INGER PALMET
+372 56 56 89 88
ispalmet@gmail.com 

SUMMARY OF OUR WELCOME MEETING

Time zone: CET, Central European Time

Average sunrise 8:20 AM / Sunset 4:30 PM. 

For weather: yr.no or storm.no

Auroras: the aurora app

ALL DAILY PROGRAMS AND INFO: www.samsara.ee
 

My availability: I am available at all times. If we are at hotels or MS Richard With, you can call my room/cabin or ask the reception to connect. You can always WhatsApp at +37256568988  No matter is too small or too big!

On board MS Richard With: I am most of the time on deck 4, near Kysten bistro. Come have a chat, cup of coffee 😊

EMBARK/DEBARK: deck 3 / INFO, EXCURSIONS: deck 4

NB! In the unlikely case of emergency – FIRST CALL 112 or RECEPTION and then me. In case of emergency it might save vital minutes.

 Please remember that if you shall need fresh towels or plumbing 😊 , reception is much more competent and faster to help you than I might be.

Money Matters

Subject to update

1 USD = 0,86€ / 1€ = 1,16 USD
1 USD = 9,3 NOK / 1 NOK = 0,11 USD
TIP: download OANDA or similar app to your cell phone

ü  Scandinavians are striving towards cashless society – ATMs are NOT on every corner anymore and in some places, cash is NOT accepted at all. However, I do suggest having some cash on you.  most of the gratuities on this trip are not included, so perhaps you want to have some money on you. From 2026 season  the Local City guide tips are included. I also tip restaurant and waiting staff on included meals.

ü  TAX-FREE – All of Scandinavia and Finland cross return each other’s tax. Tax is not returned on services, food, books. In order to claim back tax, the purchase needs to be minimum 300 DKK / 315 NOK / 200 SEK / 40€ on ONE RECEIPT. It cannot be accumulated sum. Claim it once you depart Scandinavia (Oslo airport).

Safety

Scandinavians enjoy a high standard of living and visitors can expect a safe enjoyable holiday if common sense and usual safety precautions are followed when travelling. However, please pay extra attention in capitals like Oslo.

TAP WATER is ALWAYS clean and safe! Also, on the ship. We normally buy one bottle and use it until we can, filling it with tap water.

Meals and drink

Breakfasts at the hotels are always buffets with free seating. In Scandinavia packing your lunch, including a single sandwich, from breakfast is charged. The price is usually around 20 USD. For a long day ahead – it might even be a good idea.
Our dinners are combined set menus and buffets with allocated seating. Water, tea and coffee are always included. We have one beverage with dinners (house wine, beer, juices, soft drinks)
Other drinks are NOT included unless stated otherwise.

SHIP: Breakfast and lunch are buffet with free seating. Dinners are either buffets, or set menus of three choices and we have our own designated seats.
Breakfast and Lunches are announced timewise day by day on ships daily programme.

NB! PLEASE ADVISE ME OF ANY ALLERGIES! I am responsible for informing hotels/ship restaurant.

When it comes to alcohol in Scandinavian countries - it is very expensive, especially in Norway. Alcohol over 4,8% is sold only in special shops (Vinmonopolet in Norway). Please bear in mind that BYO is not allowed in Scandinavia under law, as well as serving alcohol before noon.

When in Rome…

Every region has their own little tricks and sometimes they seem to be out of the ordinary or just not what we are used to in our home countries.
Here are a few things I kindly ask not to mind 😊

ü  IN THE HOTELS
- In Norway there are always two duvets on a bed and double bed usually means two beds pushed together. In our homes we do have double beds, but some people prefer two duvets even there – it reflects also on our population growth (in negative digits)…

ü  Air Conditioner is very often pronounced “open the window”

ü  Since Scandinavia is one of the most environmentally conscious corners of the world, mini products in the hotels are hard to find. However, if you need anything from cotton swabs to a shower cap – the reception will kindly help you

ü  In the hotels and restaurants: good service is not always fast service. Please make sure you ask how long a certain meal takes if you have a set time limit.

 

ü  SOCIAL TABOOS
*Respect peoples´ personal space – arm’s length is acceptable
*Do not touch other peoples´ children or dogs unless you ask and it is allowed
*Do not ask personal questions too readily or before you feel the other person is comfortable with it
*If you use the normal English greeting “How are you” – be prepared for a lengthy answer. “Hei” or “Hei-hei” is most accepted form of a greeting in all of Scandinavia
*Accept that silence in an elevator, public space is expected and is an absolutely normal form of communication 😊 Key word is “comfortable silence”

 

WE ARE A TEAM

We all travel together, and people have different opinions on different matters. Sometimes there are things that could be improved. Please, speak up! I cannot fix things that happened days ago. But if you let me know on time – I will do my utmost to make things better for your interests.

When it comes to group travel – it is mostly teamwork.

THERE IS NO BAD WEATHER, JUST BAD EQUIPMENT 😊

 

NB! After a day out – always dry your shoes. Take out the soles, stuff shoes with tissues. Dry boots are your best friends in our cold climate.

 

ON THE ROAD

DAILY SCHEDULES

We will always discuss the next few days, including weather forecast.
On board the ship - daily schedules are displayed on screens on the ship. You will get info about lectures, activities, meal times and ports.  

DEPARTING THE HOTELS

Be it leaving just for an excursion or to continue our journey – the meeting place is ALWAYS THE FOYER/or the PIER JUST BY THE GANGWAY.  

We will always meet 10 minutes before departure. I am always at the foyer 10 minutes prior departure, after I have checked all the luggage.

Please make sure you have payed your bills 😊  

ON THE COACH

We don´t have our own long distance coach, just transfer buses. So please do not leave any of your belongings on the bus.