Lair Bear

According to one source in Dubrovnik, the city believes that tourists should buy more souvenirs and food, go to more museums and generally spend more than the average $25 per person per day. There was also criticism that some cruise passengers actually went back to the ship for lunch. This summer there were 170,000 visitors per month coming to Dubrovnik. That means they spent only 4.25 million dollars.

Most of the money comes from the fee charged to climb on top of the wall that surrounds Old Town. In addition, there are charges for going inside churches and, of course, museums and monasteries. Most likely the city is now considering other ways to increase the income since tourism is on the upswing. One day in August saw more than 13,000 guests trying to enter the old town and it required the police to direct the flow of foot traffic. The cost of this extra police support probably had to come out of the $325,000 collected that day.

So, when visiting Dubrovnik, be sure to spend more money, go to more museums to learn about the history, eat the local food, or be faced with additional charges in the future when coming to this wonderful city.

The following is a message I received from the port authority of Zeebrugge. It is in response to my question related to this whole confusing subject. I think the reply clarifies all the questions related to where ships dock and the shuttle bus service(s).

Note that the port shuttle service from the Maritime Station is new and that the drop-off point should be close to the Strand train station. This should not be confused with any shuttles offered by the cruise ship.

Dear Mr *****,

Until recently the situation was unclear but that has changed now.

Zeebrugge has 2 berthing facilities for cruise ships: the Maritime Station for ships up to 200 m length and the Swedish Quay for larger ships.

At both locations the port authority offers a free shuttle service from the ship’s gangway to a location just outside the official port zone or port terminal.

Public transport is available in the immediate vicinity of this drop-off point. There are trams every 15 minutes, either to Knokke-Heist or to Blankenberge. The easiest way to make an excursion to Bruges is to take the tram to the railway station in Blankenberge where there are trains to/from Bruges every half hour.

Capacities of the free port authority shuttle bus vary between 38 and 52 seats.

Some ships also offer shuttle services, but these mostly go directly to the train station in Blankenberge. This service is paid for by the cruise line. Whether or not they charge their passengers for this shuttle depends on the individual cruise line.

Cruise traffic is on the up in Zeebrugge. The port authority is making continuous efforts to improve its service to the cruise lines and their passengers.

As the 2011 cruise season is nearing the end, an evaluation of this year’s experiences will certainly lead to a fine-tuning of the free shuttle service.

I hope this has been of assistance.

Best regards,

Piet Vandenkerkhove

Port of Zeebrugge, Public Relations

Hey Lair Bear,

 

I was looking for information on how to get to Perast from Kotor by public bus. Do you happen to know where I can get such info?

 

Thanks!

I posed that question on another forum and here was one of the replies:

Minibuses run between Perast and Kotor and there are several during the day in both directions - you shouldn't have to wait too long. If there's no-one on the waterfront advertising boat rides (May might be a little early) go to the cafe and ask there. You can do it easily on your own without a guide.

Here is another reply:

No info on personal guides but it is an easy 30 minutes or so by bus. Bus station is 5 minutes walk from the old town.

When you get to Perast, there are a number of boats that can transfer you to the islands. Vehicles park outside the town and you walk downhill to the town, the one street is along the front of the bay. It cost €5 per person. Only one island was open to the public, the island with the church on. Pay an extra euro for entry to the church's museum, certainly worth it, and you can get a free guide to talk you through the church and museum.

You can enquire about a taxi, ask outside the old town, there were a number of taxis available for hire outside the old town when we were there.We travelled earlier this month and I guess it would be similar in May.

It is a walk up a mountain on steps that aren't always even. So it isn't what I would call "easy" - but not difficult either. I'd call my activity level on a daily basis moderate (I power walk 2-4 miles most days) and made it without too much difficulty (I did stop to rest a few times). Again' date=' we did it on a very warm day - It would be much easier on a moderate temp day.

 

If you are in reasonable shape (you certainly don't have to be a marathon runner!), you'll be just fine.

 

Have fun![/quote']

 

Thanks Liza. That was my understanding. We will see what develops in May next year.

There has been some confusion about the train service out of Zeebrugge direct. Please allow me the following.

If your cruise line does not provide shuttle service to the train station in Blankenberg (a town further along the coast from Zeebrugge) and you don't want to take an expensive taxi, you can still consider the following:

1. If your ship should dock at the normal cruise ship terminal you could consider a one mile walk to the Strand Station. However, this station is operational only during certain days and times outlined below. If you should arrive before June 25 or after August 28 this will not work.

By train to and from Zeebrugge Strand station.

Weekdays from June 25 until August 28, 2011:

* Zeebrugge-Brugge from 6:33 am until 9:32 pm every hour

* Brugge-Zeebrugge from 6:07 am until 9:09 pm every hour

Saturday and Sunday from June 25 until August 28:

* Zeebrugge-Brugge from 7:33 am until 8:32 pm every hour

* Brugge-Zeebrugge from 7:07 am until 8:09 pm every hour

All other dates the train goes from Dorp Station in Zeebrugge to Brugge.

Info: Tel + 32 2 528 28 28 | http://www.b-rail.be

2. If your ship is too long for the normal terminal dock and it has to go to the cargo dock, and a shuttle to Blankenberg is not provided, you can go to the tram station just outside the port entrance (a very short shuttle ride of a few hundred feet). The tram goes along the coast to the train station in Blankenberg.

You could walk to the Strand Station in Zeebrugge as an alternate way. I suggest you have a look at the map posted earlier.

If you should arrive before June 25 or after August 28, simply walk across the main road to the Dorp train station. It is a couple blocks through the village of Zeebrugge. That is faster unless you happen to pick the wrong time of day, in which case you can still take the tram to Blankenberg.

I hope this confusing post clarifies your options.

BTW Oceania is one of the cruise lines that never offered a shuttle (to the best of my knowledge). I am curious to learn what cruise lines did offer this service. Anyone???

I am sure this question has been raised before, but for a one day visit is it necessary to convert some money into kunas? I understand that the ferry to Lokrum requires local currency, but what about the tram and entrance fees? Can we use euros?

I always like details of places we visit and some history to go with that. You gave me that and more.

To go from Kotor to the village of Perast can be done by public bus or a taxi. Either way we will want to spend some time there as well as hiring someone to take us across to the islands. This will not be until May of next year. Hence, I won't have anything to add until then.

Still, I would think others have done this excursion and might have suggestions. I know there is a company that operates a large group boat from Kotor and I am surprised that the ship does not offer such an option.

First remark. The map is quite good but you have the cruise terminal, but vessels over a certain lenght will be at the container yard close to the main road. For example Oceania Regatta and sisters are at the cruise terminal but the Marina and Cunards Queen Victoria at the container yard. The are just a few meters to long!!!

There you are only 200 m from the terminal entrance but.. you are not allowed to walk. There are small shuttle buses from the Port Authority... hectic not scoping with the number of passengers.

[/i]

Thank you for clarifying this.

Our experience was with the Regatta and, as you mention, it and other ships of similar size still go to the cruise terminal, which is towards the far end of the south pier. I was not aware that large cruise ships are not able to use that facility and that is the reason for using the 'Zweedse Kaai'.

Someone on CC had insisted that all ships go to the latter, but that is not the case.

Can you also verify that trains still go from the Strand Station to Brugge during the summer months? Although it is along a road without sidewalks, it is still possible to walk from the cruise terminal to the Strand Station to take a train from there if a shuttle is not provided.

Want to know more about my adopted home, then do read my blog. It is my stories of many sites and some colorful people I've met in the last few years.

I had seen this web site before, but did not realize it was yours until now. I certainly will have to spend some time reading all your stories and suggestions about places, restaurants, etc. The story of how your parents met is great. Thanks again.

I did find an interesting map of Dubrovnik and I am sure you have seen it, but maybe it might be of interest to others. It consists of several sections and you can zoom in on detailed parts.

http://www.dubrovnik-online.com/maps/old_town.php?l=en

Thank you for clarifying the location of the cable car. I was under the impression that it was further east. Assuming for the time being that we tender into the little harbor, it might be better to do the sea side of the wall first and then decide to go to the cable car, return to Old Town and go from there.

You are most helpful, and keep up the great work. I may have more questions later, but we are looking forward to a nice visit to your famous city.

We are booked to arrive in Dubrovnik on Thursday, May 10, on the Windsurf. I have a couple questions:

1. Is May kind of early for the typical 'cruise ship crowds'? What would the weather be like at that time of the year?

2. If it is not too crowded, we would probably dock at the main cruise ship terminal??? Or we could still end up tendering into the little harbor (I hope).

3. In either case, I thought it might be good to do the tram to the top of Mt. Srd first, get a total view of the city and bay, and then see the Old Town (and perhaps beat the crows, if any).

4. How far is it to go from the typical 'drop-off' point for shuttles from the cruise ship terminal to the tram station?

5. Is the entrance near Svet Luka closer to the tram, and would that be a good start to see the city and wall (backwards, albeit)?

To do all of that and going to the island of Lokrum might be too much, do you agree? Or any other suggestions along this line of thought would be highly appreciated.

We didn't do the islands - sounds interesting.

 

We did climb up to the fort on a VERY hot day and had plenty of time left to explore old town. We were only in port noon until six and got off at 2:00. So' date=' I'd at least think time wise you'd have time to do everything you posted.[/quote']

 

Thank you. That sounds encouraging. I found out about the boat trip to the islands from another forum. Several people had done this and indeed it sounded interesting. It really is a on-your-own kind of trip involving some 'negotiating' for the boat ride.

 

If the weather is not too hot, would the climb to the fort be very difficult? I understand that there is a fee to do that. It would be nice to get some pictures from up there, especially with the five masted Windsurf in the background.

Thanks for your reply, Terry. I can see, with your pictures, that the entrance to the bay and inlets must be quite spectacular.

We have tentatively decided to go to the two islands by taking a local bus to the village of Perast. It is along the shore of the large bay and opposite the two islands. I have read that there are a few people there with boats who can take you across for a couple dollars each. The village itself is also quite interesting and scenic but to visit the church on that tiny, man-made island could be one unusual trip. I understand that it took over a hundred years to complete. The second island, with the trees, is natural and has a monastery that is not open to the public.

After that short trip we would go back to Kotor to see the Old Town and if we are up to it (weather permitting) climb up to the fort for a view of the bay and Kotor.

Now I am curious if anyone, who might be reading this, has done that?????

Lair Bear; to add to the chorus, thank you so much for taking the time to post all the amazing and helpful information on your site. We are doing a Baltic cruise next July and now that I've found your site am really getting into the planning of various ports!

 

Can you tell me how long it took you to walk the route?

Thank you, Beth, but to repeat what I have said in the past. This walking tour was just a way to share what I found out before we got there our selves. When I did my 'research' of this 'strange' port, I found it fascinating to see so many ancient walls, towers and buildings in such a marvelous setting. I just had to find a way to touch the highlights and, voila, another walking tour.

Besides the walking tour you might also have seen the pictures of what we actual saw several months after I put the tour together. It worked out good for us also. http://www.*****.com/Estonia.html

The total distance from the dock to the first entrance of Old Town is less than a mile. From there the walk is less than two miles total. The time to do this can vary from a couple hours to most of the day. It all depends on how much time you want to spend for looking, shopping and lunch. But don't rush unless your ship leaves early in the afternoon.

Have a great time.

Hi Terry. You do get around the world a lot, my friend. Good for you.

I was really interested in your comments about the bus trip you took out of Kotor. We will be going there in May (Windstar ship) and looking forward to a grand entrance to the 'fjord' (kind of reminded you of a southern Stockholm?).

I know that the bus trip took most of the day, but did you meet anyone who had taken a boat trip to the two small islands you so wonderfully pictured? I have seen pictures close-up and am intrigued to visit.

Also, if anyone is interested in details about Old town Kotor and simply walk there, here is a good site for the highlights:

http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/kotor...tour-3742.html

So many options, so little time. But we will do the best to have fun, meet some locals and make more friends around the world. Keep up the good work, Terry, and show us more pictures.

Hi Terry. You do get around the world a lot, my friend. Good for you.

I was really interested in your comments about the bus trip you took out of Kotor. We will be going there in May (Windstar ship) and looking forward to a grand entrance to the 'fjord' (kind of reminded you of a southern Stockholm?).

I know that the bus trip took most of the day, but did you meet anyone who had taken a boat trip to the two small islands you so wonderfully pictured? I have seen pictures close-up and am intrigued to visit.

Also, if anyone is interested in details about Old town Kotor and simply walk there, here is a good site for the highlights:

http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/kotor-old-city-walking-tour-3742.html

So many options, so little time. But we will do the best to have fun, meet some locals and make more friends around the world. Keep up the good work, Terry, and show us more pictures.

In our case (we were on the Prinsendam) we were prohibited from walking out of the port but the port did provide free shuttle bus service from the ship to Blankenberge . . . .

 

Hank

Thanks for the update, Hank.

However, unless this has changed also, it is not the 'port' but the cruise line that provides the free shuttle bus. The reason I mention this is that several other cruise lines don't provide the shuttle bus. So, you should not assume right away that it will always be there.

So, is LairBear's walk different from the one Rick Steves includes in his Scandinavia guidebook? I have been a happy devotee of any Rick Steves' walking tours on my European travels. I thought about comparing the two, but have not yet done so. Sounds like others have. Are they truly very different?

Let me explain what I tried to do with the 'Tallinn Walking Tour'.

Like you, I have used Rick Steve's references several times and he does a great job. What I did not see in his descriptions are really good maps (and that goes for other places as well). I found by using Google maps as a base, I was able to include details, reference numbers and yet be able to tell a 'story', the history of the people with lots of pictures.

Tallinn is a neat place to explore. It is surrounded by medieval walls and towers. Rick Steve ignored this during the first part of his walk and went straight up the 'main street' while the original wall is only a block further to the north. We found that there are unique little spots along this less travelled route and still end up at the same place.

The city has many great sites and I am sure all, if not most, were covered by Rick Steve and myself. I did not use Steve's description to create my walk, it was just a trial and error way to pick a route that seemed to make sence. Lots of pictures on the internet helped.

So, are the two different? Yes, but both decribe a fantastic city with charm and character while offering nice opportunities for great pictures and souvenirs to take home.

I might add that I did this for my own enjoyment. Our web site is private and there are no commercial values involved. Hence I feel free to use many resources that others (such as Rick Steve) have to pay for or acknowledge. You will never find a Google map in his books unless he makes a prior 'arrangement'.

People have suggested that I should publish the eight walking tours, but I have no interest in doing so. If others get some benefit of what I enjoyed doing, great, have at it.

That is what we are doing. We should be at the ship around 10:00 and plan on dropping our luggage off than doing the windmill tour . . .

Kirk

Kirk, if you arrive that early at the cruise terminal you might not be able to drop off your luggage. As you know to disembark takes a while in the morning and the crew is usually not ready to accept new luggage until later.

What you might do is to have the taxi take you to the New York Hotel which is right next door to the cruise terminal. Have the concierge store your luggage for a few dollars until you get back from your Kinderdijk trip. You could even take a water taxi from the New York Hotel to the "Boompjes'. That is the cay where the tour boat docks.

. . . . I would be very pleased for you to add that link to your walking tour . . . .

Done. It is towards the end, section 14. I may change that part and include other links such as the video about the Singing Revoluation and the web site for the Olde Hansa. http://www.oldehansa.ee/ The latter web site has more pictures, an interesting menu and a way to make reservations, should anyone want to do that.

I printed it all out and this was my attempt at filming it

 

I think I got most of it. Thanks again to Lair for making Tallinn so easy for the rest of us.

Excellent!!!! You did a great job putting this video together.

You know how to make things interesting with slow panning and not going back and forth like you see so often. The titles, colors and details are just right and really add a lot.

I like to add this link to the Walking Tour if that is OK with you.

PS What does a Cornish Pastyman do?

Lair Bear,

 

We will be in Tallinn on a cruise in August. I have printed out your walking tour and plan to follow it. How, and how far in advance did you make lunch reservations at Olde Hansa? Also I have read about a "sweater wall" where local women sell the items they make and I was wondering if your tour takes us past this. It is on Muurivahe St. Thanks for your help!

 

Jane

When we were there mid July (I believe) we did not make a reservation and were seated (six of us) fairly soon on the deck in front. The weather was spectacular that day, so very few sat inside. I really don't think it is necessary to make the reservation. When I put the walking tour together I thought it might be a good idea, but then again not necessarily. Perhaps others had a different experience.

The city wall along the east side, near the Viru Gate is where you find the stalls with lots of knit goods. There are sweaters, hats, shawls, etc. It is just a little north of number 13 on the map. I should have marked it, but you cannot miss the spot.

We arriving on June 14th around 9:00 from Paris via train and are scheduled to go see the Kinderdijk windmills. The tour leaves at 10:45 and returns at 2:00. Here is the tour we are taking:

 

http://www.rebus-info.nl/main_en.htm

 

Kirk

Good choice, Kirk. The best way to see the windmills in Kinderdijk is by boat. You will be within a stone's throw of several of the mills used to pump water from the 'polders' or lowlands.

For more links and things to see and do around Rotterdam have a peek at the map at the end of the following web site page. http://www.*****.com/rotterdam.html

Thank you so much for your Baltic cruise report and especially for the walking tour of Tallin. You have helped me so much with my shore excursions! Better than a guidebook!

Thank you for those nice comments.

If you should ever go to the Bahamas you might also be interested in doing the Nassau Walking Tour http://www.*****.com/nassau

We will be embarking on HAL Rotterdam, in Rotterdam this September. Has anyone an expereince with embarking at this port? We are staying at the Hotel New York the days before embarkation; and are hoping for a reasonably effortless embarkation,

Marilyn

The hotel is right next to the cruise terminal. You cannot have it any easier.

If you have some extra time, take a water taxi from the hotel. They can take you to a lot of interesting stops in Rotterdam.