erby2283

I took 4 tours with them in 2019. Our tour in Villefranche (yes, they had a guide in France) only had 4 people and they didn't cancel - and they honored the original price without us having to fork in the extra. Not sure if anyone canceled or if there was only 4 people all along but it was my favorite stop of the whole trip.

Well I supposed that's up to what people are willing to pay for a private car....which is why I stated I'd prefer a shared shuttle. I personally don't need a "private" ride. I've already received quotes from two companies who offer shared rides: 3 people - 110 euros for one and 120 euros for the other. There are other options which is why people should research....and why they come here for advice.

My first trip to Europe, we sailed out of Barcelona - but that was mostly due to itinerary. Also, it was cheaper to fly into Barcelona than Rome. However, one of our ports was Rome and it was a tiring 10 hour tour day with so much to see.. I feel like I barely scratched the surface. In September, we are sailing from Rome and flying in a couple days early to spend more time at the places I felt rushed at (like the Colosseum). I'd say consider the itinerary, do some mock bookings to get an idea of flight prices, and figure out what you want to see the most. I did thoroughly enjoy our time in Barcelona so you can't go wrong with either.

It's always good to share opinions: positive and negative. I loved my Barcelona / Montserrat tour. Our tour guide, Marta, was awesome. I never thought I would be into architecture until I went to Spain. Bought two books while I was there on Gaudi works. Guess it depends on your tour guide, weather, etc. I would give them another chance int he future - it could have just been an off day for them.

In 2019, we had a 10:25 flight from BCN to Lisbon. We did self-assist and were off the ship by 7am and had plenty of time to spare. I would see how many ships are in port with you that day, when they (and you) arrive so you know if people will be at the airport before you.

I'm not the OP but I'm gonna definitely need a shared shuttle....$150 for 2 people?????? That's crazy talk. lol

I booked a VRBO for Sept 2024 a few months ago. It had all 5-star reviews so I hopefully they don’t cancel or two-night pre-cruise stay. However, I don’t think you get to leave a review if they cancel on you. To be safe, we also reserved a hotel room that allows 48 hour free cancellation. I would like to think the VRBO would not cancel with less notice than that. Since we have three in our party, it’s more difficult for us to find hotel rooms in Rome since they don’t usually cater to more than 2 people. Fingers crossed our VRBO works out.

Assuming the ship isn't sailing full capacity, wouldn't hurt to ask.

Very true - but I live in Charlotte so I pretty much have to fly anywhere to cruise. I paid $350 airfare to FLL and I thought that was high.😄 My friends I am traveling with live in CT so I was looking at cruises all over. We figured go big or go home. Either way, someone was flying. lol

So when I was shopping for our 2024 cruise in Oct 2022, I made a list of ships/itineraries I was looking at and sent it to my TA. He then came back with group pricing he had. Now keep in mind, this is for 3 adults and that the NCL pricing includes drinks but as you can see, the Icon pricing was cheaper than Oasis and both NCL cruises at the time. 😲 My point is don't assume you'll never be able to afford what you want - keep checking for group rates and yes, you may possibly have to book far in advance. I know you can't see my full spreadsheet the pricing goes 1st passenger, 2nd passenger, 3rd passenger, taxes and port fees, and then for NCL drink package for first two adults, total price. All were ocean view balconies.

I couldn’t tell from the compass’ that were posted, can someone tell me the hours of the pools and slides?

Following. Have a wonderful cruise. May I ask how much it cost to Uber to the port?

You're very lucky - 1) - that you only have one other ship in port and 2) that you're there for 14 hours! Nice!

I think what leads to the anxiety is the fear of the unknown. I have never been to Santorini and with 5 ships in port (September), including two that arrive before us, I thought the Carnival excursion Oia and Fira would be best for our group I'm sure once we get there, if we feel more comfortable with a taxi and want more time in Oia, we would take that route rather than be bussed to Fira. But I also have it in my brain that even though our ship leaves at 5, we'll probably have to head back around 2 to avoid a long wait at the cable car.

The Hideaway on Icon is nothing like the Solarium on other RCI ships. It’s more of a party atmosphere there than a relaxed, quieter area. I am curious to see what Hideaway on Coco Cay will be like. The only port we are getting off the ship this cruise is at Coco Cay so we can check out Hideway and see if it worth the $50 per person we spent Do us other future Icon cruisers a favor and share your displeasure about how loud the Hideaway is on Icon if you get a survey. Perhaps if enough people complain, they’ll make another change. Cloud 17 being the original adults only area was the deciding factor when choosing this ship back in 2022 - now it’s like false advertising. Hopefully first week in May will still have enough quiet areas like @Ozark_Kid experienced.

Someone on my sailing mentioned getting this email. Another posted thought it might have referred to the hump cabin being listed as "obstructed" but I wasn't convinced. Thanks for posting the whole email.

Exactly - or at least change the description to add/remind potential buyers that this pool is public and may affect their view. I seriously wouldn't want one of those beds if it was free....

YAY! I don't need it to be perfect - just quiet enough to enjoy my book and take a little nappy in the sun. 🙂

I hope your friend will be ok - keep us updated. Just another reminder why it's good to have travel insurance - you just never know! That's what I was afraid of when they switched it from Cloud 17. Not so good if you want a quiet area away from kids without the party atmosphere.

Ok thank you - so maybe I should do it via email and not online and they won't ask. Any chance your tour is for 9/9? 😃

Thanks so mich!

Was looking at using them for a tour this September. Any idea why they need our DOB and home address when making a reservation? I just felt a little uncomfortable giving out that info.

I was stressing too so I just booked a ship excursion (Oia and Thira) and have resigned myself to the fact that even though we don't depart until 5 pm, I'm gonna have to head back to the ship around 2 to avoid a mess at the cable car (and that may even be too late). There was a tour offered by Sandra's Tours that offered transport to and from without having to deal with the cable car but the reviewer said portions of the tour were completely unorganized. I'm waiting to see if Sandra's Tours gets their act together before possibly switching to her tour for Sept 2024.

Thank you for taking the time to write that up and share your thoughts with us. Just made final payment today for May.....so excited.

Looks like the CHOGS are out in full force on the Hideaway..... More towels in chairs than people....SMH. I'm gonna pretend they're all in the pool but we know they aren't. Can someone tell me the hours of the pools?