Nonio

Thanks, yes I had seen those Stromma trips into the archipelago, and thought about doing the one that leaves at 10:30am. It returns at 1pm, so we would then have the afternoon to do our other sightseeing. I just noticed that our departure time has been changed to 7pm, which is good (my original paperwork said 6.) I figure we would have to leave Stockholm for Nynashamn no later than 5pm, which leaves us 4 hours to see what we want to see and get to the train station for the return. Would be tight for both old town and Vasa. Maybe we could squeeze old town in before the boat trip, then Vasa afterwards. Our day is still a work in progress. I would take the ship sponsored transport except it doesn't leave until 9:45am, which is way too late as far as I'm concerned.

POMPEII...I think we'll still have a good sail in through the archipalego even tho' docking in Nynasham . I am told by others who have done it that it is about a four hour sail through to get to Stockholm, so just a bit Less from Nynasham. There are boats from Nynasham to the nearby islands. ..it will have to be an early rise to see it, however, given the ship I am on (Royal Prncess) docks at 7 am...can always get the views on the sail out.

The Nynasham information office gives a number of links including to taxi firms and prices to get to Stockholm...wld need to be a share to make it pay... I see from one of the posts above that there are rail works in June but it looks as if they are planned to start after we visit Nynasham.

What an amazing post just packed with information.

I've just booked a Baltic Cruise (mid June 2015) on impulse yesterday so in research mode overdrive now. (Ports: Copenhagen, Nynasham for Stockholm, St Petersburgh (overnight), Helsinki, Tallinn, Gothenburgh. The 2 ports I anticipate providing the biggest decision challenges are Nynasham and St Petersburg due to the out of City Centre docks in both instances (and maybe travel and access issues in St Petersburg?).

I can tell you that Nynasham is about an hour on public transport from Stockholm but has local boats to some of the pretty nearby islands if Stockholm itself not required.

Re Stockholm : Apparently the tenders all come in to one point and there is a blue line to follow (walking) to the train station. There are direct trains and it was recommended either to get a Stockholm 24 HR pass for both transport and museums or a transport pass (c $16-20) at the kiosk there in advance of travel.

l

Hi Lady Emma

I'm following a similar itinerary to you in June but on Royal Princess. Only booked it yesterday so now embarking on some fairly intensive research (& will be posting more detailed info as I go on the particular cruise roll call..royal Princess 14 June 2015.

I have already discovered that, when it comes to Stockholm, a lot depends on where the ship docks. Some dock several miles out of Stockholm, some (I'm told mostly the smaller ones) dock within walking distance of the city centre.

I've decided that either way provides different opportunities to explore and get a flavour of Sweden. If docked at one of the outer ports then maybe take a local boat to one of the archipalego Islands...or get a feel for more day to day Sweden by taking a commenter train.

I think there may be similar issues in St Petersburg as the larger ships dock way outside the city and one has to bus in. Still exploring info on that one but have collecting tips about tour companies. And the viability of finding one's way around independently...mmmmm

I've just booked on this as the ports and timing seemed appealing, but not from in depth knowledge. I've never sailed Princess before (Royal Princess) & have booked a balcony cabin.

However rather than sailing right into Stockholm the ship docks at Nynasham which requires a tender & I think may be some distance from Stockholm itself. In fact my first desire was to sail through the islands leading towards Stockholm but suspect missing out on Stockholm itself (in favour of Nynasham) would be a mistake. There is a Princess Tranfer to Stockholm for c 65$ where you are then left to your own devices.

Does anyone know whether it is a) possible and b) easy to make one's own way from Nynasham to Stockholm as I prefer to be independent if possible. Are there hop on hop off buses/ boats from the port?

What is Nynasham like (compared to Stockholm?).

The other ports are Copenhagen (arriving noon leaving 11pm) Helsinki (9 am - 5 pm), St Petersburgh overnight, Tallinn (half day 7 am - 2pm) Gottenburgh (half day).

Any tips for an independent traveller gratefully received ..in particular what about St Petersburgh, given that I don't much enjoy group 'herding' from Museum to museum?

I haven't even applied for my Russian visa yet...do I need one for any other ports ? ( I'm a UK/ EU citizen) and what should I do about currency?! Thanks.

I've just booked on this as the ports and timing seemed appealing.

However rather than sailing right into Stockholm the ship docks at Nynasham which requires a tender & I think may be some distance from Stockholm itself.

Does anyone know whether it is a) possible and b) easy to make one's own way from Nynasham to Stockholm as I prefer to be independent if possible. Are there hop on hop off buses from the port?

What is Nynasham like (compared to Stockholm?).

The other ports are Copenhagen (arriving noon leaving 11pm) Helsinki (9 am - 5 pm), St Petersburgh overnight, Tallinn (half day 7 am - 2pm) Gottenburgh (half day).

Any tips for an independent traveller gratefully received ..

I haven't even applied for my Russian visa yet...do I need one for any other ports ? ( I'm a UK/ EU citizen) and what should I do about currency?! Thanks.

I've cruised 7 times, twice with an outside porthole cabin, 4 times with a balcony cabin (one sheltered, three 'glass') and a short inside cabin cruise.

I too had the best sleep ever in the inside cabin and this has made me darken my bedroom at home...good sleep continues.

As with others here I was getting bothered by how little I used my balcony...too windy much of the time and, with the sheltered balcony, too poor a view unless I was standing right up against the edge...less wind but also less sun.

Given I am a solo occupant the price uplift is very considerable.

However the downside of the inside cabin for me was that whilst I slept well my body clock was all over the place...sleeping 10-13 hours a day and still tired. On a long cruise I realised I would need to be more disciplined about ensuring structured access to light. I also like the peace and quiet a cabin provides and the two may conflict. That said I really think it may be worth trying an inside cabin for longer and wondered what the longest trip anyone had done using one, what the size of the cabin was and any tips.

The upside of the glass fronted balcony cabins was when we sailed through the Norwegian Fjiords. It was just amazing waking up to see from one's bed these staggeringly beautiful views. It was also exceptionally moving sailing into cities like New York, Southampton (on the Golden Jubilee celebration morning) and Venice from the quiet of one's own balcony and the great access to wonderful vistas... Still in one's bathrobes...

It is a bit of a balancing act but as I am thinking of doing a good chunk of a world cruise an inside cabin may enable me to travel further and I am thinking of giving it a try.

Hi Terry

I so enjoyed your posts and photos of Dubrovnik that I decided to look to look at your Norwegian one as I am setting off for there tomorrow (doing a back to back cruise).

Your verve and obvious enjoyment are very contagious and the great photos really bring it all to life.

It is a very generous thing to do so 'thank you very much'. I now feel ready to set off ..with a light heart...