PinaColadaPlease

There's a great thread on the New England board under Ports of Call here at Cruise critic.

 

I've had lobster rolls at a few dozen places in New England. Paulies is a very good advertiser, I've never seen anyone actually recommend them, though. According to Google maps they are nearly 2.5 miles from the cruiseport and a 45 minute walk.

Wow, I didn't realize it was that far! But, I still vote for Pauli's. Plus the North end is really nice for tourists, Old North Church, Paul Revere House etc....worth the trip.

Then if you have room for dessert, either Modern or Mike's Pastry on Hanover St. Both great! I highly suggest the "lobster tail" (kind of luck a creme puff). Cafe Pompei is my favorite cafe' for cappuccino and ricotta pie (almost across the street from Mike's and Modern)

I love the shipmate app. Download to your phone. Select your ship and view deck plans. It's good because you can use the up/down arrows to go from deck to deck. Visually easier ad you see it almost in layers. I'm going to be directly under the waterslide on ccl splendor on 10/11 :@

I also like this app to view the deck cameras and ship GPS. Makes my heart go pitter pat.

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I prefer late seating. Never hungry or dressed in time for early seating . Plus I like sitting with the same people each night.

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I was on carnival splendor deck 6-mid ship (6317)and loved it. I'd stay on 6 if were u...close to everything.

I'm booked on 10 (1076) for my next splendor cruise in Oct...right behind seaside theater screen...I'm kind of excited, but nervous about being too close to the action. I doubt noise will be an issue.

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I forget to mention...Pauli's are warm and buttered. No (or little) mayo.

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In October, my sister & I will be on the NCL Gem - NYC to Canada. We'll be stopping in Bar Harbor, Boston & Newport and are hoping to eat some delicious lobster rolls (since that's not something we get in the Midwest). Anyone know of a great restaurant we can get the-best-lobster rolls-ever in these place?

Pauli's in the North End of Boston on Salem St. They are famous for the best Lobstah rolls in Boston and not too far from the ship...Probably a good 15-20 minute walk. Maybe at least a 1/2-3/4 mile.

The Barking Crab very close to the port...I haven't had theirs but they are a very popular 'in the rough' kind of seafood restaurant in Boston. My guess is they're probably really good too.

If I have to suggest one over the other...Pauli's.

Sorry can't help you for the other ports.

I'll be cruising to Canada on Carnival Splendor out of NYC on 10/11..Stopping in St John 10/13 and Halifax 10/14

So I was thinking of brining a Hot pot for hot water for instant coffee, i hered you can not bring one?, if so is getting hot water early in the morining pretty easy.

Why don't you just bring a thermos and you can get fresh coffee 24/7 at the buffet? I usually just bring an insulated mug.

I just had a thought while posting on another thread....Hot apple cider powdered packets...really good and make great hot toddies with some Capt'n Spiced Rum.

Seeing this thread, the expression "Carrying coals to Newcastle" comes to mind. :D

Although I never heard this expression before....I was kind of thinking the same thing. :)

We are bringing some snacks but they are mainly

We are also going to bring packs of hot chocolate because it appears Princess charges for hot chocolate and what they do offer is not that great.

Thanks for the idea....I'm going to Canada in October...brrrrrrrrr. Hot chocolate and Nestles International coffee on the packing list! I always bring an insulated mug for hot and cold beverages.

But I usually only pack a banana or PB & J, pepperoni/cheese crackers for the plane or bus ride. I like to be hungry when I get on the ship so I can head straight for the buffet.

And....When I sail Carnival I always carry on the one bottle of wine they allow per person.

I've never been to NYC but I'm considering the Splendor.

 

Any tips on which airport to fly into? Also, any suggestions on the general vicinity for a pre-cruise hotel stay of 2 nights? If we went, we'd just like to see some quick highlights. Can you see the Statue of Liberty from the cruise ship?

 

Thanks for any suggestions. The planning might be more than I choose to undertake at this time.

I sailed on Spendor in April and I'm going again 10/11. It's absolutely beautiful sailing out of NYC. Theres so much to take in, I didn't know which way to look. I've always found the Statue of Liberty breathtaking. Fairly close but binoculars would be nice....I might pick up a pair before my next trip. Unfortunately, I can't comment on the Hotels. I take the bus from Boston. Maybe New Yorkers could confirm...but I'm wondering if Newark, NJ could be an option?

Carnival has them too...but they don't usually get a very good turnout. A little disappointing. By the time you are getting to know other singles, the cruise is almost over.

They do a pretty good job assigning dinner seating . I suggest you select assigned seating. last cruise I went on I found the open table singles a little lost at when and where to dine. Yet, I looked forward to seeing and cathing up with the people at my table each night. We became a nice little group and I even keep in touch with a few.

Might I ask you how much it cost you? And how rushed was it? I'm kind of nervous to sign up for those because I like taking my time and enjoying the surrounding.... I was thinking to stay in dublin a few days and then go somewhere west for a week and see the ring of Kerry and the cliffs and a bunch of other places. And maybe try and hop to Scotland too? :)

 

 

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The tour itself was cheap but it was the last week of the off season 3/27-4/5. I think the tour itself was $825 but you can expect to pay a bit more because the season is still to coming, plus airfare. I booked through Affordable Tours and all the prices they show are discounted even more.

If you really like to take your time, this may not be for you. I normally feel the same, but if tried to figure what was more important as I only had limited time. Its way to hard to be your own tour guide...car rentals, wrong side of the road, wrong side of the seat is more than I wanted to deal with. Then tour guide told us that gas was posted in liter prices but it calculated to approx $9 a gallon. The tour guides also add so much local lowdown that you wouldn't know if you were on you own for, for example, we were driving down a main country road and she pointed down an intersection and said "Angela Lansbury lives down there". I wouldn't have known that if I was driving by on my own. You know? Just stuff like that. Plus you meet a whole group of friends. I havent' kept in touch with any of them but it was still nice to meet these people. Plus a few meals and excursions are included...and a few others are optional. I think dinner at Bunratty castle was optional and fun with a big group...but cliffs of Moher and Giants Causeway were included and I never would have made the effort on my own...and if i were you, I wouldn't miss either.

And when all is said and done, I saw a lot of Ireland and know where to focus my next visit. I loved the whole country but fell in love with the Dingle Penninsula, Ring of Kerry is nice and definately more famous, but i think Dingle is has it all over the Ring of Kerry and i would suggest you don't miss that. but do both for sure.

My only real complaint about this particular tour was the time we were in Galway. We were there on Easter Sunday morning only until i think noonish. That's a real happening college town and the young people really love it. Its famous for its nightlife. So I wish I saw this town in the later part of the day or even an overnight. We were leaving just as the shops were starting to open up. And where you are so young, If this happens to you on a tour, I think this is one of the places you would want to consider heading back to and extend your visit on your own. All the under 30s I know absolutely love Galway...plus the horse races in that area are supposed to be awesome.

Did I give you enough to chew on? I'd be happy to give you my email or cell and we can chat more...I could go on all day about Ireland. Good luck and keep me posted?

thank you guys so much! Zephyrgirl I think we're insync! lol I just booked a European cruise with NCL and then I will do Barcelona and Ireland on land :) :) so excited!

I went to Ireland last year. Did the 9 day escorted tour "irish explorer' through Cosmos. It was pretty fast moving but saw a good chunk of the country. Loved it. Can't wait to go back. Nicest people you will ever meet. And boy oh boy, it is beautiful GREEEEEEN!

any other solo cruisers out there??

:)

Here! Sailng 4/2 on Carnival Splendor. How bout you?

Someone died on a cruise I was on. I think I only know that because he died right ouside dining room with lots of commotion. So word got around fast. I think there are lots of deaths onboard we never know about. I'm sure they are descrete more than we know about.

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I'm getting on this boat when you are getting off! Have fun!

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I found a few solo cruisers on the 4/2 Splendor sailing. Seems like they are posting on the ships roll call. Hope you have a nice trip!

Anyone going solo on the Splendor on 4/2 out of NYC?

I'm doing my first solo cruise and vacation on Carnival Freedom May 18th. Any wisdom you want to share will be greatly appreciated.

I took the 5 night cruise on Freedom in November. Had a nice time. 5 nights was good for the first solo. My only advise is make sure you are seated a the right table for dinner. I should have been at a large table but they sat me with an older couple. As much as I enjoyed them, I missed out on the larger group which would have been fun. Didn't notice until one of the last nights. At that point I didn't want to move. And if you are not happy with your table on the first night, ask to be moved.