Calypso 7th September.

[tart6000]

Hi all,can anyone give me some info on Constanta and Sevastopol.Would I be able to spend euros or should I get the local currency.Thanks in advance,Jamie.

[jenny wren]

It may be that you can use Euros or Dollars if you have some.......we used Euros in Bulgaria but asked first. We actually did ships trips in Constanta and Sevastopol so didn't need any cash really....perhaps someone else who did their own thing will be able to help you.I'm sure you will enjoy the Calypso, we did and are sorry to see her retiring!

[kate52]

Hi- we took ship tours in Constanta (went there twice!) so didn't actually go into town. The second tour was just a beach transfer, and we changed some money at a bureau de change there. We heard some places took euros, but not all. The destinations team on the ship will be able to give you the best advice depending where you are going and what your plans are. They really are very helpful, not just there to push the ship's tours.

DO go to the panorama museum in Sevastopol- it's really good. The guides in there don't seem to speak English, so I really recommend the ship tour for this stop. There are several money change kiosks right by the dock, but we struggled to spend our money here.

kate

[Alsacienne]

Our itinerary - Crimean Discoveries B - did not call at Constanta, but we did call at Sevastopol. I strongly recommend the ship's excursion to Balaclava and to the Panorama Museum - they could really not have been done any other way and the guiding was excellent.

 

We were due to return to the ship for lunch after this tour, but decided to 'jump ship' for the afternoon and asked the driver and guide to drop us at the top of the main street on the way back - at the roundabout near McDonalds (yes there's one in Sevastopol too!!!!).

 

We had planned to visit a typical Ukrainian restaurant and wander past the shops back to the ship and had a wonderful meal of brain fritters, kasha (buckwheat) large lump of pork and beef stroganoff, excellent red wine (Inkerman brand) and coffee. We paid by going to a cash point and changed back what we didn't use (after buying some wine and chocolates) at a local change booth on the main street. Nothing sinister, but we did need to show our passports. Definitely worth looking at shops .......... you tend to pay for your purchases, then collect your goods. The Ukrainian receptionist was in 7th heaven with her 'home' chocs, and they made good presents for our friends too. Nearly everything is in Cyrillic script, so some guess work is needed - quite amusing - to choose your meal!! Few folk speak English, so it's really like travelling used to be, without English spoken everywhere and chips with everything!! Recommended.

 

Do enjoy your cruise - we had a wonderful time and will miss the Calypso and her enchanting and efficient staff. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need more info. ATB.