Do you need advice about Stockholm?

[Al_Frescoe]

The Vasa Museum opens at 8:30 AM June through August daily. UACruiser, will the Stockholm part of your late May cruise be in June?

 

Yup, that sounds about right. I really need to go back and visit again, I have not been there in 7 or 8 years.

 

Al

[CintiPam]

Yup, that sounds about right. I really need to go back and visit again, I have not been there in 7 or 8 years.

 

Al

 

I will be returning for my second visit to Stockholm in June for four full days at the end of our Baltic cruise. My trip three years ago was a land trip with my sister, but this visit is with my husband, his first to Scandinavia. As the holder of the title Mr. Military History in our family, and as an avid reader of the fat non-fiction history and military books while I read the bodice-rippers except for my book club literature, he intends to spend some lovely time at the Vasa Museum. (I still remember that our one day in Portsmouth at the Naval Museum there was not enough for him.):)

Edited January 4, 2011 by CintiPam

[agelessgram]

Hi - I saw your post on Swedish currency being SEK but will they take US $$ or Euros??

 

Thanks so much

[Giantfan13]

Hi - I saw your post on Swedish currency being SEK but will they take US $$ or Euros??

 

Thanks so much

 

Almost every country will accept Euros or US Dollars, but in the final say, it is up to the place you are trying to use them. That said, it is nice to have the currency of the country you will be visiting, and it makes it so much easier to buy things. Plus, if you do use US Dollars or euros, more than likely you will get Swedish Krona's back in return and get the worst possible exchange rate to boot. If you have to, charge most things.

 

Cheers

 

Len

[Al_Frescoe]

I will be returning for my second visit to Stockholm in June for four full days at the end of our Baltic cruise. My trip three years ago was a land trip with my sister, but this visit is with my husband, his first to Scandinavia. As the holder of the title Mr. Military History in our family, and as an avid reader of the fat non-fiction history and military books while I read the bodice-rippers except for my book club literature, he intends to spend some lovely time at the Vasa Museum. (I still remember that our one day in Portsmouth at the Naval Museum there was not enough for him.):)

 

Hi,

 

Since your husband is interested in military history perhaps he would like to visit the Swedish Army Museum (Armémuseum)? I don't recall anyone mentioning this in the past. It is well worth a visit, in my opinion. You can find out more at their site:

 

Swedish Army Museum

 

Enjoy your visit.

 

Al

[TLCOhio]

Almost every country will accept Euros or US Dollars, but in the final say, it is up to the place you are trying to use them. That said, it is nice to have the currency of the country you will be visiting, and it makes it so much easier to buy things. Plus, if you do use US Dollars or euros, more than likely you will get Swedish Krona's back in return and get the worst possible exchange rate to boot. If you have to, charge most things. Cheers. Len

 

We did find some shops in the Old Town area of Stockholm that also had their prices in euros. It was an "about right" conversion rate. Agree strongly with Len that charging is generally the best and easier manner to do things. Folks will always, kind of, take your dollars, but they will hit you hard on that exchange rate and/or bother you with coins that become a pain to mess with and handle.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 28,900 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[oceanbabe]

Thank u acjb: From our ship, the emerald, can we walk to the IceBar? Can we walk to other sites from there? Please let me know how to see the IceBar and also other sites? If cant walk, how do we do this? Is there a cost or reservation needed for the Ice Bar? Thanks so much, Elaine

[Al_Frescoe]

Thank u acjb: From our ship, the emerald, can we walk to the IceBar? Can we walk to other sites from there? Please let me know how to see the IceBar and also other sites? If cant walk, how do we do this? Is there a cost or reservation needed for the Ice Bar? Thanks so much, Elaine

 

 

:eek: my head just exploded!

[Giantfan13]

:D:D:D:D:D:D

 

Elaine

 

Those of us who post here, trying to help others who are thinking of going to the Baltics, or who have already booked a cruise, always say that you should ask questions. Even silly questions are valuable. If you are not sure of something and want to see if something like that has been covered already, do a SEARCH for a particular thing and you will find that it usually will have been covered already.

 

As for your questions. Depending on where your ship docks, how capable you are of walking (physically) weather outside and length of time in Stockholm, these are all things that need to be considered before some one can answer that question. If you are in good shape and can walk a couple of miles rather briskly, you can maneuver around Stockholm without any public transportation. Things are not close together, but they aren't miles apart either. Most people's time in Stockholm is short, so most opt for public transportation to get them from place to place as quickly as possible. Like a walk from the Vasa Museum to Gamla Stan is about a 20-25 minute brisk walk. On a HoHo boat or bus it would take 1/2 that and you won't be as tired.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Len

[TLCOhio]

Depending on where your ship docks, how capable you are of walking (physically) weather outside and length of time in Stockholm, these are all things that need to be considered before some one can answer that question. If you are in good shape and can walk a couple of miles rather briskly, you can maneuver around Stockholm without any public transportation. Things are not close together, but they aren't miles apart either. Most people's time in Stockholm is short, so most opt for public transportation to get them from place to place as quickly as possible. Like a walk from the Vasa Museum to Gamla Stan is about a 20-25 minute brisk walk. On a HoHo boat or bus it would take 1/2 that and you won't be as tired. Hope this helps. Cheers. Len [/size][/font]

 

Len makes some excellent points about using the SEARCH FUNCTION on these boards, the value of your limited time in Stockholm, etc. Let me give a couple other "angles" or aspects to consider. Doing it yourself is great, but TIME IS MONEY!!! Sometimes the use of a cab or tour (ship or private) can give you a good overview, speed your logistics, allow some resting of your feet and brain, etc. Given all that you are spending for your cruise and air flights, don't pinch pennies too much that you miss some of the greatness in a charming and historic city such as Stockholm. To appreciate fully Stockholm, you need to know what you are seeing and why it's important. In some cases that takes advance research and/or a tour guide to help explain these aspects, answer your questions, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 29,000 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[CintiPam]

Hi,

 

Since your husband is interested in military history perhaps he would like to visit the Swedish Army Museum (Armémuseum)? I don't recall anyone mentioning this in the past. It is well worth a visit, in my opinion. You can find out more at their site:

 

Swedish Army Museum

 

Enjoy your visit.

 

Al

 

Thanks, Al, I think; he's the military history person, not me, but I have disclosed this suggestion to him and copied the link, so I have written my own doom and promise not lay any blame on you!:)

 

Pam

[Al_Frescoe]

Thanks, Al, I think; he's the military history person, not me, but I have disclosed this suggestion to him and copied the link, so I have written my own doom and promise not lay any blame on you!:)

 

Pam

 

Well Pam, just across the street from the military museum there is the Stockholm Music and Theater museum. Perhaps you and you husband could split up for an hour or so and meet afterward.

 

Al

[time4me2fly]

oceanbabe - If you type in "ice bar" in the search bar of this thread, you will find posts containing info on it. Such as:

 

Just got back from our Scandinavia cruise. The info I got on this post from Al and Ultima, especially about the taxis and what to see in Stockholm, was so helpful. We ended up taking taxis everywhere because of our limited amount of time there, and I was amazed at how many of the "black" taxis were around. They didn't like it too much when we bypassed them for one of the reputable companies!!

 

And everyone out there, listen to Al regarding the Ice Bar!! It is indeed just a tourist trap and not worth your time or money!! Fun for about the first...30 seconds. After that, you pretty much just want to get the heck out of there. The pictures we took weren't even that great, thanks to the huge parkas, hoods, and gloves you have to wear!!:p

 

This thread is a great source of information, and we sure appreciated all the help.

 

Tami

 

And -

 

Tami,

 

Just want to thank you very much for coming back and reporting on your experiences. So, glad the taxi tutorial proved helpful.

 

Regarding the Ice Bar, I thank you for coming back with an honest opinion on that. I have been accused of being too hard on the Ice Bar, and frankly, hardly anyone ever comes back and says how wonderful it was or how "totally worth the money" the experience was for them.

 

I'm glad you had a good time and thanks again for coming back.

 

Al

[Got2Cruise]

I just searched "ice bar", and there are several positive reviews also. To each his own.:)

[Ultima Thule]

A question to the Swedes here (north-bound , Al etc)

 

When I last visited Stockholm ( a month ago) I received my 24h travel card in the form of the new reloadable SL Access card that I understand in the future will replace all other ticket types in Stockholm.

Now I read that, as most people have asked for new cards again and again instead of taking the trouble to reload their old ones, it has been decided that from 1 January 2011 the SL Access cards will cost 20 kr.

Does it mean that from now on tourists will have to pay an additional 20 kr for a total of 120 kr for a tourist card they probably will never use again?

Edited January 19, 2011 by Ultima Thule

[acjb]

A question to the Swedes here (north-bound , Al etc)

 

When I last visited Stockholm ( a month ago) I received my 24h travel card in the form of the new reloadable SL Access card that I understand in the future will replace all other ticket types in Stockholm.

Now I read that, as most people have asked for new cards again and again instead of taking the trouble to reload their old ones, it has been decided that from 1 January 2011 the SL Access cards will cost 20 kr.

Does it mean that from now on tourists will have to pay an additional 20 kr for a total of 120 kr for a tourist card they probably will never use again?

 

Yes, from this year you have to pay 20 SEK extra for the Access card.

[KerbyTex]

Our ship, NCL Sun, comes into Nynashamn and we plan to go to Skansen. We were going to get teh Stockholm Card, but it is not mailed out and you have to pick it up at the Visitor Center across from the Central Station. Since we could not use it for the trip in (even though it is covered in the cost) it would not be worth the cost for a 24 hour visit. So our next choice is getting the 24 hour visitor card that covers public transportation. Are those tickets purchased through a kiosk, or do we need to purchase it from station staff since it would be the first time use? Also, can you advise as to which American credit cards could be used at the station or kiosk? I am trying to plan for how many Kronors to take. Thanks

[dogs4fun]

Hi Al,

 

Thanks so much for all of your advice thus far.

 

We are thinking that we would really love to see the Royal Armoury and the treasury (crown jewels?). What is your honest assessment of the armoury and treasury?

 

Many thanks,

jill

[acjb]

Our ship, NCL Sun, comes into Nynashamn and we plan to go to Skansen. We were going to get teh Stockholm Card, but it is not mailed out and you have to pick it up at the Visitor Center across from the Central Station. Since we could not use it for the trip in (even though it is covered in the cost) it would not be worth the cost for a 24 hour visit. So our next choice is getting the 24 hour visitor card that covers public transportation. Are those tickets purchased through a kiosk, or do we need to purchase it from station staff since it would be the first time use? Also, can you advise as to which American credit cards could be used at the station or kiosk? I am trying to plan for how many Kronors to take. Thanks

 

You can buy a 24 hours card for the public transportation for 120 SEK (about 19-20 dollars). A lot of shops in Sweden accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express etc but in a small local Station Kiosk in Nynäshamn, I can´t promise that they accept credit cards at all. In that way you can find ATM machines somewhere in Nynäshamn.

[carjo]

We are a family of 4 arriving by cruise ship and want a quick way to get from Frihamnen to the Vasa Museum early in the morning. Is a taxi a good option? If we went by public transit, what would be the best way?

[carjo]

We are a family of 4 arriving by cruise ship and want a quick way to get from Frihamnen to the Vasa Museum early in the morning. Is a taxi a good option? If we went by public transit, what would be the best way?

 

 

 

 

I live in Stockholm and love all the cruiseships that are comming here all the summer.

 

Do you need any information about the town or transportation, just ask and I will try to answer....

[TLCOhio]

We are a family of 4 arriving by cruise ship and want a quick way to get from Frihamnen to the Vasa Museum early in the morning. Is a taxi a good option? If we went by public transit, what would be the best way?

 

If you're looking for BOTH "quick" and to work well with a family of four, I would agree that a cab would be an excellent option to the Vasa Museum. There is so much to see and do in Stockholm, with very limited time, that I believe a cab would be more time efficient. Most of the cabs in Stockholm take credit cards. Below is some info on the very interesting Vasa and some of my visual samples from that great location.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 38,170 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

At the Vasa Museum with this large salvaged ship from the 1600’s. This is their website: http://vasamuseet.se/en/ Taking almost two years (1626-1627) to build Vasa, carpenters, sawyers, smiths, ropelayers, sailmakers, painters, carvers, gun carriage makers and other specialists struggled to complete the navy’s great, new ship. The king, Gustav II Adolf, visited the shipyard to inspect the work. With a hull built of more than a thousand oak trees with 64 cannon, masts over 50 meters high and hundreds of painted and gilded sculptures, this was a spectacular ship. BUT, it was too heavy and sunk sailing out from the harbor.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[north-bound]

We are a family of 4 arriving by cruise ship and want a quick way to get from Frihamnen to the Vasa Museum early in the morning. Is a taxi a good option? If we went by public transit, what would be the best way?

A taxi would be the quickest way, it is only a short drive from Frihamnen to the Vasa Museum. The alternative would be bus 76 from Frihamnen to Djurgårdsbron, from where there is a short walk to Vasa. Bus 76 runs frequently Monday to Friday and with less frequency on Saturdays. But not at all on Sundays.

 

Here is a link to a map where you can see the route for bus 76: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=200939608343314501629.000448dadb8bebb56f079&ll=59.338048,18.104525&spn=0.024512,0.058193&t=h&z=14

 

If you decide to take the bus it is necessary to buy tickets before entering a bus in Stockholm. Tickets can be bought at the tourist info and shop at the quay where your ship docks.

Edited April 20, 2011 by north-bound

[carjo]

Thank you for your help. After the Vasa Museum we want to go to the Gamla Stan. What would be the best way to go from the Vasa to the Gamla Stan?

[In Retirement]

Greetings!

We arrive at Stadsgarden 167 Tuesday 7 June 2011 at 10:00 and depart at 17:00, so at best we have 6 hours to see this lovely city. Both the location of berth and the apparent fact that we are the only cruise ship in town this day are to our benefit? My problems relate to what appears to be tourist business ambivalence towards tourists and to the fact that I don't have a really good map of the city for this 6-hour experience. Two questions:

 

(1) Apparently two companies provide HOHO boat service to Stadsgarden 167 -- both have their own unique "characteristics": The one with large tourism-promotion through web sites and blogs (Ralph Grizzle?) is "Stromma." There unique approach is to sell you directly a one-day pass for 100 SEK (about $18) but either only online (like before you fly to Europe and then you can hope the berth isn't changed due to poor weather) or you pay 40 SEK for each of a minimum of three travel segments (Stadsgarden-Vasa; Vasa-Palace; Palace-Stadsgarden). When you ask them, they say the one-day pass is purchased at the Nyproblan office. Obviously if you make it to their office, you don't need the ticket! The alternative company is Rederi Malaren. Apparently you can buy a 1-day 100 SEK ticket at the boat. BUT this tourism service neither posts a useful website (need to translate) and in no way can tell how/what options are available for purchase. I've written them twice in the last week and they don't respond to emails. Two great assists: what would you do? Anyone willing to call Rederi Malaren and determine if they will either take credit card or euros at the boat? Considering schedule/ports services and number of boats in service that day, which company wins out or what are the issues I don't see? If I now buy ticket online (perhaps missing some of the plunging value of the USD) what happens if the ship does not go to Stadsgarden?

 

(2) Although we now have a Vasa/Gamla Stan minimal plan, it would be great to have another option for good weather or rain. Had thought of Nordiska museet if weather is poor, or Skansen for a lovely day. However, we really like the pictures we have seen of Millesgarden, but for the life of me cannot obtain a clear picture of its location. People either say it is across the water from Niyhaven (not anywhere we can get to), others say that it is 20 minutes from Stadsgarden. Who is correct? Should I consider Millesgarden only for a real 3-4 day visit to Stockholm?

 

Am really hopping for definitive information from unbiased locals!

Much thanks,

DJ:)

balticports@yahoo.com