Baltic Review 07/2005; Recommendations on private guides, ship tours, etc...

[Live the good life]

Just back from the Celebrity Constellation 07/02/05 Scandinavia & Russia cruise (round trip London), visiting Gdansk, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Rostock, Copenhagen, and Oslo. In the process of writing a mini-review to share some tips and our experience at the ports, and will incorporate the answers to your questions in the review. So...ask away!

 

Kim

[lionheart]

welcome back...The scheduled port arrivals/departures did they differ or were they about the same to the actual times. (e.g. Stockholm scheduled for 9:00; actual 8:45)

 

How long did it take you to get off the ships.

 

Thanks,

 

Kurt

[gopackgo]

Kim,

 

I will wait to read your review! Please let us know when it is ready and where to read it! We are leaving on July 30th.

 

Thanks,

Ginny

[Live the good life]

Our cruise was GREAT, memorable, and special. We had perfect weather, sunny and warm with temperatures in the high 70's at every port. We flew in London Heathrow and flew out of Gatwick (American Airlines). We stayed 2 nights pre-cruise at the Ritz London and 1 night pre-cruise at the Churchill in Dover. The locations of the hotels were very convenient. We spent the first day doing sightseeing in London (this was my daughter's first time to London) and the second day visiting Windsor Castle, Eton College, and Hampton Court. My daughter was able to take photos with some school boys who attended Eton and they were in their neat uniforms. We used David Stubbs from http://www.londoncountrytours.co. since he offered a great price, comparable to the larger tours with 30-40 people on it. We were happy with David, who was a licensed tour guide, and informative, acommodating, and professional. We found out later that he also provided transfers to Dover at a very reasonable price (less than 100 British lbs), but we have already booked with Central Executive, which we were also very happy with, since they were also very reliable. In addition, we had also agreed to share the ride to Dover with another family of 4, and londoncountry tours did not have a 16 seater bus available. We highly recommend both companies.

For the ride from Dover to Gatwick airport, we also used Central Executive because they are based in Dover, and very reliable. They did charge our credit card in full about 2 weeks prior to pick up time.

Embarkation started at 11:30 a.m. and took less than 10 minutes. Churchill hotel also had a phone line that directly linked to Central Executive. We therefore used this phone to reserve a van ahead of time to take us from Churchill hotel to the ship (a 3 minutes drive) for 6 British lbs. No advance payment was needed for this ride.

 

Our room was ready at about 12:30 p.m. We were contemplating a PentHouse suite, 2 aft cc cabins (both had aft views), a Celebrity Suite (no aft views)...We got lucky one month prior to the cruise when a FamilyRoom became available. This room gave us both space (2 rooms with a divider) and an aft view, at a better price. We had lunch, unpacked, and had a sailing away party with our cruise critic Roll-Calls cruisers at 05:00. p.m. We also had an official cc party at 10:00 A.M during the first day AT SEA...The formal nights were on Day 2, day 6 (Helsinki), and day 10 (At Sea)...

 

 

To be continued in Part II...

[Steamboatin]

We are taking the same basic cruise in May 06. Our question is that everyday you are basically in a different country with a few exceptions.

 

We will be taking excursions from the vessel.

 

So when in these countries to purchase gifts, clothing, or food than how does one handle cash transactions in these countries if they do not accept our credit card which I may even not wish to use for security reasons?

 

So:

1. Does the vessel sell a currency pack?

2. Do you need to get a small amount exchanged into the country of the day's currency at the Pursor's Office?

3. Is US cash accepted in these countries?

4. Or what does one do?

 

Any and all recommendations please concerning currency transactions in all of these various countries.

[Live the good life]

Part II:

 

We had fun on Sea Days...The food was good in the dining room. Food at the specialty restaurant Ocean Liners was even better...There were a Russian buffet on Night One of St. Petersburg, and a buffet on the Oslo night when we return late....There was also a sushi bar which was opened daily from 06:00 to 10:00 p.m. We really enjoyed the entertainment on this cruise. There was a guitarist Richard Towers who played guitar, and sang songs of the 70's and 80's in the aft bar at sail-aways, and at the Cova cafe. There was also a Quartet playing at the Cova Cafe. We also enjoyed the Onyx band, who played at the pool, and the Rendez Vous Lounge. We went to a few shows at the Celebrity theater. We only went to the Cirque du Soleil lounge one night, but did have fun participating, and dancing with the characters on stage...During the day time, this Bar provided great aft views...The bar started serving alcohol at 04:00 p.m.

My daughter had great fun with another teenager at the Emporium shops (flirting with the sales guys there) and at the Cova Cafe. We only went to Michael's club once, where Perry Grant was playing piano...There was a Russian bazaar day (day at SEA after St. Petersburg at the Emporium, where we were able to buy 50 small Russian dolls for presents...We also bought a beautiful 5 X7 hand painted Papier-Mache Fedoskino Lacquer box with St. Petersburg scenery on the box. This is a good place to buy St. Petersburg souvenirs if you feel you had not bought enough at the port...However, they did not carry music box with Russian romantic music (with the Onion domes 3 dimentional design) something that we should have bought at the port.

 

We also enjoyed the Hot stone massages at the Aqua Spa, which were badly needed during the Sea days after all that walking at the ports...

 

To be continued in Part III...

[Live the good life]

Celebrity did carry all pertinent foreign currency on board with the exception of Russian Rubles and Poland currencies. We exchanged at least 100 dollars for each port ahead of time using our bank in the U.S. (more if we had a private tour guide)..The price was not cheaper than on the ship because there was a 3 to 4 % markup at the bank anyway...We just wanted a peace of mind and did it ahead of time. Most people would exchange about $30-40.00 u.S. dollars for taxis, snacks, drinks, small souvenirs,etc...at ports.

 

Tallinn: We were glad we brought Estonian Kroons with us, the taxis and museums only accepted Estonian Kroons...We also had to exchange more at an American Express office in Estonia to pay for souvenirs and our restaurant meal at Hande Olsa...We also bought Claritin at a pharmacy in Estonia using Kroons...

 

Stockholm: We paid our tour guide, restaurant, and the Royal Palace gift shop using Swedish SEKs...(Our tour guide prefers to be paid in SEK, since she will have to charge a surcharge if we pay in US dollars...)

 

Helsinki: We paid everything using Euros...

 

Poland: We paid our tour guide using our their currencies.. We did not have to pay for anything else. We had a GREAT licensed tour guide Agnes from http://www.toursinpoland.com who paid for everything else for us including cake and coffee and the cafe at the Grand Hotel in Sopot.

 

St. Petersburg: We paid our tour guide Denrus using USD, but everything else in Russian Rubles.

 

Berlin: we paid our tour guide and everything else in Euros...

 

Copenhagen: Their own currencies Kroons were used.

 

Oslo: Euros were used.

 

To be continued in Part IV...

[Live the good life]

With regards to the currency post, the ship bank exchanges money for all pertinent currencies with the exception of Russian Rubles and Estonian Kroons (not Poland currency)...

 

Some vendors accept dollars (in Russia) but at a very bad exchange rate...Large department stores and restaurants accept credit cards if one chooses to use credit cards...We also got money out of an ATM in Copenhagen (the hop on hop off bus there wanted payment in their own currencies...) In Oslo, since we ran out of Euros, we paid the cab driver who spoke perfect English with USD but at a very bad exchange rate (4 to 1 instead of 6 to 1 dollar)...We asked this cab driver ahead of time to make sure he would take USD...

[SaylorGirl]

With regards to the currency post, the ship bank exchanges money for all pertinent currencies with the exception of Russian Rubles and Estonian Kroons (not Poland currency)...

 

Some vendors accept dollars (in Russia) but at a very bad exchange rate...Large department stores and restaurants accept credit cards if one chooses to use credit cards...We also got money out of an ATM in Copenhagen (the hop on hop off bus there wanted payment in their own currencies...) In Oslo, since we ran out of Euros, we paid the cab driver who spoke perfect English with USD but at a very bad exchange rate (4 to 1 instead of 6 to 1 dollar)...We asked this cab driver ahead of time to make sure he would take USD...

 

You were able to purchase the Estonian Kroons before you left at your bank?

I'm enjoying your review!

[gopackgo]

Kim,

 

Your Baltic's cruise reviews are excellent! I love all the details you are passing along. We will be on the Seven Seas Voyager starting August 6th and we have 3 days in London and 3 days in Stockholm before the cruise.

 

Can you tell me more about your tour with London Country tours? Did you use him in London or outside of London? If in London, can you tell me where you went and what you did? I don't have any tour guides scheduled for our days in London, thinking that I know what major sights we want to see and visit. But I am open to ideas about a tour guide for one day.

 

I know you will probably be talking about this, but I am curious as to what excursions you went on.

 

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions and write such helpful reviews!

 

Ginny

[Live the good life]

Ginny,

 

You are welcome...I will finish the rest of my reviews of the Baltic by the end of this week. I love all the ports; my favorite port was St. Petersburg, not just because of the glamour of the palaces, the history, culture, and architecture, but also that we had a great guide (Ilya from Denrus) who has made a difference...You are lucky to have so many days in Stockholm, and perhaps St. Petersburg too? The next time we cruise to the Baltics, we probably would go with a Radisson or similar ships that stop in St. Petersburg for at least 2 nights and 3 days, so we can go to Moscow on one of the days...

 

With regards to London, we were booked with yet another private tour company for p/u from airport and London sightseeing, but he did not show up. Therefore, we did London on our own the first day. We highly recommend David from London Country Tours. We would have been able to cover more in one day with a private guide and car. Also, the price was very reasonable. We should have booked him for both days of sightseeing, since there would also be a 15% discount for booking 2 days versus 1. Besides he was reliable, knowledgeable, and a gentleman.

 

Kim

[Live the good life]

Will not have time to finish the rest of the reviews until this weekend, but these are the contact infos for the exceptional guides we have experienced:

 

St. Petersburg: Ilya from http://www.denrus.ru

 

Gdansk: Agnes from http://www.toursinpoland.com

 

London: David from http://www.londoncountrytours. com

 

Tallinn: Kathrynn Roomet from http://www.estravel.ee

 

Berlin: Klaus from http://www.Berlin-Stadtfuehrung.de

 

Due to a mishap, we were not able to do a tour with Richard Karpen at http://www.copenhagenwalks.com , but this tour was highly enjoyed by other cruisers we talked to.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Kim

[Live the good life]

July 05th, 2005: Gdynia/Gdansk/Sopot (Poland)

 

Constellation arrived on time at approximately 07:00 a.m. and we were able to leave the ship at about 07:45 a.m. What we did was to show up at the gangway even prior to hearing the announcement by the ship’s personnel and asked whether we could leave. We were told that although the announcement had not been made, the ship had been cleared by the local authorities and that we could proceed ashore. We did not know that an original passport was needed for Poland, so went back to our cabin to get them. We met up with our tour guide and driver (Agnes from http://www.toursinpoland.com who were waiting for us at the pier), who arrived in a large van. Since we knew that our ship would only be in port until 01:30 p.m., we opted for a tour of the Tricity (Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia) by car which also includes a visit to OLIWA (instead of a more customized tour of both Tricity and Malbork castle). We booked this tour based on the recommendation of another cruiser on this board (RNJOEL) and very pleased with the outcome…We shared this tour with a cruiser we had met (and her mom), and they said they would highly recommend Agnes to other cruisers as well. In addition, another family (Jakzak) on this message board also used this tour company (different guide though), and felt that this was their favorite experience and hence port! Although we had exchanged currency (1 USD is equal to 3.36 Zlotys) ahead of time for incidentals, we did not have to use it much except for small souvenirs since our guide was paying for admissions to sites, our ice cream, and coffee and pastries… (We did eventually used our Zlotys for small souvenirs bought on the street and gave the remaining Zlotys to the local street artists who were performing in Gdansk).

 

We were first taken to Gdansk, which was about 45 minutes away by car or taxi (a one way taxi ride would have cost about 25 USD). The ride did not seem long at all, as our guide kept us entertained with her narration on the history and culture of Poland. Agnes also shared with us a little bit about her background; that she had lived in the U.S. for 6 years, but had missed her friends in Poland and decided to return to her home town. She was a school teacher during the school year and a guide during the Summer. According to her, the younger people (like herself) were glad that they had been freed from Communism. Also, Gdansk was best known as the birthplace of Solidarity, the movement where workers strived for higher pay and benefits, and whose success was the main force which freed Poland from Communist rule. Our first stop was to visit Oliwa cathedral. This cathedral is distinctive looking with 3 ailes, and had different architectural styles (from the Romanesque oratory to twentieth century elements) throughout the church. The main organ inside the cathedral was Rococo in style and had 110 chords, over 7,000 organ pipes, and a work by a Cisternian monk Michal dating from the 18th century. We were able to listen to the Organ sounds when we were there.

 

We then drove to nearby Gdansk, where we had a walking tour of the Main Town and Old Town. The Main Town was the one with the most historic treasures and best restored. We walked through the Upland Gate which was originally the main entrance to Gdansk during the 16th century. The gate was the entrance to the Royal and the the “Long Street” was the most beautiful street of Gdansk. The houses at Long street were distinctives with their narrow facades topped with gables or parapets. They were very interesting since they were of different architectural styles next to one another. For example there was a Rococo-Classicist Uphagen House close to a Renaissance Ferber house, which was next to a early Baroque Czirenberg House! They were also of all different pretty colors! On this Long Street, there was also a Gothic-Renaissance Main Town Hall that should not be missed. Next to it was a Neptune fountain and Courtyard where many people gathered. Here, one could also find the Royal Houses, again with different architectural styles next to one another. Also, don’t miss the Golden House, the Turtle House, and the Salmon House. On the way to the Green Gate (at the end of the Long street), we also were entertained by plenty of local street artists playing Polish, classical, and romantic melodies…We also had an inside visit of the Church of our Lady, which was the largest old brick church in the world. This church was also famous for its astronomical clock. At noon, the twelve apostles and four evangelists with music playing can be seen, and the Adam and Eve ringing bells above them!

 

We also had a stroll along the River, did some amber and souvenir shopping. In ship recommended stores, one could pay by Euros, USD, or credit cards. Afterwards, we were driven to where the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers were. This was built in 1981 on Solidarity square in front of the gate of the Gdansk shipyard. A large photo of Pope John Paul II was also displayed there.

 

We then headed to Sopot, a seaside town which had a famous long wooden pier. There, we had coffee and pastries at the Grand Hotel, which was oceanfront. According to our guide Agnes, the most famous room was the General’s apartment in which General Charles de Gaulle stayed. We had a very pleasant time here, as the pastries were delicious, and there were good breezes from the ocean…The last destination for the day was Gdynia town, which was about 5 minutes from the port. We did not want to stop there preferring to get back to our ship by 01:00 p.m.

 

In summary, we had a very pleasant and interesting day in Poland. Both of our families felt that blessed to have had Agnes as our tour guide. We felt that we had learned so much about Poland’s history, architecture, and culture from her. We also learned a great deal about their educational system, and how teachers were paid there. She was very candid in her opinions and had a positive outlook on life (despite a tough life there). Our brief experience in Gdansk was enriched and enlightened, and we were glad to have gotten to know Agnes! We also felt that the price of the tour was reasonable at 300 USD for the van and guide. With 5 passengers on board, the price per person was 60 USD, comparable to that charged by the ship for their tours. We gave a 20 % tip (15% to the guide and 5% to the driver)...

 

Feel free to ask away!

 

Other ports: to be continued...

 

Kim

[mikenmar]

Kim,

 

Thank you for your reviews so far, and the information about the tour guides for Estonia. We will be on the Constellation on Aug 13th for 14 days. Our itinerary is a little different than yours, but this has helped. We will be going to Riga (Latvia) and Klaipedia (Lithuania).

 

When you get to review St. Petersburg, tell me if you went to the Gold Room and if it was worth it. We are using RO with a very full itinerary. We will be going to Berlin with Celebrity. I was nervous about getting back to the ship on time, seeing that is was so far away from the port.

 

Marion

[Live the good life]

Kim,

 

Thank you for your reviews so far, and the information about the tour guides for Estonia. We will be on the Constellation on Aug 13th for 14 days. Our itinerary is a little different than yours, but this has helped. We will be going to Riga (Latvia) and Klaipedia (Lithuania).

 

When you get to review St. Petersburg, tell me if you went to the Gold Room and if it was worth it. We are using RO with a very full itinerary. We will be going to Berlin with Celebrity. I was nervous about getting back to the ship on time, seeing that is was so far away from the port.

 

Marion

 

Marion, you are welcome...

 

With regards to Berlin, I can understand the anxiety associated with not getting back to the ship on time...My mother is currently sailing in the Baltics and is using ship tours for the same reason! I actually don't hate ship tours, I think the guides are licensed guides and usually pretty good. Private tours are sometimes more expensive, but sometimes comparable in price and allow more flexibility. For Berlin, I was also very nervous pre-tour, but after the tour, found out that the 2 hour ride each way was traffic-free. The tour guide was also very informative; and the price for each of us was 140 USD plus tip rather than the 299 USD charged by the ship for a tour of Berlin. The cost for the van/guide was 650 euros, and there were 6 of us (plus a child)...We got back to the ship at 07:00 p.m. after having also visited Rostock for 45 minutes...The ship did not sail until 09:30 p.m.

 

With regards to St. Petersburg, I think both RO and Denrus are good and reliable companies, and whether one has a good experience depends on the quality/attitude of the guide. That is why I always list the name of the guide. Basically, I am recommending the guide himself/herself more so than the company, and always try to ask for a specific guide recommended on this board by other members! I have been corresponding with Ilya for 10 months, requested him to be our guide, and pleasantly surprised to have gotten him! With regards to the Gold room, we did not make a reservation but others using Denrus did, and said it was definitely worth it! Oh well...that would be my incentive for going back to St. Petersburg and to also visit Moscow in the near future...I hope you will enjoy St. Petersburg and every port as I have!

 

Any further questions, ask away!

 

Kim

[Live the good life]

Just checked the world time to see whether it would be a good time to reach my mother...

It is currently 09:00 a.m. (July 26th) in St. Petersburg and she is currently already in port for her first day of touring of St. Petersburg!

Hopefully there would be good weather, as she also plans to do the White Nights' River Cruise with Concert in the evening...

[jakzak]

Kim,

 

I agree ToursinPoland was a great company. The guides were at the pier upon arrival and spoke very good english. Our guide Anna was very helpful and knowledgable. Our favorite city was Sopot. We had pieorgis at a local restaurant in Sopot and then walked to the pier and enjoyed the view. I only wish we could have brought bathing suits. Keep up the good work on the review you are doing great. Please tell Cyrstal that Jaki says hello.

 

Alan

[Live the good life]

Thanks Alan! I feel good writing the review since it not only might be helpful to cruisers of the 2006 season but also to put a closure to our experience. We have taken thousands of digital photos and have yet to sort them out...Our daughter is very glad to have spent time with Jaki and looks forward to other cruise experiences and meeting more teenagers...

 

I just got back from a conference in Las Vegas... It was part business/part pleasure; extended the stay by 2 nights so that my family could join me for the weekend...We always have fun in Vegas. To us, it is like a mini-cruise with lots of entertainment, gourmet food, slot machines, fountains, and European decor at the Venetian, Paris, and Bellagio!

 

Take care,

 

Kim

[Live the good life]

Alan,

 

I just read your 2nd and "final goodbuy to a board which was a first stop everyday on the net"...posted on our July 02nd Constellation Roll-Call. Just want to let you know that your family is so well-liked by everybody we have talked to!!! Your family is very special and fun to be around...

 

I think everyone is just busy with his or her life...Glad I still have this thread going and have a chance to reminisnice on a very memorable cruise! Had a chance to look at some of the digital photos from the trip last night...They turned out beautiful, and some of which had photos of both of our families "in action"... So glad to have taken so many!

 

Kim

 

P.S. To other July 02nd Constellation cruisers: feel free to chime in and share your thoughts and experience when your have a moment...

[Scott Cyn]

Wow, please don't stop! I'm on the Connie next June and I've been reading your review and taking notes. I hope the silence for the last few days doesn't indicate you have stopped. Pray continue!

 

Scott

[sunprincess]

Kim,

 

Thanks for your reviews. Days away now for me ;)

[Live the good life]

Wow, please don't stop! I'm on the Connie next June and I've been reading your review and taking notes. I hope the silence for the last few days doesn't indicate you have stopped. Pray continue!

 

Scott

 

Hi Scott,

 

Thanks for your kind words...I plan to continue with a detailed review of our trip. I strongly feel that a good research and prior communications with other cruisers on the Roll-Call (s) and Baltic port of call boards can really enhance one's cruising experience!

 

Last year when I returned from my Med cruise, I only offered to answer questions to other cruisers about the Mediterannean experience, but did not do a detailed review. This year, since I already have written notes on my daily activities during our Baltic cruise, I plan to type them up, include the invaluable narration/thoughts shared by our excellent tour guides, and include my own thoughts/feelings about the similarities and differences between these different ports...My mother has just returned from her Baltic cruise as well...Although both of us knew that we would want to go on a Med cruise again in a heartbeat, we are now surprised that we both would like to return to the Baltic ports as well! The "must" ports for us would be Stockholm, Copenhagen, St. Petersburg.. In addition, we would like a 2 night minimum in St. Petersburg so we could fly to Moscow for the day (Oceania and Radisson offer a 2 night minimum in St. Petersburg)...Another possibility would be a land/flight trip...

 

We felt unfulfilled in Copenhagen and Stockholm; yet they are such beautiful cities, and would like to return for a better experience...We used the Hop on Hop off bus in Copenhagen, but the audio was not very clear. However, Tivoli and the canal ride were nice, and the day was pleasant...During our next trip to Copenhagen, we would like to have an inside visit of the Rosenborg and more time just to hang out at the Nyhavn cafes...

 

With regards to Berlin and Rostock, we are glad to have visited them, as it was our first time to East Germany. We would actually enjoy coming back to any Baltic port, just as any Mediterannean port... (Tallinn was very charming and we had a great guide...)

 

We were glad to have selected the Constellation...You all will have a great year to plan and a fantastic cruise!

 

Kim

[Live the good life]

Kim,

 

Thanks for your reviews. Days away now for me ;)

 

Sunprincess, have a great cruise (I did when I was on the Caribbean Princess)...Lots of interactive entertainment and fun...Besides, July and August are great times of the year to be on the Baltics...Hope you will bring lots of sunshine as we did!

 

Kim

[soraya]

Hi, We were arranging a trip to St P using Ilya at DenRus. A few weeks ago, I got an email from Natalie at DenRus saying that Ilya no longer works for them and could I tell her what arrangements had been made. The first thing she did was send the itinerary back saying the price had doubled because it was a private and not standard tour. I mentioned that I really only wanted to pay what had originally been agreed. Eventually, she agreed to this. I would have gone somewhere else, but we leave for our cruise in less than a fortnight.

 

This isn't what I expected from DenRus from what I've read on the boards. It also seems odd that you got Ilya as a guide after I'd been told he'd left. There may be more than one, but I liked the Ilya we were arranging our tours with as he was very knowledgable and helpful. I'm not sure what's going on, but I hope our tour goes smoothly.

 

Soraya

[km6xz]

Hi, We were arranging a trip to St P using Ilya at DenRus. A few weeks ago, I got an email from Natalie at DenRus saying that Ilya no longer works for them and could I tell her what arrangements had been made. The first thing she did was send the itinerary back saying the price had doubled because it was a private and not standard tour. I mentioned that I really only wanted to pay what had originally been agreed. Eventually, she agreed to this. I would have gone somewhere else, but we leave for our cruise in less than a fortnight.

 

This isn't what I expected from DenRus from what I've read on the boards. It also seems odd that you got Ilya as a guide after I'd been told he'd left. There may be more than one, but I liked the Ilya we were arranging our tours with as he was very knowledgable and helpful. I'm not sure what's going on, but I hope our tour goes smoothly.

 

Soraya

I think there is a misunderstanding somewhere. I've had lots of private emails after our visit with several of the staff including Ilya. He did stop being a liason person answering email questions so he is not in their office but he is still a DenRus guide and has a bus schedule. I think doing both was too much.

 

You could not work with a better group of people or find better prices, I know because I checked out all the companies before selecting a tour company. For us, going on a cruise is a rare treat and we wanted the most for our limited vacation dollars.

 

As far as prices I don't know what you wanted to see that might have effected the price but they told me about some new program that started after we visited that lowered the price a lot for fixed itinerary tours. You should write to Olga in the office and ask her because she is the one who seems to know everything. The tour we took was very customized for us but the new price for a similar 2 day tour fixed itinerary tour was about 1/2 if I remember correctly. You can check the web site to see if there is any mention of it.

 

Jan