KEN31VA

We just returned home from the Constellation Holy Land Cruise. We were scheduled to disembark in Rome, but due to strong winds the port was closed to shipping on the morning of 5 November. Celebrity gave us bus transportation - with an escort - from Naples to Rome to catch our flights home without any disruption. (I don't know how Celebrity arranged for the travelers planning to embark on the Constellation for the transatlantic cruise to Ft. Lauderdale.)

While I enjoyed the overall cruise, our westbound transatlantic skipped 3 ports in the British Isles. These were tendered ports; while the weather was "typical" they decided not to disembark and spent the extra days in Dublin. Since then I have been cautious about cruises with tendered ports.

Want a real difference, consider a barge trip through one of the canals in

France. The cabins are tiny, but the food, wine and overall experience are amazing.

That's the problem when you notice a "price reduction". It's true that the basic price was reduced, but often they also reduced some promotions - very confusing.

Save a few extra bucks by looking for someone to share a cab.

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I had the same concern. Travel agent said to take a copy of their receipt although there wasn't a problem.

To those "old timers", I remember being on many of the early "one class cruise ships". Starting with the S.S. Nassau in 1952 from New York to Nassau. Talk about "no balconies", many of the cabins didn't even have private bathrooms and the swimming pool was a converted cargo hold. But it was a great product for a one-week vacation. At that time there were few "cruise itineraries", except for New York - Bermuda, and almost all the large ships were multi-class designed for "transportation". As the New York single class cruise market developed, the Chandris Britannica came along followed by the Royal Caribbean Nordic Prince. Soon Chandris replace the Britannica with the Horizon to be more competitive with the Nordic Prince.

Trip insurance is another factor to consider when selecting a TA. I have found some TAs offer significant discounts (up to $200) for the same policies being offered on insuremytrip.com.

Another suggestion to save a few dollars is to look for another couple with the ship's luggage tags and ask if they would like to share a ride.

To be honest, Malaga is so pedestrian friendly a taxi really isn' t necessary.

 

A taxi won' t get you right into the old city centre which is a shame as you will miss all the lovely little narrow streets and alleyways which have surprises round each corner and house most of the best Tapas Bars. You will also have to walk to the best museums such as the Picasso Museum which should not be missed.

 

However your cab can take you up the hill to Gibralfaro Castle - although you can do this by bus (no. 35) for little over 1 Euro per person; remember to take such form of ID if you are Seniors as you get a reduced entrance fee. It will also be able to drop you at the wonderful Cathedral from where you can enter the old centre on foot - go down Calle Granada; don't forget that services take place throughout Sundays when admission to the Cathedral is limited so make sure your cab driver times your arrival appropriately. If you cannot get to the Tapas bars in the old city ask your driver to drop you at Antigua Casa La Guardia on the main street (Alameda Principal) or at El Jardin behind the Cathedral; alternatively ask him to take you to one of the Chiringuitos (beachfront bar/restaurants) - Picassos is very good. He should be able to get you to the Alcazaba (Citadel) and, maybe, the Roman Amphitheatre dig below.

 

Sadly most of the shops, and the fascinating indoor market, will be closed on a Sunday; some small shops may be open and all the bars, restaurants and Patisseries will be buzzing.

 

Just one thought - there are ' Rickshaw' cabs available in the old city - generally pulled by local students who are very knowledgable about the city and who can get you into areas inaccessible by car.

 

Let me know if this is the kind of information you need or please feel free to ask any firther questions.

Thank you. I appreciate your suggestions. I did consider the bike taxis, but chose a regular taxi mainly to keep our luggage while we walk around and possibly attend mass at the cathedral. Also the cost was about the same and if I find another couple to join us, it will be less.

Hi Country Lady:

We will be in Malaga on a Sunday and have arranged for a taxi for 3 hours. Could you please suggest a few sights to take in during our short tour.

Thanks,

Ken

Also, look for another couple in line for a taxi and share a cab.

It appears to me that there is more unknown abort the virus than is know, especially how it gets on a ship. (Some claim that this virus is just about everywhere.) My question is, does that ship take reasonable precautions to minimize the virus from spreading? For example, I believe that hand sanitizer are only effective against bacterial germs and ineffective against a virus. If this is true, why don't they use something more effective like chlorine based spray and/or request that EVERYONE wash their hand with soap and water before eating?

One more suggestion. When in the taxi line, ask around to see who else is going to the airport. Share the cab, cuts the cost in half.

I am thinking about taking the ferry: Naples-Capri, Capri-Sorrento and Sorrento-Naples, for a one-day tour. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

I would like to suggest that the cruise lines announce which trips will have a bridge instructor so that we can make a choice.

This October I will have free evenings in Budapest, Vienna and Prague and would like to attend some musical events on my own. Does anyone have any specific suggestions of events and/or web sites to purchase tickets?