erby2283

Not directed to the OP as she only wanted transport but if anyone was looking for a tour operator… We’ve been looking at booking this tour. Prices were not bad. Includes a 9 hour tour with transportation from the ship, to Mount Etna, then Taormina and then back to ship. May use them in Naples too. https://www.joebananalimos.net/cruise-port-tour/etna-and-taormina

Totally agree. Sailing with two best friends and after watching that 30 minute video, I don’t think I want to sleep while cruising this ship! So many different areas to check out and see. So glad we decided to go big and book this ship early on before the prices jumped. I’m usually one who books for itinerary over ship but this time, we are sailing for the ship and I can’t wait.

Does anyone know if these loungers are free to use or are they one of the ones you have to pay extra for? I was thinking I’d be spending all my time in the adult only area but man, this view. If they’re free, good thing I am an early riser so I. A snag one. Will be interesting to see how they plan to handle the chogs on this ship.

As a picky eater, it’s personally not worth it for me to eat at a specialty restaurants. Chops is really the only one that has a menu with options I would enjoy and honestly, I am such a plain jane, I usually end up ordering off the mdr’s anytime dining 3 or 4 times a cruise and skip the pay restaurants.

Thanks everyone. The flight gods were listening and I found RT non-stop airfare to FLL for myself for $359. 👍

You recommended another airport which I immediately checked and the cost was higher. I took your advice, checked the price, replied back to let you know it wasn’t in fact cheaper, thanked you, and put Greensboro on the list to check in the future. You’re the one who took my response the way you did. Seeing as how you pretty much belittle people on this forum in almost all your comments, I’m quite content not to recieve your help in the future.

I don’t believe I asked for any other help other than asking if an hour layover at MCO was sufficient and if TPA would be a better option. I thanked you for your response - geez 🙄

Thanks, I'll keep them in mind. I looked today and their flights were over $700. 🫢

My thoughts too. I like your optimism. But I’ve literally checked flights every day since the day they were released and non-stop on anything other than Spirit (eeek) has never been less than $500. 🤦‍♀️ Worried if I wait too much longer they’ll just get even higher.

The flight wouldn't be until May. The flight from CLT to Orlando is at 7am and has a 93% on-time performance. The flight from MCO to MIA has a 100% on-time performance. I agree, not a fan of less than an hour. This one is one hour and 8 minutes...lol

Was hoping non-stop flight prices would come down but they haven't so I am checking into one-stop flights. Is a one-hour layover cutting it too short at MCO if staying on the same carrier? Would TPA be any easier? Going from CLT to MIA. Have checked other options like FLL and other airlines as well but AA from CLT to MIA seems to be best option. Plus I guess if prices drop, I can always switch my flights.

I think it also depends on where you are embarking. Next September we are embarking in Rome and only have the day we arrive (9am) +1 full day for sightseeing. So I am thinking of taking the morning we embark for another quick excursion or exploration time before making our way to Civitavecchia. I know it will be at least an hour travel but if we plan to be onboard by 1, that still leaves some good 3/4 hours to explore before traveling to the port.

Can you tell me how much time was spent in Positano? Last time we didn’t make it there due to traffic and it’s my one place I must see. I’m happy to skip Sorrento since I’ve been there already but a lot of companies won’t alter their schedule unless you book a private tour.

Is it me or does that seem really loud?

I just love that you're willing to stay home to take care of the dogs if needed. 🙂 Hopefully they'll be better and you can go.

I'm sure you know this but if you do want CFAR insurance it does need to be purchased within a certain number of days after your initial deposit - like 14 days - so if it's something you're thinking about getting, may not have too long to decide. I've always had at least one dog with cancer (or recovering from cancer) almost every time I cruise since 2009 so for me it's a no brainer. I hate spending the money up front but peace of mind is worth the price. Hopefully it's not needed. 🙂

I actually didn't think the price was that bad (although I did get an ocean view balcony on Icon with three in a room for $1100 p/p back when bookings were first released). If anyone has been wanting or thinking about wanting to book Icon (or complaining about the prices of Icon), now is your time to book Star! I did a mock booking for Star with three in a ocean view balcony and it came to around $1700 per person. I will admit that's a bit steep for me and I probably wouldn't book at that rate either but it is still cheaper than what can be found on Icon today! Book early - you can always cancel. I don't usually book mega-ships but I am celebrating a birthday milestone next year with two best-friends and so we decided to go big and have a good time!

Thank you. Planning is half the fun, right?

I sailed Vision in 2019 in the Mediterranean and loved it. Lovely crew.

I just want to thank @Eremita85 @Lloyd555 and all the others who have kept us updated with pictures and videos. This is probably the first time I have kept up with a thread about the building of a new cruise ship. I work for a heavy highway civil construction consulting firm and we schedule roadway projects and I just cannot imagine what the CPM (critical path method) schedule looks like when trying to build a cruise ship. Truly an amazing feat!

I agree. We stopped in Rome for day on my first and only cruise to Europe in 2019. I booked an all day tour that was wonderful but long (10 hours) and I barely felt like I scratched the surface of what to see. When you only get a little time and each location (except for the Vatican where our tour was a couple hours), it leaves you wishing you had more time at each place. Soooo, for my big 5-0 next year, I booked a cruise out of Rome! Airfare, however, dictated schedule bc I was able to find round-trip non-stop for $913 on AA so we arrive early on a Wed and our cruise leaves on Friday. But still, that leaves us 2.5 days to see the sites I really want to go back and see again!

As many stated, you just never really know. I am cruising in May out of Miami and in Sept out of Rome. I stalk prices every day. I was able to get non-stop to Rome soon after tickets were released for $913 round-trip on American Airlines. However, I am still waiting to purchase my round-trip to Miami bc non-stop has been steadily over over $500+ (to both FLL and MIA) - except for Spirit - which like you, I wouldn't take. I also have the option of taking Allegiant but they don't fly back to CLT the day my cruise gets back in town so the added expense of a hotel for the night would negate any airline savings. I still have time and would be willing to book a one-stop via Orlando if I have to in order to save some money but I'd prefer not to. Still plenty of time to decide.....

Someone asked earlier but I didn't see a reply - does anyone know if Giovanni's has gluten free options? I checked online and the in the description for Giovanni's it reads: Please inform your waiter if you have any food allergies, intolerances or dietary needs. However, the other restaurants specifically state: Gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian options available. Ask your waiter. Therefore, it leads me to believe Giovanni's doesn't have gluten-free options since they don't specifically mention gluten-free in their description. Has anyone received a gluten-free meal or know if Giovanni's offers gluten-free options. Would love to book a lunch $14.99 p/p for our party - but not if one in the party won't be able to eat...lol.

Just read all your updates. Sound like everyone is staying on top of things! Good job everyone! @JustUs275 Sorry your legs are bothering you. Hope it's temporary and goes away soon.

That was happening to me last night. Thought it was on their end….until I remembered my credit card renewed and I had a new CVV number. SMH.