, they have a bus bring you to the Marketplace or back to the ship.

They are very professional about everything, and we would recommend them to anyone, very highly.

Cheers

Len

Mary

I can't answer all your questions but can do some of them.

regarding the Punchliner, the Comedy club. They have early shows that are for families and the adult ones start at about 9:30. You have to be 18 and older for the adult shows.

Most of the time it is very safe to book an excursion with a private tour company and have no fear of missing the ship. These companies make their living off of cruise ship passengers and one bad thing could ruin a business for good. I would check on sites like Trip Advisor for the best tour groups in Nassau and stick with them. or go to the Ports of Call board and ask for recommendations. Usually the top tour companies are the best to use and they are usually much cheaper than Carnival.

You should be able to go to the Carnival web site and change any info you might have entered. if you registered and set up everything on line, you can simply go to your account and find an edit button and change what you like. many people pre pay their tips.

I won't swear on this, but if you kids have passports, then they are fine. For yourself, if you don't have a passport, all you need is a photo ID and your birth certificate. I could be mistaken on this, but is it required that you show guardianship?

anyway, hope some of this helps

Cheers

Len

We just came off the Splendor. On TWO elegant nights, we saw ONE gentleman wearing a Tux. Like all then others have already said, these people are becoming the dinosaurs of Carnival cruising. But if that's what you want to do, go for it. Guaranteed you will be the sharpest dressed guy there.

Cheers

Len

Thanks, Len. I'd actually admired your beautiful pictures earlier on one of your posts. Great to hear that so many of the attractions are within walking distance.

Once again, thanks for the kind words on the Pixs. The old expression, a pix is worth 1000 words is still true today. Glad you enjoyed them.

Cheers

Len

Thanks soooo much for all your advice, Len!!! In case you couldn't tell I kindof like to plan things out and TRY to have things in order ahead of time. This way we aren't getting off the ship and not knowing what we're doing, especially with a toddler.

Thanks again.

-Kim

Me to Kim. My DW says I'm sort of anal that way. I like to have all my i's dotted and t's crossed before we do something. I'm not inflexible, but better to be prepared than to just do things on a whim. I always want to have a plan and take it from there. Others like to just wing it. You know, different strokes for different folks. :D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

I'm not exactly sure and do not want to give you bad advice. If you were doing it with a tour company, I would say ask them. They would know exactly what would be the correct answer. You might try the cruise line if no one here can give you a positive answer, but even with the cruise, line, I wouldn't bet the house that their answer would be correct. You might just have to check with your embassy, or Russian Embassy for an exact answer.

Hopefully some one here can supply you with the right answer.

Cheers

Len

So, my wife and I just booked our second cruise ever; a Royal Caribbean cruise leaving from Stockholm to Helsinki, two days in St. Petersburg, then to Tallinn Estonia and Riga Latvia. It leaves July 13th, and we're excited!

 

We've never been to this area of the world and I'm looking for some pointers for these ports. I'd appreciate ANYTHING you might consider helpful.

 

The only thing we know that we really want to do is the 18 hour Flightseeing trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg. I know it's going to majorly cut into time on St. Petersburg, but it's something we REALLY want to do.

 

Thank you!

Yes, welcome to our little corner of Cruise Critic. You will love the Baltics.

First thing is you need to do some reading. Many of your questions will be answered by just spending some time going thru many of the threads on the first few pages. Many people have asked the exact same questions as you, and are also looking for ideas. We have answered them countless times. Do some reading and then, as you want to ask more specific questions, we are all here to help.

One thing I have to know. How are you planning on doing this trip to Moscow?. Is that a ship's excursion, private tour company or on your own? As you said, something like this will not just cut into your time in St Petersburg, it may completely destroy it. If you are only in St Petersburg for 2 days and you are going to Moscow for 18 hours, that really doesn't leave much time for St Petersburg. I guess you could squeeze a few hours in, but you will not come anywhere near seeing what this marvelous city has to offer. But it's your holiday and you have to do what makes you happy, so just go for it.

Cheers

Len

' As was already said, seems about $50 for each different currency seems the norm. that is what we took when we went. We decided to get it before we left, thru our local bank.

There are many who simply don't want to, and will try and use American Dollars to buy everything. Very few people will not take it, but why find the one who won't when you want to buy something.:D:D. Many other just prefer to hit the ATM if the need arises.

Myself, I like to be prepared and not have to hunt down an ATM if the need arose. $50 is more than enough, especially if you are using a Credit Card for most purchases.

We just liked the idea of using the prevalent currency in each country to sort of enhance our experience in that country. Shopkeepers always seemed to appreciate when we tried to use the local currency.

Cheers

Len

How are you planning to see St Petersburg, on your own or with a tour company?

Cheers

Len