We are part of the BLISS group departing for the Baltics on June 19th. Is it wise to buy currency (small amount) for all the countries prior to the cruise? Also, will the attire be more formal on this type of cruise? Lastly, would all those on BLISS like to meet up for cocktails at the sailaway (or any other time on the first night)?
We are getting very excited about our trip with this weekend planned for organizing our stuff, packing, etc. :D Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
Cheers, Pam

Hi Pam

As I am with my son in New York already, I had to pack awhile ago. I thought I'd packed fairly sensibly bearing in mind I had to pack lightly. I unpacked and had a mild panic attack (they're major when I have to fly) as I really haven't much gear with me, especially formal. I admit I was in such a mess (beyond belief) before I left home, I suppose I'm lucky I have anything at all to wear! Ngaire has assured me it really won't matter - no-one will notice. Very reassuring!!

I can't remember who told me, but I'm sure I was told we will be able to obtain small amounts of the different currencies on board. Otherwise, we'll all be hunting ATMs.

Michael and I are looking forward to catching up with you both.

Lee

I don't know if I'm confused but I thought I read somewhere that they did away with the formal night on the Baltics cruise? Pls. don't quote me on this, hopefully Ngaire or somebody that really knows will comment.

We did the Baltics cruise last year and other than some Swedish (for the beginning in Stockholm) and Danish currency (for the end in Copenhagen, we exchanged no other money. But, we aren't big shoppers and I think US$ were taken for small stuff in St. Petersburg. Credit cards were taken everywhere. We tipped the Red October guides in US$ as I recall.

Editing to add: we did need rubles for camera licenses at a few of the sites (visited in 2003). I think our Red October guide had some currency. Small amounts of rubles, I think, were available at reception.

Voyager has been keeping La Verandah as country club casual for some time. They have had a great Italian steakhouse menu on formal nights. I like having those options (including a great Compass Rose menu available by room service if I just can't get my act together on formal nights).

All you WAVE folks, please let us know if that's still the case.

Pam - were you at the French Open (I think so but my memory isn't that crisp)? If so, how was it?

Cheers, Anne

Last summer, the RSSC excursion guides took the camera licenses in US dollars. No need for rubles if you are using the ship's excursions.

On the website, it does look like there are 2 formal nights for BLISS. Don't panic, Lee. You will do just fine.

Yes, there are formal nights on a Baltics cruise the first formal night is the third night out on BLISS. I never change money ahead of time. Almost all over the world the US dollar works. We get a little local currency once we get to places if we are spending more than a few days with that currency, most of the time we end up bringing it home. We have lots of ziplocks with money in them only to forget them when we leave.

Only time I needed rubles (with private guide) was like Anne said, for camera license. Guide had to pay, I just included it in her payment in dollars to reimburse

Thanks for all the advice regarding currency. I think we will pass on changing money ahead of time. We don't do alot of shopping but I was thinking about a drink or snack, that type of thing. Luckily I keep a minimum amount of US $ here in the UK so we will add that to our stuff to bring.

Anne, Yes, we were at the French Open last Friday. The day was gorgeous and we had a wonderful time. My husband and I like Wimbledon so much more though. The fans act appropriately at Wimbledon too, unlike in Paris :rolleyes:
Cheers, Pam

Who from LCT is on BLISS?

Hi Marcie,

Charles and I are joining the BLISS group with 3 other couples from Lake Charles. We have been planning this trip for a year - originally there were 10 of us, but one couple had some serious health problems come up so now there are 8. Guess that is pretty good after a year of planning. We are the only ones that have ever been on a Regent curise and the others haven't cruised in 30 years. We have traveled together for too many years to remember, but I am keeping my fingers crossed they will love The Voyager as much as I did The Marinerlast year. Here's to calm seas and happy cruising. Wish you were going to be aboard. Heard there were about 78 of us??? Jan

Marcie:

Ray & Penny will be on BLISS and we fly out on Sat.

We also will take the flight to Moscow for the day since it came so highly recommended by Denise.

Following BLISS we fly to England to visit with Penny's Mum and then home on July 5.

Cheers! Ray

Great to hear that you and Penny will do the Moscow excursion, Ray! You will love it. Hopefully, Tanya will be one of the guides. If so, please make sure you are in her group. She was outstanding!

Have a great time and give us the details when you return!

Pam and Jim from Asheville NC are on BLISS. Leaving Thursday for a few days in London. Looking forward to a return visit to St. Petersburg. It's been at least 10 years. Did it on one of Ren. little ships.