QRB4539

Last October we flew to Athens 3 days early and used George's Taxi Co. for Athens arrival , departure, transfer to Piraeus for the cruise AND a day trip to Delphi. The day trip took approx. 9 hours and we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. The driver is not a licensed tour guide (did not go into the Delphi site) but was very informative during the drive. After we finished touring the site and the museum he took us to a wonderful restaurant with a great view. The meal was not included in the transport.

This was a great way to spend a day outside of Athens. We had used this tour company previously for a tour of the Acropolis with 2 other couples on a prior cruise. I see that the website might be taxigreece.com from my correspondence with them.

I went to that website last night and booked our Komfort Klass tickets for September. It was easy after I figured out that I wanted to leave from Oslo S. I found it all in English!

Thanks to everyone! All great info.

Thank you Peregrina! I always read your comments and responses because you are so knowledgeable. Hope we get a response from anyone in the know.

On 7/5/2019 at 4:34 PM, knoxclone said:

We returned only a few weeks ago  from Viking Homelands - left the ship,  from took the train from Bergen to Oslo ( 7 hours but beautiful scenery  and relaxing ride)  Purchased a couple sandwiches from the shop Bergen train station.  Stayed at the Thon Opera across the street from the Oslo train station. Spent two days, and took the express train to Oslo Airport for return home. We ended up recognizing almost a dozen folks from our cruise on the train who had the same idea!

 

Book train tickets online  early and they are very reasonable using the Minispris fare. We paid less than 100 $pp for the first class reserved seats. 

Knoxclone - We are doing the opposite, flying into Oslo first then taking the train to Bergen to embark our cruise. Also are spending 2 nights at the Thon Opera. 

What site did you use to book your train ticket online? I can't seem to get the different sites to let me book first class.

Also when we arrive in Oslo is it easy to take the express train to town or should I book that ahead of time?

Thanks in advance.

We will be using Air Plus for an upcoming cruise. We usually do our own airfare. My question is has anyone had success with upgrading seats?

We have privileges/status that get us premium economy for no extra fee when we fly on United. Has anyone had any success doing that?

Thanks in advance.

First Hotel Reisen was one we also considered and had good reviews on trip advisor. As Dauntless stated, we too like "unique" hotels instead of the big name ones since my husband stays in those while traveling for work.

I guess I used the wrong word! Quirky would have been a better choice. We did not find it dirty or smelly at all. Victory Hotel is still getting good reviews on Trip Advisor.

We stayed there last August before our Homelands cruise. The location is wonderful, close to Gamla Stan (maybe one block off the main street) and easily walkable to many sites. It's a funky hotel with lots of ship memorabilia. Saw others from our cruise staying there. We arrived around 9:00 am and they let us check in and even upgraded our room. The room and bathroom were comfortable and breakfast was good.

Just returned from Homelands on 8/20. Taxi from the ship to Bergen Airport was about $74, still cheaper than Viking charges. From Arlanda airport Stockholm we took the Arlanda Express (train) to the main train station in the city. Booked online with a credit card, then just showed the credit card to the ticket taker who scanned it. About $43, Taxis were available at the train station to continue to the ship or hotel.

We always book our own air.

I agree with Azulann. We did this cruise last September and flew in to Athens 2 days early. Took a taxi from the airport (I think the cost was regulated, set amount) to the Plaka Hotel. Easy to walk to many places, close to plenty of restaurants, reasonable cost. Check Trip Advisor. Hotel had a rooftop bar with view of Acropolis. The second day we met 2 other couples from the Roll Call and did a day long tour of the Acropolis and other

sites with a great lunch.

Then took a taxi to the ship to board. Much better to stay in Athens in the Plaka area.

There is an article today in the NYT travel section about Bergen. :cool:

That's the spirit! Enjoy the day.:D

We did the Rhine Getaway 2 years ago which ended in Amsterdam on King's Day. Great fun with everyone celebrating in the streets and canals all decked out in orange. Museums are open but public transport and taxis do not operate. We had planned ahead for walking from the hotel near the train station to the Van Gogh museum and then back through town to the Anne Frank house (bought tickets in advance). It was a long day of walking, my friend said he had over 20,000 steps on his fit bit, but lots of fun to be a part of it. :D

Art thanks for all the info. When you met ship in Venice which dock was it at? And your recommendation for transportation from airport to Venice? We plan to rent a room near Piazza Romma. Thanks......

We ended our cruise on the Viking Sea in Venice and just walked about 5-8 minutes to the People Mover after disembarking and took that directly to Piazzale Roma (the bus terminal). The buses from the airport go there also. I think the bus ticket was 8 euros each one way. If your hotel is near Piazzale Roma then that way is much cheaper than a water taxi. We stayed for a third time at Hotel Dalla Mora, about 10 minute walk from the bus terminal. Friends from the cruise stayed at Hotel Moresco, also in Santa Croce. you can read reviews of both on TripAdvisor.

Thanks so much for doing this! We are doing Homelands next August so this is very helpful.

Us too - south and west of the HS.

Hey Jiminy C - just joined cruise critic today and I see you are from Littleton CO like us! Small world.

I have checked insuremytrip also for travel insurance.