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Bellablue

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Posts posted by Bellablue

  1. We are booking a private excursion to Pompeii and a winery from the Naples port and would also like to visit either Positano or Sorrento.  We are so torn!  While Sorrento is logistically closer, we have never been to the Almafi Coast and would love to see a quaint town.   We leave from Naples at 8am, then head to either Positano or Sorrento, then Pompeii, then the winery.   Would love to hear your impressions of either town.  Pros/cons.  We will be traveling with 2 teenage boys.  Thanks!

  2. On 5/10/2023 at 10:33 AM, bellaone said:

    It's very doable. Upon disembarkation you will see a kiosk for tours and a line of drivers/taxis. We grabbed a private car and were able to visit the Blue Lagoon with time to spare to wander Valletta.  Enjoy!

    Bellaone - did you book this in advance?  I presumed that you needed a boat tour to do the Blue Lagoon. Would love to know more,  Thank you! 

  3. On 9/10/2022 at 10:39 PM, debenson0723 said:

    I just did this in November.  It's not as daunting as you make it seem.  Get your tender tickets early and get off the ship as soon as possible.  You do NOT have to wait for all the tour groups to get off first. We were off the ship and on top before our private tour guide got there, which gave us a few minutes to shop. We had a wonderful day all over the island. He took us to the other side and the top of a monastery, with the clouds rolling in underneath us...truly one of those 'is this really my life?' moments.  We went back to Fira for cocktails and appetizers, watching the sun go down...there were very few people there. As soon as it got dark we took the cable car back down and were there in plenty of time to eat dinner on the ship. It was an unforgettable day.

    I would love more info on your private tour.  This sounds like the exact day we want to have!!  Thanks!


     

  4. Hello, we are first time visitors to Greece and our 15 year old son is particularly excited about Athens.  He loves greek mythology and history.   From reviews, we see that PK is exceptional but I'm trying to figure out if we should do the 1/2 day or full day and private vs semi private. There are only 4 of us. (I haven't reached out for cost yet.). I envision my son having a lot of questions and comments.  As far as 1/2 day vs full, I see the main differences I can tell are the following....thanks for sharing your experiences!  (Note: We are in port from 7am - 6pm and would likely want to explore a bit, try greek foods, wines, shops, as well. ) 

    • Catholic Cathedral, Neoclassical Trilogy (30m)

    • Greek Agora & Roman Agora (1h30m)

    • Plaka for lunch (2h)

     

     

  5. 14 hours ago, DENIE said:

     

    Bellablue - we just did the Sunset Cocktail Cruise on the catamaran in December 2018.  It was fabulous.  There was plenty of seating, and a large covered area as well...which came in handy when we encountered a 10 minute light shower.  However, the weather cleared and we had a GREAT sunset!  The boat was very clean, and rather new looking.  It was awesome watching them hoist the sails after getting out of the port.  There was plenty of drinks, and some snacks like chicken wings, etc. The crew was very friendly.  Restrooms on board - very modern!  Can't speak for the schooner, although we did see it, as they were docked next to the catamaran.  Don't think you would go wrong with either.  The photo ops are wonderful, and we got our far share! The above description is very accurate!

     

    We had to laugh, though, at some of the most ridiculous behavior I have ever seen from a cruise ship passenger.  For some reason, as we were waiting to board, one of the passengers was visibly arguing (very heated!)  with the captain about the "seaworthiness" and "too many people" being allowed to board.  He was demanding to see the passenger manifest.  By this time, people were filing past him (and his wife) to board and begin the fun!  Finally, he loudly announced that he will not be boarding, and stormed away.  The 75 people on board stood up and applauded him leaving.  Though we were only "75", the boat had a capacity of 125.  He has no idea what he missed... :classic_tongue:

     

    *****

    That is crazy!!!  He definitely missed out.  The cocktail cruise sounds amazing!  We are also now considering a snorkel/sunset catamaran with our larger group.  But it sounds like just being on a boat at sunset - you can't go wrong!  We don't leave Aruba until midnight so I am excited to experience this.  Could you describe the schooner that you saw?  Is it as big as the catamaran?  Thank you!!!!

     

    • Thanks 1
  6. Has anyone been on either of these sunset sails?  We are trying to determine the difference...size, drinks, atmosphere...any advice appreciated.  

     

    Sunset Schooner Cruise

    Sunsets in Aruba are like no other. Board an elegant 115-foot wooden schooner for a relaxing cruise in the pristine waters off Aruba's western coast. Sip hand-crafted cocktails and feel the Caribbean sun on your skin as your gaze drifts across the water to white-sand beaches in the distance. Savor the crew's warm hospitality as you relax in one of the vessel's comfortable lounge areas. As the glowing sun slips slowly into the ocean, painting the sky gold, pink, and violet, allow yourself to feel awe at the majesty of nature. Treasure this memorable moment as night falls, a carpet of stars begins to twinkle and your devoted crew steers the ship back to shore. 

    https://www.celebritycruises.com/pcp-excursions/oranjestad-aruba-tours/sunset-schooner-cruise?port=AUA&excursionItemID=100000003417753514

     

    Sunset Cocktail Cruise

    Enjoy spectacular views, rhythmic Caribbean music, and local spirits as you sail past Aruba’s famous beaches on a scenic sunset cruise. After boarding a state-of-the-art catamaran at the pier, you’ll set sail on a festive journey along the island’s southern and western coasts. Melodious Caribbean beats set the mood as you cruise past some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes. Experience the beauty of a Caribbean sunset firsthand and soak in magnificent tropical vistas while gliding over the clear, turquoise waters along Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. All the while, you’ll be treated to an open bar of popular local cocktails and delicious snacks

    https://www.celebritycruises.com/pcp-excursions/oranjestad-aruba-tours/aruba-sunset-cocktail-cruise?port=AUA&excursionItemID=100000002970063372

  7. We contacted them directly and they won't let us rent a car for less than 3 days because it's high season.  They said we could reach out 3 days before but it will be difficult to do that so we are planning on renting a golf cart.  Thanks for the info though!  Hopefully it can help others as well! 

  8. I am traveling with a group that is interested in experiencing Le Petite.  I have read in other threads that the menus vary by ship, at least for the Edge.  Does anyone have the menu for the Silouhette?  I found this online, but hoping there are other options as I am allergic to shellfish.  Thank you!

     

    Bouillabaisse Soup

    Shellfish, Tomato, Lemon, Herbs

    Roasted Half Lobster

    Butter, Lemon

    Filet Mignon*

    Broccoli, Potatoes, Bordelaise Sauce

    Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae

    Fudge Sauce, Whipped Cream

  9. On 8/18/2018 at 9:04 AM, jerseygirl111 said:

     

     

     

    We rented a car for the day last year and plan to do the same again in October. It worked out great for us.

     

    We used AB Car Rental. Their website doesn't let you reserve for 1 day. I sent an email and they accommodated our request. They picked us up and dropped off just outside of the port.

     

    They also rent snorkel and dive equipment, we rented snorkel gear.

     

     

    Maryanne

    Maryanne - was the process easy?  I'm really debating a car rental vs. golf cart rental.  We have about 8 people and 2 cars seems cheaper but golf cart does seem fun.  : ).  Did you have to fill up the car with gas upon return?  Did you have to submit insurance?  I'm just wondering if there is any hassle.  Do you happen to remember the cost of the car and the snorkel gear?  That's a great benefit!  Thank you! 

  10. I am happy you posted this as I was just about to!  I asked this question on the trip advisor travel forum and of my 3 responses, all recommended a car.  Mainly because I think they are locals and the golf carts can be annoying - they travel 15-20 mph and can clog up the streets.  Apparently not alot of space to pull over.  And although it is a small island, if you really want to go the south loop and the north loop, it will take some time.  I found that a car rental (prior to any fees) was about $50 per day and you could fit 5 people.  Golf carts are 2 seaters and $95 per day.  I'm not sure about gas/insurance for either.  I do know the golf cart seems to be super easy to get to from the pier and from what I googled, it looks like there are some car rental places within a 5-10 min walk from the pier.  I agree, golf carts sound alot more fun and it seems that most cruisers go that route.  I'm curious about your responses here!  

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  11. We are interested in renting a bungalow or bed when we are in cococay. for those that have been to the south beach area recently, how is the water? I recently read that it is extremely shallow and at times only sea grass is exposed. we are hoping to swim (or wade) near where we are so this would definitely be a deterrent. thank you!

  12. Thank you! This is very helpful. I think we will definitely do a bungalow or bed. seems as though the major difference between the 2 is accommodating an additional 2 people. I'm curious if the beds allow you to have access to a similar lunch rather than having to go to the buffet. Again, thank you!!!

     

    I was just there in March - and we had a Beach Bungalow. The Beach Beds were next to us on the South Beach portion of Coco Cay. The Cabanas are on the other side of the island - Barefoot Beach, I believe? They are right by where you tender. Not sure about any other details of the Cabanas - I wanted to book one with my GS cabin, but they were offered to everyone on our charter cruise at an overpriced cost ($600) with extra VIP privileges. No thanks.

     

    The Bungalows and Beds however, both come with an attendant (you'll share - they aren't dedicated per bed/bungalow), transportation to your bed/bungalow from where you arrive on the island, 4 or 6 bottles of Evian (I forget exactly) and food delivered to you. Lots of food! They are pretty strict on access to the area, so it is definitely quiet. I would book one again in a heartbeat. Word of warning - early in the day is gorgeous on South Beach, but as it gets later and later in the day and the tide goes out, it's not as pretty with all the sea grass exposed as far as the eye can see. :o

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