Cruising the Baltics with a Teen and Tween on the Getaway; A Review

[Travel R]

A side note - We had taken a trek into Brooklyn to attend a large birthday bash for my buddy. On the way home, with the sun's rays reflecting of the towers of the Verazano, a familiar shape begins to come into view under her expanse. It is none other than the sister ship - Breakaway, most likely on her way to the Southern Seas. [We had been on the RCI Explorer a few years ago, which also passes underneath, and the highest antenna atop the ship only misses scraping the bottom of the bridge by about 10 to 15 feet.]

 

On the day prior we had attended a BBQ, hosted by some friends. In attendance was a retired couple, whom I had made my acquaintance. The husband had grown up in Saint Petersburg under Soviet Control. Once I had shown interest in his past, he was too happy to relate stories of his youth in SPB, and what it was also like in Moscow at that time and even some descriptions of his trips to Estonia. He talked about the good times and the bad (e.g., what it was like when he requested permission to leave the country and go to the US). If I remember, or have the time, I may intertwine some of his story into my review either if/when it would be appropriate.

[Travel R]

Following and loving your review. DH and myself are booked on this same cruise next year on the Breakaway. I've been researching other areas to go either before or after the cruise. After reading your comments about Iceland, I think I'll scratch that one off my list. I'm sure it is beautiful in its own right, but not something we would love. Looking forward to more.

 

Thank you - glad you are enjoying the review.

 

As I started out this review - we are all on our own journey, and whatever path you take, it is the right one. There are so many things that are subjective. Hopefully my review is fairly objective, and I am trying to be honest with what I liked and disliked. Personally, I wouldn't mind returning to Iceland one day, on the other hand, my DW enjoyed it, but pretty much stated that she had seen enough. When I begin to discuss the food on the ship, our opinions also differ greatly - even within our own family unit, we a still on our own individual journeys.

 

Luckily there are a number of stop-over options to chose from (I would guess that you would be departing from EWR). Here's an article on airlines that have stopover programs (from 2014) - https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2014/05/29/free-stopover-flight/9676293/.

 

Here's an article on layovers that you may also find helpful - http://www.layoverguide.com/, which might be helpful.

[Travel R]

Copenhagen & Getaway (Fri 6/30)

 

 

Day’s Summary: We have a few hours in the morning to eat, and maybe take in another attraction (or not). We will be meeting some fellow cruisers at the nearby station at 11:15 AM to take the bus to port. We will take in a quick bite to eat before leaving, and will go to the buffet upon embarking (if room is not ready). We also have dinner reservations at one of the main dining rooms at 5:30. Evening activities will probably include registering of the other teens/tweens at the kid’s clubs – and maybe some relaxation.

 

Friday Morning (6/30)

 

1. Coffee shop across from hotel

2. Some Possibilities

• Jogging around Copenhagen
  
• Laundry (see addendum)
  
• National Museum of Denmark - http://en.natmus.dk/
  
• National Gallery of Denmark - http://www.smk.dk/en/
  
• Planetarium - http://www.planetariet.dk/en
  

3. Check out of Hotel

4. Take bus from Central Station to Port (see addendum for directions)

·Meet up with Roll-Call members at 11:15 @ bus stop near Central Station

 

Friday Afternoon (6/30)

 

5. Embarkment at Port

·Stateroom # 13834 (Mini Suite (MA)) [

]

 

6. Lunch on Ship – O’Sheehans or Garden Buffet

 

7. Teen/Tween club sign-up from 11:30 to 3, and 5 to 7

 

8. Dinner: 5:30 at Taste

 

 

9. 8:00 Teen/Tween club meet-up

 

 

We had stayed with the general plan of the day, but not exactly as scheduled (which is okay). If you are really interested, there is a YouTube from a prior occupant of our cabin that posted a video tour (see above) - if you have a min-suite with kids in the room, and want to see how it is situated with the bunks down, this is for you.

 

 

Note - where you read "see addendum" - I will include that information into my review, such as exact directions on how to get from Central Station to the cruise port by using the bus system.

 

 

I did not schedule any adult activities in the schedule - so we could play it by ear, and maybe relax after a whirlwind few days in Iceland and Copenhagen. But did we really get a chance to relax? Stay tuned for the next exiting post by Travel R to find out . . . . .

Edited July 17, 2017 by Travel R

[300dtc]

Thank you for your review, I was excited to see that you stayed at the hotel nebo since that is where we are staying next month for our cruise. Did you find the area sketchy at all? I know it borders an area described as containing strip clubs, etc. did you ever feel your room was too warm? What about noise at night with opened windows? How much was the breakfast there opposed to the coffee shop across the street? Thank you in advance!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

TravelR ~ yes Discovery 2 is doing Med cruises then coming over here to do Panama, Caribbean & Cuba cruises.

Sounds like you're in NY state ? so you could probably get a deal like we did on Sunwing.ca on that ship or an MSC one from Toronto.

.

I am loving your review & all I'm learning about various things! It's also nice to see pictures I know I took in CPN like the crown, little changing of the guard etc. Speaking of pictures I finally posted a few of mine on flickr so here they are if you would like to see my journey.

 

Thanks so much for doing this detailed interesting report.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[Travel R]

Thank you for your review, I was excited to see that you stayed at the hotel nebo since that is where we are staying next month for our cruise. Did you find the area sketchy at all? I know it borders an area described as containing strip clubs, etc. did you ever feel your room was too warm? What about noise at night with opened windows? How much was the breakfast there opposed to the coffee shop across the street? Thank you in advance!

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I did not find the area too shady (although when we came back from Tivoli at night, there were some ne'er-do-wells on the next corner - but I did not take them as being any threat.

 

A picture of the hotel at night (it is the sign that reads "Hotellette":

 

 

It is fairly quiet, however, there are still a number of people going/coming from the bars, hotels, and restaurants in the area.

 

This is one of the bars around the corner, with a look down the side street:

 

 

And another nearby hotel:

 

 

There is also a bus stop across the street from the hotel, so there are people taking the bus at all hours. And there is a bicycle lot around the corner as well, which is used throughout the evening.

 

 

 

If I thought it seedy, I would not booked it with my daughters.

 

During the day the street was full of people (many tourists) - and the back entrance to Central Station is across the street from the hotel (well, catty-cornered).

 

The loudest noise was the sound of the bus - which occurred every 30 minutes, then every hour - but there was an occasional roar of a motorcycle, or some young adults having fun that made its way up to our room. But as mentioned, we did keep the windows open.

 

The breakfast was 12 Euro (about $13 US). Most of the breads and pastries at the bakery ranged from around 3.5 to 5 Euro [the baker quoted me the prices in Euros; and I paid with a credit card]. Since one pastry and a drink was enough to fill up the other members of my family - it was fine for them. I purchased drinks (fruit and chocolate milk for the girls and myself; coffee for my DW (which she disliked) for another few Euros.

 

Although I am about to discuss it, the following morning I got some bagels with cream cheese and butter (or what they consider to be bagels) from inside Central Station (right near the back entrance), which was, if I can remember, about the equivalent of $8 or $9 US ("American" bagel and coffee special) - along with pastries for the girls.

 

Note, there were some restaurants a block or two away that were advertising "Full American Breakfast" displaying a picture of eggs, for about $18 Euros.

 

[Note: Sorry, I do not have any pictures from within Central Station itself.]

[Travel R]

Hi all!

 

TravelR ~ yes Discovery 2 is doing Med cruises then coming over here to do Panama, Caribbean & Cuba cruises.

Sounds like you're in NY state ? so you could probably get a deal like we did on Sunwing.ca on that ship or an MSC one from Toronto.

.

I am loving your review & all I'm learning about various things! It's also nice to see pictures I know I took in CPN like the crown, little changing of the guard etc. Speaking of pictures I finally posted a few of mine on flickr so here they are if you would like to see my journey.

 

Thanks so much for doing this detailed interesting report.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

We shall see what next year brings -- we begin paying for my DD's college tuition soon afterwards. We have been fortunate to have been able to travel abroad these last few years (via both cruise and, I am not sure if I can say it on this site, but also land vacations) - so we may keep it closer to home the next year or two, at least I will (my DDs and DW are already planning a girls-only trip to Mexico). But I would love to get back on the (former) Legend again. A question was asked on another thread about large vs. small ship preferences - I unequivocally responded smaller ships, with the Legend in mind.

 

That Legend sailing to Cuba does peak my interest - maybe one day.

 

I would like to thank you for sharing your photos. They are very nice -- I liked the ones with the Icelandic ponies outside your car. We saw them from time to time on the sides of the road, but never that close. I also saw that you had a picture of the Mariska dolls - I had to laugh (to myself), because when I tried to take a picture in the souvenir shop they brought me to, I was yelled at by two workers. I can understand that they did not want me to take photos in some areas of the Hermitage, or that flash photography was banned in many museums, but what high level government secrets would I be giving away from taking a picture at a store selling overpriced jewelry and trinkets?

[Travel R]

GETTING TO THE GETAWAY

 

I had awakened to another cloudy sky, but at 6 AM, the sun was trying to break free. My body was too tired to run, so a morning of shooting was probably a better option. Everyone was enjoying their slumber as I put on some clothing, stowed my camera to my belt, and made my way for the door. My DW, a light sleeper,had entered the world of the waking for enough time for me to provide my future whereabouts. The streets met me with a cool breeze as the sun tried to hide behind the clouds. When on vacation, I usually like to take to the streets before the storm of commuters and cars add chaos to the sights and sounds of the morning. I started making my way to the lakes, but the cold had begun permeating my outer layers. I had only walked a few blocks and commenced to take a few snap shots before deciding on returning to the hotel with sustenance in hand.

 

 

While making our way through Central Station the prior evening, I had noticed a bagel shop near its back entrance [which was close to the hotel]. After taking up a conversation with the shopkeeper, I had learned that he lived in New York for 15 years, and had learned to make bagels while in the states. Atop his billboard, the “American Special” was listed – a toasted bagel with cream cheese and a cup of American coffee. For my wife, this was perfect –for myself I only ordered a solo bagel with butter. With these items in hand, I crossed the street and purchased more pastries from the bakery shop (for all of us), a few beverages at the 7-11, and I was able to provide my family with an International breakfast. [Note: my DD12 really enjoyed the chocolate milk. My wife did not enjoy this coffee. But for those that had them, the chocolate croissants were excellent. The bagels were not of New York quality, but one of such unique taste cannot easily be found beyond the Big Apple or her boroughs.]

 

 

[side Note: we were tentatively thinking of doing some laundry ourselves, but decided to just let the ship take care of it – and do some quick washes ourselves. There are a number of Laundromats in Copenhagen, Central Station area, such as: The Laundromat Café, where you can wash while you eat Gammel Kongevej 96, 1850 Frederiksberg C, Denmark (8 AM – 10 PM) and Møntvask /laundry, Vesterbrogade 106, 1620 København V, Denmark (6 AM – 9 PM)]

 

The day was still young, and our schedule was clear until a quarter after eleven, when we were to meet another family at the bus depot. We ate, rested, took showers, and dressed. At fifteen minutes of eleven,we headed out the door to check out, and proceeded to Central Station to purchase bus tickets. It was good that we had left early, since our well educated family was unable to figure out howto purchase tickets from the kiosks. After a visit to the help desk, we learned that we were using the incorrect machines – and luckily, there was someone to help us at the correct ones.

We arrived at the bus stop at 11:10, but the other family had not yet appeared. [Note: The stop for Bus #26 is located on Vesterbrogade Street, just west of Bernstorffsgade Street [it is north of Central Station/ across the street (approximately northwest) of Tivoli Gardens.There is also a tourist info center diagonally across from the bus stop].Unfortunately, the family did not appear when the bus came, so we waited a little longer. While we were waiting, a couple with luggage in toe had also come to wait along with us. A conversation pursued, and we discovered that they hailed from Dublin (their accents had already given away their origination), but they were also boarding the Getaway. We talked with then while waiting for the next bus, which arrived after 11:40. We had made the decision to board, even thought hey had not shown up. [Note: You have to transfer from Bus #26 to Bus # 27 at the Folke Bernadottes Alle stop, which is just past Kastellet. Bus #27 will take you directly to the cruise port.] Although I had memorized where we were to transfer, the bus driver was very helpful, and had even honked to the other bus to stop since he had passengers that wanted to travel. But be forewarned, this mode of transportation does not have baggage racks, so the seating may not be especially comfortable for all.

 

Edited July 18, 2017 by Travel R

[Travel R]

Note: The photos in the prior post are not all in correlation to the information provided. Most were taken during the early morning walk I had described. I did not take many photos during our trek to the cruise port, except for a few of my family which are great personally, but would not be of great assistance to the story/review.

 

Sorry for the delay in any new information, but trying to catch up at work and when not at work trying to meet some of my own writing deadlines.

[sns1009]

Thank you for the wonderful review! I'm enjoying following along.

[Travel R]

TIME TO GETAWAY

 

 

The motor coaches took no more than thirty five or forty minutes, and brought us to a stop directly across from the terminal. Intel that was gathered from some sources was not correct – although there was a line of passengers when we arrived, we made it through processing within twenty-five minutes.Dropping off our bags took mere moments, going through security another 10 minutes, and passing through the queue and checking in another 10 to 15. It was all done quickly, efficient, and very organized. We even posed for the mandatory family picture before entering the gangway (which we have not purchased since our virgin cruise many years prior).

Having done my homework, I had researched the available dining options for when we boarded the ship. I had read of a venue known to serve delicious wings, and bar-style food, knowing it location, I escorted my family to dine at O’Sheehans. To tip my own hat, this was a great decision. We were seated immediately, and served soon after. I tried out the Thai Chicken wings (of the four varieties offered; the others being Buffalo, Cajun Jerk, and Texas BBQ), which became my go-to snack throughout the remainder of the cruise. This was followed by a delicious hearty soup, then topped off with a really good BBQ burger. The wings, burgers and other items offered were also enjoyed by my family. One note of interest, however, is that my younger daughter, who usually enjoys wings, was the only one of our party not to do so. [Note: This venue is open 24 hours on the ship. They have a regular food menu with a variety of choices most of the day and evening, with an additional special dish served during dinner. In the morning, a breakfast is served, and overnight there is a limited menu. One small caveat, and one that had been very important to my DD12 [and she specifically told me to include it in my review] - there is a charge for ice cream at O’Sheehans (however, this frozen treat can be obtained bro bono at the Garden Café usually until about 11:30 PM – but the swirl may not be available – only vanilla).]

 

While we were making our way through our wings and burgers, an announcement was made that all of the rooms were now available (around 1:30), so when we had completed our meal, including desert [Note: Although our waiter Orlando was excellent for most of the meal,the one minor transgression was the delayed in time to retrieve milk for my DW’s coffee.]

 

Happily fed, we made our way up toour cabin. The room was to our liking, especially the bathroom accompanying the mini suite. [Note: The stateroom will be fully described in a future post.] After a tour of the few feet that will be our lodging for a little more than a week, we were all anxious to explore all that the Getaway had to offer. [Note: Although I will provide some of my brilliant opinions on the ship as the review progresses, I will also include a separate and well detailed review, on the ship itself at a later time.] A platter of dipped strawberries had been left in our room, upon observation, they were a gift for our next door neighbors – upon exiting, we met our cabin steward (we all introduced each other), and notified him of the mix-up [have no fear, Cabin # 13836, we did not open the container and take a sampling].

We promenaded around the ship a bit, including taking tour of the spa and fitness area. The five minute-long “free”massage at the end was very nice, and my DW had signed up for a future treatment. However, my interest was the fitness center – both the offerings in the aerobic room (bikes, treadmills, etc.), which seemed kind of small, and the weight room (machines and free weights) which was what I had expected. The DDs also got to take a look at their respective youth clubs, and we registered both [Note: The “kids clubs” will also be discussed in much greater detail; after the review of this port.]

 

Time for the Muster Drill had arrive (4 PM), and we arrived at our designated station. We were placed in the casino, where there was limited view of the staff showing us the safety features. I had found this exercise rather useless. Also, by having it inside may be better for the comfort of the passengers, it does us little good in finding the rescue boat we are assigned.I also think about the days when you must bring your life jackets with you to the muster – although a little annoying, it showed you how to use it and wear it properly – and it made for some great pictures.

Edited July 18, 2017 by Travel R

[Travel R]

After the drill had completed we made our way back to our stateroom. I made use of the time by taking a book, iPod,and sweatshirt out to the balcony and relax while looking out at Copenhagen,Denmark, and the sea. The weather was cold, and a little drizzle landed upon the ship, so I am not sure they had a sail away party on deck – or at least I did not hear it over the air pieces of my iPod. I was in heaven. To me, there is no room, no nick or cranny, nor any corridor of the ship (unless I am hungry) that I enjoy on a cruise ship is the balcony. In comparison, this was a bit smaller than others, but I turned my seat to the side, and had enough room to stretch out my legs – also allowing others to sit on the second chair, which they made available. The smell of the salt air, the breeze (cool as it may have been),and just the sights of the sea, is why I cruise. I do go salt water fishing(not as often as I would like), and although enjoy it greatly, for pure relaxation,it does not compare to looking down at the ocean from fifteen stories above the water, with your feet up in the air. To the balcony, I had often visited during this cruise.

My respite on the balcony did not last too long, since it was my time to partake in a shower before dinner. While I had general responsibility for making most scheduling decisions on this holiday, it seemed that my time for taking a shower, when others in the cabin also needed to do so, was never my decision to be had.

 

Taste was the selection for our first evening meal on this cruising meal. Having never sailed like a Norwegian, we were both skeptical, and hopefully that the dining at least matched up with some of the prior lines. Our jaunt at O’Sheehans was a positive indication of our future meals. I had not scribbled down my choice of appetizer, but I did dine on the strip steak (ordered sans the sauce), which was actually quite good, and cooked to the correct wellness, and I also ordered the fish [i have no recollection of which one], which was just okay. My wife had ordered the duck on the menu, and the three of us that had tasted had agreed that it was not to our liking. One more comment on this dinner, I must add – I came clothed in a t-shirt. I believe that this was one of the few times on a cruise ship I had ever done so. I had read about it. I had even seen people do it (more than often on my prior Carnival outing) – but it was not something this veteran cruiser had ever done himself. However, due to the amount of clothing one can pack for a two week holiday, it was something I needed to do. It felt exhilarating and liberating.

 

After dinner we made our way to the ticket booth [it was open during the afternoon, then again beginning at in the evening – I believe 7:30]. We arrived a few minutes prior to when it opened, and were only the fifth or sixth passengers on line. A representative handed out papers for our selections, which also indicated what was still available. It was then that I should have listened to my own conscience and not take any heed from the self-proclaimed experts that stated how there was no need to register for anything; at this time many of the shows (and dates/times) we wanted were already booked. For instance, I enjoy comedy magic, and there was only one time left for a comedy show (but no magic). The first Escape the Big Top was already booked for the first day, and a few other shows were already taken as well. We made the best of it, and tried to fit in what remained with our excursion, dinner, and already-booked entertainment with what was available – including changes to some of the items we had already scheduled.

 

 

While I am on the subject of scheduling, upon entering our cabin the first time, a letter was awaiting us that our showing of the Million Dollar Quartet was moved to a different night(which worked out okay for us). In addition, our reservations for Escape the Big Top were in their system for the incorrect day (we were not the only ones),and we were not in the system when my DW tried to attend the non-magic comedy performance. We were able to get in on standby, but it was an unneeded hassle.

 

We then walked around the ship awhile longer until it was time to see the opening show, which is almost always a variety hour designed to provide samples of the entertainment available on the ship. We had arrived only ten minutes prior to curtain call, and very few seats remained. [Note: Although I do not let people usually bother me on vacation, I still remember the look of death a woman gave me when she was asked to move her legs so that we (it was only myself and my DW – our DDs had been brought to their respective clubs) could get to the middle of the row in order to occupy the two empty seats.] The production was “decent” in comparison to some of the snooze-fests or eye sores I had experienced in the past. The preview of the Million Dollar Quartet seemed like it could be good. A video of the Cirque Steam and Dreams appeared on the side screens – and really made me look forward to it. A singer, Nicola White had sung a few songs, but she was not something I was interested in. The last performance was by a quartet of singers, the Mersey Boys, performing Beatles songs. Although I am a huge fan of the Fab Four, I just couldn’t stomach their performance, so this was entertainment I would be passing on for this voyage.

 

Afterwards, we went back to relax for a few minutes in our room, until I went to pick up my DD12 at 10. She did not want to leave, so I came back again at 10:30, upon their regular hour closing. It had always been a tradition for my older DD and I to go for a snack late at night after she returned from a night frolicking with her friends. So I had decided to begin it with DD12 as well. We went to O’Sheehans for some wings (which is on the late-night limited menu), which we had, but she was really in the mood for ice cream, so we ate quickly and arrived at the Garden Café, where the self-serve machine was still dispensing with the sugar gold. Of course, I still took a hot dog and some fruit – I did not want her to eat alone.

We then returned to the room,where she and my DW fell asleep. I went back out to the balcony and listened to my iPod until her return. I also had my camera with me, and took pictures of an unexpected bridge that appeared out of nowhere at a half hour to midnight. It was large, and had a great expanse, and we traveled underneath. [i had subsequently learned that this is the Great Belt Bridge connecting the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen.]

 

My DD17 had returned to the room at 11:40, and we took our traditional midnight meal together. I had returned to O’Sheehans for the third time that day. For this take, I had ordered a Shepherd’s Pie – one of my favorite Irish dishes. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this spices and prefer larger chunks of meat instead of the chopped meat served. But I guess that it would be rather hard to enjoy everything they serve.

 

It was nearing 1 AM when we entered the cabin. We had changed for our slumber, and I for one had probably fallen asleep before my head had reached the pillow.

Edited July 18, 2017 by Travel R

[Travel R]

Thank you for the wonderful review! I'm enjoying following along.

 

Thank you!

[Travel R]

FOOD AND RESTAURANT REVIEWS ON THE GETAWAY, A HOUSEKEEPINGNOTE

 

As to whether one likes or dislikes any food, cuisine, or restaurant is entirely subjective. Two clientele of restaurant could have the same exact dishes, served from the same pot, and presented by the same waiter, yet one could claim this to be his favorite meal in the world, while the other could be disgusted by the same.

 

In addition, I also write a monthly culinary article. Although I love writing about food – my passion is about food history and how it both influences and has been influenced by various cultures, and not whether I think the paella did not have the correct amount of saffron to compliment the saffron. I had cooked in a restaurant professionally years ago, and currently lead a few large charity food events each year; which only means that I know a few extra techniques and tricks in the preparation and cooking of the dishes,but it does not mean that everyone will enjoy it. Throughout this review I may list the dishes I (or my tablemates) had consumed for a particular meal, and may make a statement as to whether I enjoyed it or not, as well as an occasional comment on service (which is less subjective). These days I still cook for local charities - and of interest to this writing is that I will be leading the preparation of a dinner at a local homeless shelter, with the menu being influenced by Russian cuisine.

 

I do not believe that I had taken any pictures of my food while on the ship. Although the food display was always well displayed, I do not remember if anything really wowed me enough to want to capture that moment on film.

 

Following the review of the ports,I will provide a list of each venue we had dined, along with a brief description highlighting my opinion, both positive and negative, for each.

 

However, if you have a specific question about a particular venue, I will be more than happy to answer.

 

 

Now, back to the review . . . .

Edited July 20, 2017 by Travel R

[pr0pel]

Did you tip the porters while dropping off the luggage? Are there porters there like there are stateside where they pretty much expect a tip?

[oldplayer532]

Thank you very much for your helpful, funny, very informative review,

[Glide_Path]

Thank you for your fantastic review. Would you happen to have the Dailies for Splash Academy (Turtles)? Got a 3 yo, trying to figure out what to do with him

[Seminole1975]

You cracked me up when you noted that you planned everything but time for you to take a shower!

[Travel R]

Did you tip the porters while dropping off the luggage? Are there porters there like there are stateside where they pretty much expect a tip?

 

I handed the porter a 20 DKK coin I had in my pocket (probably around the equivalent of $3 US) - the porter smiled and shook his head. I am not sure if he was expecting a tip or not. I do not believe the persons before us tipped.

 

Europeans do not have the same tipping culture as us. [A whole discussion in itself.] As an American who has cruised a few times before, mind has been programmed to do so.

[Travel R]

Thank you very much for your helpful, funny, very informative review,

 

I'm funny? Funny how? Like I'm a Clown? Do I amuse you? [Tommy DeVito - Goodfellas]

 

But seriously - glad you are enjoying it and you (and everyone else) is getting something out of it.

[Travel R]

Thank you for your fantastic review. Would you happen to have the Dailies for Splash Academy (Turtles)? Got a 3 yo, trying to figure out what to do with him

 

Thank you. But I am very sorry, I only took home the Dailies for my daughter's age groups.

[oldplayer532]

I'm funny? Funny how? Like I'm a Clown? Do I amuse you? [Tommy DeVito - Goodfellas]

 

But seriously - glad you are enjoying it and you (and everyone else) is getting something out of it.

Hey! You are my type funny! I will pick on your brains for the next 10 months! Assuming you have nothing against it.

 

I will be traveling with husband, our 40 yo son and his wife , 2 best ever grand kids 9 and 11yo, and my 33yo daughter and her SO.

 

Thank you in advance!

Edited July 20, 2017 by oldplayer532
so

[Travel R]

You cracked me up when you noted that you planned everything but time for you to take a shower!

 

It's the burden of being the lone gent in a cruise cabin shared with three other dames.

[Travel R]

Hey! You are my type funny! I will pick on your brains for the next 10 months! Assuming you have nothing against it.

 

I will be traveling with husband, our 40 yo son and his wife , 2 best ever grand kids 9 and 11yo, and my 33yo daughter and her SO.

 

Thank you in advance!

 

I've learned so much from other cruise critic members over the years, and I am happy to pay it back.

 

I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

[Travel R]

AN ODE TO TEENAGERS AND TWEENS: A BALTIC CRUISE ON THE GETAWAY

 

First,I must express my apologies for the delay in publishing. The rigors of work, family had become priorities which needed proper administration, and a bit of TLC. Secondly, there are other obligations for which I am responsible for as well, which also needed to be properly dealt with. Lastly, although I have intended to provide ample space on this review for matters of the youth, this review has been scrawled for all seafaring adventurers, regardless of family status or age. Therefore, considerable time has been spent in amassing the information for these next few posts to provide ample information regarding the leaders of tomorrow. [Note: I am sure that there are more than a few that have neglected reading this thread solely because the dreaded “T” word exists in the subject line – Teen. I shall refrain from commenting on why a poll entitled Should kids be allowed in the Haven at all? appeared on CC at all. This concludes my diatribe as it relates to those that be anti-child on cruise ships.]

 

We had begun sailing aboard these luxury liners years before our children were even at winkle in our eyes. Even after we were blessed with such amazing gifts, we had still occasional made our way to traverse on the ocean blue without our most precious gems (who were watched over and coddled by their loving grandparents during our short absences). It was not until our babes were but eight and thirteen that we took them upon their first oceanic escapade. Although we had brought them down to Disney and Universal,and a hundred child-like vacations around the Northeast, after that first cruise, we realized that we should have brought them on a sea holiday much,much sooner. [Note: Not that my DW and I did not enjoy our cruises kid-free; every few years it is just nice to get away for a few days by ourselves.] During our pre-child voyages I had hardly noticed the going-ons of these smaller folk. I do not remember poor behavior,tantrums, or any other such acts of pre-adolescent rebellion. Even now, I do not remember where the actions of a toddler, tween, or teen had procured any negative thoughts – but there have been the actions of few adults while on cruises that have made me question some individual’s humanity.

 

But let’s get to the crux of this review and allow me to begin my discussion of teens and tweens (or at least my teen and tween) on a Baltic Cruise, then specifically as it applies to the Norwegian Getaway itself. I have tried to divide the discussion accordingly to hopefully make it easier to read and locate information.

 

 

Note –For sake of brevity and clarity, I shall be changing my style of writing, which shall become more concise and to the point (I am sure it is to the elation of some of you reading this).