Norwegianlatvian

Thanks for asking the question and for the response.... something I too am interested in.

If you got time when visiting Riga, I will strongly recommend a visit to Salapils memorials outside Riga.

Didnt hear much noise from below in cabin 7172. I slept like a baby. My dear wife didnt, but that was because of me snoring..

Some photos of the balcony...

Looking for a local tour guide in Riga for a Jewish Heritage Tour. Recommendations much appreciated.

Since I live in Riga, I am not allowed by Cruise Critic to recommend one company. BUT I can probably link to the official tourist portal without being banned from this page:

Check this one out.

Welcome to Riga! If I can help in other ways, feel free to ask!

Boycott SPB. You dont want to support a country financially that annex other countries' territory do you?

Going to Russia as a tourist now is the same as travelling to Germany in 1939 IMHO.

Boycott SPB. You dont want to support a country financially that annex other countries' territory do you?

Agree,

I wonder when Russia will stop, there are millions of Russian nationality in all the former Soviet Republics.

I just hope people realize this. I wonder if the same people would do a cruise to Germany in 1939...

Regarding potential sanctions, this is a quite interesting article.

Seriously? People still want to go to Russia and support them with money when they annex a part of another country? Now its time to show some spine.

Thank you for your response!

I am a bit worried food-wise.. The ships of MSC looks very good.

Turkish lira

Hi all!

I am currently considering a cruise with MSC Orchestra from Dubai in February 2015.

Since I hear a lot of mixed opinions regarding MSC, I am now turning to former MSC cruisers here on CC to get your opinion. Should I or should I not book this cruise?

My cruise history consists of 5 with Royal Caribbean and 1 with Norwegian Cruise Lines. (+ 1 upcoming with Royal in October).

Is it a huge difference between MSC and Royal/Norwegian?

Thanks in advance!

A few years ago we got diverted from Athens because of rioting....don't see St Petersburg rioting though.

 

At that same time we visited Egypt 3 weeks before their change of governments, and the fine people their were as nice as usual.

 

Seems a few always ruin it for the rest of us.....

Yeah,, a "few"... A pity isnt it..

This involves at least two million: The population of Crimea... and couple of tourists that might get their vacation cancelled.

And this relates to a human event, with tragic deaths so far such as the shooting of 80 in Maidan, so it's quite appropriate to reflect on that as well.

 

This is more than a "political dispute" the wording of which tries to lessen the seriousness of the situation.

I am a bit surprised that CC still let this thread live. I guess that it is now allowed to discuss politics here at CC...

Ok, let us stop already the scaremongering and Anti-Russia bashing that we see on the Western Media...:rolleyes:

 

The Russian Federation is at this moment considering several scenarios to protect their Military and human interests in the Crimea, which is an Autonomous area within the Ukraine, with its own Parliament. Most inhabitants of the Crimea are Russian and feel threatened by the Civil anti-Russian interest in the Ukraine.

Any responsible state would protect its main naval base and more than 1.5 Million ethnic Russians who , through the Crimean government ( democratically elected by the way ),ask for protection.

 

The USA will never put any embargo on Russia. Remember that Russia is a permanent UN security council member and a Superpower.

 

the USA is invading souvereign countries on a regular basis...in order to protect its interests by the way, and so do the EU nations, including my own. That is not war, it is called Military Tactical Action.

 

Russia is not some loose cannon that FOX news pretends it to be. Not at all.

 

Visiting St. Petersburg is safe for all, and will continue to be safe.

 

By the way, Cruisecritic is a US based website where 95% of participants are American. It is unknown to the vast majority of cruise passengers, especially those not from the USA.

I live in Riga. 40% of the population here is ethnic Russians. In some of the cities here in Latvia the ethnic Russian population is more than 50%. Would you support a "military tactical action" in Latvia as well? So Russia could protect their interests in Latvia as well? For example to "protect" Ventspils since it is a strategical important oil terminal.

(For the information: I am not Latvian or Russian. I am Norwegian).

From a demonstration earlier today:

..and to quote the Swedish foreign minister Mr. Carl Bildt:

"When Russian forces demands that Ukraine forces in Crimea surrender weapons it's clearly a military occupation that is taking place."

As you all probably know, it is a quite tense situation going on in Ukraine. Since 40% of the population in Riga is ethnic Russians, the situation in Ukraine is followed closely. Today it was a demonstration outside the Russian embassy here in Riga in support for Ukraine:

Welcome to our little corner of the world!

I believe that it better to link to older answers, than post the same answers, pictures or videos over and over again. Therefore you can take a look at this older thread where I answered regarding Riga.

A small curiosity: If you do one of the hop on hop off buses, you will actually hear my voice if you choose the Norwegian language track:)

Again, welcome to Riga!

I strongly suggest you to contact eatriga.lv. They are the best on independent tours in Latvia at the moment.

visitventspils.com as NeoVega mentioned basically gives you all the information you need.

Welcome to Latvia!

instead of blaming NCL, blame Russia for their immigration laws..

I Are people on NCL just not friendly? Hope things are better on board or it will be a pretty boring trip....

 

6&8

I believe Cruise Critic members represent MAYBE 1% of all cruise passengers, so I dont think there is any reason to worry too much.. :)

The reviews at Cruise Critics partner site Tripadvisor looks good.

But of course. Need some variety. It is more out there than just cruising:)

haha! A lot more surprising for me was Scandinavian type of breakfast with salted salmon, pickled herring and cucumbers. For the first time it's just very strange and then you start dreaming about toasts:D

Dreaming of toast when you get salted salmon? Okaaay.. :)

Congrats! Very nice! Great to read!

(A bit on the side: Kinda fun to see that no one reacts with skepticism when the first post is positive. If it was a negative posting, you bet a bunch of CC members would flame that person).

Just saw this on another site...I have not used it but looks interesting!

 

Hello to everyone, I am John and I would like to let know to everybody who visits Malaga that there is a new free app (TIPSMALAGA) on a guidebook for cruise passengers visiting Malaga. It's free and does not require internet connection (MALAGATIPS).

With her find the main points from the center of Málaga, as well as suggestions on where to buy, what to drink or eat and which are the most typical places.

This is the download link:

- For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ips.TipsMalaga

- To Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tips...l=es&ls=1&mt=8

 

I would like to give me review this application.

Thank you.

Tested it. In my mind you get most of the same through the Tripadvisor app. No annoying advertisements is a big plus though!

O No, not a party on a cruise ship, you don't have to go to the party. There is other stuff to do while that is going on. Don't panic but there might also be topless woman suntanning on the upper decks in the adult areas. OMG I know topless woman

Really?? And you need to leave your gun at home as well?? Where will this end..!!

I agree fully with point 22 and 23:D

Hehe:) I am with you on these points as well!