shiner6

Excellent advice! thank you both! This is exactly what I was looking for.

I will be on the Crown Princess in January. When tendering in Lahaina (it is a Tender Port, correct?) How long does it take to disembark from ship if you do not purchase ship excursion? We want to do a private tour and are trying to Guestimate timing. Thank you for any advice you may give. Is it reasonable to get to Whalers village by 10:30 by bus if your ship arrives at 7 and begins disembarkation at 8am?

This is good news! How do you access the spa hot tub? do you have to register?

Soooo, if they did not pay the crew and they paid themselves, why do people still defend the cruise lines for sub-par experiences in the NOW? Not trying to argue, just curious. Seems like they are able to take some of that cash and make things right.

Thank you. I have already checked out Trip advisor and it does contain useful information. People on cruise critic might have some other tips as well. As you can see, I am an over planner. I very much enjoy the planning of a cruise (but not as much as the actual experience).

First off, I wish to thank all of you who so graciously give advice. Originally, I booked this itinerary for the opportunity to visit St. Petersburg. Now, of course this has changed, and I have a non-refundable deposit, so I am looking at the new opportunities to visit this region. Would you please offer your experiences and advice about visiting the following areas? We r both in our late 60's, in good health and good mobility, traveling with a 16year old female. This is our first trip to Europe. How much time to allow for disembarking at each port? Was there any tendering to deal with? Any other tips are greatly appreciated (specially restaurants, street food, drinks, pubs, etc.) 1. Gothenburg--especially interested in the Botanical Gardens and Hop on Hop off Bus. Is this the best use of our time? 7a-4p 2.Warnemunde--not interested in the 3hour trip to Berlin-probably visit areas nearby 3. Tallinn-- What to do here? 9-6 4.Helsinski--???? 5. Copenhagen--Lots to see here-need help in honing it down/ what did you enjoy most? I am tentatively planning to do Rosenberg Castle 9-10:30, Tivoli Gardens from 11-2, then walk back to the ship. 8-4 6. Kiel---??? 10-7 7. Stockholm--Book a tour?

This is exactly the type of information that I look for! Thank you for posting. Very helpful to me in my planning. May I ask what you chose to do in the other ports?

Thank you everyone. I certainly feel that ya'll have provided some great information. I don't believe that Carnival is much less in price compared to the others after you figure in gratuities, drinks, wi-fi etc. It truly is a decision which everyone will differ on based on their own needs and experiences. I am now feeling like this can fulfill my expectations as long as I adjust them accordingly. Now, onto planning transportation and other logistical needs. Your input is greatly appreciated. Let me know if ever I can be of assistance in return.

This is a very timely thread for me as I have a B2B booked on the Pride for next summer. This is my first carnival cruise (I love Princess and HAL). I am very concerned about being on this ship for 28 days--so much in fact that I am seriously considering just taking a loss and cancelling the Baltic part. I have been reading every review on many different sites. I am willing to entertain the thought of mediocre food for 9 or 10 days, but cringe at the thought of enduring it for 4 weeks. I am not a snob, just a hardworking RN who has saved for many years for this trip. It sounds like the decor will be fun and interesting, as well as the entertainment. Please no snarky responses or glowing reports, I am interested in HONEST experiences only.

We have a Vista Suite for 2023. I am following your thread. Good to hear you are having a better day. I know how much you looked forward to this cruise!

we are a family of 7 and we used the train, we carried our luggage, even the children. It was super fast and easy. Lets you off within site of Canada Place. we ranged in age from 9 to 72.

Yes, we did encounter more than one episode of unapproval by old farts. Fortunately I am 69 and remain kind and young at heart.

I was not present, however, I must say that I never witnessed any shenanigans from children on this cruise. It was very pleasant to cruise with all ages who were so well behaved. As a matter of fact, all of my fellow cruisers were polite and courteous. People were very respectful of each other. The noise was due to the basketball bouncing, not yelling (so I was told by the teens).

We just disembarked from Koningsdam Alaska trip with our 2 teens and a 9 year old. If you are wondering what is offered for them (teens) on this cruise, I will tell you that it is limited to about 1 or 2 hours a day of activities geared toward them. I advise your teens to make friends early on and then they are able to hang out. The staff was very good to them and they enjoyed evenings in the crow's nest. One of the disappointments came from Mature cruisers (like myself) complaining about the "noise" from the basketball court. They made the teens stop playing and the basketballs disappeared for the next day. I wasn't present when this occurred, so don't know if they replaced them later. The younger children had more opportunities to gather. Of the activities, they did not care for Origami-none of them wanted to participate in paper construction. We purposefully chose HA for its subdued atmosphere on board, but we did not anticipate the Elder reaction.

We just returned from the Koningsdam Vista suite 6104 . I would not pay extra for it. Room was nice, but not much different than a balcony room and certainly not worth hundreds of $$$ more.

After searching The Navigator for information, I am still in the dark. I know you experienced HAL cruisers can provide the information. I am very interested in signing up for this as a surprise for my Hubby. We depart this Saturday. Does it fill up quickly? Should I make it a priority when we board? Thanks in advance. Any other advice or tips are also appreciated, as this is our first HAL cruise.

Roger does a great job. I looked at those menus, but they may not reflect current choices and pricing as they are from last year. Is anyone on board now who can confirm?

you will lose your deposit. I just tried to move a cruise and was denied.

following

Thank you! Yes, your information is extremely helpful!! 2 taxi's to the hotel, then sky train to the cruise terminal it is!!

We arrive at YVR around 10 pm. A family of 6 requiring easiest transport to River Rock Casino Hotel, Train or Taxi?

I have this booked as well, hope it is still happening! It still shows on my Navigator.

We ended up with a Vista Suite for our First HAL cruise next month. We also felt that the rooms seem rather on the small side and we have a teen in our room. I hope the small amount of extra room in the suite is worth the price. We will post our experience when we return.

So, do you need a reservation for breakfast, or do you just show up? Do they serve other items?

Would you please say a little about the weather while onboard? Did you prefer short or long sleeved shirts? We begin packing next week and are trying to limit what we take.