nj cruisin
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Posts posted by nj cruisin
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We sailed the 9 day Baltics on Norwegian aboard the "Star" 3 summers ago. We received ultimate dining package and drink package as part of the booking offered by Norwegian. Did pre and post stay in Copenhagen. Did package tour at all stops with T.J. Tours with small group. Saved a bundle over what ship board tours charge. You will be amazed with the 2 days in St. Petersburg at what you will see and experience! Also enjoyed Berlin, Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn. Sailed in mid-to late August, can be chilly in that region of the world. Was cold on embarkation day in Copenhagen and visit to Helsinki. A once in a lifetime trip to that region of the world!
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I would do your own research as I did last summer. Absolutely happy with our experience as well.
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Interesting, we took the TJ tour last August and also did a comparison of the two companies and found TJ to be slightly less than Alla. These sites are filled with shills. Are you sure you don't work for Alla ?
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Was in St. Petersburg last August and did private tour with TJ Tours. Can't say enough good things about them. They handled the visa process and made it seamless. The 2 days we had with them were more than enough to see a lot of St. Petersburg.
Going through Russian immigration at the dock is no joke. They screen you carefully when coming in. With the tour company you are not allowed to "just go on your own."
One of the couples cruising with us were "active military" and were asked to a side room for additional questioning. The U.S. Consulate advised this couple not to get off the ship for the 2nd day in port in St. Petersburg.
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Have previously cruised 2 13 day Mediterranean cruises, both towards the end of August early September. I commented to others how nice and calm the water and how nice the weather. This was my comparison to Atlantic and Caribbean cruising. I hope this helps!
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Certainly can do both on your own. TJ provides transport from dock to city. In the case of Helsinki, 3 hours tour. Mostly driving and sightseeing with stops getting on and off bus to see attractions. As I remember, wasn't too expensive. Reasoning to do all 5 was that I probably will never be back to most of those cities and wanted to see as much as possible with a professional guide. Old Tallinn after getting from docks to city is mostly a walking tour. Bottom line it was more convenient to do TJ vs diy. I hope this helps. PS. Trina in Tallin was a great guide.
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We recently did a cruise aboard Norwegian Star touring the Baltics for late August 2016. I selected TJ Tours after reading numerous reviews over many websites. I am pleased to report that TJ Tours did not disappoint.
By way of introduction, my girlfriend and I have cruised the Mediterranean twice both 12 days. I have taken other organized tours as well as done some of Rick Steves' do it yourself itineraries.
On this cruise it was easy to decide on one tour company for all 5 cities after reading reviews and reaching out to TJ. I did have questions and they were very responsive any time I reached out. Excellent customer service.
Our 1st stop was a tour of Berlin. We were met at the docks with a full size motorcoach which was clean and comfortable. We made 1 stop to Berlin and 1 stop back as the ride is about 3 hours on the autobahn in each direction. With the halfway stop, the drive was not too bad! Besides, it was fun being on the autobahn for the 1st time.
Boris was our guide in Berlin. Originally an American citizen, his enthusiasm and knowledge is incredible. Boris made Berlin enjoyable with his personable nature. We saw many attractions some of which were Kaiser's palace, Checkpoint Charlie, World War II Luftwaffe Building, Holocaust Memorial, Famous Chocolate Museum/store- "Fassbender & Rausch," Berlin Wall, US Embassy, etc.
We had lunch in a wonderful Bavarian/type restaurant beer hall, "Lemke Berlin." Food was excellent as well as the beer! Some of our fellow cruisers had the traditional German sausage.
Our next stop was Tallinn, Estonia. Trinn was our guide. She is a native Estonian and was informative and delightful in every way. This is more of a walking tour with a bus meeting you at the pier and then taking you to the old town Tallinn.
Old town Tallinn is like going back in time during medieval days. Narrow streets and beautiful views. Saw one of the oldest apothecary's in the world, "Raeapteek" dating back to 1422. Still in business!
We were on our own for lunch and found a delightful restaurant on the street, "Kuldse Notsu Korts," Estonian Country Restaurant. We sat at a table outside and had a fabulous meal of exotic cheese and homemade cherry beer!
Our next stop was for 2 days in St. Petersburg, Russia. Our guide for 2 days was a charming and very informative Nina. She was the perfect host and knowledge in Russian history was unbelieveable.
Our 1st day we traveled along the river Neva in a Mercedes Sprinter. Took a ride on a hydrofoil boat to one of the Tsar's mansions Petrodvorets with the incredible fountains, park and churches.
Lunch consisted of a traditional Russian food and beverages. Typical old style traditional Russian restaurant with cranberry and horseradish vodka shots being served. "Xaeohnkob'B" Traktir served chicken with cranberry sauce and cooked vegetables.
After lunch we went to Pushkin Catherine Palace & museum with famous Amber room which was restored, Russian subway stop "Pushkinskaya" with statue of Pushkin, Church of the Savior on Blood and final resting place of the Tsar family at Peter & Paul Fortress. A lot of sightseeing for 1 day.
The following day we again met Nina and proceeded to do a canal tour on a canal boat. Saw the battleship Aurora which started the October revolution in 1917! Visited the Palace Square, Hermitage Museum, St. Isaac's Cathedral and Usupov Palace where there is an underground room where Rasputin was reportedly murdered. At the Usupov Palace we were treated to an improtu show with some traditional Russian singers in the Palace's private theater! All in all so much to see in two days!
In the afternoon, we visited TJ Travel headquarters and gift shop. Met with the owner, Tatiana Churikova. Very accomodating and a pleasure to deal with. I liked the fact that I was not asked for any money on any of the previous tours and had paid for all 5 tours the 2nd day in St. Petersburg. Mentioned we were cruise critic members and received an additional 5% discount. Gift shop was excellent with a free "shot" bar.
Had lunch at a spectacular Russian restaurant "Graf-in." More modern and chic. Enjoyed the food immensely. The appetizer of traditional beet soup was excellent. Incidentally, the two lunches in Russia are included with the tours!
Our next stop was Helsinki, Finland. Maria was our guide. Saw the US Embassy and Embassy Row, Senate Square, Mannerheim statue in Kluuvi, Art Museum with modern statues, Sibeliuksenpuisto, Temppeliaukio Church, and daily life of Helsinki. This was the only day it was slightly cold, overcast and sprinkled off and on.
Our final tour was Stockholm, Sweden. Our guide was Lilly and our driver was Tomas. Very friendly and knowledgeable. The day we visited, Vice President Joe Biden was visiting Stockholm! The traffic was monumental for security reasons, however no one was blowing their horns in their cars! Very patient people. Tomas our bus driver was adept at getting us around despite the massive traffic jams!
Among other sites, saw the Stadshuset museum, Vasamuseet museum, Royal Castle and visited Gamla Stan area with its quaint shops and eateries. All in all a very beautiful city and would like to revisit again.
The bottom line is TJ Tours does a fabulous job of making sure you are well informed, comfortable and have a great visit. All guides spoke excellent english and were well understood. Would highly recommend this company going to any of these countries or doing a "Baltic" cruise. When compared to what the cruise lines charge, you will save at least 50% or more.:cool:
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Stupid Question, doesn't Norwegian require all individuals in the same cabin to purchase UBP? "Packages must be purchased by all qualifying individuals residing in the stateroom or additional staterooms under the same method of payment for the entire length of the cruise."
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I was watching the series on tv about various cruise ships. In one episode the bow thruster went out. An essential piece of equipment! The cruise company was forced to employ tugboats at every stop. After a couple of days by the chief engineer, it was determined that an electrical module needed to be replaced. It took a couple of days more to have another flown in. Like someone else said, just make the best of your trip! You are on vacation.
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Way too much stress for me as well. I would opt for next day's flight and be one of the last off the ship with a day of sightseeing! On one of my recent cruises I witnessed a cruiser yelling at guest services because she had booked her return flight too close to the ship's arrival in port.
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Have thoroughly enjoyed your review and pictures. We did the "Grand Mediterranean" twice in 2013 and 2015 both times from Barcelona and both times in August. We just returned from "The Baltics" aboard the Norwegian Star. Wonderful trip! Was trying to book the Spirit again for next August 2017. Sadly Norwegian has discontinued "Grand Mediterranean" itinerary. Good times aboard the Spirit and that particular itinerary.
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Suggestion for things to do in Bermuda. Walk next door to the fort and swim with the Dolphins. Frog & Onion for me is a fun experience. Next door is a unique shopping experience. Have never been to Swizzle. Bermuda bus rides are also quite the experience with the narrow roads. Enjoy your trip!
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Why be stressed out worrying about lines and possible delays as mentioned by others. I personally witnessed a passenger screaming at the desk clerk because this individual had booked the return flight too close to docking. Don't let Murphy's Law ruin your trip. Book sometime in the afternoon.
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"After the Gondola ride we stopped at a glass shop and bought some more souvenirs, we also had a delicious meal of brochette, lobster tail and pasta along with the local beer and wine."
Tmackel, best trip review and pictures I have ever read and seen! You did a great job of portraying this cruise. Thank-you for sharing.
Your pictures are awesome. What camera did you use?
We should know as we did this cruise in August of 2013. We liked this cruise so much we decided to go again in August 2015! We can't wait. We feel a once in a lifetime event which we are doing again.
The only disappointment we had was dining in Venice. We had two evenings out and were not excited about either restaurant. Do you happen to remember the name of the restaurant in Venice you liked? We would like to check it out on our upcoming trip.
Thank-you
John & Victoria:cool:
Leaving from Venice Airport... how to get from water taxi to terminal?
in Europe Disabled Cruising
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They have since updated the entire complex at Marco Polo Airport. We too remember the long walk from the water taxi/bus to the main terminal. You will now find elevators from the water tax/bus docks to a new enclosed section with long "people mover" powered sections to the main airport terminal. These are the same type of "people mover" you would see at most modern airports. I hope this helps.