Outside posts near dock at Tallinn.
MORE LATER.
Friday, May 28, 2010
NCL Sun – May 26 – Warnemunde and Rostock – Germany
We knew there was a lot of time to see the two towns so didn’t go out too early. Later breakfast made it easier to find seats in the Garden Café. The people who had decided to go to Berlin left at 8AM to take the 3 hour train ride (each way) and would be gone until later in the evening. Some people opted to take the local area tours but we planned to see the area on our own.
Disembarking was simple. We were told to take our passports with us for this location though no one ever asked for it. Probably best to be prepared. In most places we travel it’s rare that we carry our passports out of the hotels/ships until heading back to the airport. Safest is to lock it up. We always carry copies of the main page and the visa pages if applicable.
After exiting the security building, we saw some interesting sand sculptures. There was a form to fill out to list the names of the sculptures and turn it in at the local shop for a free gift. Very pretty around the area where the ship was docked. We noticed a boat that had signs indicating that it went from Warnemunde (where we were docked) to Rostock (the other place we wanted to see). Checked out departure time, thinking we might go that way instead of the train. We walked into the main town area (not a long walk) and stopped into the Tourist Information office to get a local map and directions to ATMs. It was a beautiful morning as we looked in shop windows and acquired more Euros from the ATM. Also, walked along the inside water area¸ looking in shops. Bought a few small items (on sale) and then went back to where the boat was docked for the 45 minute ride to Rostock. Taking the 12:15 one was great as there weren’t many people on it so I could walk around taking pictures from all areas on the top viewing deck. Sunshine and not cold so needed only a light jacket with my long sleeved shirt. When asked for payment, we were told there was a special price for round trip (12 Euros instead of the 8 Euros for one way) so decided to pay for it. Even though the train cost less we knew it would be a lovely ride back.
From the docking area of the boat, we walked up the hill toward St. Mary’s Church. There was a lovely waterfall system set up from the stops coming down the incline to a rock area. Simple and very nice.
Before we left for this trip, I did some research about the area. St.Mary’s Church is the location of an amazing Astronomical Clock that was built in 1472. The clock shows daily time, moon phases¸ zodiac, and month. Below the clock is a calendar listed Easter dates from the late 1800s until 2017. I always like to see something that is unique and this is one as it is the only medieval clock of its kind that is still in working condition with its original clockworks.
Stopped in a store to buy some bottled juice and a snack that we could take back on the ship. Food can not be brought back onto the ship but you can take packaged items and bottled drinks (no liquor). Returned to the boat for the sail back to Warnemunde.
Instead of going directly back to the ship, we looked around the waterfront areas we hadn’t seen earlier. A couple of purchases and back to the ship to get ready for dinner. We hadn’t bothered to eat lunch (late breakfast and just not hungry) so we went in about 6 to the Seven Seas restaurant (again). Not too many people there, most likely because many were not back from their Berlin trip. We talked with people sitting nearby, sharing info about our day spent ashore. All of us enjoyed the day and didn’t have to pay the high fees for the shore excursions to Berlin nor sit on a train for many hours. Was great to be outside most of the day in the sun and pleasant temperatures. Dinner was good and filling.
Walked one loop around the outer deck (1/3 of a mile) and decided to check out the Folkloric show in the Stardust. Young people from the nearby area were performing traditional dances and were very entertaining. Stayed until the end and went up to the Garden Café to get cookies and banana bread as a dessert/snack.
When we returned to the cabin, I noticed that we hadn’t received the next day’s Freestyle Daily so I called Reception about it. They sent someone to our cabin with a copy. I know from past experience that it’s extremely important to read it to plan for the following day. There are many activities onboard and they happen in a variety of locations.
Was a very good day – great weather, not too much money spent, and interesting sites seen.
Disembarking was simple. We were told to take our passports with us for this location though no one ever asked for it. Probably best to be prepared. In most places we travel it’s rare that we carry our passports out of the hotels/ships until heading back to the airport. Safest is to lock it up. We always carry copies of the main page and the visa pages if applicable.
After exiting the security building, we saw some interesting sand sculptures. There was a form to fill out to list the names of the sculptures and turn it in at the local shop for a free gift. Very pretty around the area where the ship was docked. We noticed a boat that had signs indicating that it went from Warnemunde (where we were docked) to Rostock (the other place we wanted to see). Checked out departure time, thinking we might go that way instead of the train. We walked into the main town area (not a long walk) and stopped into the Tourist Information office to get a local map and directions to ATMs. It was a beautiful morning as we looked in shop windows and acquired more Euros from the ATM. Also, walked along the inside water area¸ looking in shops. Bought a few small items (on sale) and then went back to where the boat was docked for the 45 minute ride to Rostock. Taking the 12:15 one was great as there weren’t many people on it so I could walk around taking pictures from all areas on the top viewing deck. Sunshine and not cold so needed only a light jacket with my long sleeved shirt. When asked for payment, we were told there was a special price for round trip (12 Euros instead of the 8 Euros for one way) so decided to pay for it. Even though the train cost less we knew it would be a lovely ride back.
From the docking area of the boat, we walked up the hill toward St. Mary’s Church. There was a lovely waterfall system set up from the stops coming down the incline to a rock area. Simple and very nice.
Before we left for this trip, I did some research about the area. St.Mary’s Church is the location of an amazing Astronomical Clock that was built in 1472. The clock shows daily time, moon phases¸ zodiac, and month. Below the clock is a calendar listed Easter dates from the late 1800s until 2017. I always like to see something that is unique and this is one as it is the only medieval clock of its kind that is still in working condition with its original clockworks.
Stopped in a store to buy some bottled juice and a snack that we could take back on the ship. Food can not be brought back onto the ship but you can take packaged items and bottled drinks (no liquor). Returned to the boat for the sail back to Warnemunde.
Instead of going directly back to the ship, we looked around the waterfront areas we hadn’t seen earlier. A couple of purchases and back to the ship to get ready for dinner. We hadn’t bothered to eat lunch (late breakfast and just not hungry) so we went in about 6 to the Seven Seas restaurant (again). Not too many people there, most likely because many were not back from their Berlin trip. We talked with people sitting nearby, sharing info about our day spent ashore. All of us enjoyed the day and didn’t have to pay the high fees for the shore excursions to Berlin nor sit on a train for many hours. Was great to be outside most of the day in the sun and pleasant temperatures. Dinner was good and filling.
Walked one loop around the outer deck (1/3 of a mile) and decided to check out the Folkloric show in the Stardust. Young people from the nearby area were performing traditional dances and were very entertaining. Stayed until the end and went up to the Garden Café to get cookies and banana bread as a dessert/snack.
When we returned to the cabin, I noticed that we hadn’t received the next day’s Freestyle Daily so I called Reception about it. They sent someone to our cabin with a copy. I know from past experience that it’s extremely important to read it to plan for the following day. There are many activities onboard and they happen in a variety of locations.
Was a very good day – great weather, not too much money spent, and interesting sites seen.
NCL Sun – May 25 – First Port Stop in Copenhagen
Breakfast at the Garden Café and got ready to go out. Temperature was supposed to be low 50s so we prepared with layers. Took the backpack to make it easier for the loose items. I don’t carry a purse, just keep credit cards/room card in a shirt pocket. Of course, camera case was around my waist.
Walked off the ship after they swiped our cards and asked where the #26 bus would be stopping. We were directed to where people were standing. On the way, a girl asked us if we were interested in taking the HOP ON, HOP OFF sightseeing bus. Cost us 25 Euros (each) for a tour (1 ½ hours) of the city sites, plus shuttle to and from the ship and city hall square. We could get off along the way but decided not to. Worked out great for us as we were able to listen to guided tour (headsets on bus have 11 languages) and take pictures/video along the way. It reached the City Hall Square, so we got off and walked through the shopping area, the oldest pedestrian mall in Europe. Went into a department store and found free toilets. That’s a TRAVEL TIP we tell everyone who travels to non-US countries where they usually charge for using toilets. Find a department store; most of the time they have FREE TOILETS. (Always seems strange to me that anyone would charge to use one, especially when many of those aren’t clean in the first place.)
Continued walking, bought a few souvenir items, took more pictures, and returned to where we got off the bus. Included in our ticket was a shuttle to take us back to where the NCL Sun was docked. Exactly as we boarded the bus, it started to RAIN. Great timing! At the dock, no rain. Did great with that one!
Walked off the ship after they swiped our cards and asked where the #26 bus would be stopping. We were directed to where people were standing. On the way, a girl asked us if we were interested in taking the HOP ON, HOP OFF sightseeing bus. Cost us 25 Euros (each) for a tour (1 ½ hours) of the city sites, plus shuttle to and from the ship and city hall square. We could get off along the way but decided not to. Worked out great for us as we were able to listen to guided tour (headsets on bus have 11 languages) and take pictures/video along the way. It reached the City Hall Square, so we got off and walked through the shopping area, the oldest pedestrian mall in Europe. Went into a department store and found free toilets. That’s a TRAVEL TIP we tell everyone who travels to non-US countries where they usually charge for using toilets. Find a department store; most of the time they have FREE TOILETS. (Always seems strange to me that anyone would charge to use one, especially when many of those aren’t clean in the first place.)
Continued walking, bought a few souvenir items, took more pictures, and returned to where we got off the bus. Included in our ticket was a shuttle to take us back to where the NCL Sun was docked. Exactly as we boarded the bus, it started to RAIN. Great timing! At the dock, no rain. Did great with that one!
NCL Sun – May 24 - Day 2 – At Sea
Breakfast at Garden Café. Ate my usual smoked salmon (lox) with bagel and cream cheese. This is my usual breakfast onboard the cruise ship. Yum! Ate yogurt and fresh fruit, too.
Attended our first onboard seminar, this time about emeralds and ammolites. We knew about them from a previous cruise but decided to go and listen, maybe learn something new. Was worth the time. We were given tickets for drawing at Columbian Emeralds (store onboard), but not a free gift as promised in the Freestyle Daily. Not as generous as on previous cruises. (Probably cutting back.)
Lunch was fresh fruit we had in the cabin so we could go to a presentation about alexandrite, even though I already have one. Was nice to raise my hand as someone who has one since it is such a rare gem. (It’s my birthstone so means so much to me.) The first Port & Shopping Talk was held soon after, with Alexandra (Ship Shopping Consultant) telling us about port stops in Copenhagen, Warnemunde, and Tallinn. She also told us we could take a bus from boat dock into Copenhagen. Another raffle ticket and a drawing after the talk. Didn’t win but do have more chances during the cruise.
The Latitudes reception was held in the Stardust Lounge. We didn’t go to one on our last cruise because it was the day of 14’ waves. When it began, the ship was starting to move side to side, but not too bad (at that time). Everyone sat as the band played. We were served drinks. Delicious rum punch. H’or d’oevres served, also.
We planned to go to dinner shortly before 6, but that didn’t happen. WAVES…MODERATE at first, followed by EIGHT FOOT ones. Not comfy at all. Steve lay down on the bed and was there for the rest of the night (“I didn’t sign up for this!”). I sat on the couch, watched some movies, and just took it easy. Didn’t do much walking around the cabin as it kept MOVING. I ordered room service, knowing it would be difficult to get food at the buffet and didn't want to go to dining room by myself. Food was good (margarita pizza, tuna melt, Greek salad, chips, iced tea, and cheesecake). Split food with Steve though he didn’t finish his salad. Put the cheesecake in mini fridge for tomorrow.
Fortunately the seas calmed down so we both were able to go to sleep.
Attended our first onboard seminar, this time about emeralds and ammolites. We knew about them from a previous cruise but decided to go and listen, maybe learn something new. Was worth the time. We were given tickets for drawing at Columbian Emeralds (store onboard), but not a free gift as promised in the Freestyle Daily. Not as generous as on previous cruises. (Probably cutting back.)
Lunch was fresh fruit we had in the cabin so we could go to a presentation about alexandrite, even though I already have one. Was nice to raise my hand as someone who has one since it is such a rare gem. (It’s my birthstone so means so much to me.) The first Port & Shopping Talk was held soon after, with Alexandra (Ship Shopping Consultant) telling us about port stops in Copenhagen, Warnemunde, and Tallinn. She also told us we could take a bus from boat dock into Copenhagen. Another raffle ticket and a drawing after the talk. Didn’t win but do have more chances during the cruise.
The Latitudes reception was held in the Stardust Lounge. We didn’t go to one on our last cruise because it was the day of 14’ waves. When it began, the ship was starting to move side to side, but not too bad (at that time). Everyone sat as the band played. We were served drinks. Delicious rum punch. H’or d’oevres served, also.
We planned to go to dinner shortly before 6, but that didn’t happen. WAVES…MODERATE at first, followed by EIGHT FOOT ones. Not comfy at all. Steve lay down on the bed and was there for the rest of the night (“I didn’t sign up for this!”). I sat on the couch, watched some movies, and just took it easy. Didn’t do much walking around the cabin as it kept MOVING. I ordered room service, knowing it would be difficult to get food at the buffet and didn't want to go to dining room by myself. Food was good (margarita pizza, tuna melt, Greek salad, chips, iced tea, and cheesecake). Split food with Steve though he didn’t finish his salad. Put the cheesecake in mini fridge for tomorrow.
Fortunately the seas calmed down so we both were able to go to sleep.
Onboard the Norwegian Sun – First Day
We took ship elevator to 11th deck to Garden Café to get something to eat for lunch. Very crowded but we managed to find seats with a couple from Argentina. Had a nice conversation with her as she kept apologizing for her “poor English.” I had no trouble understanding her and she thanked me for speaking clearly. This was their first cruise and they were alone. Won’t be difficult for them onboard as there are many crew members who speak Spanish.
After lunch we started to familiarize ourselves with the layout of the ship (different from the other NCL ships we were on). Decided we could go to our cabin so had to figure out how to get there. Ordinarily that is easy since all you have to know is if it’s AFT (back of the ship) or FORWARD (front of the ship). This one was a challenge, knowing it was FORWARD but not sure how to get there. Discovered that even though it’s 6303 (6th Deck, Right? Not exactly.), we had to go to Deck 7 and walk down one set of steps to Deck 6A.
Every cruise has a required Safety Drill at the beginning of the cruise. We checked the back of the cabin door to see what direction we should go and it showed LEFT out of the cabin. Others on our deck went with us in that direction but no exit to be seen other than entrance to CREW ONLY area. Fortunately a crew member was in the area and directed us up to the deck where we joined our C GROUP for the short briefing about using the life jacket. (They didn’t require us to bring them for the drill.) In the event of an emergency we would go in that direction since it is the shortest route to the outside ASSEMBLY AREA. Afterwards, we returned to our cabin to unpack.
We joined the SAIL AWAY PARTY mostly to see the view of the Cliffs as we began our voyage. They had a barbecue but we didn’t eat. I always wonder how people can eat so much so often.
More familiarization of the ship and a tour of the spa and fitness center. From past experience, I know the spa is expensive, especially with the 19% gratuity rate.
Decided to eat at the Seven Seas restaurant, knowing we had a lot of time before the evening show. I ate cold fruit soup. shrimp cocktail, mahi mahi, and frozen yogurt. Steve had smoked salmon appetizer, shrimp cocktail, mahi mahi, and a chocolate dessert. Excellent service and not too much time. (I usually don’t like to go to the restaurants because they are not the fastest for getting food. This time it was very good.)
The show included intro performances by the dance troupe, comedian, opera singer, and band. We sat down in front, though in comfortable seats.
Back to our room for first night’s sleep on the ship.
After lunch we started to familiarize ourselves with the layout of the ship (different from the other NCL ships we were on). Decided we could go to our cabin so had to figure out how to get there. Ordinarily that is easy since all you have to know is if it’s AFT (back of the ship) or FORWARD (front of the ship). This one was a challenge, knowing it was FORWARD but not sure how to get there. Discovered that even though it’s 6303 (6th Deck, Right? Not exactly.), we had to go to Deck 7 and walk down one set of steps to Deck 6A.
Every cruise has a required Safety Drill at the beginning of the cruise. We checked the back of the cabin door to see what direction we should go and it showed LEFT out of the cabin. Others on our deck went with us in that direction but no exit to be seen other than entrance to CREW ONLY area. Fortunately a crew member was in the area and directed us up to the deck where we joined our C GROUP for the short briefing about using the life jacket. (They didn’t require us to bring them for the drill.) In the event of an emergency we would go in that direction since it is the shortest route to the outside ASSEMBLY AREA. Afterwards, we returned to our cabin to unpack.
We joined the SAIL AWAY PARTY mostly to see the view of the Cliffs as we began our voyage. They had a barbecue but we didn’t eat. I always wonder how people can eat so much so often.
More familiarization of the ship and a tour of the spa and fitness center. From past experience, I know the spa is expensive, especially with the 19% gratuity rate.
Decided to eat at the Seven Seas restaurant, knowing we had a lot of time before the evening show. I ate cold fruit soup. shrimp cocktail, mahi mahi, and frozen yogurt. Steve had smoked salmon appetizer, shrimp cocktail, mahi mahi, and a chocolate dessert. Excellent service and not too much time. (I usually don’t like to go to the restaurants because they are not the fastest for getting food. This time it was very good.)
The show included intro performances by the dance troupe, comedian, opera singer, and band. We sat down in front, though in comfortable seats.
Back to our room for first night’s sleep on the ship.
Boarding the Norwegian Sun at Dover
Our three buses unloaded and we stood in line to enter the terminal for security check. First thing we received was a letter informing us that there had been illness on the previous cruise and they had done their best to do a thorough cleaning of the ship. Great news to get BEFORE getting onboard. Security was quick and easy though Steve did have to get hand-scanned. Maybe it was the metal in his shoes. (They did not make us remove our shoes.) As we got into the check-in lines, an NCL rep asked who was a Latitudes member, so we raised our hands and were directed to a very short line to check in. Handed our ship cards for computer check-in and were then able to board the ship.
London to Dover
Boarded the bus for departure shortly after 9:30AM. The GCT rep told us the ride on Sundays usually takes less than 2 ½
hours, including a stop for toilets. During the ride, she gave a commentary about sites along the way. In the distance, we saw the Queen’s Guards (on horseback) as they were on their way to the palace. I managed to get a couple of pictures, though not my best. Brought bananas with us for our morning snack, so no need to buy any food when we stopped. At “toilet stop” we made a couple of good-deal purchases in the shop.
Had my first glimpse of the Cliffs of Dover as we neared the marina and the docks. Sunshine made them sparkle.
hours, including a stop for toilets. During the ride, she gave a commentary about sites along the way. In the distance, we saw the Queen’s Guards (on horseback) as they were on their way to the palace. I managed to get a couple of pictures, though not my best. Brought bananas with us for our morning snack, so no need to buy any food when we stopped. At “toilet stop” we made a couple of good-deal purchases in the shop.
Had my first glimpse of the Cliffs of Dover as we neared the marina and the docks. Sunshine made them sparkle.
London Visit
Our flight was uneventful, thank goodness. Arrived early at Heathrow but had to sit in plane while captain waited for a place to park the plane. As often happens there, we had to get onto a bus to go to terminal. Immigration/customs quick and easy and then we met with the Grand Circle transportation rep. She told us there were originally supposed to be 34 people for the transfer but only 14 of us there. Two had cancelled and the others had rebooked to another airline due to possibility of British Airways strike. No idea why they would bother since our flight was not planned for cancellation even in the event of the strike.
When we arrived at the hotel, we were directed to a comfortable lounge to wait for room cards. The hotel had been full the night before so they had to wait until rooms were cleaned so they could assign them to us. Steve and I waited longer than many others, maybe because they wanted to give us a special corner room with many windows for the view. The day was sunny with clear skies so it was very nice to look out onto the street area. The hotel is alongside Hyde Park, great location for strolling, which we did after our suitcases arrived in the room. Many people were in the park due to the outstanding weather (70s-80s and sunny). The GCT rep told us that when it warms up, Londoners disrobe as much as they can to enjoy it.
There was an Orientation session to inform us about program for Saturday, nothing we were planning to join since we’ve visited London often and just wanted to do our own thing. The session was followed by a buffet dinner, rather uninspired. There were some salad items, but the only main course for us was plain pasta. After dinner, we took a walk, but not too long because we were both tired and had to be up early on Sunday with luggage out at 7AM.
When we arrived at the hotel, we were directed to a comfortable lounge to wait for room cards. The hotel had been full the night before so they had to wait until rooms were cleaned so they could assign them to us. Steve and I waited longer than many others, maybe because they wanted to give us a special corner room with many windows for the view. The day was sunny with clear skies so it was very nice to look out onto the street area. The hotel is alongside Hyde Park, great location for strolling, which we did after our suitcases arrived in the room. Many people were in the park due to the outstanding weather (70s-80s and sunny). The GCT rep told us that when it warms up, Londoners disrobe as much as they can to enjoy it.
There was an Orientation session to inform us about program for Saturday, nothing we were planning to join since we’ve visited London often and just wanted to do our own thing. The session was followed by a buffet dinner, rather uninspired. There were some salad items, but the only main course for us was plain pasta. After dinner, we took a walk, but not too long because we were both tired and had to be up early on Sunday with luggage out at 7AM.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
