SouthernLadyinLA

I have used Joe Banana Limos on our cruise last month and our previous one when we had stops in Italy. Their pick-ups are on time, and in clean Mercedes vans. The drivers are typically knowledgeable and friendly. Out most recent trip was out of Naples for a boat ride to Capri. I set the tour up and then put a number of people I wanted, to keep it small. We always make new friends along the way.

We had a long drive to the port to get to our boat to take us to Capri. We had a very rough day at sea, so not exactly what we hoped for, but it was beautiful, the different grottos we say were incredibly beautiful.

We were served prosecco and snacks aboard before we got off in Capri to shop and explore. The boat ride back was much smoother and we had our driver meet us in another spot so we didn't have another long bumpy ride. We had limoncello on our ride back. That is always a treat.

The trip I had done before was on the Amalfi Coast and it was wonderful, our driver helpful and full of info to share with us. It was a great day with breathtaking photos along the way.

I would recommend the firm anytime in Italy.

We are leaving Rome on April 21 doing Mediterranean Mosaic, so I loved hearing about these places.

We are doing boat to Capri from Naples since weve been in the area before.

I have not booked for Olympia yet.

I have a full day Athens tour set up

I am hoping we are beating the summer crowds and intense heat.

I totally agree and hope we get the option. There appear to be more Neptune suites than the signature, I'd be happy with the Signature, it has a bath tub. LOL and a little more room.

Thank you, then I will wait patiently, or rather impatiently and hope we get an offer. I agree the Vista is not much different than regular, tho we do have an aft cabin. Thanks for your input.

Upsells originate at a dedicated department at HAL. You will get notified of upsell offers by either your PCC at HAL or your TA, depending on who you booked through.

 

As far as sizes, the Vista suites, of which there are 104 regular and 38 spa vista suites, are a few feet deeper, but not wider, than a verandah. Big difference is the bed and sitting areas are flipped on the Vista so the bed is closer to the balcony. Not really much bigger. Signature suites are 1.5 times the width of a verandah. Neptunes are 2 X the width of a verandah. Use HAL's website to see layouts and square footage.

 

If HAL has need to fill the Neptunes, they will offer upsells, but I can't tell you what the criteria is that determines who gets the upgrade. One thing you can do is make sure your booking is tagged as "willing to consider upsells", or something to that effect. Some folks book a specific room and are not interested in being offered upsells, and can so indicate on their booking. You can check on this by calling you PCC / TA.

 

Good luck getting an upsell offer, but it could be as close as the final week or two before sailing, and you have to be ready to jump if it is offered. First come, first served.

 

We took an upsell on the K'dam for a 21 day last November for 449.00 pp. Probably wouldn't do it again as there just isn't enough additional room to make it worth it, especially for shorter bookings. You also are not eligible for the double mariner day bonus with upsells. There are a lot more Signature suites on the Vista and Signature class ships, and they have the dual vanity, tub/shower configuration you want. Vista suites on the K'dam are really not much more than a Verandah in size or amenities.

 

We like the K'dam, especially for the food options, but prefer the stateroom options on the four Vista and two Pinnacle class ships.

Well how do you get the upsell offers? We are on the Kdam, and there seems to be a big difference between Vista(what we have) and Neptune in size of cabin and much better bath with tub, which I really want.

We are at the highest category we can be before going up will that make a difference?

We are still 55 or so days out. I see where they have dropped the price on Signature suites on the web site.

Any advice?

Thanks for the info. I won't worry about signing up ahead of time and see what the days are like. Fun idea to taste test, and we both love reds.

We were on the Konnigsdam in August and was not planning to go to the Blend;however we changed our mind and really enjoyed it. We just went by the location and signed up for one of the sessions. I believe there were only 5 of us at our session. In fact we paid extra so both my husband and I could keep our own bottles. We took both one night to dinner at the Pinnacle Grill as we were dining with others. We let friends and sommelier taste both of ours and vote on which they liked most. My wine beat out my husband's! Hope you try it.

 

I wont worry about pre booking then. I know we will like it and we love reds. What a great idea to vote between the 2 of you. Thanks

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Hi, if there is a thread on this I have not seen it. Has anyone done Blend on board? I love wine and this sounds like a fun time.

I gather it is offered every day? I wonder if there is a way to find out, when I started to book it ask me day and time, which makes me think it is offered daily?

I would love some feedback.

Thanks,

Phoebe

The hotel and transfer show on my most recent intinerrary.

When you say your most recent itenerary, did that come from HAL?

I booked with a TA.

I find the HAL site sometimes difficult to navigate, is there a place I can go and print my own?

Thanks.

Hoping that the hotel in Rome will be 7666666666the Mediterraneo. It’s a great property with excellent rooms/ location compared to the Beverly Hills Rome.

How and when do we find out what hotel we are in? I did not book direct with HAL. Will we get an email or mail with details and about the night event

We board on the 21st of April in Rome. Looking forward to it.

Phoebe

Azamara has a fabulous itinerary in April with three nights in NOLA. Az is expensive, but I don't know what premium you paid for this Equinox cruise.

 

Check it out!

We loved Azamara, and how great we it would be to be in New Orleans for a couple of days. Living here, or outside the city, we love playing tourist and do on a regular basis and stay downtown. So many great places to eat, drink, and people watch. You will be able to venture on St. Charles Avenue, Magazine Street etc etc.

Take advantage of being in a great city with a wonderful history.

Phoebe

Well I hope you do experience some of Mardi Gras and being on the stands on St. Charles is the best way to do it with access to bath, food, and drink.

The River boat Natchez runs most of the time but is used in pre Mardi Gras events, so it will depend when you are in NO what will be available to you.

The main parades and events begin the Wednesday, Thursday prior to Mardi Gras and go through Mardi Gras Day.

I would also go to the Plantations web site, but I feel like they will be normal till you get to Lundi Gras/Monday, or Fat Tuesday.

Hope this helps.

Phoebe

We find it well worth it, tho I may drink more, not really. I do drink many diet soft drinks day and night, as well as sparkling water. I drink champagne and don't have to worry what I might be ordering the same with the wines. It makes it so easy and it is done ahead of time and forgotten about. Also if I don't care the drink I don't feel compelled to finish it. I love the go best package that is offered.

What a great group this has to be. Anyone scheduled for Celebrity Equinox on June 18th?