mocrimlaw

At the end of October this year we did the Magic Mail Run around the islands dropping of mail and supplies to the islanders. It was an outstanding afternoon. Beautiful scenery which you won't see from the ship. Go to www.beachcombercruises.co.nz.

Thank you - that helps!

Our ship stops in Picton, and I was planning on a cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound. In looking at a map, it looks like the ship will be coming through the sound to dock at Picton, so perhaps we will already see the same thing, though of course not from a small boat. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks!

What cruise are you on and what date do you visit KI?

Hi Linda and Lester - Not sure who you are asking, but www are on the Celebrity Solstice from Auckland to Sydney on November 20, 2018. We are going to Australia first (Kangaroo Island, Cairns, and Sydney).

The Four Seasons is a flat walk to Circular Quay.

Thank you!

I am about to book a hotel in Sydney and in the back of my mind I remember someone saying something about some hotels near Circular Quay being located on top of a hill. Is this correct? Maybe I am thinking of something else, but I have some walking issues, especially on hills, so I want to be sure. I am looking at the 4 Seasons specifically. Thanks!

Thank you. No Sydney?

At this stage, Qantaslink flights have been announced from Adelaide and summer season flights from Melbourne.

MMDown Under - Can you please explain about the coming flights you mentioned from Sydney to KI? We are going there in November 2018 and I was worrying about the Rex flight because of the severe luggage limitations. Thanks!

What you can see and do on a day visit depends how long the ship is in port. Note you don't drive on KI after dusk for the very real possibility of hitting a kangaroo.

 

Because of the long distances between attractions, we stay on both ends of the island (Penneshaw) and Fraser Chase National Park. There is a lot to see close to Penneshaw, if you have a hire car. I would suggest you call in to the friendly Tourist Information Office close by for maps and suggestions. Then drive to the beautiful beaches en route to the closest light house (arriving at Penneshaw, the road is to the left). There is a cafe en route with delicious food and 180 degree views near the light house. You can tour the lighthouse and see how the lighthouse keepers used to live. There is also an excellent winery en route. Then I would drive west to where the road turns east to Kingscote and turn left instead to walk on another spectacular beach. If you have time, I'd drive to Kingscote for the best fish and chips from the shop at the local garage. This small town has the most shops to buy gifts and KI food. On the way back to Penneshaw, I'd turn down all the little roads to the left (in and out to main highway.) You would have a splendid day, without travelling the long distances involved in trying to see everything in a day (which is impossible).

 

If you fall in love with KI, as I have, you'll soon be able to fly direct to there from Sydney and Melbourne. At present you take a small Rex plane with thirty seats from Adelaide or drive from Adelaide to the ferry - both routes are enjoyable.

Have you had your tour? How was it? Do you mind if I ask if you had a large group and whether it was a tour that was all walking or were you driven from place to place? Thanks!

Sorry for the late response - we are on back to back cruises with sporadic internet. Copenhagen is our last destination so we have not had our tour yet. It is a private tour, and we will be picked up from the port and driven around as I have some mobility issues.

Afraid not anymore as it's now one Platinum Plus perk to dine with officer.

 

I will sign ourselves up for one this coming October as we board the Getaway for the TA.

 

P.S. WOW! An almost 5 year old thread has been reopened!

What does that mean - one Platinum Plus perk?

No, if you have the Specialty Dining Plan your meal is covered. The prices are for those paying a la carte.

Thank you!

Looking at the Le Bistro menu posted here, I see there are prices for everything. So when you eat in the specialty restaurants that are included in your package of 4, do you have to pay?

We will be in port for only one afternoon. Can anybody recommend a private tour operator??

We will be in Copenhagen for only one day in August, and I have been working with a guide who seems great named Paul Wilson. He said I could give you his email. We have been chatting for awhile and he is funny and engaging. His email is scandibalt@yahoo.com.

Actually, no, our first day is 9-6 in Talinn. I know that makes it more difficult, but our only sea day is the last day of the cruise and by then it's sort of pointless to be meeting people! I thought if I have it at 6:30 that might be ok.

Or do you think 6:00 would be better? I know we have to be onboard by 5:30. I know you have been on many more cruises than I have, so I appreciate your input!

I take it your first real day is a sea day. The butler shouldn't have any problem arranging it by then ... especially if you remain at 7 people. If you end up with too many for it to be comfortable in your VS, then you can arrange it with the concierge -- it probably would be held in Horizons. At least the functions I've set up have always been held there. Just have a list of names and room numbers available for him.

 

I've been informed that nowadays they prefer electronic notice of participants rather than meeting up with the concierge as I've always done in the past. That lets you contact the ship prior to boarding, which would be a plus.

 

 

 

Mura

Actually, no, our first day is 9-6 in Talinn. I know that makes it more difficult, but our only sea day is the last day of the cruise and by then it's sort of pointless to be meeting people! I thought if I have it at 6:30 that might be ok.

I was wondering if that might be the case. We are booked in OCs on cruises in November and next May, and I was thinking of holding our M&G in our suite as well ... except we are starting to pick up numbers.

 

If you DO hold it in your suite, I suggest you talk to your butler as soon as you can. He can provide hors d'oeuvres and drinks. (I haven't done this myself yet, just read about people who have here.)

 

Jim & Stan may chime in with some helpful suggestions for you if this happens!

 

Personally I would prefer to order from the bar in such a situation whether than using up m private supply! If you remain at 7 people, though, I can see where it could be easier.

 

Mura

Yes, I would rather order from the bar too, but I want to have it the day after we sail and I wasn't sure how quickly I could arrange it onboard. The following day we are in St Petersburg for 3 days so I think people will be too busy and tired.

We have always selected them upon boarding. The butler takes your list and gets them to hour suite very promptly.

 

I'm not sure about the proper answer to your question since I never tried to order the wine or liquor in advance. I think I have seen posts here that indicate that you can ... but I'm not positive. The suggestion to check with your TA or Oceania itself is well taken.

 

Good luck. (If you want to order in advance to be sure you have your order on hand the day you board -- well, you will. At least we always have.)

 

The other option is to bring along some of your own ...

 

Mura

Thanks Mura. Glad to know we can order them when onboard. I thought maybe since we didn't book the Vista originally we might not get some of the information about it. I was thinking of having the meet & greet in the suite this time since we only have 7 people signed up and I want to make sure I have something to give them!

Thanks - I found the list but am trying to learn if I pick them before or after we board?

I just upgraded to a Vista Suite and I understand we get to pick 6 bottles of wine for the suite. Does anyone know if we can do this before we board or do we wait until we get there? Thanks!

VERY nice surprise. Enjoy!

Thank you!

Love, love, loved our Vista suite on Riviera and our wonderful butler, Binoy!!!! I guess the best things were the service and all the information he had about every aspect of the cruise. It was like having a best friend around, who didn't linger.

Thanks - I will think of him that way! I am not telling my boyfriend that I have upgraded us - decided to surprise him with the suite (I paid for it) so I am really glad to hear you loved it!

We were lucky enough to be able to upgrade today to a Vista Suite on Nautica for our August Scandinavian/Baltic cruise. We have been in a Penthouse suite before and really never used the butler. I am looking for ideas on how people have used the butler, since I keep reading that having the butler is one of the best perks of a Vista suite. Thanks!

Hi Terry - I just read your latest trip and really enjoyed the commentary and beautiful pictures - I always feel like I am traveling with you! Somehow I had missed this review until today - busy with a big trial ( which we won!) for the last few weeks, and completing the details for our back to back cruises on NCL and Oceania in August to the Norwegian fjords and then Scandinavia/Baltic. Hope you had a wonderful anniversary and happy belated birthday to Penny! Enjoy your grandsons!

Maureen (crimlaw from Denver)

There was a stall in the shops by the pier in Tallinn that had awesome felted wool hats. They had ears, flowers, etc. Very whimsical. I bought one that has goat ears and horns. My family was mortified! I love it. I also found a cute, fluffy sheep - wooden head and legs and lots of wool fluff for the body. It would be great for a small child.

You sound like a lot of fun!

Thank you.

 

I live in the Manchester area and have been to the Arena a few times.

 

 

RIP

Such a terrible tragedy - my heart goes out to you and everyone in your area.

Hi, we'll be arriving in Stockholm (Frihamnen) on 20/06 Tuesday. I've tried booking tours through Viator, Alla & SPB and all have turned me down. Alla wanted an additional 6 people (we're a group of 4 & my roll call is DEAD), SPB isn't running a tour due to low turn out & Viator stated their tour isn't running that day.

 

We'd like to experience a little bit of Stockholm. Visit Gamla Stan, a viewpoint of Stockholm for pictures would be nice. A stop at Vasa isn't top priority but would be welcome along with a palace stop. We'd like some time in Gamla Stan to explore & maybe shop/eat.

 

Any recommendations?

We have booked a private tour with Thomas Andersson for 2 of us. He has been great to work with online -can't say how good he is in person until we going August:). His email is thomas.andersson@live.com if you want to contact him.