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hun

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Posts posted by hun

    Renting a car after cruise in Miami

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    Can you rent a car after the cruise at Miami cruise port and who to call for best rate.

     

     

    Yes, this is possible, we've done it and driven to MCO for our flights from Miami.

     

    There are car rental agencies (Alamo, Budget and perhaps Hertz come to mind) that will shuttle you to and from the ship/port.

     

    If you're renting the car for a one-way rental, check to be sure there's no additional one-way drop off fee. We've had good luck with both Alamo and Budget, but depends on whatever special rates to which you may be entitled (AAA, Sam's, Costco, government)

    Good luck!

     

     

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    Booking with SAS or UA

    in Cruise Air

    Posted

    We have flown international flights in the past, with no issues. We were recently scheduled to fly Icelandair on a return flight from Europe to USA. Received last minute call from Icelandair saying they moved us to a SAS flight. NEVER again will I fly SAS. We had the smallest seats ever, extremely uncomfortable (we are not overweight people), flight attendants were rude, as were some of the passengers, and the food was horrible. Worst flight ever and as I said before, NEVER again. In my opinion SAS translates to Suck Ass Service.

     

     

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    Interesting about SAS, we're looking to fly from Florida to Copenhagen and SAS was one of the better priced airlines, so good to know.

     

     

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    SPB Highlights Tour or TJ Travel Standard Tour?

    in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

    Posted · Edited by hun

    (From Mim, not me :))

    If anyone is interested, I created a spreadsheet a few months ago comparing the main tour operators - what you see, what it costs etc. I don't know if the prices of the tours have changed since I created it but it may be helpful. Here's the link:

     

    https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lKoxWHgYW5VdM3c0QjUAS_6WOSUVmfK4FuftEa6X3ss

     

    Regards, Mim

     

     

    Yes, thanks Mim, very much for sharing the spreadsheet - very helpful!

    Elisa

     

     

     

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    Florence & Rome Recommendations

    in Italy Ports

    Posted

    When we were in Rome for a one day shore excursion, we were very happy with Rome in Limo. When we were in Rome for several days on our own, we didn't use any tours, but got around everywhere by walking and subways. If you haven't already, check out Rick Steves book, very helpful.

     

     

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    SPB Highlights Tour or TJ Travel Standard Tour?

    in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

    Posted

    We recently did a cruise aboard Norwegian Star touring the Baltics for late August 2016. I selected TJ Tours after reading numerous reviews over many websites. I am pleased to report that TJ Tours did not disappoint.

     

     

     

    By way of introduction, my girlfriend and I have cruised the Mediterranean twice both 12 days. I have taken other organized tours as well as done some of Rick Steves' do it yourself itineraries.

     

     

     

    On this cruise it was easy to decide on one tour company for all 5 cities after reading reviews and reaching out to TJ. I did have questions and they were very responsive any time I reached out. Excellent customer service.

     

     

     

    Our 1st stop was a tour of Berlin. We were met at the docks with a full size motorcoach which was clean and comfortable. We made 1 stop to Berlin and 1 stop back as the ride is about 3 hours on the autobahn in each direction. With the halfway stop, the drive was not too bad! Besides, it was fun being on the autobahn for the 1st time.

     

     

     

    Boris was our guide in Berlin. Originally an American citizen, his enthusiasm and knowledge is incredible. Boris made Berlin enjoyable with his personable nature. We saw many attractions some of which were Kaiser's palace, Checkpoint Charlie, World War II Luftwaffe Building, Holocaust Memorial, Famous Chocolate Museum/store- "Fassbender & Rausch," Berlin Wall, US Embassy, etc.

     

     

     

    We had lunch in a wonderful Bavarian/type restaurant beer hall, "Lemke Berlin." Food was excellent as well as the beer! Some of our fellow cruisers had the traditional German sausage.

     

     

     

    Our next stop was Tallinn, Estonia. Trinn was our guide. She is a native Estonian and was informative and delightful in every way. This is more of a walking tour with a bus meeting you at the pier and then taking you to the old town Tallinn.

     

     

     

    Old town Tallinn is like going back in time during medieval days. Narrow streets and beautiful views. Saw one of the oldest apothecary's in the world, "Raeapteek" dating back to 1422. Still in business!

     

     

     

    We were on our own for lunch and found a delightful restaurant on the street, "Kuldse Notsu Korts," Estonian Country Restaurant. We sat at a table outside and had a fabulous meal of exotic cheese and homemade cherry beer!

     

     

     

    Our next stop was for 2 days in St. Petersburg, Russia. Our guide for 2 days was a charming and very informative Nina. She was the perfect host and knowledge in Russian history was unbelieveable.

     

     

     

    Our 1st day we traveled along the river Neva in a Mercedes Sprinter. Took a ride on a hydrofoil boat to one of the Tsar's mansions Petrodvorets with the incredible fountains, park and churches.

     

     

     

    Lunch consisted of a traditional Russian food and beverages. Typical old style traditional Russian restaurant with cranberry and horseradish vodka shots being served. "Xaeohnkob'B" Traktir served chicken with cranberry sauce and cooked vegetables.

     

     

     

    After lunch we went to Pushkin Catherine Palace & museum with famous Amber room which was restored, Russian subway stop "Pushkinskaya" with statue of Pushkin, Church of the Savior on Blood and final resting place of the Tsar family at Peter & Paul Fortress. A lot of sightseeing for 1 day.

     

     

     

    The following day we again met Nina and proceeded to do a canal tour on a canal boat. Saw the battleship Aurora which started the October revolution in 1917! Visited the Palace Square, Hermitage Museum, St. Isaac's Cathedral and Usupov Palace where there is an underground room where Rasputin was reportedly murdered. At the Usupov Palace we were treated to an improtu show with some traditional Russian singers in the Palace's private theater! All in all so much to see in two days!

     

     

     

    In the afternoon, we visited TJ Travel headquarters and gift shop. Met with the owner, Tatiana Churikova. Very accomodating and a pleasure to deal with. I liked the fact that I was not asked for any money on any of the previous tours and had paid for all 5 tours the 2nd day in St. Petersburg. Mentioned we were cruise critic members and received an additional 5% discount. Gift shop was excellent with a free "shot" bar.

     

     

     

    Had lunch at a spectacular Russian restaurant "Graf-in." More modern and chic. Enjoyed the food immensely. The appetizer of traditional beet soup was excellent. Incidentally, the two lunches in Russia are included with the tours!

     

     

     

    Our next stop was Helsinki, Finland. Maria was our guide. Saw the US Embassy and Embassy Row, Senate Square, Mannerheim statue in Kluuvi, Art Museum with modern statues, Sibeliuksenpuisto, Temppeliaukio Church, and daily life of Helsinki. This was the only day it was slightly cold, overcast and sprinkled off and on.

     

     

     

    Our final tour was Stockholm, Sweden. Our guide was Lilly and our driver was Tomas. Very friendly and knowledgeable. The day we visited, Vice President Joe Biden was visiting Stockholm! The traffic was monumental for security reasons, however no one was blowing their horns in their cars! Very patient people. Tomas our bus driver was adept at getting us around despite the massive traffic jams!

     

     

     

    Among other sites, saw the Stadshuset museum, Vasamuseet museum, Royal Castle and visited Gamla Stan area with its quaint shops and eateries. All in all a very beautiful city and would like to revisit again.

     

     

     

    The bottom line is TJ Tours does a fabulous job of making sure you are well informed, comfortable and have a great visit. All guides spoke excellent english and were well understood. Would highly recommend this company going to any of these countries or doing a "Baltic" cruise. When compared to what the cruise lines charge, you will save at least 50% or more.:cool:

     

     

    Did you feel the Tallinn and Helsinki days were "worth it"? We were thinking of doing three ports with them, but wonder if the 5-port option would make sense? We had planned to DIY Tallinn and Helsinki. Thanks!

     

     

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    Stockholm and a Helsinki

    in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

    Posted

    Hello,

     

     

     

    Our cruise ship stops in Nynashamn on a Saturday. I've been looking up how to get to Stockholm and since it is a weekend I guess the trains only run every hour instead of every half hour. Should we look into booking a tour for Stockholm then to make better use of our time, or do we have enough time time to do it on our own? The ship departs at 5pm.

     

     

    Our ship itinerary has also changed to stop in Nynashamn instead of Stockholm, leaving at 5, so we're planning on just taking a TJ/Alla/SPB tour that day - whoever we decide on for SPB and Berlin.

     

    Our original plan had been to book 2 stops with a tour company, but once we add the third, it's only about $100 more to also include Helsinki and Tallin, which we had planned to DIY....

     

     

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    Oct in the Mediterranean

    in Italy Ports

    Posted

    We cruised last October (returning Halloween) on Vision of the Seas and we felt we had perfect weather. Weather was in the low 70's and sunny during the day. We went from Barcelona to Venice and back. I brought an all-weather jacket in case I needed it, but it never rained [emoji5]

     

     

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    USA to Stockholm/Copenhagen - air on own or through cruise line?

    in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

    Posted

    Be wary of Aer Lingus, their on time record is notoriously absymal. If you have a connection make sure you have scheduled enough time. Perhaps book an overnight in Dublin and continue the leg the following day.

     

     

     

    We were flying to Southampton and missed the connection in Dublin due to a 3 hour delay. We ended up taking Flybe to a different airport in England and renting a car and driving to Southampton. As it was we had to pay full fare on that flight as it was booked and departed in a half hour after we got to Dublin.

     

     

    Oh wow! Didn't know that! Thanks!

     

     

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    USA to Stockholm/Copenhagen - air on own or through cruise line?

    in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

    Posted · Edited by hun

    Not sure where in the NE you'll be flying from - our closest airport is BDL and Aer Lingus will be starting up in a few months (would require a connection).

    We'll be looking to do this into Copenhagen next September and will be looking into Norwegian and Icelandair

    That said, we did get a much better price going through RCCL Choice Air last year for our Bradley to Barcelona flight on AA than what was available on the AA site.

     

     

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    free gratuties are in next promo!!! wow

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Just FYI if helpful to anyone - I just checked NCL site for our Getaway September 2017 cabin rate again (it's still not worth it for us to cancel/rebook to get the free gratuities...) BUT our sailing also now has a promo for $100 OBC for Oceanview and above.

     

    Just wanted to let folks know in case you can benefit. [emoji5]

    Are you willing to book private shore excursions for yourself and fellow passengers?

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    As has been said by others here, based on our experience, I would have no hesitation organizing a private excursion and having others join us, but would only do so if everyone independently was responsible for their own payment (typically by each person "holding" the reservation with the tour operator with their credit card and then actually paying - credit card or cash - at the conclusion of the tour).

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