Stockholm: Selecting a HOHO Boat Company

[In Retirement]

Greetings!

We arrive at Stadsgarden 167 Tuesday 7 June 2011 at 10:00 and depart at 17:00, so at best we have 6 hours to see this lovely city. Both the location of berth and the apparent fact that we are the only cruise ship in town this day are to our benefit?

 

(1) Apparently two companies provide HOHO boat service to Stadsgarden 167 -- both have their own unique "characteristics": The one with large tourism-promotion through web sites and blogs is "Stromma." Their unique approach is to sell you directly a one-day pass for 100 SEK (about $18) but either only online (like before you fly to Europe and then you can hope the berth isn't changed due to poor weather) or you pay 40 SEK for each of a minimum of three travel segments (Stadsgarden-Vasa; Vasa-Palace; Palace-Stadsgarden). When you ask them, they say the one-day pass can only be purchased directly at their Nyproblan office. Obviously if you make it to their office, you don't need the ticket!

 

(2) The alternative company is Rederi Malaren. Apparently you can buy a 1-day 100 SEK ticket on one of their boats. BUT this tourism service neither posts a useful website (need to translate, not the important details) and in no way can I tell how/what options are available for purchase. I've written them twice in the last week and they don't respond to my emails.

 

Two great assists: what would you do? Anyone willing to call Rederi Malaren and determine if they will either take credit card or euros at the boat? Considering schedule/ports services and number of boats in service that day, which company wins out or what are the issues I don't see? If I now buy ticket online (perhaps missing some of the negative effects of the plunging value of the USD) what happens if the ship does not go to Stadsgarden?

 

(3) Although we now have a Vasa/Gamla Stan minimalist plan, it would be great to have another option for good weather or rain. Had thought of Nordiska museet if weather is poor, or Skansen for a lovely day.

 

Am really hopping for definitive information from unbiased (or even you biased) locals! Some of my questions just ask for facts and at most require one phone call in the local language. Help!

Much thanks,

DJ:)

balticports@yahoo.com

[Harry Cane]

We docked at that same pier and although I had ambitious plans HOHO was not in them--my plan was to walk to Gamla Stan, see the old town, walk over to City Hall and eventually do the boat tour. All that fell apart when my other half complained about the long walk to Gamla, so rather than listen to the rant, I relented and bought two one-day HOHO tickets at the souvenir/tourist info spot right as you exit the ship. We later noticed there was a different HOHO ticket seller near where you get on the HOHO boats. All's fine so far.

 

We took the HOHO one stop over to Gamla. When we were coming back that afternoon, we walked up to the HOHO spot at about 3:30 (ship left at 5:00 or so) only to find out we just missed the once-an-hour boat. We'd have to wait for the next one in an hour, and then it'd take an additional hour to get back to the ship, since it only went clockwise. We had to walk back to the ship. Thank goodness we gave ourselves plenty of time. Bottom line, we bought the tickets (I think it was probably $15 a piece, which we paid in dollars) to ride one stop on the HOHO. Turns out the other HOHO company runs them in the opposite direction and more frequently.

 

Now that I've ranted, as I recall there were two types of HOHO, and they sold the tickets to both right when you get off--one in the shop, one outside near the HOHO pier. Just be careful you get on the right one.

 

Hope that helps, but not sure it did.

[In Retirement]

Harry,

Sometimes such recollections raise other issues. I know there are two companies and they would not accept each other's tickets. I didn't know that each company could service the area going in opposite directions, or that the frequency of boats could be as bad as hourly! Gives me more to think about, and hopefully a Stockholm resident could comprehensively report on the services each company will actually provide.

 

IF we take three rides (I guess that the last, depending on the time might be Gamla stan to Stadsgarden or a complete round tour) we could either purchase 1-day tickets for 100 SEK or three single-ride tickets each for 40 SEK -- this 20 SEK (another $3 or so) would give us the added benefit of using either boat company and could take either the next one to come along or the one going in the best direction? Obviously we will not want to become too charmed by this city and head back to the ship around 3:00 pm.

 

I can understand your spousal situation. But of the two of us, I am the one most likely to bite off more than I can effectively chew (be excessively enthusiastic) about walking plans! During our last cruise, I proudly showed off to my unaware spouse my ability to get us at Venice from ship to the Ghetto, showing her our soon-to-be hotel and being an expert in turns and canal crossings. What I didn't account for was that once at the Ghetto, climbing many flights of stairs would be necessary -- but my body wouldn't be sufficiently motivated!

 

Any other report of your own experience at Stadsgarden or collected information from these two companies (Stromma, Rederi Malaren) would be most appreciated!

 

DJ:)

[sddsddean]

We did use the HOHO boats (the one with the yellow signs!). When we were there July last year, there were at least 2 boats at the dock. The guys there asked where you were going (as everyone was going to either the Vasa or Gamla Stan) and they put you on the right boat to take you there before they started their proper schedule at about 10am.

This is S167. Security etc and a shop are at the right hand end (by the yellow trailers); the HOHO boats tie up at the far left end where the tyres are on the wall.

This is the exit to Stockholm. You go under the white tent. If you go into the shop on your right you can buy a HOHO ticket that includes Vasa entry for 110SEK (in 2010).Walk straight across the truck park on the zebra crossing, turn left and walk to the boats. There are coloured lines for you to follow...dead easy! For info, the tour buses line up to the left (where the car is). There were booths by the boats, but there was a small queue at them. I'd buy at the shop. We went to the Vasa, then used the HOHO to 'island hop' and ended the day doing a complete circuit back to the ship.

 

Simon

[In Retirement]

Thanks Simon and Harry,

First, I'm posting this blog discussion (see bottom of it) of the Stromma product. They do not mention day pass + Vasa for 110 SEK -- indeed, the Vasa by itself is now 110 SEK + HOHO and they do not mention such a combination. Also, they now mention no direct cruise to Vasa or Gamla Stan either.

 

http://www.avidcruiser.com/stockholm/2011/04/06/stockholm-sightseeing-hop-on-hop-off-boat-tours/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+StockholmCruiseBlog+%28Stockholm+Cruise+Blog%29

 

Hope to hear from residents of Stockholm who call Stromma and Rederi Malaren. I now know that Stromma runs clockwise -- Harry, maybe Rederi Malaren runs counter-clockwise? At any rate, another option is to take the ferry from the Vasa to the Palace (need to look into that again now). Simon: do you have any sense of what the "yellow signs" might relate to? It would be great if someone kept a used ticket as a souvenir so you could look at what is written on it.

 

Simon, the pictures (I believe I saw them last year when I started my searches) are really helpful in terms of some orientation. Apparently, I won't get lost because people will be pointing to options? Our ship will be downloading 2,000 passengers -- does this area get chaotic? I guess that you took these pictures as your ship left (considering the dock is deserted)? We do arrive at 10:00 -- but we will be the only cruise ship in play that Tuesday.

DJ:)

[sddsddean]

Thanks Simon and Harry,

First, I'm posting this blog discussion (see bottom of it) of the Stromma product. They do not mention day pass + Vasa for 110 SEK -- indeed, the Vasa by itself is now 110 SEK + HOHO and they do not mention such a combination. Also, they now mention no direct cruise to Vasa or Gamla Stan either. I got the impression, that the early direct boats were an unofficial thing. Certainly I had found no previous mention anywhere. I think the guys on the boats just did it to make their and our lives a bit easier, so it may still be happening 'unofficially' this year. As I said, I got my ticket in the shop. There were a couple of other combinations too (like the anusment park and HOHO for 110SEK), so perhaps now you have to get them from the shop by the white tent (which is an official tourist office). There is also a post box there for cards.

 

http://www.avidcruiser.com/stockholm/2011/04/06/stockholm-sightseeing-hop-on-hop-off-boat-tours/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+StockholmCruiseBlog+%28Stockholm+Cruise+Blog%29

 

Hope to hear from residents of Stockholm who call Stromma and Rederi Malaren. I now know that Stromma runs clockwise -- Harry, maybe Rederi Malaren runs counter-clockwise? At any rate, another option is to take the ferry from the Vasa to the Palace (need to look into that again now). Simon: do you have any sense of what the "yellow signs" might relate to?

It was the colour of the 'billboards' at each stop where you could buy tickets from a rep. One was red (for one company) and one was yellow (for the other), but I can't remember which was which! It would be great if someone kept a used ticket as a souvenir so you could look at what is written on it.

 

Simon, the pictures (I believe I saw them last year when I started my searches) are really helpful in terms of some orientation. Apparently, I won't get lost because people will be pointing to options? Our ship will be downloading 2,000 passengers -- does this area get chaotic? I guess that you took these pictures as your ship left (considering the dock is deserted)? We do arrive at 10:00 -- but we will be the only cruise ship in play that Tuesday. Actually I took them as we arrived. This is about 8 - 8.30am. We got off about 9.15 (as the Vasa doesn't open until 10.00) and had no problems. If I remember, the ship excursions hadn't left (all the buses were still there), so that will have helped. We actually walked through the doors at the Vasa at about 10.15 and there was already a small queue (30 or so). By the time we left a couple of hours later, the queue was 50yds+ out of the doors!! Go early!!!

DJ:)

 

Simon

[annie99]

Many thanks for the pictures of the port area as this really helps when you don't know where you are going when you first get off the ship!

However, I am very confused about which HOHO boat to take. Is it the Stromma Yellow boat that goes more frequently? Is there a pass which will allow you to go either way on the ferries ie the first one that comes? If so, what colour do I look for and where do I buy this? There seems to be a difference in where to buy the " right " pass. Is it the shop or the pier where the HOHO boats are docked? Which is the " right" pass" ?

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

[In Retirement]

Many thanks for the pictures of the port area as this really helps when you don't know where you are going when you first get off the ship!

However, I am very confused about which HOHO boat to take. Is it the Stromma Yellow boat that goes more frequently? Is there a pass which will allow you to go either way on the ferries ie the first one that comes? If so, what colour do I look for and where do I buy this? There seems to be a difference in where to buy the " right " pass. Is it the shop or the pier where the HOHO boats are docked? Which is the " right" pass" ?

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

 

Two initial issues: Do you dock at Stadsgarden (a HOHO stop) and what is the competition (other cruise ships visiting Stockholm on your port day). I have posted multiple times trying to get locals to even call Rederi Malaren -- with no luck. I guess these guys are commercial promoters and for some reason are not interested in providing this information so you can be confident and efficient when you walk onto this port? It is very frustrating! Why do they even bother. At least the Stromma blog is very direct. (For example, if you dock at Frihaven, you need to get either a public bus or a cruise ship transfer service.)

 

In our case we have 6 hours and want to go to at a minimum Vasa museum and Gamla Stan. Considerations:

 

(1) My intense interest in the one-day pass is misplaced as the goal is to use this time efficiently. So, my current planning will use single-run tickets at 40 SEK (will cost about $3 more for this plan).

 

(2) Go directly to Vasa, optimally with a direct boat. If not, the boat that is going to leave next. However, if given the choice (a) direct boat; (b) counterclockwise boat; © boat getting ready to leave. For individual use tickets, they will take your money (including euros) or a credit card.

 

(3) Going to check with our touring group to see how many of the 18 want this plan. If at least 10, will look into the benefit of a group reservation with about 25% discount.

 

(4) What is the weather? How enthusiastic am I/wife feeling? Do I want to eat something nearby? Is it sunny and I think I'm up for a walk to the palace and also walk extensively in Gamla Stan. The most direct way to Gamla Stan is to take the ferry (also 40 SEK). Have seen utube of changing of the guards -- this is not London and no reason to go crazy. If it is raining, consider a visit to the Nordiska museet by the Vasa and shorten walk in Gamla Stan?

 

(5) Having to be back on board at 4:00 pm, have a plan at 3:00: walk (more?) HOHO boat (counterclockwise?) or determine how long the clockwise ride will be from Gamla Stan back to Stadsgarden (I have begun to feel quite certain that any local will not provide this information. You know, I've even posted on one of their threads and just "shut it down" by their avoidance of this subject. This is very, very, strange I guess that we will just have to do as well as we can? (Could this become a bizarre obsession?)

 

Best of luck to all with this mystery,

DJ:)

[Harry Cane]

Some general comments that might help or maybe confuse the situation further.

 

First, I should start off by saying that my goal on this cruise last year was to get an overview of the city as much as possible during a stop that lasted mere hours. Except for the escorted tour in St. Petersburg, we didn’t do any museums, although I would have loved to, thinking that the time in getting there, time I line (especially from what I read about Vasa) and time to enjoy the museum was a luxury I didn’t have.

 

With the help of this forum (the best tool ever!!!) I planned each city, from where we were docking, to how to get to where we were going, to currency issues, down to ATT access codes to call home.

 

In Stockholm, all my best-laid plans went to waste, and I felt it was a harbinger (fortunately it wasn’t ) for the rest of the trip. My plan was to get off the ship as early as possible. I knew where we were berthing –I think each of the Baltic cities has a website with the port schedule. Next was a walk to Gamla, catch a little of the changing of the guard, do a canal cruise (we really enjoyed that in Copenhagen), visit City Hall, and if time allowed, visit some of the modern part of the city. I also had it in my head to buy an Orrefors vase I had spotted here, remembering that the last time I went to Sweden ( a short hop over to Malmo from Copenhagen) there were big savings from the prices in the States.

 

So where did my plans go awry? First was the aforementioned issue with the HOHO boat. Still, that was only a problem on the return. The walk through Gamla was beautiful, and I really enjoyed that, but my other half insisted on going in every trinket shop. AAARRGH. We finally made it over to the Palace about 45 minutes before the changing of the guard and it was already getting crowded so we stayed for that. That was 45 wasted minutes. Then there was the actual changing. I guess it took about another hour. Honestly, it was OK, but not worth it if you have limited time. We wandered some more and got to the canal cruise site. The next cruise was a 2-hour one. We wanted the 1-hour, but we’d have to wait an hour, and we were already there, so we went ahead and did the two-hour. One hour would have been enough. By the time we got off, it was pouring rain and we decided to walk back through Gamla to the HOHO. That was when we found out about the schedule. Speaking of that, I understand that the one company we didn’t take (but should have) changes the direction in the afternoon, figuring (correctly) most people are wanting to get back to the ship from the downtown/Gamla area.

 

Bottom line is I don’t feel we profited to the max from our time in Stockholm. Good excuse to go back. Happily, we were more disciplined in our other ports. Helsinki worked like a charm from the bus number to the tickets, and I think it was because we stuck to the plan.

 

The only thing I’ll add on Stockholm is that besides our ship, the dock area only had a couple of other big ships and it looked like it was all it could accommodate. Those were ferries that had more locals, so you won’t have much competition for the HOHO’s.

[In Retirement]

Your very useful post just reinforces my current and continuing concerns. I don't understand why Stockholm locals only appear to be interested in public bus schedules. How HOHO boats and ferries actually function during the day should not be a secret. I've sent a note out to our group to see if I should explore the possibility of a group reservation at the Vasa museum. I'm on the lookout for the 2-3 people who still post regularly from Stockholm. Maybe I'll start posting consistently on their threads until we get some useful information? Stockholm doesn't look as complicated as Venice, but we have 6 functional hours in Stockholm while we had four days in Venice (big difference!).

DJ:)

[Al_Frescoe]

Your very useful post just reinforces my current and continuing concerns. I don't understand why Stockholm locals only appear to be interested in public bus schedules. How HOHO boats and ferries actually function during the day should not be a secret. I've sent a note out to our group to see if I should explore the possibility of a group reservation at the Vasa museum. I'm on the lookout for the 2-3 people who still post regularly from Stockholm. Maybe I'll start posting consistently on their threads until we get some useful information? Stockholm doesn't look as complicated as Venice, but we have 6 functional hours in Stockholm while we had four days in Venice (big difference!).

DJ:)

 

Ok, enough, seriously. I have seen all your posts prodding the locals, and I have held back.... so, let's discuss.

 

Why would locals be concerned with HOHO? I can only speak for myself, but HOHO is not something that I am familiar with, why would I take a HOHO in the city that I live in? This probably goes for the other locals as well. And regarding your "one phone call" thing, well, the fact is, I did make a phone call a couple years ago and frankly, with the kids they hire to answer the phones and everything else, well, I don't trust the information in any language. I guess you have realized that, huh? So, my phone call would not be gospel, and seeing your posts I would never give you any information like that for fear of being slammed if things did not go as reported. Just the way it is.

 

I'm afraid that your HOHO info will need to come from those that actually used the service. As a local I try to help out as best I can, sorry if that does not suit you.

 

Hope you are enjoying your retirement.

 

Al

[Harry Cane]

I neglected to add that we docked at the same dock you'll be using.

 

If you want more info on the HOHO, I know they have a website. Google it and I'm sure you will get more info. A recap from the way I understood it last year...

 

1. There are two companies that operate the HOHO. You can buy tickets for both right where you dock. You shouldn't have much competition to get in except from your fellow passengers, and frankly, most on ours had ship tours.

 

2. Ask questions about the schedule, how often they run, and if you're going to be in town, do they run counterclockwise in the afternoon so you can get back to the ship faster and you can plan accordingly.

 

3. Price difference between a one-day ticket and a simple fare (if that's available) may not be all that different, so it may be worthwhile.

 

4. If you walk back from Gamla, it's about a 30 to 45 minute walk. Not bad. And as I recall there's a blue line you follow straight to the ship.

 

One last thought re the group reservation. You mention 'the group'. Not sure if you're traveling with friends, but if you don't get enough takers, you might want to visit the roll call board and see if you get any takers. Not sure if you'd have to prepay the reservation which would be shaky if you don't know the folks.

 

Good luck. Stockholm was BEAUTIFUL! And be sure to wake up early--the sailing through the archipelago was amazing. One of the trip's highlights.

[In Retirement]

Ok, enough, seriously. I have seen all your posts prodding the locals, and I have held back.... so, let's discuss.

Why would locals be concerned with HOHO? I can only speak for myself, but HOHO is not something that I am familiar with, why would I take a HOHO in the city that I live in? This probably goes for the other locals as well. And regarding your "one phone call" thing, well, the fact is, I did make a phone call a couple years ago and frankly, with the kids they hire to answer the phones and everything else, well, I don't trust the information in any language. I guess you have realized that, huh? So, my phone call would not be gospel, and seeing your posts I would never give you any information like that for fear of being slammed if things did not go as reported. Just the way it is.

I'm afraid that your HOHO info will need to come from those that actually used the service. As a local I try to help out as best I can, sorry if that does not suit you.

Hope you are enjoying your retirement.

Al

 

Considering that this is a web site for tourists and you provide information yourself for tourists, I can't understand that you wouldn't want to know about such things. Unfortunately, many cruisers just visit Stockholm for hours and don't discuss their experiences here before they relocate?

 

My hope was that you would get someone at Rederi Malaren to reply to my email, or any email to any of my email addresses. Most interesting, Stromma runs a very tourist-friendly internet information process, while Malaren is only approachable if you speak the language (you must) or use the Google translation. Actually I did send an email and received a very pleasant reply that I had reached the wrong department and they were forwarding my email. Of course, the tourist department of this company doesn't want to bother replying! My original questions included does Malaren sell a one-day pass and for whatever, do they take credit cards or euros. Through the very useful discussion with previous visitors, my understanding of water transportation is substantially improved. Now I wonder why I would want a one-day pass at all. And both companies either take a credit card or euros -- how could such a service that wants cruise passenger business expect otherwise? I would appreciate any email contact (see below). Otherwise, we will plan to go first to the Vasa, take a ferry directly across (if not walk around) (unless we go to the Nordiska museet -- still looking for opinion?), have something to eat either by the Vasa or at Gamla Stan (suggestions?) and then either take a boat back to the ship or walk the hour. As you can see, there are plenty of ways to help us folks that doesn't include you talking to uninformed adolescents on the phone -- its the same problem everywhere when companies want to pay minimum wage. But, my hope was as you appear to be in the tourism business you would have the experience with these companies (who appear to need some assistance).

All in all "Retirement" is just a state of mind, anyway?

DJ:)

balticports@yahoo.com

[canadarocks]

My hope was that you would get someone at Rederi Malaren to reply to my email, or any email to any of my email addresses.

 

Unless I am mistaken, posters on this website do so on a voluntary basis. This is not a source of income for people who respond, whether they are residents of the country you are interested in or not. It is not someone else's job to get any of us here email responses nor are they required to help us in any way.

 

IMHO your general negative tone towards posters who live in Sweden (who have been extremely helpful) is neither warranted nor condoned. :mad:

[In Retirement]

You and Simon have been very helpful. Good to hear from folks who know about the topic at hand and are not wandering about with their superegos in attack mode!

 

The price difference (currently) between three simple rides at 40 SEK each and a "one day" pass is basically $3.00. A one-day pass compels you (at least to think) that you just have to use this one company (I mean, you paid for it, yes?). These stories of direct/not direct, clockwise versus counter-clockwise travels basically tell me that when on the dock, ask who is going directly to Vasa museum and go with them! From the Vasa (with or without another museum, with or without lunch) one either walks, takes a ferry (different dock, have to ask) or find a counter-clockwise boat to the palace. Seeing the church, taking the Rick Steves walk (giving up city hall and following Al's suggestion (elsewhere) and what I saw on you tube (and your comments) any crowd for changing of the guards is not a priority (we have done London and Athens). Considering the escalating price of petroleum, we will be happy if prices stay at 40 SEK.

 

As for the Vasa museum, we have guided tours in Germany, Russia, and Finland. I am asking the other 8 couples if anyone wants to go to the Vasa museum, and will see if there are others. (Think you are correct, wouldn't consider just paying for others on our Roll Call who could just change their minds.) We think that Tallinn is just for walking and Copenhagen is at least City Sightseeing HOHO bus (boy are they helpful -- in English and the city sends out a great map without even asking). Seeing a half hour on Stockholm on PBS, we knew that if the weather is nice, just the ride around the harbor would be fun (as for canals, we spend a final week in Amsterdam and will have used the Batobus on the Seine for 5 days straight in Paris -- so we will have gotten plenty of that experience!

 

Usually, when a thread from natives offers to give assistance (not this thread), one usually doesn't get ignored (direct quote) especially if the one offering assistance also references his tourism web site (with its commercial promotions). As an aside, I have lived a long time in Detroit (no longer) and have many great academic friends there. Toronto is one of my favorite places (especially the Harbor Castle and the ferry in the summer out to the islands) and the people are very gracious. Perhaps a few Canadians are having secondary adjustment issues related to their elections? Considering how destructive US financial institutions have been over the last decade, Canadians have been most fortunate to not have been overly influenced by their neighbors directly to the south! (But then again, this is a cruise travel resource, and the content-direct topic here is/has been efficient transportation for the tourist visiting Stockholm for 6 hours.) I am sure that other noncombatant readers who are either planning such a visit or willing to share their previous relevant experiences are genuinely most appreciated. Of course, off-topic comments are just part of the experience (At a time when college students surf the internet and text during class lectures, I guess people for their entertainment can just visit random threads and post whatever ad hoc comments they please -- and in bold as well!).

 

Most cordially,

DJ:)