Scandinavian cruise notes

[travelgrandpa]

Just returned from Jewel of the Seas 12 day cruise. Fabulous experience. Good food choices. No trans fats. Most dishes had little salt-no bloating. Agree about the post of no lobster which surprised us. Service was excellent. Bring your own tea if you like herbal or green as they ran out after a few days. HOHO buses do stop at cruise docks at ports so you can get them there and eliminate the shuttle into town if you wish. Our group of 6 used Denrus Tours in St. Petersburg and had a very positive experience. Representative met us as scheduled and accommodated all our requests plus. The small group experience allowed us to see a lot in 2 days and make changes when necessary. If possible, would definitely recommend small group. If you use Denrus, ask for a guide Dina-she is fabulous-knowledgeable in politics, culture, social-a real genius and fun to boot. For transportation from Heathrow to London hotel and hotel to Harwich used info@minicab2airport.com . Excellent driver and service. Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel in London was best I have experienced in London ever (5th trip). Would recommend them highly. Tips from cruise critic/trip advisor posts are invaluable. Thanks to everyone who helped with our trip and a bon voyage to everyone going.

[pattyj 1204]

Thanks for sharing. Glad that you had a good time on your cruise.

[scrapycruiser]

Travelgrandpa...Thanks for your report ! We will be on the Jewel 8/27/08 !

 

Did you hear of anyone going on the Imperial Evening Tour to Catherine's Palace ?

 

In St Petersburg were you able to get off the ship early ? Any problems from the ship's crew ?

 

Did you hear of anyone going on RCI's tour to Porvoo ?

 

Were the seas calm or rough ?

 

THANKS !

[WhenIsOurNextCruise]

Travelgrandpa...Thanks for your report ! We will be on the Jewel 8/27/08 !

 

Did you hear of anyone going on the Imperial Evening Tour to Catherine's Palace ?

 

In St Petersburg were you able to get off the ship early ? Any problems from the ship's crew ?

 

Did you hear of anyone going on RCI's tour to Porvoo ?

 

Were the seas calm or rough ?

 

THANKS !

 

I was on the same cruise and the seas were so calm you had to look outside to see if we were moving. Great weather every single day except Copenhagen where it was windy, cold and wet. I didn't know anyone who went to Parvoo or the Imperial evening tour. Following is my version of what happened trying to get off in St. Petersburg....

 

Up early at 5:15 am to navigate the process of getting off for our private tour with Alla. Quick breakfast and then down to deck 3 aft where it was chaotic. People on RCCL tours were meeting in rooms and being led off, but all the independent tour guests were packed on the stairs. The RCCL people were getting a little frustrated and threatening to call security for the people who did not cooperate. RCCL was trying to get the people off the ship who were on the flight to Moscow because they have a plane to catch. As soon as they were off, we were all allowed to leave. At the terminal there are two doors. One for RCCL tours and one for independent tours. Once inside the building, there are 5 kiosks with Russian immigration officers – 4 for RCCL tours and 1 for independent guests. So, we all stood in line for a longer time than all the tours getting off with and after us – but it really wasn’t too bad. Outside, we found the Alla group (DenRus and Red October guides were all there too)

[travelgrandpa]

As previously stated, the seas were so calm, we hardly knew we were moving at times but we were prepared for rough seas anyway. Did not know anyone who did the tours you mentioned. We met Denrus guide around 7:30 a.m. and had no problem getting off. Did have to stand in line longer because of the one line designated to independent tours but that only happened on the first day. The second day, we were moved to the shore excursion lines when our line became too long. Fewere problems than anticipated. Enjoy your journey, wish we could be back with you.