paws10

To all the experts out there:

I am currently booked on Air NZ business class (Boeing 777-200) from YVR/AKL and have a chance to score First on UA (777-200) non stop from SFO/AKL. The reviews I've read about UA First is not great. Should I stick with Air NZ (SFO/YVR/AKL) or make the switch? Using miles. First class would be 220,000 on UA one way for 2 vs 160,000 for business on Air Canada and Air NZ.

Thoughts?

I, too, charged my reciprocity fee on AmEx on 12/15. Was pleasantly surprised to find the conversion rate was $226 for two people!

Another place to try at Pier 5 is Coqueta. Small tapas type dishes. Had the whole branzino last night which was excellent. Must have reservations!

I second Butterfly (next to the old cruise terminal) and Yank Sing.

R&G Lounge on Kearny for their famous fried crab!

The Beer Hall on 1 Polk Street (at Market) for some great variety of beers!

bostoncruisegal,

Our ship docked at Frihamnen in the morning. We took a cab (4 people with 6 bags and back pack) from pier to Hilton (in Gamla Stan) for 220 SEK. Another cab wanted 600 SEK!

I emailed our hotel to ask for early check in and our room was ready in the morning so I didn't have to check our bags.

Stockholm is safe as we walked around late at night (afterall, it was still light out)! Taxi or walk, depending on how far your hotel is.

While we were there, World Cup was going on so everywhere was a party. The Swedes love their warm evenings and you will find lots of people everywhere. Lots of places to eat. Sorry I can't recommend any place.

We decided to try the smorgsbord at the Grand Hotel for the view and experience. Lots of outdoor cafes around.

Our hotel was close to HOHO boat, bus and metro. We bought the Stockholm card so all transportation was included as well as several sights. We took the HOHO a lot!

Skansen is a great place to visit to see what life was like long ago. People dress in period costume and you can go inside a bank, post office, home, etc.

I feel that a visit to the Vasa Museum is a must. It's hard to comprehend that a ship built in the 1600's sank on it's maiden voyage and remained under water for over 300 years before it was raised. I watched the movie and thought what an honor it would be to work on her restoration. I felt as if the men from the 1600's were talking to the restorers as well as the visitors. I was so impresssed and blown away.