Brilliance Baltic Cruise

[lawgirl]

Lawgirl - do you happen to remember which days the laundry bags we're put out?

 

 

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Sorry, no. We never use the laundry, just overpack!!

[hebbie67]

Great review Mouikey - many

thanks. We've got a whole year to wait before we do this cruise but it's never too early to start gathering ideas and info!

 

 

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[u2us4]

What time were they letting people off in Harwich? I'm trying to arrange a private car to pick us up as early as possible. Thanks.

[zebra]

Thanks for the wonderful review - we leave on that same cruise on the 18th May. Did you go to Nyhavn in Copenhagen? I was wondering about the best way to get there.

Another question - you used the HOHO bus in various ports. Did you carry their currency with you or use a C/C?

[georgiacat]

I am also wondering about the different currencies for this cruise. Yes, I know to use the credit card for most. But for small purchases, is anyone willing to tell how much of each currency they took and used? I have about 100 eruos left from last year, so I am good there. We will spend a couple of days prior in London, how much British pounds? Food and lodging on the credit card, of course. Transfers? tips? ice cream? inexpensive souveniers?

 

I have heard about getting the money from an ATM, and that is probably not me. I will probably order what I need from my local bank before we go. I do not want to be left holding a lot that I do not use. Please help.

[kakennedy@me]

What time were you able to get on the ship? We are going in June and like to get on as soon as we can.

[mighty13]

Hopefully my final post (unless there are questions!!), so here are a few handy hints and tips...

 

Firstly, I read a whole heap here on CC and got some amazing advice. Most of it very useful. I did purchase one of those shoe holder things, but never used it as storage was not a problem. Pegs were helpful for the shower curtain and hanging wet swimsuits.

 

We used the pool only twice and my hair went like straw so bring good conditioner. I also got a sore throat and hubby the sniffles, so again we avoided.

 

A two in one shampoo dispenser is provided in the room along with two bars of soap. We used our own toiletries which is great because I still smell of holiday when I shower!!

 

Take a trip to the helipad, very quiet and you can do the tacky titanic pose (yes we did!!), it's closed at night though.

 

There is an outside area to the rear of the windjammer it's lovely and there weren't many people out there when we ate there.

 

Try something new at dinner, I tried escargot, I didn't like them but at least I tried!!

 

Don't feel that you have to go to each and every show... Be led by what you want to do, not what you feel you should do.

 

If you have children, please keep them supervised in the theatre.

 

I sent flowers to my Mum via a Harwich florist (rather than via RCL) they were delivered on time with no issue.

 

Pack layers, we expected it to be overcast and cold, but it was baking hot.

 

The casino was always smokey, I understand why, but it wasn't pleasant.

 

3, yes 3 formal nights... Day 2, Helsinki and day 10. People do dress for these, but you don't have to go super formal.

 

Whilst the. On-alcoholic cocktails are yummy, they are full of sugar!!

 

Book your excursions early. We wanted to go on the viking on in Visby but they only ran one coach so we couldn't go.

 

If they don't have the wine type you want, ask if they have a similar (eg merlot).

 

The walls can be thin, we packed earplugs which were useful! Although e black out curtains were amazing!

 

Do get off in Visby, even if your super tired!

 

Be extra nice to the Russian immigration, we think a few people were refused enters (but have no idea why)

 

Don't let others behaviour upset you. There was a fight (yes with fists!) at lunch in the solarium on the last day... It was funny, but not for the people involved - I assume over a sun lounger! Seriously, everyone's on holiday and wants to enjoy it. Let petty things go. We assume both parties (elderly gentlemen in their 70's) were confined to quarters (they were escorted away by security).

 

Most of all enjoy yourself.

 

 

For those going on Brilliance in the near future you should love it. Send my love to Mauree, Renante and Fransisco if you see them.

 

S

X

 

Do you remember if the ship stayed on ship time or if it changes at each port to reflect the time of the port? I want to make some reservations at different locations but am not sure if the quoted time on the itinerary is ship time(Harwich) or port time.