Considering Oceania

[peribit]

We are considering of taking our first Oceania cruise to the Baltics next summer. The ports are Ronne, Warnemunde, Gdansk, Visby, Riga, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki. Some of the previous threads indicate that Oceania does not always provide shuttles to town. Does anyone know if there are shuttles in these ports? Also, does Oceania provide port guides or maps for each port? Any information will be appreciated.

[joan24]

We were docked in the center of St Petersburg and Helsinki and didn't need shuttles. There are several posts on shuttles provided or not provided. Just do a search on this board. We always had local tourist board people come on board with maps and information. That's a wonderful cruise and I hope you really enjoy it.

Joan

[LHT28]

They do have maps & points of interest sheets that they give out the night before the port

Their is usually a tourist person that come on in the morning but those that did not do any research are lined up to get information & it can take time to get & then get ashore

Your best bet is to do you research BEFORE you leave for the cruise

 

We usually do private tour & arrange guide or taxis with others on the ship ..check the roll call for the cruise you are booked on to meet up with your fellow passengers

 

Enjoy the cruise

Lyn

[jaga04]

We went on a cruise with a similar itinerary. In Warnemunde and Helsinki, we docked within walking distance of town. No shuttles in Tallin or Gdansk. We shared a taxi with another couple into Tallin, and though I don't remember the cost, my memory is that it was fairly reasonable. We walked to a train which we took into Gdansk; the walk to the train wasn't long, but the guide on the ship didn't give quite clear enough directions, so we experienced a bit of uncertainty along the way. There were also taxis available. In St. Petersburg we docked on the outskirts of the city, but unless you have your own visa, you will be picked up at the ship whether you do O excursions or private tours. Overall, it was an amazing trip---both on the ship and in the ports!

[peribit]

Thanks for the useful info. Does anyone have any suggestion of the best webside to do research on the ports?

[skurvish]

This one, there is a very good ports of call section. Also tripadvisor.com (a sister site to this one)

[LHT28]

Thanks for the useful info. Does anyone have any suggestion of the best webside to do research on the ports?

I agree check out the ports of call forums here

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

 

Also search for the Tourism boards for each port

 

Lyn

[wripro]

I would count on not having a shuttle in any port and make your own arrangements. If there should be one, all the better.

[aohkay]

Definitely give Oceania a try...you will LOVE it!