S.P.Q.R./Morunt

Does anyone know if I'm allowed to take cremated ashes aboard? We will be scattering them off private boat in one of the ports? They are in bag inside the authorized black box. The funeral home was not sure. Thanks in advance. We are driving to port, not flying.

We will be there at the La Quinta this weekend. When I called recently, staff said only free shuttle was from airport. That is one reason we booked, I thought we could take shuttle to Hard Rock. Guess I'll ask again when we arrive.

They told me there was a Walmart nearby. We would like to buy couple bottles wine for cruise, so may check out liquor store mentioned, just not after dark. Is it ok you think to walk to mall after dark to the restaurants?

We are about 6 of us off cruise on Sunday from 9-8. We want to spend about an hour exploring town then go to a beach.

I know there are tours, party bus etc. But what are the alternatives for transportation besides renting car? I thought I read for 15 pp one way to Cas Abou. Then how would we get back? Ask restaurant to call cab? 15 pp back.

Someone in our group found someone ( didn't get name) private tourof 45 each roundtrip, only includes transportation to Cas Abou and Kokomo. How is Kokomo?

Do you have any other ideas?

So where are the best beaches?

We have small group needing a beach but some prefer pool area, any passes nears cruise ship?

How much is cab fare to Santa Barbara?

Whats best beach that's not real far from ship? Food , drink, etc for a few hours. Are shops in town open on Sundays?

Is it possible to go to Marigot by taxi and hit a beach on way back? which one do u think? is Rediut or Coco on way back?

Our first visit. Is the town mostly closed on Sundays? We were going to explore town, then a beach. We are there 9-8. Or should we go to westside, Cas Abou? What do you all recommend?

What hotels have day passes?

We were thinking Amsterdam, do you know if its 10 dollars? And some of us want to walk to Eagle Beach while we're there-is is close by? Or do you recommend another pass/beach? We are there till 4 in early Feb.

Thank you so much! Yes I have read your review and the pics are great!!! And I printed the part about how to find hot tub!

I realize theres a fee to use credit cards in ports, which I wont do much.

But if I give MSC the card at the beginning of the trip for excursions, drink packages, casino, gift shop, etc, will there be a foreign fee charged? thanks

Thanks all. Can't wait to find wine bar! So if the wines are so so, what are favorite drinks from the all inclusive list?

We are leaving this weekend. So Buza bar is closed??? We have seen videos. etc and wanted to stop.

Thanks Bea

I had to look up Aperol Spritz since I never heard of it. I make spritzers at home a lot with just wine and flavored seltzers. I was mostly a beer and margarita gal but lately have been doing a lot of wine tastings. I'm starting to like red blends, and getting away from sweet wines. However, can you guys rec a wine that's a little sweet, guess a Moscato and Reisling type???

We are packed ( well I am ) One more day of work and we are off for Venice. the last 20 cruises were all Caribbean mostly so I looking forward to first Italy trip. We are doing private excursion in Malta, but will tend to do a few MSC excursions as well. Dubrovnik and Athens on our own.

Thanks again

Can I get cash ( no charge) at the casino desk to use both in the casino and at port the next day? Other lines, they put it on your card, then later in evening or whenever, I cash it out.

Thank you so much guys! great tips, etc!

Although husband in early 50s, he loves old music, from Julie London, Stan Getz, anything by Burt Bacharach, then jumps to Steely Dan , Judas Priest, he is all over the place. We like it all. Good to know places near our casino room, at the 'bottom of the ship" At least it has a window, "oceanview". We've only had balcony couple times, always get interior. But I'm ready to step up. And we can rationalize getting drink package by not getting balconey :)

Tim----I made it thru page 6 of your blog , then I started to get quite a buzz!!!! Very interesting stuff. Cant wait to try a caprihana!!!! mo

We leave in a few days. I've read all I can, but it seems mostly about other ships. What are some of your favorites on Fantasia?

Best entertainment? MJ show?

Best MDR meals? Any particular pasta or seafood dishes?

Finally decided basic Allegrismo package. What are fav bars/lounges ? Any uncrowded ones? We are forward below one deck of the casino. Friends have a couple aft balconies.

Can we take a couple waters off for ports? Where you get off ship or somewhere else?

Free room service? If not, whats closest place to get morning (or evening coffee drink) near casino deck?

Best uncrowded hottub? Are they all aft or are there any forward?

think that's enough questions for now-we are excited for our first MSC cruise. We normally sail out of Texas where we live. DH studied Italian language, culture during college and spent several months in Rome, where we will stay post cruise. We enjoyed reading tips and thank all for their help!

We are not sure when ship gets in, probably 8 or 9. There is a 850am train which we doubt we can make.

How far is cab ride to train?

Can we prebook as a non resident of Italy the 9 euro price?

There is a slower train at noon which is OK. We are trying to check in before the cut off at our BB in Rome.

Thanks

Great tips!!!! I like Limoncello ( well I ve only tried it once or twice)

I like half Baileys and half Kahlua over ice. Do they have Kahlua?

Caffe Sport DH said he used to drink many many years ago in Italy.

What's a good foo foo drink or sailaway drink? Thanks again for tips.

AmoMondo

Thanks for all your help lately w our cruise. Travel agent now on Prezsoia (sp) and we sail w him and another couple next week on Fatansia. I thought they were not going w allegrismo package but now they are. We tried calling CS cuz website is down today. He said to try tomorrow. We are trying to delete wine packages so we can book all inclusive. I ready your tips and look forward to trying different drinks, etc. Will make cruise much more pleasurable. We have sailed mostly Carnival and a few Princess and Royal Carribbean. This is our first MSC and our first long cruise. We stay in rome 4 nights post cruise. Have booked a 12 day repo cruise in Feb with lots of cruise people. May need to do all inclusive on that one since there is 6 sea days! happy travels and thanks again. Looking forward to many many beverages. DH likes irish whisky in coffee drinks which Im sure is not included. But like Amaretto. any other ideas for after dinner drinks since your the pro!!!!!

Thanks

We checked Italy, Greece, CRotia, Malta and all were 3 months.

We were now concerned with MSC boarding. On phone they said ok. We were concerned w fine print, but what I found was no restrictions.

When I looked at North America, it does not mention a limit.

We are newbies going onFantasia November.

Can you get cash in casinos to use in the ports?

I did not see a pkg of drinks to buys. We only bought a wine pckage and beer package ( did not want all inclusive drink package)

Can we buy a pck of drink coupons?

We read in 2014 Italy guidebook, that your passport cant be less than 6 mo away from expiration. DH is 5 months away. he called agency and they said Italy and Greece is now 3 months. But for him to call the airlines and cruise co.

We called airlines. But how to get a hold of MSC.?

The cruise leaves Nov 2 to Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Greece.

Does anyone know about this guideline or how to get a hold of MSC quickly?

cruisemom,

Would you happen to know which bus to take from Piazza Navonna to Borghese Gallery ? We are staying post cruise and have a 9am reservation ( I know to get there 30 min early) and need to know where to get bus. Thanks