Tbird58

We just returned from the Millennium and did a full day in HCMC with Xuan! What a treat. He was such fun, energetic and very passionate about his city and people, which I loved. We had a few special requests and he was so kind to accommodate us. We had done a rickshaw ride in Hanoi so we chose not to do it in HCMC and giving us more time at the Museum and Reunification Palace. It definitely is a fun thing to do! I would highly recommend Xuan for anyone touring HCMC. We went to a local restaurant and had him order for us and it was incredible! We will be going back and hope to spend more time touring with Xuan again.

Hello - we are on a cruise and looking at two different tour guides, we are 2 families traveling with 3 teens.

Are we missing any major sites and is there anything you would eliminate?

 

 

Zoom & Xaun Le.

 

Would you eliminate any of the sights on this tour (we don't want a hard sell commission stop -lacquerware/Khai Silk??)

City tour :

Pickup from port gate - China town for Heavenly LadyTemple and Chinatown market - Drive back to downtown Saigon- Lunch at Pho 2000, Clinton's restaurant - Visits to lacquerware workshop,history/war remnants museum - Photo stops at Independence Palace, Notre Dame deSaigon, Post Office - Coffee round at Rooftop bar at Rex htl - More stops atSaigon Square, Opera house, Le Loi ave., Khai silk, former residence ofWestmoreland, Cabot Lodge at time permit or as requested - Drive back to portgate.

 

 

2nd option includes a Rickshaw:

- Visit biggest localfresh market (fruits, vegetables, fish...)

- Thien Hau pagoda tolearn about Vietnamese cuture and religions

- Trishaw ride 45minutes through many markets

- Driving along canalto see a huge contrast between poor stilts houses and rich mainsons.

- In downtown:walking around Dong Khoi street to visit some historical sites like Postoffice, Rex hotel, City Hall and CIA building where one of the last Americanhelicopter landed on the top for evacuating in fall of Saigon 1975.

- War remnantsmuseum

- A little shoppingat Ben Thanh market if time permits.

Thanks!!

We did a tour with Xuan 2 weeks ago and LOVED it! He was so engaging, funny and loves to show you his country! We had a special request to view the Tan Sa Nhut airport which was the old American base in the war because my FIL was based there and wanted to see it again. Hoping for some closure and it worked! Xuan arranged for us to go to a building across from the airport to the top floor so we could see the base. He was so kind and compassionate there, as well as the War Remanent Museum, which was also a little hard on FIL with the pics. We had a delicious lunch at a spot he took us and ordered our food, which we loved. We didn't go in the Rex, but just took pics. Going to the top of the CIA building was awesome. Great views all over the city. I would highly recommend Xuan and he'll happily accommodate your requests. Enjoy! Terri

Do you know the approximate cost of uber from Amsterdam airport to hotel in Central district?

Just go to the Uber app on your phone and put in the pick up spot (Airport) and destination and it will give you an estimate. I've found they're pretty close to that amount despite you pricing today for future travel. You don't have to order the ride.

Hi Tiggipaws...(you must be a fellow cat lover!)

DH and I were very impressed with Celebrity (sailed with them 5x with 2 booked) because they do NOT have constant music and announcements blaring everywhere. When in your cabin you will not hear any announcements other than emergency ones unless you open your door to listen. The only place music plays is in the main foyer of the ship where guest relations and shore x desks are. But if you're looking for peace and quiet I think you'll like Infinity....she's one of our favorite ships.

We've found lots of quiet spots, fun areas, etc. however when we were on Infinity in Sept (Alaska inside passage), we had the most OBNOXIOUS Asst cruise Director. She was over the top loud to the point people would leave the area when she got the mic to start playing games, trivia, etc. We left as well when she came in. I actually asked the soundboard man to turn her down in the lounge. She almost yelled in the mic all the time. We love to have fun and play the games, but I don't need to be yelled to.

Hi everyone,

 

We are about to go on our first ever cruise and I have been reading up on the gratuities that are expected to be paid whilst on board. My mother-in-law tells me we should really only be tipping (on a daily basis) our cabin attendants (meaning the lovely person who will be cleaning our cabin on a daily basis). I have also read that all gratuities on board the Constellation are automatically added to our bill and if we want to make any changes we have are to inform the appropriate crew member (Purser? - sorry if that spelling is off). My question is - what do people normally do with regard to tipping? We are Aussies and that is not always a part of our every day life. We may leave a tip at a restaurant but that's about it.

 

First time cruisers, it is a bit of a shock to see the bill for tips at the end, however just figure it into the the cost of your vacation. Workers are not paid very much and their tips are a huge part of their income. We always take envelopes (from the bank) and at the end of the trip, we decide how much over the expected we want to give individually. We always leave a little everyday to our cabin steward. And we like to tip the waiters, bread guys/girls and wine stewards at the end providing they give us great service, which they always do. And of course we tip our bartenders throughout if they too are on top of things. Some are definitely lacking is speed and they are left without additional gratuities from us. Have a great trip!

If it's being given by people who can earnestly say things like "Changi is a busy airport, if there are 4-6 jumbos leaving about the same time immigration/security will be busy", I do wonder how well they really know SIN and how much they really know about how (and how well) Changi works.

 

I mean, when doesn't Changi have "4-6 jumbos" (and more) leaving at about the same time?

 

I think that two hours beforehand at SIN would be plenty of time for someone who doesn't like hanging around at airports.

Thanks...I agree. Having worked in the airline industry for almost 30 years, I know most airports want to advise more time than necessary to allow for the inexperienced traveler. I'm sure 2 hours is plenty. Doubt I want to visit the butterfly garden at 5am...:-) Thanks!

I would read advice given with your documents or check airline website. Singapore airport is massive, once you clear customs there are lots of things you can see and do depending on which terminal you are in. There is a train, people mover to transfer between terminals.

 

 

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Yep, I've read between 2- 3 hours and for me that's way too much time. Guess I'll do more checking. Thanks.

I've read different suggestions on checking in with baggage in Singapore for US flight? Our flight is really early, so I don't want to get there so early I'm sitting for hours waiting to board.

Thanks!

We did Reflection Fall 2016 and had awesome bartenders, especially in the Martini bar. However on the Infinity in Sept 2017, very disappointed. We had to almost beg for a drink. Bartenders were incredibly slow and really didn't give a Sh**, except the Martini bar! We upgraded there the first night, and were never disappointed. We plan to do the same next week on the Mille. I even talked to Celebrity and wrote on my review about the lack of bartenders and their lack of customer service, however I never got a response. When I'm paying what I pay for drink package, I absolutely deserve curtesy and service. We'll see.

Someone mentioned Wong Tai Sin. If you go there don’t miss Wing Lau Yuen Sze Chuan Noodle Restaurant at 15 Fang Tak Road (exit A). One street behind it are the famous cart noodles. Can your husband read Chinese? He can download an app OpenRice to find the details. These noodles are local as traditional you can’t find anywhere in the world. They are delicious.

 

 

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Nope, neither one of us read chinese....but I'll make a note and store it in my phone. Thanks for the tip! Terri

Yes, MTR with the Octupus Card is the way to get around & pay for many incidentals. Taxi fare from hotel to KTCT is probably around $70 or $80 HKD, about $10 USD - tip the bell hop $10 HKD & he will be very happy to haul a taxi at the side entrance/exit & make sure the driver knows where you wish to go, etc.

 

Once you are done checking in for the sailing, you can probably take the free shopping mall shuttle out to the nearby mall/MTR station, and go from there. Bus #5A (I think) is the exclusive route serving KT and nearby MTR - or for about the same - the 16 pax PMB (Public Mini Bus, Rt. 86) and, you can use the Octopus Card to hover/swipe to pay for the ride/fare

 

Details here - http://www.16seats.net/eng/gmb/gk_86.html

 

For lunch, dinner, etc. - besides browsing the multi-story Telford Plaza Mall, the end/starting point for #86 PMB - is the variety of eateries & food court inside, you can consider them hidden. Checkout their posted menu & prices - just about anything you can imagine & wish for (not going to steer you to Pizza Hut, Burger King or KFC ... :halo: )

http://www.telford-plaza.com/eng/tp/dining/list?pageNo=1&foodType=3

 

One of the major local chain is the "Maxim's" group - you will find their bakery/cafe shop inside just about every other MTR station's concourse, if not everyone of them - Octopus Card cheerfully accepted, along with cash & of course, debit & credit cards. If you are trying to find one along busy Nathan Road, odds are that they are "upstairs" in the malls or in the basement (street level rent is crazy sky high) - here's a link to their selections, menus to start planning (warning, if you gain weight before your cruise, I am not responsible ;p )

http://www.maxims.com.hk/tc/index.asp

 

Another popular local dining group - comfort/fast food chain, like our local Denny's & IHOP in the good old USA - is the Cafe de Coral ... largely order by the # & self-service pickup with variety of Chinese & "Western" choices ... French Toast should be available but pancakes, not too popular. It's inside this mall.

 

If you end you going to the Kowloon Bay MTR Station, just duck inside one of the retail malls & check out what's available - fewer tourists come to these places where the locals eat & shop, you will be fine eating there.

 

Word of caution - (fresh) seafood prices in HK can be mad crazy high, by the ouces, not by the pounds or kg when they posted the prices next to the fish tanks - that steamed sea brass can easily come a thousand dollars+ alone, depending ... (yes, like $125 USD) - same for those large or jumbo prawns or Aussie (live) lobsters, etc. - if the waiter or captain get pushy or insist, just politely declined & say everyone is allegic to and will get sick eating seafood ...

 

Wong Tai Sin MTR is connected to/above shopping malls, you will find traditional restaurants there as well, and for the morning hours - dim sum. That's where the locals go to enjoy their tea & read their newspapers (yes, many still do - despite iPads) for betting on race horses, a popular sporting pasture at Happy Valley.

 

Closer to Metropark - across over on Nathan Road, upstairs in the one of the smaller shopping mall with little shops - elevators up to 4 or 5 th floor is a very nice dim sum & classic Chinese restaurants, good food & prices - dim sum are cooked to order & come out steaming hot ... don't have the name, but cross over & look up, it's pretty hard to miss it. Another block over at Sai Yeung Choi Street, where the mini-buses are ... small restaurants & cafe, and a good # of them serving excellent thin-skinned wonton soup & wonton and noodles soup, BBQ meat (pork, chicken, roast duck, etc.) & noodles soup, variety of congees (rice porridge) and stirred/pan fried noodles with beef, shrimp, etc. ... most of them probably don't speak much English since it catered mostly to locals, but you can usually point & order using the pictorial food menu. A block from Metropark on Lai Chi Kwok Road, toward Nathan Road is a hotpot place as in Shabu Shabu - a favorite year-round way to eat with friends & families ... so many choices & so little time, huh.

 

Closer to Tsim Sha Tsui area at the Jordan Road MTR Station (1 stop away - it's walkable along Nathan Road) - are variety of restaurants as well ... Japanese, Thai, etc. If you take the MTR to the HK Island side, Causeway Bay MTR is directly under a 10 (???) stories retail mall complex - including the Japanese equivalent of Bloomingdale/Macy's - and, again, more restaurants. Plus, hundreds more places for a huge variety of dining options & prices.

 

Favorites when we are in-town, Portugese chicken (curried flavor) over rice & (fluffy-light baked pastry) egg tarts as dessert.

WOW! Again thank you for your incredible insight and recommendations. It's always great to have rec from people that have walked the walk and been there! I've got a lot of printing to do before I leave and I'm extremely grateful!

AE is super visitors-f)riendly so give it a try & get the Octopus Card (which you can pre-order & have it delivered/available by the time you arrived if flying Cathy Pacific)

 

Take advantage of those free luggage cart once you are past the immigration/border control stations, and use it to collect all your checked bags, then, proceed past customs - stop at MTR help centre (or, Foreign Currency Exchange first - there are ATM as well, just don't remember if they are in that area or beyond in the public hall area when hundreds are often standing for the meet & greet) Then, follow signs ahead to the AE Station & board the next train to Kowloon.

 

For 4 travelers, be sure to get the Group Ticket Promo discount ticket, one-way adult fare is $100 HKD p/p to Kowloon Station, reduced to $250 for 4 instead (37.5% savings) and the shuttle routes to the hotels are free/complimentary. Porter services are available at these stations as well.

 

K5 route (K is for Kowloon) include stop #2 at the other Metropark by Waterloo Street, and MP at Mong Kong is stop #4 for you, should be at the front or side door. Bellhop should come right out to help with taking the luggage into the small but busy lobby while you check-in.

 

Be sure to download & install the free MTR App to use, the AE has free & fast WiFi, as are the MTR Station Concourse.

http://www.hkairportexpress.com/en/easy-shuttle-bus.php

http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/complom_free_bus.html

 

Enjoy your cruise & if you do happen to plan to write up about your experience, let us all know about it here on CC - don't forget to take some pictures & upload them. Those specific to the new KCTC are still limited and far in-between, it will be very helpful to others following Betty & you in the path, even thought it's now 4 years later.

 

When you are ready to checkout of the hotel & head for the pier, use the side exit as that's where the taxis are idle & waiting - should be a fast & easy 20-25 minutes trip, costing no more than $75 to $90 HKD with tips, or $10 to $13 USD per taxi.

Hey there...Just a few more questions....I'm looking for suggestions for some delicious food and what areas you would recommend? We don't need 5 star, but just want different areas and names if you have them? Of course, good chinese since that's all I hear about from people that have visited HK.

Boarding day, we're probably going to just taxi from the MetroPark hotel to the KTCT verses dragging bags up and down. Once we check in and board, we're planning to go back into HKG, roam around and have dinner. Is the easiest transportation using the MTR? We're totally open to that. Can you recommend places to eat from there as well?

Thanks again!! My count down is on......

Super easy, take MTR 2 stop (I think, maybe 3) to Cheung Sha Wan Station stop - one side is the Golden Computer Centre & Arcade, electronics, PC parts & gadgets and exit on other side for Apliu Street, open door/largely outdoor flea market for everything used/pre-own & some new goods. ...

Thank you again for all your help. I went back over the Airport Express train and watched a few You Tubes. That seems to be the way to go. Very easy and well laid out. Not all airport trains are this simple! Once we get to Kowloon, the Hotel said to take the K5 free shuttle bus to the hotel. We might do that or get a couple of taxi's. My MIL will be thrilled with your info on buying fabrics.

Yes, both Metropark hotels have since upgraded & refurbished their property, added "free" WiFi for guest use - their rooms come in 3 and even 4 grades/categories, from basic to upgraded/deluxe, family & club/executive level. Depending on how you book yours, do re-check and re-confirm what you are booked and know what they are assigning to you for the stay when you checked in ... it won't hurt to nicely ask about any available, free or complimentary upgrade at the front-desk on arrival. With HK's typical housing construction, rooms might feel a bit chilly with a draft when the weather is considered cold, it should be heated - ask for extra comforter or blanket if needed.

 

There's a McDonald, serving some unique local breakfast in the morning - walk upstairs to 2/F from across the street and there's a nice underground (basement) supermarket as well - bottled water, fruits, juice, etc.

 

Octopus Card is the local multi-purpose refillable ATM/debit card, wonderful for mass transit/travel on buses, ferries, trains & MTR, mini buses, etc. and to pay for meals at McDonald, coffees & goodies at local chained bakeries, English newspapers & facial tissues/napkins at 7-11's, etc. It's been in use since the 1980's with a different brand name, in its current form since 1997 and super convenient - using basically NFC (bluebooth-like) technology ... decades ahead of the Americas - you just hold it above/near/hover by the terminals to swipe, it beep & transmit/approve the transaction amount for payment ... no PIN or codes or signatures needed.

 

We used it just about everywhere, Cafe' de Coral (local variant of Burger King/Denny's) and Pizza Hut, or Watson's Pharmacy - you keep the "tourist" ones whereas the regular ones has a stored valued deposit, refundable as you leave HK with a very small transaction fee, sold at all MTR Station, Star Ferry, etc. (except, not sure why they aren't at KTCT ... yet, maybe by then - they get their acts together) Since you are taking the taxi to the hotel on arrival from the airport, you can buy it the next day at the MTR station before heading out, go to the customer service window as locals do their refills as the self-service kiosks, need to show your passport/travel ID's to purchase. Or, just stop at the MTR counter at the airport, just past customs hall before you exit - since they are definitely bilingual & you can get a user guide & maps to read.

Link - http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/about_octopus.html

 

There are also dozens of vidoes on Youtube, search with the keywords and you will see them - for a virtual orientation about arrival into HKIA, taxi ride to town, using the MTR, and - yes - even using the Octopus Card (which roughly translated to 8 ways to connect/travell) ... also good for fares to the Big Budda/NP 360 on Lantau Island (sorry, I consider that place, a giant tourist trap) and Disney and even Ocean Park.

Awesome info! Thank you again. We didn't plan to go see the Big Budda. I think we'll see plenty on this cruise with our stops. Since you know the area so well, perhaps you can give me recommendation for shops to purchase fabric? My MIL is wanting to buy more fabric in silk to cover her couch...Even if you just know a general area, that would be great. If not, I'm sure we'll find something. Thanks again.

Most flights for HKG are on-time and I concur that using 2 taxis will be your best & easiest option, just have the hotel's name & address for Lai Chi Kwok Road shown to the driver - sit back, relax & enjoy the quick trip into town ~ 30 minutes should do at those hours & you will be checking in around 10:15 or 10:30 PM.

 

There are currency exchange places around the corners from the hotel, the MTR Station stop is just out the side entrance/exit - 1.5 city block away. A wet laundry place across the street, near the 7-11 -charged by the pound, we did a big bag for about $45 HKD then, same day service ... wash & folded, smelling fresh, drop-off AM on our way to sightsee & ready by 6 PM as they don't stay open late. Busy & famous Nathan Road is a block away - use the underground passage and follow the crowds crossing busy streets, police do issue jaywalking tickets.

 

 

Here, I found pix of Metropark and the typical rooms then, nothing fancy but clean, comfortable & convenient.

 

Enjoy your planned cruises & trips further out - there's still so much we wish to do, now that we are reaching that stage of our lives. Thanks & will do, if and when :cool:

Thanks so much. The pics of the hotel I saw look a little nicer than this..hopefully they are, as well as queen beds we requested.

Did you use the Octopus card at all for paying for transportation? Trying to get more info on it and if it is to our benefit. It looks to be extremly convenient.

Got it.

What a small world - that was our hotel back in 2010, we flew Cathy non-stop JFK and spend 4 nights, then onward to Ho Chi Ming City (to DW ... always, Saigon - her birthplace) ... land-based sightseeing (Benz Sprinter van w. driver & guide) + a wedding. Last stop, Shanghai & nearby (an escorted tour)

 

What is your expected arrival time into HKG, typically - you will clear border control, get your luggage (they are fast, even when not in J or F class) & past customs (nothing to declare, usually ... for visitors) and outside in the arrival/greeting hall in less than 45 minutes to 1 hour max.

 

Let me do my best to "break" down the options for you & see what you are comfortable with:

 

First, Uber is illegal in HK by law, they still exist in the shadow & known by other names (mini-vans for cargo plus @ airport & port facilites, often border-crossing into/from mainland) - police has been cracking down & running undercover operations to shut them down, not properly insured - I really don't recommend it.

 

Airport taxi will run you about $350 HKD - metered, toll should be added/itemized on the printout - to your hotel, ride is about 25 to 30 minutes past the evening rush hour. 3 of us managed to fit into one, plus 3 x 25" rollerboard in the red Toyota's trunk, 1 backpack & 2 large cabin soft tote. Your challenge is the 4th (adult ??) and the bag. Split into 2 taxi, your p/p one way ride cost is about $175 HKD or about $22.50 USD each, curbside to curbside.

 

Alternative, you can take the Airport Express - there are nice discount for single trip, on a single ticket/pass into Kowloon Station of the HKAE in about 25 minutes, free porter services to one of the many free surface shuttle bus stops (regular fare is about $100 HKD p/p one-way, discount of up to 40%) making stops at hotels along the designated route ... that will bring your one-way trip cost to around $300 HKD or just about $10 USD p/p - add the shuttle time, probably under 1 hour as the Kowloon AE Station isn't close but not too far @ TST West. Last AE train leave HKIA around midnight.

 

What we did, took the Airporter Bus - Route A21, which is really easy, double decker with luggage rack on the lower - fare was under $40 HKD p/p one way, exact change in local currency/coins by dropping into farebox next to the driver as you board, or the Octopus Card (you can use 1 with enough value loaded to pay for all 4's bus fares).

 

What is nice about this - if you feel you can manage the luggage, get those free luggage cart once you cleared border control, retrieve your luggage & roll them outside to ground transportation - stop by the MTR counter/kiosk while you are still inside to get the Octopus Card (and/or, get some local currency at the Foreign Exchange counter nearby - poor rates but it's open & convenient even at midnight ... for the rest of the time, you can get better conversion rates in Kowloon or use ATM to withdraw $$, we alerted our Citi(bank) and took money out, easy. For 4 of you, this is the most frugal way to get into town - worked out to be about $5 USD p/p for the trip to Kowloon; and, ready - you are stop #5 for Metropark Hotel on Lai Chi Kwok Road, just off Nathan Road.

 

The A-21 bus stop will be announced ahead, bilingually and via digital display sign on the bus - dropping you off, right in front of the hotel's main entrance - maybe 25 ft. away. It doesn't run all night, last run is around midnight - don't even need to cross the street, just roll the bags inside & check in ... and, get some rest.

 

We're tired - after a long 16 hours in the air too, but, managed to do this & it was mid September, still quite hot & humid. Just a word of caution, don't fall for the hotel's advertised bus/shuttle transfer - it's shared bus to town, and not a dedicated car service or van ride, it will be making stops & not that cheap either ... you will be better off using 2 taxis for the quickest run. Bus is a little slower but not that much, maybe 45 minutes at most - Airport Express is nice but acutally slower with the shuttle. Just to be clear, there is a 2nd. Metropark Hotel in Kowloon by Waterloo Rd. & Prince Edward Rd. with a seasonal swimming pool, this one doesn't have it. Lobby has a bakery shop, open early around 7 AM in case you are hungry & don't feel like walking outside, there's a 7-11 just across the street.

 

What's that sound, let me know what else you need help with or I can help you. :halo: Meanwhile, Betty is on the Millennium now ... hopefully, should hear back from her afterward - maybe she has latest tips & feedbacks to share as well, before your cruise.

MKing8288--

Thank you so very much! You're a wealth of knowledge! We'll probably do the taxi just because we're traveling with my in-laws and not sure if they want to schlep all their bags! We arrive at 8:30PM and probably will just do the taxi. Great info on Uber, I didn't know that! I've got so much info from experienced Asian travelers from CC and it's great. I'll be anxious to hear about Betty's trip on Mill We're boarding on 2/4 in HKG. If she gets ideas and comments together before we leave on 2/1, I'd love to get an email. pdxtravel08@yahoo dot com.

Our next adventure is the Eclipse to the Baltic and St. Pete in August. Then I'm coordinating a group on the AMA Waterways river cruise in Sept 2019 from Budapest - Vilshofen. Let me know if y'all are interested and I'll send you info for our group booking!

KTCT Schedule - look it up here

http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/schedule/2018-2/

 

Most "bigger" ships calling HK nowadays are berthed at Kai Tak, it's the only ship scheduled for that day - no need to worry which end of the long terminal. Use the above link, scroll around & has everything you need to know; and, more tips to plan ahead.

 

As for taxi, assumed that you are staying at the Sal-YMCA (no ... isn't everyone booked there, LOL) Ok, somewhere in Tsim Sha Tsui, off Nathan Road or nearby - metered fare to KC is under $100 HKD with tipping (loose change ~ 10% of fare is fine) about $13 USD (payable in local currency) Caution - 4 adults + 4 big pc. of luggage is a bit too much for its typical Toyota taxi-sedan, probably will need 2 of them, split it up. Still, very inexpensive, curbside to curbside.

 

It's about a week before the Lunar Chinese New Year in HK, China & many other parts of Asia - very festive and lots of happening in town. Great timing - enjoy your cruise.

Nope we're staying at the Metropark in Kowloon Mong Kok. Thinking we'll take a taxi or uber from the airport to the hotel since the express bus may not be running that late when we're ready to leave the airport, plus I don't want to make multiple stops after flying 15 hours! I've been reading about the Octopus card, but it's a bit confusing on what we need. Suggestions? Since we're boarding ship there, we won't need a ride back to airport. Thanks!

not negative...amazed....average Canadian income is about $35,000 USD...so surprised to see that they could make as much or more than that...just in "tips" alone...didn't realize just how much those tips add up to!

Keep in mind that anything they purchase on board (drinks, gifts, etc) are taken from that check as well. And most end up sending the money back home to help support their families. We always give extra to our waiters, bartenders and cabin stewards in envelopes at the end of the trip if we feel they do a great job. I'd rather know they're getting the money than wonder about the sharing.

KTCT Schedule - look it up here

http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/schedule/2018-2/

 

Most "bigger" ships calling HK nowadays are berthed at Kai Tak, it's the only ship scheduled for that day - no need to worry which end of the long terminal. Use the above link, scroll around & has everything you need to know; and, more tips to plan ahead.

 

As for taxi, assumed that you are staying at the Sal-YMCA (no ... isn't everyone booked there, LOL) Ok, somewhere in Tsim Sha Tsui, off Nathan Road or nearby - metered fare to KC is under $100 HKD with tipping (loose change ~ 10% of fare is fine) about $13 USD (payable in local currency) Caution - 4 adults + 4 big pc. of luggage is a bit too much for its typical Toyota taxi-sedan, probably will need 2 of them, split it up. Still, very inexpensive, curbside to curbside.

 

It's about a week before the Lunar Chinese New Year in HK, China & many other parts of Asia - very festive and lots of happening in town. Great timing - enjoy your cruise.

Thanks so much for your help! Looking forward to our first trip to Asia....Another continent to check off the list!

Google took you on a scenic & long ride. I had a gut feeling that East Corridor highway on the waterfront was the trap.

 

Ha ha, one thing I learned is never 100% trust these apps, they are typically reliable @ 99.25% and I've been surprised using GM in Los Angeles, Hawaii & even here at home - took us to Little Saigon in Orange County, CA via the back road into the backside of the mall's parking lot ... was like, WTH - it worked & bypassed the weekend traffic.

 

OK, long story short - I think I found the "bug" to fix it and cut your taxi distance by about half, to about 4.3 km instead of 9.3 km (by setting the Option to "Avoid" Highways ...) GM has the fastest & "best" routing taking you onto the elevated East Corridor/Rt. 4 that run along the waterfront, obviously - limited access with on-ramps & off-ramps ... taxi driver would be happy to take you on a long, scenic ride actually thru Causeway Bay at the western end of Victoria Park to get onto the "highway".

 

Problems solved, driver can easily stay on King's Road upon leaving HP, on local street ... to the pier, which should be fine on a Sunday, depending on your time to catch the ferry across. Local "city" streets are often one-way and some of them are 24/7 no stopping zones for taxis & cars, but I am sure the taxi drivers, knowing that your hubby speak their native dialect, will not dare to do a long scenic ride & take the best route (and shorter/easier one) to the pier's taxi stand to drop you off.

 

Just clip on the upper left on the GM, change the option & you will instantly see the difference.

All this has left my head spinning!!! We're sailing on Millennium on Feb 4th and staying at a hotel in Kowloon area. There are 4 of us, and I'm thinking the easiest way to get to the port is by taxi. I'm into dragging bags when I don't know the area. How do I know which port terminal our ship will be docked? Thanks for the help!!

How much does it cost to take a taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal in Amsterdam?

Taxi's are very expensive in Amsterdam, however Uber is the way to go and about 1/2 the price.

I'm debating between kayaking in ISP or Ketchikan? There doesn't seem much to do ISP, but the ship does offer a kayak tour. I'm not having much luck on finding an independent company to book through verses the ship tour. Would like recommendations on which would be the better place to kayak to see the most wildlife?? We're going the first week in Sept on Celebrity - Infinity.

Thanks!

Thank you all for your comments! :cool:

We did the Celebrity Reflection Med cruise last fall and LOVED it. I had no complaints. Food, service, ship were excellent. We did the balcony and I totally recommend that for the longer cruises and to enjoy the view of the ports. There were very few kids onboard and we never felt it was crowded. We only did one excursion with the ship (Messina) and the rest I organized or booked based on recommendations of Trip Advisor or CC comments. All were a success. If you want a list of who I used, I'm happy to send.

Tried to post photos. Did not work. Sorry.

 

Note: I 45 was closed on the way back. We followed a detour. Then GPS made us take a noncash toll road and we were afraid if we did not, we would not get back. So we did it.

 

Cozumel- We had talked about Mr. Sanchos, Paradise Beach or Chankanaab. Or doing an excursion- with or without our daughter. In the end, we were beached out and opted to just get off the ship, shop at the port and go to Margaritaville. DD opted to go to kids club. So we shopped for a bit and had some overpriced drinks and chips and queso at Margaritaville. But it was fun. We have been to Cozumel many times. We got back to the ship around one and then ate a proper lunch before picking up DD at kids club. Then DD and DH went to the kids waterpark while I enjoyed the solarium/ adult only pool and heard about others adventures in Cozumel.

 

Dining- I already mentioned about Chops. There was another night that the dining menu did not seem appetizing (Costa Maya day I think). So I went looking for someone to upsell me for Sabor. NO one at all. And decided maybe we had enough Mexican food anyway. So I went over to Giovanni's where I was talked into making reservations for 8 that evening. We took DD to the buffet and then kids club. Then went back to get ready.

Service was fairly slow. There was a line when we arrived, must have been a lot of reservations at the same time. The appetizers seemed a little adventurous for me, but DH was set on trying the grilled octopus. So we did. And the tuna app, And the waiter brought out the tomatoes and mozzarella app. Octopus was surprisingly not bad. A bit chewy and sort of weird texture. But not bad. Not something i would order regularly, but glad I tried it. I had the osso bucco and DH had the filet. The food was pretty good.

We had moscato with dinner and since we both had a drink package, the wine was flowing. They brought me a cheesecake and sang happy birthday (since I had mentioned that we went to Chops on my real bday and it was not that great). We ate a couple of bites and called it good. Did not order any other desserts.

 

Dining room- We ate there 4 nights and once for breakfast. Never for lunch. The breakfast was disappointing. We actually were still hungry so we went to check out the buffet. It was much better. We ate a few nibbles only since it was "second breakfast." Breakfast at the buffet was good. Bacon every day. Usually they had regular, blueberry, strawberry and banana pancakes and waffles. Chocolate croissants were my favs, but they rarely had them.

Lunch at the buffet- Good. Nothing was super memorable, but it was all good. We never went hungry.

Dinner- Good. I liked most of the apps and desserts I ordered and every one of the entrees. I was a bit disappointed with the lobster, the tail I got was super small- the meat was no bigger than a shrimp. DD's was twice the size. But the waiter brought me another upon request.

We took DD to the buffet a few nights (and may or may not have had a few pieces of sushi as a predinner app). Buffet was decent. The last night, we went to the buffet because I heard a rumor that they had lobster tails and shrimp. And they did. They also had tempura. ANd allegedly a crepe station but there was never anyone working it. Even though people went up to it. Good food.

 

Menus:

Day 1- Not sure, did not go

Day 2 (Formal) Saffron

Day 3- Basil

Day 4 (Roatan)- Pimento

Day 5 (Costa Maya)- ****ake (we went to Giovannis) (EDIT apparently cc thinks this is a bad word so I will split it Sh itake.

Day 6 (Cozumel- Formal)- Jasmine (lobster night)

Day 7- Pomodoro (or lobster on the buffet)

 

What Royal did that really ticked me off- I already mentioned it, but prime time on the last sea day about 2:30 or so, they decided to shut down the solarium pool for a private diving lesson. I was annoyed because we had sent DD to kids club so we could go to the adult pool. It was crowded but we got in anyway. Less than 5 minutes of getting in the water and they say everyone has to get out. For a private diving lesson. That really annoyed me because it was early afternoon on the last sea day. Prime time for swimming. Then there was a little scuffle by the pool with some lady telling someone else off. I think it was someone telling off the mom of the kid getting the diving lesson but not positive. DH said something was said to the effect of there was no need to shut the whole adult pool down and that the kid may have been special needs. I don't know for sure. I don't really blame that family, it was Royal that booked it and chose to do it. There had to have been better times to do it, like in the morning, or late afternoon (right before dinner) or a port day. And what was the point anyway, considering the cruise was over and there were no more diving opportunities.

I don't know anything about the family, or their needs and again its not them I blame, but I think it was a poor decision of Royals to shut this area down. That said it was only like a half hour or so. It still ticked me off.

 

Debark- We did express walk off for the first time. It was not too bad. We were in the shuttle van about an hour after leaving our room. It allowed us to get on the road sooner. Which we needed. We still did not get home until 10:30 p.m.

 

All in all it was a good cruise. Not my favorite, but I have been spoiled by Celebrity and Disney. I think the rooms were nicer on most other ships i have been on, but it was not bad enough to make me not sail Royal again. ANd I did pick an inside room. Food was good but nothing spectacular. On par with most other cruises- give or take. I still really want to sail on Oasis, Allure or Harmony. I will definitely sail Royal again, but not exclusively.

 

Thanks for reading my ramblings. If anyone has any questions. let me know.

Thank you for the great review and details on the ship. We're leaving this Sunday with my 10 year old granddaughter for her 1st cruise! I wouldn't book this if she weren't going, but there is so much for her to do and she'll love it.

On disembarking----we arrive back to port at 6:30. We're only doing carry on bags, so about what time did they let you off? Did you go through customs once you disembark? Was there clear signs for meeting a driver? My daughter is driving down from Tyler and want to give her idea on where to meet us, and not have her searching through 3000+ people! Thanks...Oh, did you post the menus?

We did this last fall and didn't have any problems. We booked a van through Tiber Shuttle (off Trip Advisor site) for 6 of us and it was extremely reasonable. They picked us up in Rome and took us to the Port and then met us at the end of our cruise and went straight to the airport. We specifically asked for a 6:30 AM pick up and made sure we were off the ship in time. I had a 10:30 flight and was nervous, but we made it there by 8:30, even in traffic. We did give him a good tip to make sure he knew we were in a hurry. If your worried, I would suggest you call and change your flight to later in the day, or spend the night in Rome. Always something fun to explore there! Have a great trip.