WonderingWanderer

When preparing for our European trip, I noticed mention on CC of a FREE day for the maps.me app. I took advantage of this and downloaded the app which then allowed me to download maps and travel guides for anywhere around the world. FOR FREE. Once downloaded, I accessed these maps and travel guides OFFLINE. This was a great perk for me and after receiving a notice this morning that it is another FREE DAY I wanted to share with others. Enjoy!

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Wonderful information for those preparing for a future cruise! And so fun for those of us who have sailed on this beautiful ship already! We sailed October 5th Barcelona to Venice and loved it! Thank you for taking the time to do this report!

As a person who did do several loads of laundry, I thought I might clarify the mention of quarters for the laundry soap just to help future cruisers. Each laundry room has a machine for tokens that is easy to use via a touch screen and is paid for with the cruise card. There are two different tokens to purchase using the cruise card - detergent or machines. Only these tokens are accepted by the various machines.

I smiled about your comment on the lighting system. We too found it helpful to work around this requirement when in the cabin. Before our cruise, I had read on CC a suggestion to take along a simple playing card. It worked great after I folded an edge in slightly. Our goal was to ensure we didn't leave the cruise card in the stateroom, so we always removed our playing card from the slot when we left. We just pushed it into the do not disturb sign slot on the back of the door. Worked great!

As one of those who frequented the Deck 16 aft outside bar seating/viewing area, I definitely understand your comment about the people above being able to view down onto those balconies. We made a concerted effort not to intrude but it was very easy to see someone on their deck. This viewing area was PACKED coming into Venice and it would be a good-to-know for future cruisers. Same story with the balconies under the skywalk. Although we had a port side mid forward balcony, I am curious to hear the soot story.

Thank you for your efforts! This forum was a wealth of info before our trip and truly enhanced our adventure.

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Just off the Regal after sailing October 5. The MDR dining room schedule was the same on the last day with the Concerto dining room opening at 07:00 - 9 or 9:30 whatever the usual time was each day (we were always there early). Of course, the Horizon court, Horizon bistro, International Cafe were all open as usual also. Plenty of tasty options. There were several reminders in the Princess Patter that everyone was requested to be out of state rooms by 08:30 with a goal of around 10:30 of a cleared ship.

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Just returned from sailing October 5 on Regal. We enjoyed the fettuccine Alfredo (absent the described Parmesan baskets) and a nice glass of wine upon our arrival. Very relaxing after a busy morning. The information I had prior to trip stated the Concerto Dining room, mid ship Deck 6 (reminder:no mid ship stairs) would accept diners until 12:45 with a closing time of 13:30.

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I am curious about where you disembark from the ship for port days? Thank you!

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Where we ate depended on what time we were getting off the ship at the various ports. Due to a number of early starts, we often had room service. The MDR is good if you are not in hurry. Horizon buffet opens a lot earlier than the MDR and continues serving breakfast later than the MDR.

I wonder from which deck/location we leave for our daily excursions?

Thank you downsmead! This is of great assistance in planning for our cruise!

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Holland America does offer anytime dining.

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... I plan to discuss with ship personnel but wonder if anyone has any insight into this possibility...

Absolutely plan on going through all appropriate channels. It has never been beneficial to do so before, so I don't know if it is even feasible.

Thank you.

Toward the end of our cruise, the Regal Princess docks early afternoon in Venice for an overnighter. In addition to going ashore for the afternoon that first day in port, we will be spending a few days in Venice post cruise after disembarkation. Since our hotel is easily accessed from the port, and the hotel is agreeable, I wonder if we could take a large rolling luggage piece off the ship with us when we leave ship for that partial day ashore before the day we actually disembark? We would drop it off as we walk by the hotel. This would allow for an easier process the next day, particularly for my elderly travel companion. I plan to discuss with ship personnel but wonder if anyone has any insight into this possibility. Thank you.

See the link to the CC thread to obtain definitive proof to answer your question. The first day's newsletter page 2:

Princess Patters for Regal Princess – July 2014 – 12-day Mediterranean Cruise (Barcelona, Spain to Venice, Italy) by CC member “downsmead” (Karen)

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0hi20xxo0...wQWcM5XV2WHBDa

(If the link doesn't work, go to the last page of the Princess Forum titled "Princess Patter Sites" a couple of question past this one at time of submission.)

I understand they are the two sea nights - October 10 & 15. It is a 12 day cruise. Do join the roll call...54 days!

In the first two photos of post #5 of the below thread Dave Walker, who did extensive research on the Royal before she sailed last year, has noted the location of B735. Since B733 would be right next to it, you can get an idea of the balcony size of B733 compared to the other staterooms on the starboard side.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1887670

 

Hope this will be helpful.

 

Edited - Just found this photo of E125 in post #1

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1965662

Those photos are great, I wish we had access to views of the entire ship.

For the Regal itinerary, Barcelona to Venice this year, the two formal nights coincide with the two sea days.

Any insight into timing for boarding in Barcelona would be appreciated. I am trying to utilize every minute on the ground before boarding.

And yes, in Vancouver, certainly stay at the Pan Pacific if possible. Nice facility and the transfer to ship could not be easier! Just love that airport too!

Thank you!

I am traveling multiple legs with multiple airlines on a trip in the Fall. The Lufthansa leg is Venice to Frankfurt. As I was arranging seat assignments for all the various flights, I called the U.S. Lufthansa number and spoke to a friendly agent. I was told that I will have to choose seats at the time of check-in. I inquired about early check-in online and she said I could try that 23 hours before the flight. Our flight is less than two hours so it isn't a big deal but I definitely understand your concern as our long overnight flight from IAH - MUC on another airline was originally booked with seats against the restrooms with no recline! And my traveling companion is 89 years old! I changed those seats immediately! All the flights were booked by a TA (my mom contacted before I was signed up to go along) but I am not certain that is the reason for the seat assignment issue as I see there are different rules for the various fare classifications on Lufthansa. Good Luck! You may wish to call this number with any specific questions: 1-800-645-3880

Our ship will be docked in Venice the afternoon prior to our disembarkation early the following morning. My question: Is it possible to take my large piece of luggage with me when I leave the ship that first afternoon for a 'shore excursion' ? I will be going right past the hotel where we will be staying for several nights after the cruise. I have already received approval to store our luggage for the day we disembark (early the next morning). My travel companion is elderly and I just had the passing thought that it would be much easier not to have to deal with all the luggage at disembarkation. Any idea if this is allowed?

I agree about coming in at least 1 or more days earlier. :)

I also wish to travel before our cruise leaves from Barcelona in October. I knew I wanted to spend some time in Barcelona and also in Venice where we disembark after the cruise. But I also wanted to add a stop in another city along the way. I spent some time on some of the airfare search engines (kayak, etc.) to determine which European cities the various airlines had layovers. (It is easier for me to travel to a U.S. city than grab a night in some European city I have never visited.) I then briefly looked at what is of interest to us in those cities and at the actual airport, hotels, and efficacy of public transportation services to the various activities of interest. The additional stop in an open jaw itinerary was a negligible price addition. I contacted the DEs on Trip Advisor for planning assistance to aid in choosing which city and then added a night in Munich. We leave at 11:30am on Wednesday and arrive Thursday at 9:50 am. (Remember that your flight will be a +1 itinerary as there is something like an 8 hour time difference.) We only have the usual layover on our 1 stop enroute to MUC. After booking and more thoroughly researching Munich, I wish I had added two nights but we will hit the ground running! Good Luck with your planning!

A Glucgon emergency kit is only similar to an Epi-Pen in that it can save a life by an injection.

I did not mean to imply that one could be used for the other.

Only that Epineprine is Adrenaline, and that Glucagon is used to stimulate a big shot of adrenaline to wake up an unconscious diabetic.

Steve

Not that it really matters to OP because it would not be indicated to treat an allergic reaction of any sort but, just to clarify, Glucagon has nothing to do with releasing Adrenaline. Glucagon stimulates the process of gluconeogensis which causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose. That triggers an insulin release which then carries that ‘sugar’ across into the cells and that is what “wakes a person up” who is experiencing a diabetic emergency.

IMO, I would continue to pursue the cause. There are a couple of methods for testing so you could inquire as to the most precise…my son has blood work every summer to re-check the IGE levels…. Always need to be prepared but chances are you will have an allergy free and fun cruise! Best Wishes!

My son has multiple food allergies and we carry several EpiPens. His only cruise experience was within the U.S. to Alaska on another cruise line, but we didn’t need to do anything additional prior to or when checking in. My husband is insulin dependent diabetic and nothing additional was required of either when checking in on the ship. That said, I typicvally casually mention to the airport TSA personnel that there is a syringe of medication inside and I just place it in the ‘tub’ separate of the typical Ziploc bag of medications we have inside our carryon bag. Coming and going on the cruise ship I just placed his carrying pouch of EpiPens, Benadryl tabs & inhaler on the scanner separately. It was simple to do since I just carabineer the pouch to my belt loop or bag. The items were sent through the scanner and no questions were asked. Anymore, I don’t even take a letter along but I do ensure that I have the RX labeled box along somewhere in my luggage. When I travel internationally with my son (by air), I definitely take along a written prescription to enable obtaining a refill if needed.

Epinephrine (Adrenalin) and Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) are completely different medications and Benadryl is NOT a substitute for the first line drug of choice - Epi in an anaphylactic reaction.

One good resource for information may be found at: http://www.foodallergy.org/treating-an-allergic-reaction

The whole room doesn't have to buy it. We sailed on Ruby Princess June 4th.. hubby bought it; I didn't - no problem.

I believe Suzski indicated both do NOT have to buy the package.

I think it might be a midnight damsel fish. Google it and check out images. I don't think I have seen one quite as large as a tang but close. Juvenile will have a yellow tail which turns more transparent with age.

Yes. BTW, this is my favorite online guide: http://reefguide.org/carib/index3.html

Yes.....wines costing $10 are included.

 

Not sure why my posts on this topic are seemingly being ignored. As I mentioned a few posts ago I just sailed last month so I know what I'm talking about.

This informative thread and having input from someone with recent experience is so helpful! I wonder if you have any input on the wine packages that are offered once we board? It may just make more sense for us to go that route with a coffee card.

I too am considering the cost efficacy the unlimited beverage package. I wonder if I could get some advice on the following possible scenario and questions:

1.Coffees: 2 brewed & 1 specialty coffee - ~$6

Do I understand correctly that specialty coffees and brewed coffee are only available at the IC? And that brewed coffee would not be available at breakfast in the DR? Surely one could order an espresso with the meal? Are brewed coffees available at the bars?

2.Bottled Water: 3 large and two small per day: $13.50 ‘value’

Would I be able to obtain multiple bottles of water at any given time so that I could take it along on shore excursions? I assume the bottled water is sold throughout the ship wherever beverages are available?

3. Wine by the glass: 3 glasses of even the least expensive wine: $24 value

It appears the better deal on the wine is to drink it by the glass rather than pay anything such as for a bottle?

4. Wine by the bottle: Even a very inexpensive bottle for the cabin at $30 - ‘savings’ of $12. I would truly appreciate any information on the wine package that may be offered once we board? Is it allowed to take an opened or unopened bottle of wine to the cabin?

5. Cocktail: ~$9 (occasionally?)

Are drinks served or available in any of the Regal entertainment venues?

Thank you for any assistance you may provide!

This will be our first time in Athens and we are leaning towards booking a 1/2day tour and the hanging around the

Plaka for the afternoon. Does anyone have advise on how we can make our way back to the port without any hassle? What would the cost be? Any "must see" sites that we should see in the afternoon ?

Kelly

In my opinion, this would be a good question for the Athens forum on TripAdvisor. I am planning our DIY port day in Athens myself and our plan is to allow at least an hour to get back. I understand you can travel to Piraeus terminal direct from Monastiraki metro in about 20 minutes, but don't cut it too close. If you take a taxi you will need to allow more time with traffic and be certain to agree on a price (ask on TA) BEFORE you go. It really helps to go online and look at maps of the area (with Metro stations designated). I have never been there but there is a wealth of information on TA and great DEs to help you with any question.