mef_57

34 minutes ago, TravelGirl0316 said:

Thank you, of course I cannot find how to delete my email or the post. Ugh
I have been looking at hotels and it looks like we will need 3 rooms, no young kids so all accounted for.   Where would you recommend or what area for dinner and to watch the romans.   I would love a nice hotel and it doesn’t have to be an international chain I just worry because most of what I have seen the beds don’t look comfortable.  Suggestions?

There is a time limit for editing (maybe deleting as well?  There should be an edit option beside the 'Quote' option at bottom of the post with the email address. Worse comes to worst, look at your first post to see if you can delete the entire thread.

As to where to stay, it has been a while since I was there, and with just 2 of us, we stayed at a humble B&B near the Vatican.  Yes, beds are not like at home.  MSC beds are hard as rock, I am told, so maybe Rome will be preparatory?  I think Piaza Navona or near the Pantheon are great piazzas. There would also be hotels in the area that are nicer tourist hotels. When we were there, there is a street that leads to Spanish Steps that was the passagiata route. Not sure is still is.  Google will help on that.  The area around the train station wasn't very upscale when I was there.  As for transport, consider doing some research on large van type taxi to pick you up from hotel and take you to port.  Cruise critic has a Port board so you can check there specifically for Rome. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/464-italy-ports/ 

19 minutes ago, TravelGirl0316 said:

 

We have a group of 9 in our group and we would be happy to ride share if we can find something.  I just looked up that hotel and they look to be sold out if I selected the right one. Tervi Elite Roma, Rome Via Delle Muratte, 87 Rome.  Are your plans to go there from the airport then visit the city and train to the port the next morning?  I have read mixed reviews and some say to stay near the port, but my first thought was to stay in Rome near the train station, it looks like your staying between the Termini and the Vatican.  Have you been to Rome before?  This is our first visit and I just want to make sure we have enough time to arrive at the port the next morning.  I was going to call today to see what time they start boarding.  

It is not recommended to post your private email address here as the spambots may find it.  Best to remove that soon, or delete the entire post and post again.  Cruise Critic has a 'private message' system, but unfortunately, it is disabled. AprilF should have been aware of that.

Personally, I would stay in Rome and spend the evening in some plaza watching the Romans on their evening walk (passagiatta) and enjoy a leisurely dinner.  Keep in mind that European hotels list a # of people per room limit and stick to it. So if you have kids in that group of 9, this does not mean they 'sleep free'.  You need to count every head. I also could not fathom an international hotel chain, but understand that one can only cope with so much culture change with jet lag at once.

18 minutes ago, checkinchick said:

We are booked on a  MSC Grand Voyage from Venice to Durban in October 20.. I have always wanted to go to Petra and will probably book this though MSC... Does anyone know if the cost of a Jordanian Visa is included in the excursion price or do we have to get visa separately … both British Citizens.... thanks

I can confirm in May, but it seems your day visitor card is part of your cruise.  I am doing Dubai to Venice in April and on our Roll Call one passenger has done some of the ports several times, and you are given your tourist card as your leave ship regardless of tour or not.  Same for numerous other ports.

For what it is worth, for Petra, some are doing ship tours, some are trying to organize local small group tours on the Roll Call, and others are just organizing private taxis (to try and beat the tour crowds).  Jury is out as to what Petra entry fee one gets charged with the taxi approach.  Taxi company states 50 and Petra website says 90 for people who are not staying overnight in Jordan.

I spent one long miserable Ottawa winter looking at flights that were either direct from Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto for winter get aways.  I also like the MSC or Costa cruises out of these two ports and agree that flights can be pricey.  Also, not all are reachable every day of the week.  When I looked at 'island hoping' it wasn't very feasible as it tended to add yet another night's accomodation costs and vacation day, which for a solo traveler just kept making the effort too pricey and time consuming.  That being said, do check Air Transat and Air Canada puts out their ebook of flights that lists direct flights and what day of the week they fly to 'wherever'. Westjet also provides 'where we fly' information.

I don't think the prices vary that much, but you do need to work in extra hotel nights and whether you want to embrace the plan and add land travel to whichever port you use. 

I think these itineraries are ones that benefit from early bookings.  I rarely see them on sale.  With the tendency to low cruise costs on MSC, the flight prices may still be easily absorbed into the per day cost.

4 minutes ago, KennyFla said:

MSC seems to be one of the lower paying lines

Yes. Which is why I posted this.  Sometimes google may have more information than one travel forum.  There is an ongoing battle over on TripAdvisor Cruises forum of the 'do they, don't they' use DSC for staff - in some form or another.  That's why I said 'do what works for you'....but also worth doing some other digging.

2 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

Then prepare for a couple of 15% surprises more.

 

And certainly the salaries on all European and Asian cruise companies are much higher, otherwise they would get no staff.

 

Very simple, US boats low salary, high tips, Non-US high salary, no or low tips. At the end it ends up same same, because the cruise companies know the numbers very very good.

I would be curious on how you determined your statements.  This appears to be a staff generated database that might indicate other than your understanding:

http://shiplife.org/salaries/

and for what it is worth, staff on MSC state the DSC goes towards staff wages and incentives. We should be aware that those shipboard evaluations which indicate staff add strength to financial incentives.

8 minutes ago, KennyFla said:

Thanks for your reply.  I may be wrong in the way MSC pays, and if I am great.

But, if I want to tip myself, I was trying to find out what is a good breakdown.  Split evenly between waiters and housekeeping, etc.

 

 

Well, then you want to find out whether they are still 'required' to put it into a kitty for all to share.  Some lines require this.  There are numerous urban legends out there as to what happens to the daily add on and tipping.  I think you just need to 'do you' as some like to say.

On statement that does seem correct is that particularly on MSC non-USA cruises, staff delivering continental breakfast to room are rarely tipped and do not anticipate it.  They are in and out before you can open the drawer for that $1 bill.

2 hours ago, Qaylu said:

Alright most of the problems seem to have solutions:

 

Entertainment - Tablet, books, deck of cards

Social - Internet to talk to people back home

Laundry - Wash in sink (I have the stuff for this)

Sunlight - And this is the though one. Vitamin D supplements? Do they let those little lamps on the ship?

Well, people are getting fresh air breaks, so you may be able to get a good amount of Vit D if you maximize skin exposure to the sun. Even 30 minutes helps a lot. Vit D tabs may require 3-5000 units a day. I take 6-7000 a day during long bleak winters. The 'Happy' lights don't generate heat, so should be allowed. At worst, they hold it until you leave ship, and perhaps you can plead your case in the event of quarantine. FWIW, mine is 100-240V.

I think this situation is unprecedented so took some time for a management plan to develop. Glad to hear they have straightened out the supply of personal meds as needed and providing fresh air breaks. They are also dealing with room cleaning and linens. I have no problem swapping dirty for clean and making my own bed. I sink wash at times when traveling anyway, so washing my own clothes, I could live with.

I don't typically buy internet when cruising, but would expect it in quarantine if only to maintain my supply of e- or audio-books. I also travel with some hand sewing project and drawing material, so can keep myself occupied. 2 weeks is a long time, though. The lack of daylight would eventually get to me.

Download some e-travel guides from Lonely Planet and plan future trips.

11 minutes ago, ladytimedramon said:

Since I'm a teacher, I'm pretty much doing June/July cruises (we report back the first week of August) though I might try one over winter break. I did cruise last year paying full price (well, it was 50% off the second passenger) on Royal. I would like a little more variety though. 

 

I'm honestly trying to get back into the vacation thing, period. I was my parents caretaker and that cruise was my first vacation in 37 years.

Oh my gosh.  You certainly deserve more vacations.  I can see how only being able to sail during peak period is limiting.  Good luck.

1 hour ago, ladytimedramon said:

I wish there were more cruise lines out of Galveston, or at least the ones there would have solo cabins. Right now the only lines cruising there are Royal Caribbean and Carnival. While Royal has some ships with solo cabins, none of them are in Galveston.

 

Galveston is a 6 hour drive for me, and I'd rather hop a cruise out of there than have to fly to another city (I'm dealing with inner ear problems). New Orleans would be another option, but again, no solo cruises out of there.

Solo cabins aren't always the cheapest option. They sell out quickly or processed more than an inside even with Single supplement. I buy last minute and never used a solo cabin or studio.

8 minutes ago, Bobal said:

 

There is a Movenpick hotel right by the entrance to the Petra Visitor Centre which has free wifi

Excellent. Sounds like the perfect break stop before the taxi back to port. Thanks.

Thamks for the report. Being more sensitive than full on allergic, I tend to be able to eat around most foods. Your dinner report has me wondering whether I should actually formalize the GF requirement for my April cruise.

2 hours ago, Curlyjo said:

Sometimes the excursion buses to Petra have wifi on board (ours did), but yes, check with your tour company. 

 

John Bull or anyone else - do you know if there is a charge for the shuttle bus into town and if so how much?  Or can we walk into town from the port gates?

Taxi to Petra. No tour bus for me. But maybe that's an option the day before on a cruise tour to Jerusalem. There will be a lot of bus hours that day.

I was dithering between two day trips to Jerusalem from Eilat port but finally decided to book it.  I'm glad I did. Using the very helpful screenshots and explanation on Page 1, I finally go to the extensive list of excursions.  The decision was made for me as one of the 2 options was fully booked.  Booked the alternative and received my confirmation promptly by email.  I can't find the thermal suite pass on the US site and the set up for cabin extras is not as 'pretty' as on the Canadian site.  I think I'll be booking on both sites depending on what I want to buy...or which is offering the best price, as the US site was charging me in Euro.

I personally don't rely on a tour company to give me medical or country entry requirements. There are some recommended immunizations that you should discuss with a specialized travel physician and review the requirements and recommendations from your government's travel websites.

Protecting yourself from Hepatitis A and B may not be country specific, but very wise for traveler health. Ensuring your basic childhood boosters, tetanus are all up to date are important and should be rrviewed by the Dr. mentioned above.

And ensure you carry proof of all your immunizations or tested immunities (like measles) to avoid needless extra shots.

I love the little yellow Splenda Minis 'pill' dispenser packets for traveling. Then I never have to guess it it's available or not.

2 hours ago, CazV said:

Packing male clothes etc would mean less space for my own clothes... erm nope!!! lol 😂 

 

I find this really bizarre behaviour. I have read of many solo females wearing fake wedding rings and thought that was strange too. 

I've done the wedding ring routine in Africa and Egypt when traveling solo. Only really works for casual passersby. If you are a tourist, and on your own, you are still dollars on the hoof. Generally they want to sell you something, but if you happen to be 'lonely', well, heh....  I wouldn't consider it as useful on a cruise or in a more 'western' society.

11 minutes ago, Skoobdo said:

Are you talking about a birding place in Jordan or Oman? In Jordan, you'll get your passport because Petra visitor's center needs to see it and I would have it anyway just because of the area.

Oh shoot.  Yes, I was thinking Jordan.  Too many countries and landing cards to keep track of 😞  

12 minutes ago, Skoobdo said:

The ship had possession of all passenger's passports. They need them so they will all be stamped entry/exit. You'll have to get with guests services to be able to receive it otherwise.  And good luck with that, as their customer service is non-existent. Because, they will say one thing and do another.

 

Also, I doubt almost 100% that nobody in Oman cares where you go as long as you have a landing card and cruise ship card.

 

For example, I definitely walked way outside of Bahrain's City Center (authorized cruise ship passenger area), and didn't have the required Visa. If you recall, I walked the entire port for over 2 hours and not one police officer or military personnel questioned me, and I walked right by all of them numerous times on my journey.

 

But, yes, just get with quest services 😣 Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. 

I have never cruised where the ship retains the passport, but makes sense for getting things stamped. 

I do, however, need the passport for this particular consideration. I would need to enter military gate posts and they retain your passport while you are in visiting the birding hides.  I have read posts where ship passengers where not allowed in with just their landing cards...and that was recently.

It would have just been a diversion trip from Petra back to ship, but not worth the hassle of arguing with guest services, nor taking the time away from Petra to do it.  

19 hours ago, Skoobdo said:

You will receive one of these landing cards as the other poster indicated. Nothing else is required.

Did they retain your passport? I may be wanting to entering restricted border area for birding and will need my physical passport. TIA

4 minutes ago, sddsddean said:

For any port, if in doubt, follow the off duty crew...they know where the free wifi is!

 

Simon

You know, I have found it harder to pick out the crew on some of my cruises 🙂  If I was just going into town, I would figure it out, but with wanting to spend most of the time in Petra, I was feeling short of time.  JB's suggestion of doing this at Petra is most likely the most efficient. Thanks.

1 hour ago, John Bull said:

Aqaba is a secure port - in & out only by pre-arranged transport, or (for most ships) by shuttlebus to the town .

I  can't be sure but I don't think there are cafes etc in the port, though googlemaps shows several on the shoreline adjacent

 

There's a clutch of cafes, restaurants & hotels near the entrance in Petra.

 

Or hotels in Aqaba surely don't shut their doors, and doubtless non-residents can buy a beer or a coffee & tap away at their tablets. 

 

Your driver is likely to know the where and the when

 

JB 

Thanks for the suggestion of Petra.  Didn't think about that option, but that might be the best bet.  It does seem that the McDonalds 'downtown' Aqaba is open with free wifi.  Originally I was thinking about the port facilities itself, as sometimes they have TI offices close at hand.  Thanks again.

I can't seem to find any details on what exactly is available at the port facilities in Aqaba for wifi access.  What I have read is that there is free wifi at a couple of restaurants, but that Jordan practices 'siesta' closures so many things close at 3pm or before.

I was hoping to get a quick email check and send after Petra (private tour) and before departure time which means most likely during 'siesta'.  

Anyone know whether there is wifi readily accessible near ship?

Thanks.

3 hours ago, pockets57 said:

We are going on a  MSC cruise from Dubai stopping Abu Dhabi, Doha,Bahrain Muscat,Khasab.

Looking for any information and ideas on these ports, tours, must sees  shuttle buses transfers in port and into the  city centre or by taxi and cost.

Any ports can you book any small group tours at the port terminal or is it just tours by taxi.

Thanks

You may find some threads to read on the Ports of Call board. Here is the link https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/19-africa-amp-middle-east/.

You can checknuour cruise roll call to see if others have started some small group tours to join.