First cruise (on Thompson Spirit in May), some questions.

[helenchickchick]

Hello

We are going on Thomspon Spirit in May from Newcastle around the Baltic. We are age 30.

1. What is the main age range? (we go over half term for schools) will there be many kids? families?

2. Anything we should pack? What type of clothes? Quite casual?

3. What is the weather Like? I guess warm ish but mixed?

4. Any particular trips recommended?

5. Any general info re this ship we should know?

6. Do people get sea sick?

Sorry for all the questions, just feel a bit nervous as never been before.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you very much.x

[Sailingscots]

Hi,

We have just booked this ship for the Baltic Capitals itinerary in August and I was just about to ask the same questions, so will also be interested in any responses.

Thanks,
Sailingscots

[kruzseeka]

Hello, and welcome :)

Don't worry about asking questions - that's what the forums are for - and before you go on a cruise, there are loads of things you want to know - we've all been there! And even when you're planning your next trip (however many you've been on before), there are always new ships/itineraries/ports of call so we always have more questions!!

I'll do my best, but am sure others will have plenty more to add - but here goes:

1. We never travel in term time but would imagine there are lots more children on board during school hols. Average age range is usually middle aged to older although there are always people of all ages and we've met some lovely young people on cruises who we've enjoyed talking to and sharing experiences. During school holidays I would think the average will be much younger with more families on board and retired people will generally choose to go out of term term when it is usually cheaper. There are some members here who have travelled with children so I'm sure someone will give you some first hand info on this.

2. Usual casual holiday wear (crops and tops etc) with a jumper/fleece in case it's cooler for daytime would be fine. For evening wear, you can get quite dressed up for the formal night (DJs and posh frocks - but not mandatory) but there is always the option of the buffet restaurant if you don't want to dress up for this occasion. In the main restaurant on other evenings, long trousers and button-down or polo shirts are requested for men and smart casual for ladies. Most people do make an effort to change for the evening meal (and look as though they have too) but there is a wide variation of what people consider 'smart'!

3. Yes, the weather in the Baltic can be quite variable. We went once in September and had a heatwave which was unusual apparently - but it was 30C in Helsinki! Remember, like here, the weather can be very variable so you need to pack what you would for a UK holiday including a waterproof (mac-in-a-pac type of thing is useful to take off the ship in case the weather changes).

4. As for recommendations - it really all depends on your interests but we've done this trip three times (it's so interesting and there's so much to see!) and for what it's worth here are my favourites:

Stockholm: the Vasa Museum is excellent - museums have to be very good and imaginatively presented to make an impression on me but it is one of the best I've seen. And whatever you do, don't miss the sail-away especially if it's a good sunset - stunning! Don't go to your cabin to shower/change for dinner, you'll miss a real high-light!

Helsinki: the tourist 3T tram here is good for getting around - but we're happy to walk and managed to walk to the Sibelius Monument which we think is great (although it divided opinion in Helsinki when it was first erected), form there to the Rock Church (so different and beautiful in it's simplicity - my personal favourite 'must-see' in Helsinki), Senate Square, then to the Uspenski Cathedral as well as mooching round the market on the harbour and having coffee. As you can see, a pretty compact city where you can see most of the sights under your own steam. I wasn't too impressed with the trip to Porvoo though - I'd stay in Helsinki if it's your first visit.

Tallinn: fabulous - just walk from the ship and explore the old town. There's a great coffee shop in the Square (with your back to the town hall, bottom right hand corner, go through the arch and into the old, double, painted doors into a cellar-type place just on your left). We had two coffees (with complimentary choc truffle) and a huge piece of strudel for 5.75Euros (when it was worth less than now!). Also try the caramelised almonds from the Olde Hansa stall just to the side of the Square. Yum! yum!

Warnemunde: Again somewhere you can easily do yourself. The train station is almost adjacent to the berth and you can get one of the frequent trains into Rostock for just a few euros. Don't exit the station, stay at the underground level and use your ticket to get a tram into the centre (about a mile's walk otherwise) and get off in the market square. The church is quite interesting and a walk up the shopping street to the University Square brings you to a very interesting water feature. After a couple of hours, you could make your way back to Warnemunde which is a really pretty sea-side resort where you could explore, spend time on the beach, relax at the waterfront cafes.

St Petersburg: save your money for trips here. You have to take ship's trips unless you have purchased a visa (can be done through private tour companies - lots of info on the ports forums here). I believe there is some possibility that the Russian authorities may be changing the rules for needing visas but as far as I know it hasn't happened yet. We've just settled for ship's trips and gone off every day - all day (either one whole day or 2 x half-day). They are all amazing and too good to miss! But in order of favourites:- Catherine Palace, Hermitage (with the gold room), Church on the Spilled Blood, Peterhof Palace and Gardens, Three Churches, Canal trip and Yusopov Palace. The city tour is a good intro if you haven't been before to see the sights - but I don't think we went in anywhere and it's the buildings which are so mind-blowing. In the evening we've done the ballet which was quite an experience - just being in Russia watching the ballet! The evening River Neva trip was excellent and although we didn't do the folk evening our friends thoroughly enjoyed that too. Enjoy! It's a wonderful city - although one of great contrasts - there are some very run-down areas but the centre is fantastic.

Copenhagen: The first time we went they berthed in the centre of Copenhagen - fab - we just walked off the ship to explore. Now you need to transfer to the city (about an hour and a half). I'd say take the 'do it on your own' trip as it gives you the chance to spend more/less time at attractions according to your interests and you're not waiting for people to catch up or going places in which you have no interest. The Nyhavn (the old wharf) is a 'must' and you can get a canal trip yourself from here which we found interesting. I wouldn't recommend the Fredriksburg (sp?) Castle trip. The Castle was quite good but you don't get long enough in Copenhagen.

5. Not quite sure what you might want to/need to know - have you any specific queries?

6. Yes, people do sometimes get sea sick but I would recommend Stugeron which many other posters also use. You can get it from Boots over the counter and I never travel without it. I take it as soon as I suspect it might get rougher and touch wood it always has worked well for me - even in Force 8/9 storms. So far, I've never missed a meal and I don't consider myself a good traveller - I can be ill on car journeys!

Well, I have gone on a bit. It's pouring with rain here so there's not much incentive to go out! Hope this helps and do ask if you want to know anything else. Spirit has a great atmosphere, the entertainment's great and the itinerary fabulous. Enjoy!

[helenchickchick]

We looked at the Baltic capitals one too, but going on Baltic highlights I think. It seems the same but we dont go to Poland, not sure where we go instead.

We couldnt go in August as work commitments. Looking forward to some replies.x

[helenchickchick]

Hia, thankyou Kruzseeka.

Im not sure what info I want to know really, things just keep popping to mind!

1. Can men wear jeans at night? (he would always wear shoes as well, rather than trainers).

2. I know food is included, are any drinks? eg coffee? water with meal?

3. Are drinks expensive?

4. Can you buy drink off the ship and bring it on? (not planning on drinking it on the ship just incase bought something to try and couldnt take it back on ship).

Thank you.x

[helenchickchick]

sorry - also wondered are prices on ship in euros? do you get currency each day if you require it for any trips etc?x

[kruzseeka]

I think you will be to wear jeans to dinner (as long as they are full of holes/cut-offs etc which I think would be considered too casual!) but certainly shoes rather than trainers would be more suitable. Chinos are commonly worn as 'smart casual'. There will be some more guidance on dress code in your ticket booklet when it arrives about 3 weeks before departure.

Yes - all your food is included - and there's loads of it available 24/7. In the Lido they start finishing breakfasts as they are putting out lunch - and so it goes on all day!

You are served with iced water at the table either in the main dining room or the Lido self-service restaurant and at breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room, tea/coffee is served to you. Hot water, tea bags of several varieties, coffee and water are available at all times (free) in the Lido restaurant. You just help yourself. Speciality coffees or cappuccinos are charged extra and can be bought in the bars and show lounge. The cappuccinos were £1.50 last October on Celebration.

We don't think the drinks are too expensive. We bought a wine for dinner @ £11.50 which retailed in Tesco for about £6.75 so we didn't think that was a bad mark-up. Cocktails are about £3. I think someone had a recent copy of the drinks charges not too long ago. Try doing a search for drinks' costs on the Thomson forum and see if you can pick up the thread.

Yes, you can buy drinks on shore and bring them onto the ship - also you can buy from the duty free shop for your own consumption (presumably in your cabin). At least you could on Celebration - not been on Spirit recently and it is under Louis Lines umbrella unlike the Celebration so there may be some variation. Perhaps someone will have some more input on this for you.

[helenchickchick]

Thanks very much this is very helpful. I hadnt really thought about it until the weekend and everyone started asking me questions! and I didnt know any answers! My boyfriend said just wait and we will find out when we get there but I like to research etc.xx

[kruzseeka]

Ship's currency is in £ Sterling. You have a ship's card when you embark and you use this for all 'purchases' on board (a bit like a credit card). It's a cashless ship so you don't use cash at all so it is improtant to keep track of your expenditure otherwise it could be a bit of a shock at the end! You can ask for a print out of your account from Reception at any time.

Everything you 'buy' e.g. drinks, (other than that provided), trips and anything bought in the shops or spent in the beauty salon etc. are 'charged' to your card and this is your ship-board account which you have to settle at the end of your cruise.

We always take some cash (either euros or £) to tip our cabin steward, waiters etc. Tips are included, but as I'm sure you will find, the service is exceptional so we feel we want to give something extra.

[helenchickchick]

ok thanks we will take some money for tips etc. Please can you tell us approx how much the trips are? we plan on doing a few esp St Petersburg as dont have visa. are we talking £50? £100? Just trying to work out how much we will spend.

Ive read about drinks packages but not sure if worth it. We will prob drink tea,coffee, water and odd pint in the day (when on ship) and at night a bottle of wine with our meal.

I like the idea of cash free ship - but I can imagine it can mount up quickly!x

[davecttr]

You can check on the Thomson site for excursion details and prices. Just do a search for your cruise and select ports of call, all the info is there.

There is one place onboard ship where you can use real money, buying chips in the casino although you can charge to your account if you wish.

I am on Spirit in June to Iceland so will be interested in how you find the Newcastle cruise terminal and the ship.

[kruzseeka]

I think the consensus here is that AI is only worth it if it comes free as a sweetener - often when the cruises are first launched. They can be as much as £200 p.p per week! You've got to do some serious drinking to make that worthwhile! Some cruises do offer AI at less - £49 per week per person but you've got to weigh up your personal drinking habits. From what you say, I think you'd be far better off just paying for what you drink.

Hi Dave - the Iceland trip looks so interesting! It's one I'd love to do but travelling up to Newcastle's a long haul from here and they don't offer the coach transfers from this far south - it puts us off a bit. But I'd love to hear what you think of it - if it's really great, we could be tempted another year and perhaps have a couple of days in the Northumberland area (beautiful) to break up the travelling a bit. Is this the second year they've done this trip -or have I just missed noticing it before?

We have travelled from Newcastle though (before moving) and the terminal is very convenient. There is an out-of-town retail outlet close by (you can see the ship from there) so if you arrive early there's somewhere with easy parking and where you can go for a drink etc. The port parking is handy although I think there was a shuttle bus to take us the relatively short distance from the parking to the ship.

[helenchickchick]

Oh thanks for all your help.

Ive been researching what trips to go on etc.

Havent seen much info on:
Olso Norway
Helsingborg Sweden
Aalborg Denmark

We will defo have a couple of trips in St Petersburg as no other option, we will do our own thing in Stckholme, Helsinki, Tallinn, Wanemunde (I think - unless one we really want to go on).

Have you been to any of the above?x

[kruzseeka]

You're very welcome :)

No, these are new destinations to me so sorry I can't help with those. I don't know whether they are new to Thomson too in which case none of us will have experience of going there. You could perhaps find out about these ports if you search the Nothern Europe Board and do a search or ask a question there.

[marylizcat]

I would have to disagree with Kruzseeka about jeans in the evening. I don't think they are acceptable in the main dining room. Indeed I only once saw one pair in the evening at the show during our New Year cruise. You could wear them and eat in the buffet, but you would be a bit conspicuous for the rest of the evening.

[Sailingscots]

Hi Kruzseeka,

Thanks for all the great information.Looks like we will be blowing our trips budget in St Petersburgh so will need to do our own thing in some of the other cities.

This will be our third thomson ship- already done Destiny and Emerald so looking forward to seeing how Spirit compares.

Regards,
Sailingscots

[davecttr]

Hi Dave - the Iceland trip looks so interesting! It's one I'd love to do but travelling up to Newcastle's a long haul from here and they don't offer the coach transfers from this far south - it puts us off a bit. But I'd love to hear what you think of it - if it's really great, we could be tempted another year and perhaps have a couple of days in the Northumberland area (beautiful) to break up the travelling a bit. Is this the second year they've done this trip -or have I just missed noticing it before?

We have travelled from Newcastle though (before moving) and the terminal is very convenient. There is an out-of-town retail outlet close by (you can see the ship from there) so if you arrive early there's somewhere with easy parking and where you can go for a drink etc. The port parking is handy although I think there was a shuttle bus to take us the relatively short distance from the parking to the ship.
Newcastle is a long way from Kent so I will probably travel the day before and either stay in the nearby Premier Inn or stay with family in Carlisle and travel on the embarkation day, rail travel permitting!. What attracted me to this cruise was the 4 days spent in Iceland including 2 in Reykyavik (sp) which is much better than other companies were offering. I have been to Flam and Bergen before but there is still plenty to see.

[kruzseeka]

Oh I hadn't spotted you are in Kent - it's a long way for you too. It will be a good idea to do the bulk of the travel the day before. Yes, you're right about the length of stay in Iceland - it is more than P&O offer on their itineraries (although the departure port would be more convenient!).
When you've gone so far (and got a fair few sea days too) it makes more sense to have longer once you get there to see more of Iceland.

I'd be keen to know what you think when you get back. We'd have to wait til next year though as I think there's just the one trip this year. Do you think it will be the Celebration doing Northern Europe next year? They seem to alternate Spirit and Celebration don't they?

[ladyjayneq]

I'm just about to book the Treasures of the Baltics leaving Newcastle in July. Driving down from Aberdeen. We've never been round these areas at all, and we're looking forward to some culture this time round.
I've been reading the info posted above which covers some of our ports but any info on any of these ports would be appreciated:-Kalundborg, Gdynia(for Gdansk) & Aalborg.

thanks

[davecttr]

Oh I hadn't spotted you are in Kent - it's a long way for you too. It will be a good idea to do the bulk of the travel the day before. Yes, you're right about the length of stay in Iceland - it is more than P&O offer on their itineraries (although the departure port would be more convenient!).
When you've gone so far (and got a fair few sea days too) it makes more sense to have longer once you get there to see more of Iceland.

I'd be keen to know what you think when you get back. We'd have to wait til next year though as I think there's just the one trip this year. Do you think it will be the Celebration doing Northern Europe next year? They seem to alternate Spirit and Celebration don't they?

By the end of this summer I will have been on Celebration 3 times and Spirit once so I might fancy a change for 2010. I wonder if the charters on Thomsons ships are coming to an end soon and maybe they will seek newer ships as it seems that the age of the vessels is the 'bad' part of the Thomson package. Of course a large cruise line could go bust leaving all those juicy modern ships available at knock down prices:D

[kruzseeka]

I'm just about to book the Treasures of the Baltics leaving Newcastle in July. Driving down from Aberdeen. We've never been round these areas at all, and we're looking forward to some culture this time round.
I've been reading the info posted above which covers some of our ports but any info on any of these ports would be appreciated:-Kalundborg, Gdynia(for Gdansk) & Aalborg.

thanks

Hi ladyjayneq,

Kalundborg is a small town with an interesting church (it has 5 spires) and a free museum which is quite interesting showing the culture/history of the region and a shopping area. It is only small though and is really used as stop to transfer to Copenhagen and most passengers do go to Copenhagen from there. It takes about an hour and a half. Although I believe it's possible to DiY I'm not sure how easy it is to get from Kalundborg to Copenhagen (compared with, say, getting by train from Civitavecchia to Rome) or the frequency of the train service.

The first time we went on a Baltic trip they berthed in Copenhagen near the Little Mermaid and stayed until about 23.00 - so that you could visit the Tivoli Gardens at night if you wished. It was great being right in the city. But they (in common with a lot of other lines) go to Kalundborg now. It's probably a cost cutting measure although I think I remember hearing something about work being carried out to extend the cruise liner facilities in Copenhagen so it could be related to that. It would be better if they eventually went back to Copenhagen though.

If you've not been to Copenhagen before, perhaps the ship's transfer would be an idea - then you can plan your own sight-seeing tour independently of others. There's lots to see e.g. the palaces, Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, canal cruise, Tivoli Gardens - although you have to pay and it's not cheap to get in -and an extensive shopping area. As long as you're ok walking it's very doable on your own.

When we went to Gdansk, we were the first ship to berth at the new commercial cruise terminal there - but I don't think that's where cruise ships normally go. Gdynia is further up the coast from Gdansk (there are three towns - or are they cities? - which more or less run into one another along the coast there, Gdynia being the furthest from Gdansk). Again, I'm not sure how easy it would be to DiY here. We actually berthed the night before and quite a lot of passengers got taxis into Gdansk (perhaps about 10 minutes - not walkable and of course Gdynia is further away). They said what a lovely atmosphere there was in the town and pubs at night. Because of their experience, I think it prompted a lot of passengers to taxi into Gdansk the next day. This did cause problems because we only had a short shop here and left quite early and they all wanted taxis at the same time to get back and there just weren't enough! The Captain waited for quite a long time for a number of them but eventually left and I believe two passengers were left behind! (Good reason to have a mobile and the ship's number on hand when you're ashore! Apparently the Captain knew where the passengers were as they'd been in touch - the ones left behind he'd not heard from so had no idea whether they were 5 minutes away or in hospital so made the decision to go - but we were very late by then!!)

We did a half day guided tour. They showed us a little of the countryside and a particular church somewhere (bit unmemorable - could pass on that to be honest), the dockyards where the Solidarity Movement was born, also an Memorial to Solidarity and those who lost their lives in the struggle.

After that we went to the Old Town in Gdansk which is gorgeous. It was completely flattened during WWII but they have faithfully reconstructed the Old Town which is actually quite small and therefore easy to get around. The church there is the largest brick-built church in the world and can accommodate 25,000 congregation - I think this was when Pope John Paul II held a service there (they must all have been standing up though - I'm sure they couldn't get that many chairs in!). The architecture and buildings are lovely and extremely photogenic. One street which runs parallel to the main street is the quarter for amber with lots of shops/stalls with amber goods. After the guided walking tour we had some free time to explore on our own. If you can just get a transfer/shuttle into Gdansk - I'd say that would be your best bet. It's easy to find your way around and no need for the 'extra' bits we had on our excursion. We'd have preferred longer in Gdansk itself. It's a lovely place to visit crammed with interesting and beautiful buildings - I'd recommend it.

Sorry, no info on Aalborg - we did Aarhus.

Hope you enjoy the trip - it's so interesting. We've loved our visits to this area. :)

P.S. for Davetheroad - interesting thoughts! I think Celebration's lease is until 2010 - not sure about the others but who knows how it will all play out. I'm sure there are lots of us watching and wondering though!!

[kruzseeka]

You can download a tourist guide here http://www.thevisitor.pl/index.php?id=389 (http://www.thevisitor.pl/index.php?id=389).
Gdynia is a part of "Tripple City" with Gdansk and Sopot. You can easily take a SKM train to Gdansk, wich has a very nice Old Town.
Here is a map of "Tripple City" with train markt in black.
http://mapa.trojmiasto.pl/ (http://mapa.trojmiasto.pl/) You will get on the train on "Gdynia Stocznia" stop and get out on "Gdansk Glowny" stop. Old Town is to your right with things to see marked on the map. The SKM train goes every 15 minutes. Ticket cost is 4.50 zł= approx $1.50 To exchange the money go to "Kantor" (money exchange place in polish). Here are the closest ones to the port. http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&ie=...num=4&ct=image (http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=kantor+port+gdynia&fb=1&split=1&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=4&ct=image).

Last edited by karpolin; Today at 10:20 AM.

I have just spotted this post from the Northern Europe board. You might find the info useful if you want to go from Gdynia to Gdansk on your own. There is other info on trips to a concentration camp from Gdynia too on that thread.

[ladyjayneq]

Kruzseeka

Thanks for the info, I know I can rely on you, there was so much info last year you gave me for my first cruise. it was much appreciated.:):):)