djvand

Port stop in Stockholm on July 8th at 8am.  Top priority is to visit the Vasa museum before the tour busses arrive.  Has anyone used Uber or Bolt while in Stockholm?  Wondering if this would be a good way to get to the Vasa as they open.  Any other fast options?  I know there is a hop on hop off bus and boat but not thinking that would get us there the fastest.  Appreciate your suggestions.

1 hour ago, washiotter said:

Day 6: Helsinki.

 

So it turns out that five port days in a row in fascinating cities is a lot. 
 

Today we were in Helsinki, and we did it in a pretty minimalist way. We took public transport downtown and climbed the steps of Helsinki Cathedral for the views. We paid a ludicrously touristy but also super fun visit to the “Helsinki Flying Theater,” which is like a low-rent version of the Disney ride Soarin’ - you’re in front of a 3-D movie screen in a seat that banks and jolts to give the impression of movement, and there are special effects like snow. We browsed for souvenirs and ate Finnish food in Market Square.

 

And then we were done being intrepid. The family went back to the ship, and I spent a luxurious hour and a half at a beautiful public sauna that was just a ten-minute walk from the ship. I really wanted to have that classic Finnish experience, and I’m so glad I did! It was lovely, completely lovely.
 

Obviously I didn’t take my camera into the sauna, but here is the relaxation room and the ocean plunge. You might be interested to know that the Baltic is COLD in June.

 

Came back, napped for two hours, had an elaborate and delicious dinner at Tamarind. We were all just blown away by how good it was! I had citrus scallops, lobster potstickers, crispy duck, and the mango posset. 

Now I am sipping peppermint tea in a cozy lounger in the Crow’s Nest, overlooking the ocean. Life is pretty great.

 

 

Do you happen to remember the name of the Sauna you visited here?  Or how to find it from the ship?

Loved this!  I read through it all at once and appreciated your views.  One question about the casino.  Did you use cash or can you charge against your account using your room key?  In this case, are there any associated charges for doing so?

Great thread!  My husband makes fun of me for watching all these channels on Youtube.  I am glad to know I am not the only one who does this!

So glad I found this post!  I thank all of you who posted your views.  Hubby and I have never been on Atlantis but we do cruise a lot on mainstream lines.  Your information has enabled us to start researching an Atlantis cruise for 2024.  Thanks again!

You can upgrade as high as you want within the same meta category.  In other words, if you booked in VH you could in theory get any other V category.  I booked in a lower V and when I added Orange I got to pick a VQ room.  This is, of course, only possible when you speak with an  orange agent and based upon availability.

15 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

Not my first ship but I also sailed Leeward in 1998. It did a series of cruises from Alexandria, VA to Bermuda.  Kind of a strange schedule because turnaround day ran REALLY early to avoiding the Woodrow Wilson Bridge anytime near rush hour.  Even around 1:30 or 2PM, the backups we caused going under the bridge were a sight to see.

 

Roy

OH wow!  I sailed her out of Florida but I bet that was a site at the bridge!

1998 NCL Leeward.  Was in the George H. Bush suite on the bow!  What a great room and small ship.  I still remember shooting clay off of the stern while at sea!  She has had quite the rough history...

Built in 1980 to serve as a ferry, this ship was rebuilt as a cruise ship in 1986. The ship had a poor history, however, with several fires, different rebuilds, and changes in service, as well as a partial sinking in 1994 after striking ice.

In 1995, NCL purchased the ship and operated it as Leeward for five years in the Bahamas, before transferring the vessel to Star Cruises in 2000, when it was renamed SuperStar Taurus. After another rebuild in 2002, the ship moved to northern Europe, and in 2007 it was sold to Louis Hellenic Cruises and began offering Greek Island cruises.

In 2014, the ship was renamed Celestyal Crystal, and in 2015 she had an unfortunate collision with a tanker. Later in 2015 she underwent a major refurbishment and she continues sailing today.

We are on this cruise leaving July 2 so you can provide great insight for us!  Looking forward to your "almost live" review.

Will be on the Nieuw Statendam this Summer in the Baltic.  Was wondering if Pickleball can be played anytime or just times posted in the When and Where?  Can bring our own rackets and ball if needed but do they also provide these?  Any recent experiences would be appreciated.  Thanks

Have a cruise coming up on the NS and booked into a Spa Balcony.  It looks on the deck plans that the balcony is not as deep as say a balcony on deck 8.  Does anyone have any information about this?  Appreciate any insight you may have.

1 hour ago, CruisingGrandmaW said:

We'll see which Perks Mary Ann is talking about.

 

Think it's probably along the line of what my husband & I do.

We have our TA book the segments B2B that ends up being the same as the Grand Voyages as a whole.

 

Reason:  Often Get more in total OBC $ from HAL & our TA booking it B2Bs vs as a Whole.

Plus our TA company offers us a "Cash Back or Credit Card upfront" for each segment.  When we book B2B say as 3-4 Cruises vs 1 Grand Voyage these perks will often total more $$. 

TA also gives us Excursion Vouchers, Resort Day Passes., etc. 

If we book just the Grand Voyage as one long cruise - we only get 1 Vouncher/Pass, 

But let's say if we book the Same Grand Voyage as 3 B2Bs - we get 3 vouchers/passes.

TA gives us a bottle of wine at beginning of each segment - vs - just 1 bottle of wine at beginning of the Grand Voyage.

 

HAL's PC perks - will often multiply by her booking Grand Voyage via B2Bs vs just as one cruise.

So let's say instead of one welcoming Bottle of Champagne - she would receive multiple as each new Segment (B2B) begins.

 

While some B2Bs will not have enough significant savings in doing this - most often it pays to book B2B.  One has to weigh the options

Just making sure I follow you....Assume you are booking the same cabin for each segment?  If so, another assumption is that you do not have to "check out" after each segment.  

How worried should I be about the food on Solstice next week?  Is this more about less selection or poor quality or both!

6 hours ago, PACD_JG said:

Fair enough.  I looked at Verandahs.

 

VH is $3808, VQ is $4988, so that would be a great deal.  A VF at $4508 to a V at $4868 is just an okay deal.

I am sure it varies by cruise and I agree with the "do the math comment".  In our instance on the Summer 10 day sailing Jewels of the Baltic on the Nieuw Amsterdam we got a "double" upgrade.  The booking perk was to pay for a Ocean View and get a free upgrade to an obstructed balcony VH.   That resulted in a $100 savings PP. Then with CO you get a META upgrade which simply means you can get a space available free upgrade to the highest available room in that same category.  In our case that was a Spa Verandah balcony cabin VQ.  The price difference between those categories was $603 PP.  So "savings" for this cruise for 2 people was $1406 total.  The cost of CO was $250 x 2 $500.  So savings for us was $906 just on the cabin alone.  That DOES NOT even include the free tote bag which 98% of the time they do not have 🙂  

In order to do this you book the original cabin.  Then you or your TA call HAL and they speak with them to confirm CO is available.  IF it is you can pay the fee and immediately pick the room that you want in the same META category.  The CO fee is non refundable.  There is a 2 page reference online with all of the other CO perks.

Sounds like this party will be a good people watching experience.  I have some Dutch orange attire so hopefully I will fit in!

Pre cruising here for a few nights.  Anyone have some suggestions on places to see, do, drink and/or eat?  Love to hit up any local gay drinking establishments.

IF you are going to sail on the MSC the only way I would do it was in Yacht Club.  Get a balcony YC if you can.  From the private check in area to private lounge and restaurant you will be away from the masses.  Never have to worry about a chair by the pool or waiting to get a drink.  MSC is a "unique" line as they have many quirks but we have learned to laugh at most things and just get some more to drink.  ENJOY!

What all happens at the orange party?  When is it usually held?

I was wondering the same about the mimosas in the Orange dining room.  IF they include in room service maybe they will in dining room.  Can anyone confirm?

3 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Literally the next thread down the board as I write this:

 

A little further down the board:

 

Read the many threads about Stone Island.

Yes I read those but thought my question was unique enough to warrant it's own thread.  I was looking at beaches to walk to that did not require taxi on land or water.  

Ship in port from 12:30 to 8pm.  Are there any beaches we can walk to in Cabo?  Just want a nice sandy area where we can rent some chairs.

Also interested in beach options for Mazatlan and PV.  Thanks in advance!  Trying to avoid long water taxi or land taxi rides.  

Will be sailing out of Copenhagen on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam on July 2, 2023.  We will be arriving 2 days prior.  Looking to stay at the Marriott but is that still within walking distance to the attractions?  There are 4 of us, would you recommend a Taxi from the airport or would it be worth it to take the train and walk to the Marriott?  

Thanks for the review.  In one of your pictures you are in an off road 4 door ATV.  Which tour was that?

I have a comp cruise only room booked leaving in about 40 days.  When the Move Up offer opens I was wondering if I won a bit to Aqua Class if I will get the wi fi, tips and basic drinks package included?  I know if I paid for that at the time of booking that would be included but did not know if it is included as part of the move up process to that category.  Thanks!

I was reading a cruise review and they mentioned this restaurant.  Stated you take a boat to get there but did not offer more detail.  Has anyone been?  Can you give more detail about how to get there from the city and if it is worth the trip?  Thanks!