Baltic cruise trip report. Hello percy :-)
Jun 25th, 2007, 11:53 AM
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Baltic cruise trip report. Hello percy :-)
Hi guys:
Lets begin with a review of the ship, then the ports. First of all we chose to cab it from the airport in Copenhagen to pier one, where the Star was. Princess charges 40.00 pp or $120.00 for the three of us. The cab was about $55.00 so do the math. Easy choice. The embarkation process was pretty easy really. We got to the ship by around 1300 and were in our cabin by 1325 at the latest. Our luggage arrived in a timely manner as well.
I must say my previous experience with Princess was on the gorgeous sapphire Princess and the Tahatian. Both, especially the latter usually get higher marks. The Star is a very nice ship but it is a notch below the Sapphire and Tahatian to be sure, both in terms of service and food. Not to say its bad. Its not! but the other two are better.
The ship overall is very clean and well appointed. I give high marks for hygiene. Hand sanitizers are everywhere along with employees to dispense B4 you go into any restaurant. In many cases there are employees in the buffet area to actually dispense the food for you. Bravo! The lounges and public areas are neat and clean. We in particular liked the Skywalker lounge on the 17th deck aft. There was a great view of the wake and at night, being in the land of the midnight sun you could almost see day ending and night beginning. Also it was never crowded when we were there so you had that view pratically all to yourself.
The service was very good though I must say the Tahitian was better. I had one encounter with an unbelievably rude person from the casino staff and reported her. Princess assured me the matter would be addressed and I believe them They take this sort of issue very seriously. Our cabin attendant Jirasak from Thailand was a sheer delight. He always smiled and our cabin was spotless. Overall the service was very good, not great.
The food was very good too. I must say yet again I was spoiled by the Tahatian last yr. but that does not demean the Star in any way. Also I must give top praise to the Star for meeting our groups special requests. There were 5 in our group and three of them requested Indian food every night. The chef far exceeded our expectations. The food was expertly prepared and plentiful. In addition the Maitre de Franco made sure to facilitate this request. However unlike the Sapphire there were no anytime dining restaurants. You could go to the Horizon for buffet. We did use Sabatinis once and for those of you who are familiar with it its a treat to be sure, easily worth the $20.00 pp surcharge.
The shows overall were very good as well. There was some fellow, Mac Frampton who played piano so well I could not believe it. Also they timed the shows very well. That is after the show finished other shows were scheduled to begin in the lounges so it was pretty easy to go from one to another.
We were invited to the Capt. Circle party and found out Princess is building a new ship, the Ruby and its a sister ship of the new Emerald. In addition they purchased another ship form the defunct Renaissance line ala the Tahatian and are in process of refitting her for service.
Disembarkation was breeze but for a good reason. we were the second group off the boat at 0530 (right on time as promised). We had an 0825 flight and I was a bit concerened about getting a cab that early but there was one right there at the pier and we got to the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Our first stop was Stockholm. except for St. Petersburg we did the town on our own so to speak. Prior to leaving we determined what we wanted to see in each port. In Stockholm it was the Vasa museum, Gamla Stan and the famous ice bar. well two out of three ain't bad, at least according to Meat Loaf.
That is the ice bar, which is a bar set at around 30F and has glasses made of what else, ice did not open till 1550. Too late for us. we did go see the Vasa which is a ship bulit to be the pride of the Swedish navy that sunk minutes into maiden voyage in the harbor and stayed there until it was lifted up in the 1960's. Overall in was under water for 333 yrs! It capsized due to a poor design. It was top heavy with too little ballast in the keel, sort of like Dolly Parton. LOL! It took about 2 yrs. to actually raise her and though she is now on display it is not yet finished. They paln to repaint her to the original colors once research is completed to discover the paint scheme. The Vasa is truely a wonder to see not for its sea worthiness but for its splendour and for the amazing engineering it took to lift her off the sea bottom and the still in process restoration.
From the Vasa we strolled to a water ferry nearby and went to Gamla Stan, the old town. This is what I luv about Europe, i.e. old towns with winding cobblestone roads full of shops, side walk cafes and people. We meandered about and found an Indian fabric store. The sales lady was Indian and my wife and our Indian friends had a delightful time chatting with her. we also bought some souvenirs, had the best apple strudel in my life with good, rich European style coffee to accompany it then decided it was time to return to the ship. Cabs were easy to get, they all take CC's and in Stockholm English is readily spoken.
The next day we were in Helsinki. Unfortunately out time was limited due to the weather. It was quite chilly and rained all day. We did manage to see the church carved from granite, did some shopping at Stockmanns, the largest dept. store in Europe (prices are very high but its just that way everywhere in Europe) and did some limited shopping at the market in Town Square. We did get some fruit but the weather got the best of us so we headed back. Dollars are not accepted in the market so if you want to shop there you will have to exchange for Euros.
The next day was the highlight stop, St Petersburg, Russia. Oh my God! What a place. we decided to book the grand tour. two full days, with Princess. Day one began early, at 0715. Well there was a Russian band on the pier and they began playing, of all things New York, New York. Kinda weird but thats what makes traveling so interesting. Later that day we were in a park. There was a band there too and when they saw us getting off the bus you won't believe what they played. It was "Anchors away" the US navy song. Go figure.
St. Petersburg is simply amazing. we saw in those two days spledour beyond belief. Our stops included Peterhoff palace, the Yusupov Palace, St. Isaacs Cathedral, the Church of the spilled blood which was built around the spot where Czar Alexander was murdered, the unbelievable hermitage art museum, a canal ride and the Peter and Paul cathedral when Russian royality including the murdered last czar Nicholas II and his family, also murdered are interred. Its a very moving place to say the least. One thing you see it Russia and throughout the Baltic are nesting dolls. You know, those wooden carved dolls, usually of a girl in her native costume that has several others, about 6 in all just like it inside but smaller of course. Well in St. Petes there were nesting dolls of Derek Jeter, Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman just to name a few. Need I say more. For the two days we had a superb tour guide, Anna who was a virtual encyclopedia of Russian and St. Petes history. Amazing amt. of knowledge to be sure. Lunch was included each day. Day one was at the Academy. a Russian place and day two was at the Radisson. The food was good but in both cases we felt the service was rushed. Also people there seem sort of serious, if not grim. Not too many smiles but the sights are to be seen to be believed.
The next day we went to Tallinn. Its was a Sunday and we were in port from 0700 to 1300 so we had to be back by 1230. My criticism here is that this arrival is too early, esp. for a Sunday. It was a bit rainy too but not cold. If you get off here be aware that just beyond the gated area are cabs. They are not allowed in any further so you are set up to take the shittle into town. The shuttle is $5.00 one way. That $25.00 for 5. Cabbing it back was $10.00 for 5. again, do the math. We found some local shops selling sweaters and linen goods and found them to be reasonalbly priced. Tallinn is a neat old town with lots of shops and restaurants. its just a shame the time in port was inappropriate to seeing it all. 0900-1500 would be much better
The next day we visited Gdansk. What a city! Amzingly beautiful, clean and green. we met a great cab driver, Stanley who greeted us as soon as we got off the ship. For $200.00 we had him for the whole day. he not only took us places but also got out with us for and escorted tour. We saw the resort town of Sopot, which is gorgeous and has the longest pier in Europe which seem to extend way out into the sea. Along the way are vendors, food stands and street performers. We stopped at a rather famous church. the Oliva and saw the show. That is at 1100 every day the huge organ comes to life and the ornately carved angels all around it become animated to the music. Amazing show. We had lunch and strolled in the old town, saw Lech Walesas home and offices and saw the Solidarity monuments which are truely moving. Gdansk was a surprise and a delight. It is very beautiful and by contrast to Russia the people seem to enjoy life more.
Our last stop was Oslo. This too is a beautuful city bit the ship gets in at 0700 and we have to be onboard by 1330. I don't think there is enough time to see this great city. There is a hop-on, hop-off bus right at the pier as well as a souvenir shop so its conviently laid out and you can exchange money there. We did see the famous Viking museum with three ships discovered and dated to circa 800AD. We did want to see the famous Vigeland sclupture park but found out too late that its about a mile walk form the bust stop in the park to the actual sculptures so we ran out of time for this. All in all Oslo is really neat but I think you need timings of say 0900-1800 to better see.
Any questions please ask. Thank for reading. Larry
Lets begin with a review of the ship, then the ports. First of all we chose to cab it from the airport in Copenhagen to pier one, where the Star was. Princess charges 40.00 pp or $120.00 for the three of us. The cab was about $55.00 so do the math. Easy choice. The embarkation process was pretty easy really. We got to the ship by around 1300 and were in our cabin by 1325 at the latest. Our luggage arrived in a timely manner as well.
I must say my previous experience with Princess was on the gorgeous sapphire Princess and the Tahatian. Both, especially the latter usually get higher marks. The Star is a very nice ship but it is a notch below the Sapphire and Tahatian to be sure, both in terms of service and food. Not to say its bad. Its not! but the other two are better.
The ship overall is very clean and well appointed. I give high marks for hygiene. Hand sanitizers are everywhere along with employees to dispense B4 you go into any restaurant. In many cases there are employees in the buffet area to actually dispense the food for you. Bravo! The lounges and public areas are neat and clean. We in particular liked the Skywalker lounge on the 17th deck aft. There was a great view of the wake and at night, being in the land of the midnight sun you could almost see day ending and night beginning. Also it was never crowded when we were there so you had that view pratically all to yourself.
The service was very good though I must say the Tahitian was better. I had one encounter with an unbelievably rude person from the casino staff and reported her. Princess assured me the matter would be addressed and I believe them They take this sort of issue very seriously. Our cabin attendant Jirasak from Thailand was a sheer delight. He always smiled and our cabin was spotless. Overall the service was very good, not great.
The food was very good too. I must say yet again I was spoiled by the Tahatian last yr. but that does not demean the Star in any way. Also I must give top praise to the Star for meeting our groups special requests. There were 5 in our group and three of them requested Indian food every night. The chef far exceeded our expectations. The food was expertly prepared and plentiful. In addition the Maitre de Franco made sure to facilitate this request. However unlike the Sapphire there were no anytime dining restaurants. You could go to the Horizon for buffet. We did use Sabatinis once and for those of you who are familiar with it its a treat to be sure, easily worth the $20.00 pp surcharge.
The shows overall were very good as well. There was some fellow, Mac Frampton who played piano so well I could not believe it. Also they timed the shows very well. That is after the show finished other shows were scheduled to begin in the lounges so it was pretty easy to go from one to another.
We were invited to the Capt. Circle party and found out Princess is building a new ship, the Ruby and its a sister ship of the new Emerald. In addition they purchased another ship form the defunct Renaissance line ala the Tahatian and are in process of refitting her for service.
Disembarkation was breeze but for a good reason. we were the second group off the boat at 0530 (right on time as promised). We had an 0825 flight and I was a bit concerened about getting a cab that early but there was one right there at the pier and we got to the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Our first stop was Stockholm. except for St. Petersburg we did the town on our own so to speak. Prior to leaving we determined what we wanted to see in each port. In Stockholm it was the Vasa museum, Gamla Stan and the famous ice bar. well two out of three ain't bad, at least according to Meat Loaf.
That is the ice bar, which is a bar set at around 30F and has glasses made of what else, ice did not open till 1550. Too late for us. we did go see the Vasa which is a ship bulit to be the pride of the Swedish navy that sunk minutes into maiden voyage in the harbor and stayed there until it was lifted up in the 1960's. Overall in was under water for 333 yrs! It capsized due to a poor design. It was top heavy with too little ballast in the keel, sort of like Dolly Parton. LOL! It took about 2 yrs. to actually raise her and though she is now on display it is not yet finished. They paln to repaint her to the original colors once research is completed to discover the paint scheme. The Vasa is truely a wonder to see not for its sea worthiness but for its splendour and for the amazing engineering it took to lift her off the sea bottom and the still in process restoration.From the Vasa we strolled to a water ferry nearby and went to Gamla Stan, the old town. This is what I luv about Europe, i.e. old towns with winding cobblestone roads full of shops, side walk cafes and people. We meandered about and found an Indian fabric store. The sales lady was Indian and my wife and our Indian friends had a delightful time chatting with her. we also bought some souvenirs, had the best apple strudel in my life with good, rich European style coffee to accompany it then decided it was time to return to the ship. Cabs were easy to get, they all take CC's and in Stockholm English is readily spoken.
The next day we were in Helsinki. Unfortunately out time was limited due to the weather. It was quite chilly and rained all day. We did manage to see the church carved from granite, did some shopping at Stockmanns, the largest dept. store in Europe (prices are very high but its just that way everywhere in Europe) and did some limited shopping at the market in Town Square. We did get some fruit but the weather got the best of us so we headed back. Dollars are not accepted in the market so if you want to shop there you will have to exchange for Euros.
The next day was the highlight stop, St Petersburg, Russia. Oh my God! What a place. we decided to book the grand tour. two full days, with Princess. Day one began early, at 0715. Well there was a Russian band on the pier and they began playing, of all things New York, New York. Kinda weird but thats what makes traveling so interesting. Later that day we were in a park. There was a band there too and when they saw us getting off the bus you won't believe what they played. It was "Anchors away" the US navy song. Go figure.
St. Petersburg is simply amazing. we saw in those two days spledour beyond belief. Our stops included Peterhoff palace, the Yusupov Palace, St. Isaacs Cathedral, the Church of the spilled blood which was built around the spot where Czar Alexander was murdered, the unbelievable hermitage art museum, a canal ride and the Peter and Paul cathedral when Russian royality including the murdered last czar Nicholas II and his family, also murdered are interred. Its a very moving place to say the least. One thing you see it Russia and throughout the Baltic are nesting dolls. You know, those wooden carved dolls, usually of a girl in her native costume that has several others, about 6 in all just like it inside but smaller of course. Well in St. Petes there were nesting dolls of Derek Jeter, Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman just to name a few. Need I say more. For the two days we had a superb tour guide, Anna who was a virtual encyclopedia of Russian and St. Petes history. Amazing amt. of knowledge to be sure. Lunch was included each day. Day one was at the Academy. a Russian place and day two was at the Radisson. The food was good but in both cases we felt the service was rushed. Also people there seem sort of serious, if not grim. Not too many smiles but the sights are to be seen to be believed.
The next day we went to Tallinn. Its was a Sunday and we were in port from 0700 to 1300 so we had to be back by 1230. My criticism here is that this arrival is too early, esp. for a Sunday. It was a bit rainy too but not cold. If you get off here be aware that just beyond the gated area are cabs. They are not allowed in any further so you are set up to take the shittle into town. The shuttle is $5.00 one way. That $25.00 for 5. Cabbing it back was $10.00 for 5. again, do the math. We found some local shops selling sweaters and linen goods and found them to be reasonalbly priced. Tallinn is a neat old town with lots of shops and restaurants. its just a shame the time in port was inappropriate to seeing it all. 0900-1500 would be much better
The next day we visited Gdansk. What a city! Amzingly beautiful, clean and green. we met a great cab driver, Stanley who greeted us as soon as we got off the ship. For $200.00 we had him for the whole day. he not only took us places but also got out with us for and escorted tour. We saw the resort town of Sopot, which is gorgeous and has the longest pier in Europe which seem to extend way out into the sea. Along the way are vendors, food stands and street performers. We stopped at a rather famous church. the Oliva and saw the show. That is at 1100 every day the huge organ comes to life and the ornately carved angels all around it become animated to the music. Amazing show. We had lunch and strolled in the old town, saw Lech Walesas home and offices and saw the Solidarity monuments which are truely moving. Gdansk was a surprise and a delight. It is very beautiful and by contrast to Russia the people seem to enjoy life more.
Our last stop was Oslo. This too is a beautuful city bit the ship gets in at 0700 and we have to be onboard by 1330. I don't think there is enough time to see this great city. There is a hop-on, hop-off bus right at the pier as well as a souvenir shop so its conviently laid out and you can exchange money there. We did see the famous Viking museum with three ships discovered and dated to circa 800AD. We did want to see the famous Vigeland sclupture park but found out too late that its about a mile walk form the bust stop in the park to the actual sculptures so we ran out of time for this. All in all Oslo is really neat but I think you need timings of say 0900-1800 to better see.
Any questions please ask. Thank for reading. Larry
Jun 25th, 2007, 06:10 PM
#2
Ahhh!!! Bless your heart jacketwatch.
I was waiting for your report.
It was easy for me to follow all your comments and in some places I was walking behind you.!!!
( For those that wonder what I am talking about, I am going on the very same cruise in August.)
Too bad about the rain in Helsinki. What can one do when that happens.!?
I agree, from all the homework I have done, St. Petersburg is really going to be something.
I was in Rome and Florence last October , but is seems the architecture in St. Petersburg has Rome beat !!
I also want to see the ship museums in Stockholm and Oslo.
I think when I get to Oslo ,I will go to the Vigeland Sculpture park first and then to the Kon- Tiki and Fram museums because I do not think they open until 10 AM (!?)
It is too bad that the time in Oslo and Tallin is so short.
Thanks so much for posting and Yes,I will have question as the weeks go by.
Take Care
Percy
I was waiting for your report.
It was easy for me to follow all your comments and in some places I was walking behind you.!!!
( For those that wonder what I am talking about, I am going on the very same cruise in August.)
Too bad about the rain in Helsinki. What can one do when that happens.!?
I agree, from all the homework I have done, St. Petersburg is really going to be something.
I was in Rome and Florence last October , but is seems the architecture in St. Petersburg has Rome beat !!
I also want to see the ship museums in Stockholm and Oslo.
I think when I get to Oslo ,I will go to the Vigeland Sculpture park first and then to the Kon- Tiki and Fram museums because I do not think they open until 10 AM (!?)
It is too bad that the time in Oslo and Tallin is so short.
Thanks so much for posting and Yes,I will have question as the weeks go by.
Take Care
Percy
Jun 26th, 2007, 06:35 AM
#4
Hi I am on my way to play golf but I better ask a few questions:
1. What currency did you use in St.Petersburg.?
I hear it is a criminal offence to use currency other than the Ruble!
Can I just use Credit Cards for lunch and for the odd item I may buy.?
2. I hear that Oslo usually only accepts their currency... I am hoping that euros and US$ will do for my duration in Oslo.
3.About Gydansk:
Are there lots of taxi's that one can pick up once you disembark the ship at Gydnia?
1. What currency did you use in St.Petersburg.?
I hear it is a criminal offence to use currency other than the Ruble!
Can I just use Credit Cards for lunch and for the odd item I may buy.?
2. I hear that Oslo usually only accepts their currency... I am hoping that euros and US$ will do for my duration in Oslo.
3.About Gydansk:
Are there lots of taxi's that one can pick up once you disembark the ship at Gydnia?
Jun 26th, 2007, 06:37 AM
#5
Hi I am on my way to play golf but I better ask a few questions:
1. What currency did you use in St.Petersburg.?
I hear it is a criminal offence to use currency other than the Ruble!
Can I just use Credit Cards for lunch and for the odd item I may buy.?
2. I hear that Oslo usually only accepts their currency... I am hoping that euros and US$ will do for my duration in Oslo.
3.About Gydansk:
Are there lots of taxi's that one can pick up once you disembark the ship at Gydnia?
I plan to bring only euros and US $ and I will try to get buy without buying any other currency!
Talk to you later
Take care
Percy
1. What currency did you use in St.Petersburg.?
I hear it is a criminal offence to use currency other than the Ruble!
Can I just use Credit Cards for lunch and for the odd item I may buy.?
2. I hear that Oslo usually only accepts their currency... I am hoping that euros and US$ will do for my duration in Oslo.
3.About Gydansk:
Are there lots of taxi's that one can pick up once you disembark the ship at Gydnia?
I plan to bring only euros and US $ and I will try to get buy without buying any other currency!
Talk to you later
Take care
Percy
Jun 26th, 2007, 06:39 AM
#6
oops I double posted !!! better get going!!!!
Thanks
Percy
Thanks
Percy
Jun 26th, 2007, 01:26 PM
#7
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1. Actually I didn't even see a ruble while there. . Dollars were accepted and the stalls I purchased from and by the tour director. I did use AMEX in the Radisson for a couple of beers because there they din not accept dollars but the local places seem to. BTW there are two FREE internets in the Radisson. I used one to check my email. 
2. We used CC's in Oslo. I don't think they are keen on dollars or Euros. I did exchange some dollars right outside the ship at the tourist mart on the pier. Real easy.
3. There should be plenty of taxis in Gdansk. They do allow the cabbies to enter the pier area. In fact Stosh was practically there to greet us. We literally had but a few steps to go to get to his cab. Some places there do not accept dollars. If you want to see that pier I mentioned enrty fees are in Zlotys only. We didn't have any but Stosh paid for us, then we paid him back in dollars which he readily accepted.
You may need to exchange for some local currency but a nominal amt. will do fine I think. You should not need much. Cheers, Larry
. Dollars were accepted and the stalls I purchased from and by the tour director. I did use AMEX in the Radisson for a couple of beers because there they din not accept dollars but the local places seem to. BTW there are two FREE internets in the Radisson. I used one to check my email. 2. We used CC's in Oslo. I don't think they are keen on dollars or Euros. I did exchange some dollars right outside the ship at the tourist mart on the pier. Real easy.
3. There should be plenty of taxis in Gdansk. They do allow the cabbies to enter the pier area. In fact Stosh was practically there to greet us. We literally had but a few steps to go to get to his cab. Some places there do not accept dollars. If you want to see that pier I mentioned enrty fees are in Zlotys only. We didn't have any but Stosh paid for us, then we paid him back in dollars which he readily accepted.
You may need to exchange for some local currency but a nominal amt. will do fine I think. You should not need much. Cheers, Larry
Jun 26th, 2007, 07:20 PM
#8
Thank You jacketwatch:
I hope I run into your taxi driver in Gdansk.!! He seems like a good fellow.
I am going to try to get by ,by using only euros and US$.
There will be four of us , so mabye one person can purchase local currency for all of us for whatever amount we might need.
I have a list of places to see at each port (except St.Petersburg) and how to get to those places.
The other three are totally relying on me , so when we do not have a guide...I guess I'm it !!!
Did you sspend any extra time in Copenhagen ?
Take Care
Good Night
Percy
I hope I run into your taxi driver in Gdansk.!! He seems like a good fellow.
I am going to try to get by ,by using only euros and US$.
There will be four of us , so mabye one person can purchase local currency for all of us for whatever amount we might need.
I have a list of places to see at each port (except St.Petersburg) and how to get to those places.
The other three are totally relying on me , so when we do not have a guide...I guess I'm it !!!
Did you sspend any extra time in Copenhagen ?
Take Care
Good Night
Percy
Jun 27th, 2007, 04:05 AM
#9
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Unfortunately we did not get to see Copenhagen. We did have time the day of embarkation but were too tired to go out. My wife just sort of passed out and I was tired and did not want go all the way back to town. Plus we had to unpack, check out the ship, etc. The day we left there was simply no time. We were off the boat by 0530 for an 0830 flight. The line in the aorport seemd to move much faster than O'Hare BTW. There were five of us and like you I was the DTG, designated Tour Guide. Thats OK, I'm good at that. Stosh is a great guy. He around 5' 10", grey hair, mid 50's, wears glasses and if he is there he'll be close to the ramp where passengers exit. Whoever you get be sure to ask him to take you to the crane. This is the spot where wooden ships way back in the day unloaded their goods. It was rebuilt to show how goods were unloaded. You'll find how it was powered to be interesting. 
Take care, Larry
Thats OK, I'm good at that. Stosh is a great guy. He around 5' 10", grey hair, mid 50's, wears glasses and if he is there he'll be close to the ramp where passengers exit. Whoever you get be sure to ask him to take you to the crane. This is the spot where wooden ships way back in the day unloaded their goods. It was rebuilt to show how goods were unloaded. You'll find how it was powered to be interesting. Take care, Larry
Jun 27th, 2007, 01:58 PM
#10
Thanks jacketwatch.
I have taken down details on Stosh ( guide in Gydansk) and hope to maybe run into him.
In case I do not get a taxi driver/guide at the Port of Gydansk,then I have it all mapped in my head as to what to see and Thank You ,yes I will see the Gydansk Crane..
but
I will need a taxi to get to Westerplatte WWII Memorial and also to the Three Cross Solidarity Memorial.
Thank you for your most helpful advice.
Will keep you posted!
Take Care
Percy
I have taken down details on Stosh ( guide in Gydansk) and hope to maybe run into him.
In case I do not get a taxi driver/guide at the Port of Gydansk,then I have it all mapped in my head as to what to see and Thank You ,yes I will see the Gydansk Crane..
but
I will need a taxi to get to Westerplatte WWII Memorial and also to the Three Cross Solidarity Memorial.
Thank you for your most helpful advice.
Will keep you posted!
Take Care
Percy
Jun 27th, 2007, 08:07 PM
#11
Hi jacketwatch:
I thought I better ask some questions port by port rather than skip around all over the place.
So for Oslo Norway:
1. Does the cruise ship dock near the Akerhus Castle.. and from here can you just walk to downtown.?
2.Did you get to peak inside the City Hall.. my interest here is only because of the Halls' relation with the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. From downtown Oslo can you walk to the Bygdoy Peninsula where the Kon- Tiki,Fram and Viking Ship museums are?
Or is it better to take a taxi.?
4. Are there taxi's at the port waiting for business like there was in Poland.?
I agree that the time in Oslo is way too short and that is why I am planning to go to the Vigeland Park first, since it is the greater distance away from the port.
Thanks and Good Night !
Percy
I thought I better ask some questions port by port rather than skip around all over the place.
So for Oslo Norway:
1. Does the cruise ship dock near the Akerhus Castle.. and from here can you just walk to downtown.?
2.Did you get to peak inside the City Hall.. my interest here is only because of the Halls' relation with the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. From downtown Oslo can you walk to the Bygdoy Peninsula where the Kon- Tiki,Fram and Viking Ship museums are?
Or is it better to take a taxi.?
4. Are there taxi's at the port waiting for business like there was in Poland.?
I agree that the time in Oslo is way too short and that is why I am planning to go to the Vigeland Park first, since it is the greater distance away from the port.
Thanks and Good Night !
Percy
Jun 28th, 2007, 04:08 AM
#12
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1. Yes, its a short walk to there and to the resistance museum.
2. Unfortunately no. We ran out of time.
3. Only if you are an olympic heel and toe walker.. Its a fair piece.
4. I didn't see taxis but then again I didn't look for them because there was a hop on-hop of bus there at the pier which we chose to take. Those ship museums are around each other and the bus, even with stops aling the way takes about 20-25 min. to go from the pier to the ships though bear in mind traffic. We were early so we had no traffic. Later we tried to make the loop again but it was much slower the second time as traffic kicked in. Also consider what day you will be in port. If it falls on a WE the traffic should be OK no matter what time it is.
I would think you should be able to get a taxi w/ no problems. Interestingly we took a taxi back to the ship but as there were 5 of us we had to take two cabs. The driver said he could get fined for having more than 4 people in a cab. Cheers, Larry(
2. Unfortunately no. We ran out of time.
3. Only if you are an olympic heel and toe walker.
. Its a fair piece. 4. I didn't see taxis but then again I didn't look for them because there was a hop on-hop of bus there at the pier which we chose to take. Those ship museums are around each other and the bus, even with stops aling the way takes about 20-25 min. to go from the pier to the ships though bear in mind traffic. We were early so we had no traffic. Later we tried to make the loop again but it was much slower the second time as traffic kicked in. Also consider what day you will be in port. If it falls on a WE the traffic should be OK no matter what time it is.
I would think you should be able to get a taxi w/ no problems. Interestingly we took a taxi back to the ship but as there were 5 of us we had to take two cabs. The driver said he could get fined for having more than 4 people in a cab. Cheers, Larry
(
Jun 28th, 2007, 07:29 AM
#13
Thanks jacketwatch:
Just as I thought the ship museums are too far away for walking, since I for sure am not an Olympic walker( and the other 3 are worse!!!ha ha ) !!
I am assuming that you picked up some Norwegian Krones (NOK)when you got off the ship.
Since you had to pay to get on the hop on -hop off bus, it must have been in the local currency!
I guess they will not take $US or euros for admission entrance into the ship museums.!?
I will be there on a Wednesday.
Thanks again for the added information , it is very much appreciated.
Have a nice day
Percy
Just as I thought the ship museums are too far away for walking, since I for sure am not an Olympic walker( and the other 3 are worse!!!ha ha ) !!
I am assuming that you picked up some Norwegian Krones (NOK)when you got off the ship.
Since you had to pay to get on the hop on -hop off bus, it must have been in the local currency!
I guess they will not take $US or euros for admission entrance into the ship museums.!?
I will be there on a Wednesday.
Thanks again for the added information , it is very much appreciated.
Have a nice day
Percy
Jun 28th, 2007, 03:43 PM
#15
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I just returned from a few weeks in Russia. If you are using street vendors - there is no problems using euros or dollars.
Jacketwatch - I think it is impossible to compare the Star/Sapphire with the Tahitian. IMO - the smaller ships will always win when it comes to service and food. And the Sapphire is an improvement on the Star Princess design. I agree, it is a better ship.
Glad you had a good cruise.
Jacketwatch - I think it is impossible to compare the Star/Sapphire with the Tahitian. IMO - the smaller ships will always win when it comes to service and food. And the Sapphire is an improvement on the Star Princess design. I agree, it is a better ship.
Glad you had a good cruise.
Jun 28th, 2007, 07:22 PM
#16
Nice to know you can use $ and euros.
I read where it is a criminal offence for the Russian Merchants to accept any currency other than Rubles !?
Maybe things ahve changed
Thanks for the heads up info.
Percy
I read where it is a criminal offence for the Russian Merchants to accept any currency other than Rubles !?
Maybe things ahve changed
Thanks for the heads up info.
Percy
Jun 29th, 2007, 12:29 AM
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Percy - this is true in real stores and when dealing with real companies. I was on a river cruise and we could only pay our bill in rubles as it was illegal for them to take dollars/euros for shipboard expenses/tours but we could tip them in dollars and euros.
Street vendors can take anything. If you go to a real store in St. Petersburg - you can use a credit card. We went to a lot of places where we had to use rubles but for your cruise and what you will be buying in St. Petersburg - it most likely will be street vendors and they can take dollars/euros.
Street vendors can take anything. If you go to a real store in St. Petersburg - you can use a credit card. We went to a lot of places where we had to use rubles but for your cruise and what you will be buying in St. Petersburg - it most likely will be street vendors and they can take dollars/euros.
Jun 29th, 2007, 12:31 AM
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Percy - be very careful in St. Petersburg about pick pocketers. We had several people who had their wallets taken or their fanny packs picked. Wear your money underneath your clothes or leave your valuables on the bus. This is really the only crime issue they have in St. Petersburg.
Jun 29th, 2007, 11:39 AM
#19
Thanks Theresa:
I have a two day tour in St.Petersburg booked to all the major sites ( and then some).
I will take very little money with me when I disembark and ...I will bring one credit card only , and leave all else in my room in the safe.
Besides lunch about the only thing I might buy is a set of Matryoshka Dolls. ( Hmm maybe , we will see).
Also I want to have the local Baltika Beer.
jacketwatch... did you buy anything there?
Thank You
Percy
I have a two day tour in St.Petersburg booked to all the major sites ( and then some).
I will take very little money with me when I disembark and ...I will bring one credit card only , and leave all else in my room in the safe.
Besides lunch about the only thing I might buy is a set of Matryoshka Dolls. ( Hmm maybe , we will see).
Also I want to have the local Baltika Beer.
jacketwatch... did you buy anything there?
Thank You
Percy
Jun 29th, 2007, 12:46 PM
#20
jacketwatch:
Okay now on to the next Port of Stockholm.
1.From where the cruise ship docks are you able to walk to Gamla Stan? (it would seem to be a long way)
2. I am supposing that the main areas of interest are:
(a)Gamla Stan
(b) The City Hall ( because the four Nobel Prizes festivities are held here)
(c) The Vasa Museum
I guess you can spend a lot of time waking around Gamla Stan .
Did you take a taxi from Gamla Stan or a ferry to get to the Vasa Museum on the next island?
3. I assume that $US and euros will suffice here.?
Thanks Again for your help.
Percy
Okay now on to the next Port of Stockholm.
1.From where the cruise ship docks are you able to walk to Gamla Stan? (it would seem to be a long way)
2. I am supposing that the main areas of interest are:
(a)Gamla Stan
(b) The City Hall ( because the four Nobel Prizes festivities are held here)
(c) The Vasa Museum
I guess you can spend a lot of time waking around Gamla Stan .
Did you take a taxi from Gamla Stan or a ferry to get to the Vasa Museum on the next island?
3. I assume that $US and euros will suffice here.?
Thanks Again for your help.
Percy
