DIY Options NCL Sun - Nynashamn-Stockholm - Current Info

[rdnpdx1]

I have been trying to sort out the best way to get into Stockholm from Nynashamn if doing an independent day in Stockholm. Researching through the board, it appears that there are three options - taxi, NCL DIY bus, and local commuter train. I have been getting information on each, and have a good idea of the fares from the three most recommended Stockholm taxi companies. Thought folks here might appreciate it.

 

I sent emails to the three Stockholm companies and the two Nynashamn companies recommended. For a four passenger taxi, O/W fares range from 700 SEK (a bit over $100 US) to 1100 SEK per car.

 

For an eight passenger taxi, the fares one way are 1155 SEK from two of the companies. The third did not provide that info.

 

Taxi 020 was 770 SEK O/W for up to four (1155 SEK for larger vehicle)

Taxi Kurir was 700 SEK (1155 SEK for larger vehicle)

Taxi Stockholm quoted 1100 SEK per vehicle (four passengers each).

 

I am waiting to hear from the two Nynashamn taxi services recommended on these boards.

 

To me the taxi is maybe the best way to get into Stockholm quickly to get to Vasa Museum as early as possible and make it possible to return later than either the train or the NCL bus.

 

The cost for the larger taxis at today's exchange would be a total of $345, less than $45 per person. The four passenger option for a smaller group would be a bit higher - $208 or $52 USD pp for four.

 

By comparison, the NCL bus is $59. You can do the train with a one day pass for about $15, or as part of the $60 Stockholm Pass which give free access to museums and the Royal Palace , but getting in by train can result in delays getting to Stockholm and you would need to leave earlier than either the bus or a taxi would need to depart to be sure of making it back to the Sun before the last tender leaves. Posters who were on the Sun last year recommend the 2:52 train returning, as I recall.

 

Hope this helps those making a decision on how to get into Stockholm for a DIY day.

[archergal918]

After looking at the transportation options into Stockholm and the amount of time in port, I've decided just to stay in Nynashamn and enjoy the "local" atmosphere. I don't want to spend more than $100 to get to Stockholm and then have about 4 hours to experience it - maybe another time, for us. Too bad NCL doesn't anchor in Stockholm, as many other large cruise lines do.

[TLCOhio]

After looking at the transportation options into Stockholm and the amount of time in port, I've decided just to stay in Nynashamn and enjoy the "local" atmosphere. I don't want to spend more than $100 to get to Stockholm and then have about 4 hours to experience it - maybe another time, for us. Too bad NCL doesn't anchor in Stockholm, as many other large cruise lines do.

 

Bob has done a super great job on his summary of options from that distant southern port into Stockholm. I understand the "frustration" noted above, but I would suggest, strongly, not missing the chance to see Stockholm. It is a wonderfully charming city with lots of great history, architecture, waterfront views, great museums, etc. Considering all that you paying for your cruise, getting to Europe, it would be sad "save a little money" and miss such a spectacular, world-class city. Seeing Stockholm is wonderful with the Vasa Museum, old city, changing of the guard, etc. Below are some visual samples to encourage visiting Stockholm. Don't miss it. Yes, it would best to avoid NCL with their stupid and misleading port policy. BUT, if you're stuck doing NCL and that bad docking, then spend a little more and get to this Swedish capital.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 28,580 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

The architecture of buildings along Stockholm’s historic waterfront:

 

 

 

In the heart of Stockholm’s historic old city with many outdoor dining places:

 

 

 

At Stockholm’s Royal Palace, the changing of the guard:

 

 

 

At the Vasa Museum with this large salvaged ship from the 1600’s. This is their website: http://vasamuseet.se/en/ Taking almost two years (1626-1627) to build Vasa, carpenters, sawyers, smiths, ropelayers, sailmakers, painters, carvers, gun carriage makers and other specialists struggled to complete the navy’s great, new ship. The king, Gustav II Adolf, visited the shipyard to inspect the work. With a hull built of more than a thousand oak trees with 64 cannon, masts over 50 meters high and hundreds of painted and gilded sculptures, this was a spectacular ship. BUT, it was too heavy and sunk sailing out from the harbor.:

 

 

 

 

 

From the harbor in Stockholm, here is a view of the Royal Palace, the historic Saint Nicolaus Church, or as commonly known Storkyrkan:

 

[Got2Cruise]

After looking at the transportation options into Stockholm and the amount of time in port, I've decided just to stay in Nynashamn and enjoy the "local" atmosphere. I don't want to spend more than $100 to get to Stockholm and then have about 4 hours to experience it - maybe another time, for us. Too bad NCL doesn't anchor in Stockholm, as many other large cruise lines do.

 

The NCL "on your own" is $59. I believe they give you 8 hours total. One hour there, one hour back, leaves 6 hours in Stockholm.

[quovadimis]

I just booked the NCL DIY bus for the June 4th, 2011 sailing and the price was only $49.00 pp not $59. Not sure why but we decided this was the easiest.

[Giantfan13]

After looking at the transportation options into Stockholm and the amount of time in port, I've decided just to stay in Nynashamn and enjoy the "local" atmosphere. I don't want to spend more than $100 to get to Stockholm and then have about 4 hours to experience it - maybe another time, for us. Too bad NCL doesn't anchor in Stockholm, as many other large cruise lines do.

 

PLEASE< NO< NO<> NO< NO

 

Archergal, you don't know us from Adam, but everyone here, to a man, or woman, will tell you not to do this. For us, Stockholm was our favorite port on the entire crusie, and, it was our port with the shortest stay.

I assume you are cruising with NCL, so that means you will have more than 4 hours in Stockholm. It is not like it is a 3 hour ride there.

 

If you have no desire to see Stockholm, that is one thing, but do not say you won't go because it may inconvenience you to get there. Everyone on the ship is in the same predicament.

As has said many times, I believe NCL offers their own sort of tour/transportation to

Stockholm, try and take advantage it and this just wonderful city.

 

Here are a few of my pix, MAYBE, to try and entice you to visit it. Believe me, you will love it.

 

Stockholm's Royal Palace

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1241.jpg

 

Everyday they do a wonderful ceremony where the do a Changing of the Guard, with full marching band

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1306.jpg

 

The Vasa Museum is maybe Europes most wonderful Museum, a MUST SEE on any visit

http://s834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/?action=view&current=europemaster1357.mp4

 

And then there is Gamla Stan, the 'old city' with it's wonderful cobblestone, narrow streets, just made for exploring

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1275.jpg

 

And then stop and have some lunch, a drink, or just sit in at an outdoor cafe, just absorbing the atmoshpere

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1265.jpg

 

There is just so much to experience in this city, yes, time is a factor, but we loved just walking around, by the water, oer some bridges, experiencing maybe the best city in the baltics

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1235.jpg

 

Cheers

 

Len

 

 

 

[rdnpdx1]

Thanks, Terry and Len. Your photos of each of the ports we will visit are fantastic. Hopefully they will persuade archergal to rethink her decision. I think Stockholm is not to be missed. My goal was to save others the time and headaches in trying to sort out the options.

 

There are also ship's tours, including one which does an overview of the city and give three hours on your own time.

 

I think with a bit of luck you can have 6-7 hours in Stockholm. Well worth the cost.

 

A bit off topic, but I feel similarly about Berlin. That is a 15-16 hour port visit and Berlin is almost three hours from Warnemuende. But even after subtracting the travel time you have six plus hours in Berlin, whether you do an SPB or DenRus tour, or you do a ship's tour, or take the train or rent a car and do it on your own. We were in Berlin in October and are staying on the coast for that reason. If we had not gone, we would definitely go there. For a student of history, or even for someone who lived through the aftermath of WW II and the Cold War, Berlin is an incredible stop. The monument to Victims of the Holocaust, which stands in the dead zone between the two walls erected by the Soviets, and the remaining part of the wall with its museum to the victims of terror alone make the stop worthwhile for anyone with even a passing interest in world events.

[Cornishpastyman1]

After looking at the transportation options into Stockholm and the amount of time in port, I've decided just to stay in Nynashamn and enjoy the "local" atmosphere. I don't want to spend more than $100 to get to Stockholm and then have about 4 hours to experience it - maybe another time, for us. Too bad NCL doesn't anchor in Stockholm, as many other large cruise lines do.

 

Hello Archergal

 

I only say this in the spirit of Cruise Critic friendship, but I don't want you to be sitting down to dinner on Stockholm day listening to your fellow diners telling tales of how lovely Stockholm was while you stayed on board.

 

Bob is so right, and Terry and Len's superb photos do not lie, Stockholm is super, and is most folks' idea of the best port in the Baltics after St P and Berlin. Here's some more evidence :

 

Scenic Central Stockholm

 

Vasa Museum

 

You say 'maybe another time' but what if you don't get another chance ? And even if you do, that would allow you to do things you didn't get to this time. Paying 2 x $49 is very irritating but sometimes you just have to do it, and this is definitely one of those times.

 

Just a thought, forgive me if I sound evangelical, even hectoring about this, but to opt out is not a decision to be taken lightly.

 

All the best, Tony

[Al_Frescoe]

As the others have said, don't stay in town. Please, just bite the bullet and at least do the DIY bus thing into Stockholm.

 

Sure, you miss the beautiful archipelago (thanks NCL), sure, you have to tender in (thanks NCL), sure, it's an hour each way to and from the ship (thanks NCL) .... but please, to travel all this way and not see Stockholm would be a real pity. And I can tell you this, there is not much to do in Nynäshamn.

 

Al

[Got2Cruise]

Keeping on the "DIY" subject. Is it possible to walk from Old Town to the Vasa museum? I see there is a ship excursion, Old Town, Vasa, Ice Bar. How would I do this by taking the ship's "on your own" transfer?

[TLCOhio]

Keeping on the "DIY" subject. Is it possible to walk from Old Town to the Vasa museum? I see there is a ship excursion, Old Town, Vasa, Ice Bar. How would I do this by taking the ship's "on your own" transfer?

 

YES, it is "possible" to walk from the Old Town to the Vasa, IF and IF!!?? Much depends on your age, physical situation, timing flexibility, etc. As an item of fact, it is fairly flat along that route and would be distance of about a mile and a third. Depending on your walking speed, that could take about 20-30 minutes to do that walk. Below is one visual to give you a little sampling to prove that it is an interesting walk along that waterfront area with lots of great architectural buildings to see as you would go along that route. Does this help?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 28,775 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Connected to the main harbor in Stockholm, here is a view from the bridge to the Vasa Museum of the many different buildings along this grand Strandvagen boulevard. Completed in time for the 1897 Stockholm World’s Fair, it became known as one of the most prestigious addresses in town.:

 

[Cornishpastyman1]

Keeping on the "DIY" subject. Is it possible to walk from Old Town to the Vasa museum? I see there is a ship excursion, Old Town, Vasa, Ice Bar. How would I do this by taking the ship's "on your own" transfer?

 

From memory, Gamla Stan to the Vasa Museum is a 20-25 minute walk. It's about the same but much more pleasurable on a Ho-ho boat. On the map the Ice Bar - Vasa looks about the same. Entry to the Vasa was 120 SEK in June 2010, and it's 140 SEK for the Ice Bar (which you should book in advance) so you can judge the saving over the ship's tour, assuming you will need the Nynasham-Stockholm transfer ($49 ?)

[TLCOhio]

Bob is so right, and Terry and Len's superb photos do not lie, Stockholm is super, and is most folks' idea of the best port in the Baltics after St P and Berlin. You say 'maybe another time' but what if you don't get another chance ? And even if you do, that would allow you to do things you didn't get to this time. Paying 2 x $49 is very irritating but sometimes you just have to do it, and this is definitely one of those times. Just a thought, forgive me if I sound evangelical, even hectoring about this, but to opt out is not a decision to be taken lightly. All the best, Tony

 

rdnpdx1: Thanks' date=' Terry and Len. [b']Your photos of each of the ports we will visit are fantastic. [/b]Hopefully they will persuade archergal to rethink her decision. I think Stockholm is not to be missed. My goal was to save others the time and headaches in trying to sort out the options.

 

THANKS for the nice comments on the pictures posted by Len, me and others! Clearly the wise "pressure" is focused to encourage you to do Stockholm. You will thank us for that push. Below are a few more Stockholm visuals just in case you are in doubt. Don't miss this interesting and great city. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 28,775 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Nice flowers and historic buildings in Stockholm:

 

 

 

Here is the brick interior of the Saint Nicolaus Church, or as commonly known Storkyrkan. It is the oldest church in historic Gamla Stan or “old town” area.

 

 

 

At Stockholm’s Royal Palace (with a military guard on duty) and its next-door historic Storkyrkan church:

 

 

 

Overlooking the main harbor in Stockholm, here is a view of the Grand Hotel. From its location, you can see the Royal Palace and other great architecture in this historic area. The Grand Hotel was opened in 1874 and hosts Nobel Prize winner during the ceremony period.:

 

 

 

At Stockholm’s Royal Palace, the changing of the guard involves this large band with their unique helmets:

 

[dexddd]

I've only done a cursory review of the comments above, but we had the same dilemma when we went this past June. Long story short, we took the NCL tour (the only NCL tour we did the whole 12 day trip).

 

We took the one that went into Stockholm, drove around a bit, made a couple stops and also went to Vasa. The NCL tour included the Vasa entrance tickets and we walked right in. They also had a guide who gave out info on the bus into Stockholm about the country, etc. We then had like 3 hours on our own.

 

Considering the small price difference on doing it ourselves (NCL gives the kids a price break) vs. just having to got on the bus and then meet back at designated time, it worked out well. On the return trip, the buses line up at the meeting spot and you fill up them up until they are full and then go on the next.

 

Don't forget your passport as we actually had to show just prior to getting back onto tenders to the ship to the local immigration folks who had a formal line (vs. when you get off the ship).

[rdnpdx1]

I've only done a cursory review of the comments above, but we had the same dilemma when we went this past June. Long story short, we took the NCL tour (the only NCL tour we did the whole 12 day trip).

 

We took the one that went into Stockholm, drove around a bit, made a couple stops and also went to Vasa. The NCL tour included the Vasa entrance tickets and we walked right in. They also had a guide who gave out info on the bus into Stockholm about the country, etc. We then had like 3 hours on our own.

 

Considering the small price difference on doing it ourselves (NCL gives the kids a price break) vs. just having to got on the bus and then meet back at designated time, it worked out well. On the return trip, the buses line up at the meeting spot and you fill up them up until they are full and then go on the next.

 

Don't forget your passport as we actually had to show just prior to getting back onto tenders to the ship to the local immigration folks who had a formal line (vs. when you get off the ship).

 

Thanks for the reminder on passports. Easy one to forget in the rush to get off.

 

At least one on our roll call is doing the excursion you mention - the Swedish Sampler as NCL is calling it this year, I think. I am still leaning towards the taxi option.

[lauderdalebob]

I've posted this also on the NCL board, does anyone know if you take the NCL Sun DIY bus for $49 into Stockholm, where exactly does it drop you off and do you meet it at the same place returning for the drive to the ship in Nynashamn? Thanks.

[Al_Frescoe]

I've posted this also on the NCL board, does anyone know if you take the NCL Sun DIY bus for $49 into Stockholm, where exactly does it drop you off and do you meet it at the same place returning for the drive to the ship in Nynashamn? Thanks.

 

From the reports I have seen it drops you at the Opera House, and yes, it picks you up at the same place.

 

Just an FYI from a local, in my opinion the Opera House is not the best place to start trying to get to the Vasa in a hurry. They have changed the bus system (no more Bus 47 to Vasa and beyond). You now have to make your way to a tram near Norrmalmstorg.

 

If the weather ever clears I may go out and do a step-by-step guide on my blog. Nasty winter here.

 

Al

[rdnpdx1]

From the reports I have seen it drops you at the Opera House, and yes, it picks you up at the same place.

 

Just an FYI from a local, in my opinion the Opera House is not the best place to start trying to get to the Vasa in a hurry. They have changed the bus system (no more Bus 47 to Vasa and beyond). You now have to make your way to a tram near Norrmalmstorg.

 

If the weather ever clears I may go out and do a step-by-step guide on my blog. Nasty winter here.

 

Al

 

Thanks for the information, Al. Another reason we are probably doing the taxi.

[TLCOhio]

From the reports I have seen it drops you at the Opera House, and yes, it picks you up at the same place. Just an FYI from a local, in my opinion the Opera House is not the best place to start trying to get to the Vasa in a hurry. They have changed the bus system (no more Bus 47 to Vasa and beyond). You now have to make your way to a tram near Norrmalmstorg. If the weather ever clears I may go out and do a step-by-step guide on my blog. Nasty winter here. Al

 

THANKS, Al, for the info on the Opera House location. It's actually a fairly handy location for reaching and being near the Royal Palace, Old Town area, new shopping/department store region, the harbor rides, etc. It's not as ideally handy for the Vasa, but that great museum would be about a 15-20 minute walk away along a scenic waterway with nice, nearby architecture. From our Stockholm docking place, the ship had its shuttle drop us here at the Opera House. That location worked well for us. Fortunately, we were docked in Stockholm and were able to enjoy the sights sailing into this great city.

 

Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 28,950 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Pluto_fan]

Thanks, Bob, for the great summary, and everyone else for the helpful comments. Terry, I think that the beautiful photos you have posted in many threads here are what sold me on taking a Baltic cruise! :)

[rdnpdx1]

Thanks, Bob, for the great summary, and everyone else for the helpful comments. Terry, I think that the beautiful photos you have posted in many threads here are what sold me on taking a Baltic cruise! :)

 

I agree on the photos. They are fabulous.

 

FYI, I checked with NCL by phone yesterday, and the rep insisted that the Sun is docked - unfortunately still in Nynashamn - not tendered for this stop. That alters the equation a bit as it should be easier to get off early if we are docked rather than having to rely on tender tickets. I asked her twice and she insisted that her information shows the ship docked. We'll see.

 

If the ship is docked, that should give a bit more time in Stockholm because the delays inherent in using a tender are absent and you might be able to stay in town a bit later and still make the "all aboard" comfortably.

 

Ultimately, the decision for those seeing Stockholm independently still comes down to the three options above - NCL bus, train or taxi.

[north-bound]

FYI, I checked with NCL by phone yesterday, and the rep insisted that the Sun is docked - unfortunately still in Nynashamn - not tendered for this stop. That alters the equation a bit as it should be easier to get off early if we are docked rather than having to rely on tender tickets. I asked her twice and she insisted that her information shows the ship docked. We'll see.

Ports of Stockholm shows NCL at anchor every time they are in Nynäshamn during this summer. And as far as I know there is presently nowhere in Nynäshamn where they could dock. So expect you will have to tender. I feel sorry for all who have to go to Nynäshamn.

[rdnpdx1]

Ports of Stockholm shows NCL at anchor every time they are in Nynäshamn during this summer. And as far as I know there is presently nowhere in Nynäshamn where they could dock. So expect you will have to tender. I feel sorry for all who have to go to Nynäshamn.

 

Thanks. :(