DOBIN OF THE SEA Posted November 7, 2017 #1 Share Posted November 7, 2017 I have already booked our cruise on Arcadia and I am after picking all your brains (I am also looking and taking advise from all the threads already posted on here e.t.c.) I would like all your thoughts on what are the best places to visit, the best activities, things and places we must see and possibly the ones we may need to skip, cheapest & best companies to organise any trips, what transfers will take us to our destination, what transport we may need to organise if any to get to our destination.- have never been to any of the following destinations so would be great to see what you all think. We are visiting the following (not in order) - Skagen & Frederica (Denmark), Klaipeda - (Lithuania/), Helsinki- (Finland), St. Petersburg - (Russia), Gdynia (Gdansk - Poland), Oslo & Kristiansand - (Norway) I know this cruise seems a long way off but as the saying goes "it will be here before you know it" and I do want to make sure I get the most out of this cruise - I have only been on a four night trip on the P & O Ventura before this trip. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tartanexile81 Posted November 7, 2017 #2 Share Posted November 7, 2017 I was on Britannia to the Baltic this year and some of our ports coincided with yours. Helsinki - unfortunately it rained most of the day but I had downloaded a couple of commentaries for the term so we used the public tram. I'd HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Rock Church and the square with in. There's also a fantastic food market just where the shuttle bus drops you off. St Petersburg. We did the Highlights tour with SPB - not to be missed. There's nothing we wanted to see but didn't fit in and enjoyed two full days with a very information and interesting guide. Any more would have been too much. We also used the SPB driver at night and we went into town and went wherever we wanted. Oslo - Only tour we did with P&O. Went to the Vigeland Sculpture park and the Ski-jump centre both well worth a visit although we'd been to so many museums we didn't appreciate the Viking ship Museum so much. In the afternoon we enjoyed just walking round the city centre and saw The Scream at the Art Gallery, the Royal Palace, The Nobel centre and enjoyed the cafe culture. The ship pretty much docks in the city centre Hope that helps a bit at least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scriv Posted November 7, 2017 #3 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Gdynia/ Gdansk.... we went to Gdansk by the very reasonably priced P&O Excursion Gdansk On Your Own. Basically you are transported to and from Gdansk by coach and walked to the centre, then you are left to explore on your own. This is not a guided trip, but you are provided with a map and our guide talked to us the whole way and pointed out various interesting places en route like Lech Walensa's house. Klaipeda - very little there of interest really, but at least you can say you have been to Lithuania. We just went for a walk around the town, visited a small brewery and a church, walked along the river/canal back to the ship and had a local beer and a snack on our walk back to the ship. There was an indoor flower market and an outdoor market when we were there ,which was quite interesting as something different. St Petersburg - We did the P&O small group minibus 2 day tours called Simply St Petersburg which was brilliant, but very high activity and full on. It was great to go in small groups and you get in the big places before they open to the public. There is a company called Alla who run very similar tours and have a very good reputation and are a bit cheaper than P&O. We often travellled in convoy with an Alla coach- they all go to the same places. There is so much to see in St Petesburg, so look at what you wish to see and how active you want to be. Many tours cover the highlights. Like Tartanexile81 we felt we had done and seen enough - there is a danger of overload! We are going back in 2019 and look forward to doing something a bit different as it will be a revisit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Piano Posted November 7, 2017 #4 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Helsinki was our least favourite port. However I would recommend just take the shuttle bus into the city. Where you get off there is a family owned London routemaster bus offering tours. Take it. Good value, even though not the most vibrant of cities. When you finish tour and get dropped off, it’s short work to market area. St.Petersburg, look up local tour companies such as TJ Travel, SPB and Alla tours on the net, much the same in pricing and all very good. We did Alla Grand Tour. Absolutely amazing. If you’re less mobile, then the comfort tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Luv Crusin Posted November 7, 2017 #5 Share Posted November 7, 2017 I'm looking at this cruise too. Looks like a great itinerary. What is the difference between P&O and Princess? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thejuggler Posted November 7, 2017 #6 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Before going to St Petersburg read at least one book on pre revolution Russian history, or Peter the Great etc so you have some context to the City. We went this year and I have just read about Nicholas II, The Last Tsar, the head of the Romanov family who were all murdered after the revolution. We didn’t learn on tour Tour that the Tsar had 5,000 staff at St Catherine’s Palace and during Autumn the Tsar kept soldiers busy taking leaves off the trees before they fell, there are thousands of trees in the gardens! BBC website currently has an in depth piece on the Revolution which happened 100 years ago today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOBIN OF THE SEA Posted November 8, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Thank you all for your replies - really appreciated. Lesley sorry I cannot answer your question - I am very new at this cruising game. Please keep your thoughts and ideas coming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scriv Posted November 8, 2017 #8 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Agree about reading up the history before visiting St Petersburg - but be prepared for the shock in the contrast between how the grand lived versus the ordinary population and obscene opulence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Britboys Posted November 8, 2017 #9 Share Posted November 8, 2017 St Petersburg - there is so much to see here on a first visit. I have been twice and enjoyed The Hermitage, a boat cruise on the river Neva, The Peter & Paul Fortress, Peterhof Palace and the Catherine Palace. Skagen - lovely little place which is easy to wander around on your own at a relaxed pace. Klaipeda - I enjoyed walking around this little town. I also walked right up to the top end of town where there is a sculpture park. Not up to the standard of Vigeland but still quite nice. Gdansk - the Old Town is a must but also try to get a tour that includes a visit to the Shipyard Museum. It is fascinating to be able to see a place that featured so prominently in modern history. Oslo - on my last visit there in May I used the HOHO bus to visit the stunning Vigeland Sculpture Park and then the Viking Ship Museum. Both excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddie11 Posted November 8, 2017 #10 Share Posted November 8, 2017 If you are in Kristiansand on a Sunday be prepared for a very very quiet day. It is a pretty little town but on our Sunday visit it was most definitely CLOSED. So, if you want to do something/see something look at booking an excursion. If you are content to walk round silent pretty streets, enjoy the unmanicured park area, look at the sand sculptures (I don’t know if they are permanent or had been a one-off), then you will enjoy it I’m sorry, I can’t tell you what it might be like on a weekday or Saturday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOBIN OF THE SEA Posted November 9, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Thank you Scriv, Andrew & Eddie for your posts. Thankfully we are visiting Kristiansand on a Tuesday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weelovetocruise Posted November 9, 2017 #12 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Scriv would you mind telling me how much the Simple St Petersburg trip was with P and O please. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scriv Posted November 9, 2017 #13 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Scriv would you mind telling me how much the Simple St Petersburg trip was with P and O please. Thanks I'm so sorry, weelovetocruise, I really can't remember. It was 3 years ago :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weelovetocruise Posted November 9, 2017 #14 Share Posted November 9, 2017 That’s ok thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scriv Posted November 10, 2017 #15 Share Posted November 10, 2017 That’s ok thanks Been trying to remember.. it wasn't cheap. Maybe something like £180 each for the two days? It was well worth it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tartanexile81 Posted November 12, 2017 #16 Share Posted November 12, 2017 It’s better value to do the private tours and in St Petersburg SPB and Alla are simply the best (cue Tina Turner [emoji23]) Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmandjay Posted November 13, 2017 #17 Share Posted November 13, 2017 Another vote for SPB - could not fault them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kruzseeka Posted November 13, 2017 #18 Share Posted November 13, 2017 In Oslo it is very easy to do the Vigeland Park on the tram which I believe is a circular route and stops outside the gates. We caught the Metro from the main square and had a 400m walk to the park but caught the tram back to the centre. You may have to research route/stops but it's free entry to the park and one of the most memorable of places to visit - how could anyone express so many emotions from granite? We love Helsinki. Again I'd recommend using the tourist tram (3T?) and get off at the nearest stop for the Sibelius Park. The Sibelius Monument in the parkland is worth seeing especially if the sun is shining. Then if you're happy to walk back to the harbour area, you can meander to the lakeside and have a coffee at the Regatta Cafe (good reviews - seems like a local favourite). We didn't think that the coffee was great but it was cheap and you get refills however the setting and incredibly quirky log cabin cafe are quite something. Then head off for the Rock Church which is definitely worth visiting as already mentioned. Beautiful in its simplicity. On the way back to the centre have a look at the main train station as you pass by (we missed this but apparently is renowned for the architecture) then make for Senate Square and back down to the harbour area. There is a nice cafe which is a conservatory style just at the bottom of the attractive gardens. Then the fish market and colourful indoor market are worth a look. We enjoy a day in Helsinki - varied and plenty of interest for us. Although we've been several times we do need a map to plan our route and avoid getting lost! I hope you enjoy it too. (I should say we once took an excursion to Porvoo(?) and it was very low key imo with a journey along straight pine tree clad roads so not much of interest along the way. I'd say explore Helsinki which is far more rewarding.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted November 15, 2017 #19 Share Posted November 15, 2017 We did the excellent 2 day Comfort Tour in SPB with Alla. In Gdansk we had to do a ship tour due to time constraints. It was interesting as my OH is very interested in WWII history. Gdansk was also the cheapest port of Call. In all the other places we got around by HOHO, public transport and the odd taxi. Not keen on ship's tours. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smarks Posted November 20, 2017 #20 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Another vote for SPB - could not fault them. Do you have any contact info for this company. We will be there May 2019. Thanks for any info you can share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmandjay Posted November 21, 2017 #21 Share Posted November 21, 2017 Just go to their website - all their different tours are detailed there. Booking on line was easy and you don't have to pay until you complete your tour. They had helpful agents at the port to direct customers to the right buses We went in May and the weather was really good - dry and not too hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgans Posted November 22, 2017 #22 Share Posted November 22, 2017 Oslo - you can take the small ferry (from very near where the ship docks) over the fjord to Bygdoy where the Folk Museum and the Viking Ship Museum are situated. The Folk Museum is extremely interesting- houses from years and years ago and a Stave Church. Lots of things to see & do. From there walk to the Viking Ship museum and return the way you have come, back to the ship on the little ferry(pay on board.) it's a good chance to see some extremely interesting sights and also a very upmarket area of the city with some mega priced, beautiful houses. A lovely trip. You will also be docked very near the City Hall which is worth popping into and seeing where the Nobel prizes are given out. There was an exhibition of the Sami people when we were there which was worth seeing. Oslo is a lovely city (not at all like described by Jo Nesbo in his books!) - one of our favourite ports but it can be eye wateringly expensive. You will love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOBIN OF THE SEA Posted November 25, 2017 Author #23 Share Posted November 25, 2017 Thank you all for your posts - all information stored - have a lot to research. Please keep your thoughts coming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slug33ukuk Posted November 30, 2017 #24 Share Posted November 30, 2017 I have already booked our cruise on Arcadia and I am after picking all your brains (I am also looking and taking advise from all the threads already posted on here e.t.c.) I would like all your thoughts on what are the best places to visit, the best activities, things and places we must see and possibly the ones we may need to skip, cheapest & best companies to organise any trips, what transfers will take us to our destination, what transport we may need to organise if any to get to our destination.- have never been to any of the following destinations so would be great to see what you all think. We are visiting the following (not in order) - Skagen & Frederica (Denmark), Klaipeda - (Lithuania/), Helsinki- (Finland), St. Petersburg - (Russia), Gdynia (Gdansk - Poland), Oslo & Kristiansand - (Norw I know this cruise seems a long way off but as the saying goes "it will be here before you know it" and I do want to make sure I get the most out of this cruise - I have only been on a four night trip on the P & O Ventura before this trip. Thanks in advance. Hi....we did St P last year and I must say it was worth the price of the cruise just to see this wonderful city, If you asked my wife she would say I am definitely not one to eulogise about places,but this was truly amazing. We had a private guide that was arranged by an american lady that we spoke to on our roll call, ..she was fantastic Everything including visas sorted, entry to all the palaces,museums,gardens etc lunch in a REAL russian cafe.(with vodka)...front of the line or queue at every venue, we were ther 2 days ,she picked us up 8-30 both days and back to ship at 5, unless you wanted a visit to ballet or folklore show in the evening, everything was tailored to what YOU wanted. She has now started her own firm called redsun-tours, her personal email is el.semenova@rambler.ru.....cost was half the price of ships tour...maybe worth an email? I cannot recommend her highly enough. her name is ELENA SEMENOVA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOBIN OF THE SEA Posted January 3, 2018 Author #25 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Thank you Slug33ukuk think I will E mail Elena little nearer the time of our cruise. Thank you all for your thoughts - I am interested in visiting the Stutthof Concentration Camp - is this worth the cost of a return taxi from Gdansk and am I likely to have ample time for this visit or am I better off staying in Gdansk ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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