Focusresumed

Thanks for all the tips, focusresumed! I really appreciate it and will take every bit of it to heart.

Always a pleasure! Feel free to ask away; if you have any other questions.

On a side note, if you haven't heard before, this is a port intensive vacation; that hardly offers a moment of relaxation. In fact, much unlike many of our personal vacations (tad bit foodies and drinkers), the DH and I actually lost weight; without even trying!

Now I want to go back. :rolleyes:

D&B

Thanks everyone. My only concern about doing London and Paris first is what if something happens and we can't get to Copenhagen on time and then we miss the cruise which is the entire point of the trip! I guess we could plan ahead and get to Copenhagen a day early to be safe. Maybe we will just stay in Copenhagen after the cruise and do London and Paris another time, we are young so we have plenty of time to get back to Europe. Another option is going from Copenhagen after the cruise to Austria. That is another place we would love to visit.

Hello BigB0882,

First, let me begin by saying that you will thoroughly enjoy this trip. My DH and I went on this exact trip last July, and it provided a lifetime of memories. Our trip:

LA to Paris - Check out air italia airlines (I found phenomenal prices, and you have the ability to book different seat classes on the legs to enhance to overall journey)

Paris - rent an apartment (airbnb was our choice)...not only did this save money, but it added to the overall experience.

Paris to Copenhagen - we flew in a couple days before because of similar concerns, but made plenty of great friends who expressed no difficulty with catching red-eye the night before.

Baltic Cruise - AWESOME (tours were mostly booked through external companies and had no difficulty with getting on or off the cruise) As for money spent, that depends on your personal budget, but we saved cost by taking tons of pictures and limiting memorabilia.

Copenhagen post cruise 2 days - added expense, but there was so much we wanted to see that it made it worth it. On that note, unless old world charm is your preference, stay at the Hilton by the airport. Pre-cruise was in the city and post next to airport. Post was half the cost and a MUCH nicer room. Add plus is the train runs right up to the hotel and lets on downtown. Definitely cheaper than the cabs, and way more comfortable.

Copenhagen to LA - little downgrade in seats to save money, but we slept most of the trip anyways.

***Lesson Learned - the Baltic ports tend to be very expensive - especially Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Stockholm

***No need to book excursion in Tallinn - easily walkable

***No need to go to Berlin (ports are just as nice experience) however, other than 3 hour bus ride, Berlin was a great excursion

***Consider external companies that offer combined port tours at discount

***Book a THERMAL SPA pass - you will be doing tons of walking and there is nothing better than a personal retreat to soak those muscles.

***As you still have time...book external elements (hotels, excursions, etc..) early to save money.

I could go in to estimate budget, but that truly depends on your traveling style. That said, just remember that for most this is a once in a lifetime cruise. Don't over think it too much.

Hopefully this helps,

D&B

I can't believe I just read that. If you had said you were going just so you could show Russia how ordinary it is to be gay I would have been less disappointed. This type of action by a "developed" nation should be condemned and isolated as much as possible. Complicity and ambivalence will only lead to it spreading. But I do hope you have a great cruise. And, if you can, wear your pride openly.

 

 

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Respectfully,

When I first commented about the Baltic Cruise, to which TxnAquarian responded, I had no intention of creating an opportunity for anyone to be disapointed. My fiance and I have spoken in depth about our concerns about our upcoming cruise. While it is disparaging to hear of the Russian government's treatment of the GLBT community, to completely boycott would mean that we call to arms a boycott of more than just Russian ports; as Russia is merely the most public these days. However, when I took it upon myself to research the boards, I found that quite a few members of the GLBT community choose to visit a number of countries with anti-gay laws. One might say that Russia stands out because of it's anti display laws, but in all reality that is not the case either:

Barbados: (Life sentence)

Antigua and Barbuda: (15 years in prison)

Dominica: (10 years in prison)

Grenada: (Male: illegal and 10 year prison sentence. Female: legal)

Jamaica: (Male: illegal and 10 year sentence to hard labor. Female: legal)

Saint Kitts and Nevis: (Male: illegal and 10 year sentence. Female: legal)

Saint Lucia: (Male: illegal and a fine and/or 10 year sentence. Female: legal)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: (Fine and/or 10 years)

Trinidad and Tobago: (25 years prison sentence);

to name a few. I won't even go into the horrific way that the GLBT community is treated in Africa, and yet I still have an African Safari on my bucket list.

That said, to TxnAquarian, I apologize that a conversation started by me may have inadvertently led negative reactions of others; as this was truly not my intention.

Sincerely,

Dennis

My partner and I have been booked on the NCL Star Baltics cruise for a year now, and the excitement is becoming unbearable. Admittidly, there is a bit of hesitation, due to the new anti-gay laws in Russia, but figured what the hell. :D

D & B