susanw814

Yes we took the bus back to Fira and walked to the cable cars. Lines were very long and wound around many streets but don't be put off I think we waited no more than 45 minutes. We weren't overly concerned as we had a good 4 hours to get back to the ship before it sailed. We almost walked it but I didn't have the best footwear on to walk down slippery steps and we really didn't want to see the donkeys - we are animal lovers and although they are raised to do this I didn't want to see them worked in the heat. The wait for the bus was approx 15 minutes, air conditioned and comfortable. Have fun wish I could go back tomorrow :)

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We arrived in port at 7am and although I admit it was the only port I set my cellphone to wake at 6am I really wanted to see the beauty of pulling into the Caldera! We got our tender tickets at 7:30am and was on tender within 1/2 hour on Celebrity Reflection.

We scored the earlier departure with Santorini Planet at 8:45 even though our tickets were for 9:45 and don't regret the early start in the least. By noon we were done in OIA which was a good thing because it was pretty hot for us New Englanders last month - my guess low to mid 80's and not a cloud in the sky.

My advice, make the most of this port early and enjoy a nice mid afternoon soak in the pool or hot tub on the ship without the stress and crowds :)

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We didn't experience any problems and were on Celebrity. I think if they decide to cancel it would be due to weather or lack of ticket sales. If you are on a large cruise ship or many other ships docked on same day and the weather is clear you shouldn't experience an issue. If it's cancelled due to storms or rough seas it's in your best interest and safety which is most important. My advice is to bring your receipt. You'll likely be able to be reimbursed if paid through pay pal. Have fun - this was the highlight of our 10 day cruise!!!

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Agreed with the organization of the boat and bus - we too had a 9:45 departure but was able to board the 8:45 with no problem and was the highlight of our trip. We were very satisfied with booking this excursion and highly recommend. The weather and issues returning back to tenders had nothing at all to do with this organization. Just bring your pay pal receipt and you'll experience no problems.

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The line was quite long for the cable cars, we were a little turned off by it but decided to wait in line...it was probably 45 minutes tops. We were glad we chose to wait it out as a storm came through shortly after we arrived back to our boat and heard horror stories of people falling on the path due to rain and mass panic to get back to the ship in time. A few passengers on our ship ending up with broken bones and stitches it was that slippery. The ship was delayed in leaving port as it waited for all passengers to board due to the freak storm.

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We received a PayPal receipt and confirmation in March for our 5/29 transfer. I plan to bring that along as we are paid in full and confirmed.

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AMEX may be a bad exchange but it saves on aggregation and stress to have some Euros for day of arrival. If exchanging large sums do it at your local bank by ordering ahead of time. It's a drop in the bucket after all the other expenses leading up to the vacation - if I had unlimited amount of time the weeks before traveling I'd likely do better but time is money for us.

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Can you exchange at the American express office in Canada at the airport? I always get some Euro at the airport (Boston so it's USD to EUR) we are departing from. Mainly need for cab and tips until we can get to the bank in Europe. Just a thought...

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We got a dinner for two at Quinsine and very responsive to all my questions and requests, even booked it on a Sunday!

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I know our day at port filled up quickly as I read over 4 large ships will be there at the same time. I think they fill up fast so if you through book it ASAP.

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What time is considered "early enough" to get a good table for two in select dining? We sail on Reflection Mediterranean in May. Thanks

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I usually get a small sum (150 Euro) from the U.S. airport Federal Express exchange office prior to departing flight that way I have enough for taxi to hotel etc but then use European ATMs during trip. Luckily I always end up with leftover Euro after a trip and pack it away with my passport for my next trip.

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Wondering if this is the way to go on our days at sea for up coming Med Cruise this May. Has anyone experienced "sun lounger hogs" around the pool area Reflection Mediterranean cruise? We like the pool area but this will guarantee a spot to lounge all day ... decisions decisions

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Cynbar, maybe your 10:45 is already booked up and no seats remain. We booked on the 9:45 I think they had 50 seats avail when we booked less than a week ago and now shows 14 avail. I noticed on my credit card statement that I was charged the ticket fee for 2 - USD was 60 dollars and change. Did you get charged on your credit card or rec a confirmation from santorini planet if so I'd assume your bus in full which is further confirmation that we did good by booking this early.

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Wow! I just spent hours reading your review - you really did a great job Melissa and I'm going to go back and make notes of all your tips. We are doing a very similar cruise and already booked St John's Resort so very excited for that "rest" day.

We will be heading to Tuscany for 4 days post cruise and will do self embark solely because of what happened to you and Ken. I'm sorry you had to experience such a negative ending to a fabulous trip but thanks to you there will be less theft on a ship with more self embankment .... shame on who ever could have done that!!!

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Thank you that is what we thought and we always tip above for good service!

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So it's safe to say that if you upgrade to the premium package you won't be required to pay for tips (unless we chose to hand cash tips to exceptional staff) on beverage consumption? We have both classic beverage package and OBC and will likely upgrade to premium for finer wines and avoid the gratuities on beverages.

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Why not choose a cruise that spends its last full day in Naples and disembark the ship that day and extend your Amalfi trip 3 days then fly back home home Naples! We spent a week in Sorrento and was by far the best vacation - you can definitely get a flavor of the AC in 3 days although 3,000 days are ideal :)

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We booked with pay pal with printed confirmation as well, very happy to have a transport reserved for our very busy ship in port day!

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We just booked a farmhouse for 3 nights in Montepulciano for June. It has incredible views and reviews on trip advisor. It was a little over $125 for superior deluxe room per night. Booked on Venere which we have used many times. Farmhouse Relais Villa Grazianella.

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Gracie,

You need to contact the resort directly, so far I think it's just Cynbar and I from the cruise critic group and both our parties listed a pickup time of 8am from the ship. We will depart back to town after 1:30pm and will have a few hours to spend in town before heading back to ship.

I am not sure how many people the van fits or if they will make numerous trips back and forth to the resort. I beleive the price is set with the resort regardless of the amount of people attending from the ship, but it can't hurt to ask.

Contact information is:

http://www.saintjohn.gr/saint_john_reservation

Susan

I'm hoping it's mostly isolated to Caribbean cruises. I for one enjoy a louder, radiant vibe in the Caribbean but for a 11 day European cruise I'm not looking forward to a party all night high octane evening! I guess I will find out in May...

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We decided to do the same but will do so in Florence as that is the airport we will fly later in the week. Glad I looked into well before!

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We also received the info right away and will do the lunch as I hear the resort is high end and a nice treat!

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We end our cruise on what appears to be Republic Day in Italy. Am heading to Tuscany for 3 days after cruise and can not rent a car in Civitavecchia!!! Anyone having problems renting a car on this date? I think our only option is to take a train to airport to rent a car defeating the purpose.

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