Hank what a fabulous explanation.  Thanks so much !  

This has turned out to be quite a worthy topic as I feel for the unlimited brewed coffee and tea, plus the 15 specialty drinks I think for me it will be worth it to buy the coffee package. 

Im confused. You cannot get fresh brewed coffee or speciaity coffees in the International Cafe?

Also, everyone mentions punches, so you get a card to carry around with you to punch for the 15 coffee or tea drinks?

If there is no “dock” in Souda how do you cruusemom go on to day you’ve been to this port 3x and you were at Souda.?

never mind, as Princess told me it’s Bay of Souda where Emersld Princess will disembark , or tender or oh my “dock “

Are there three or two shows each each night and approximate times?

So any recommendations for buying this? It’s $36 for 15 specialty cofffes so I’m thinking to go for it.  

Thanks I’m glad Princess hasn’t gone there yet.  My last time on Royal, Freedom of the Seas didn’t have reservations , I guess it’s because of the super super Mega ships they have but Princess I think is going to build one bigger than any RC ship, so at some point does Princess follow suit.  Only time will tell 

I’ve hear all sorts of stories to watch out for anything other than the White cabs in Rome . So at Termini train  station do the white cabs have room for 4 ppl with large luggage or do we need to call for a van?  Maybe just call the hotel ?

My sister in law has a work friend who cruises regularly who said you need to book seats for the shows otherwise you won’t get in.  I’ve cruise over 10 times, although not since 2012, and we are going on Med cruise in June.  But I’ve never heard of this , has anyone else?

You might want to look into Rialto Hotel. We have booked there in June specifically because mot only it is a great location, but the water taxi will bring us practically to the front door since it’s entrance is on grand canal.  Don’t want to bother with dragging luggage , there were other options in price range like Hotel Concordia near st marks square and hotel Gabrielle which required some dragging of luggage.  

Does anyone know which dock Princess uses in Crete..  The itinerary says Chania, but thats near Souda Bay as well.

So Emerald princess will be there on June 20, is it Chania port or Souda Bay?

I am hoping that San Pellegrini and Perrier are included in the soda and mock tail package. Anyone know?

Had anyone done a snorkeling trip from Chania Crete?

This is all very interesting . I’d love to find out what they offer to “ move “ over . But another question . My brother wanted a MID ship balcony which was not available that’s why he went to guarantee . But am I understanding this correctly that he is guaranteed Mid ship or could he placed in a higher category in a location all the way up front or back ?

How does Princess guarantee a cabin , then sell the ship out as shown online?

we are four going on Princess June 15 Mediterranean cruise out of Rome.  Me and DW booked a  balcony cabin , but brother and wife booked a guarantee midship.  Although he could have chosen a cabin in mid aft or mid forward he preferred to gamble with guarantee balcony mid.  So here we are today March 30, he has no cabin assignment yet, and the ship shows sold out in all categories.  So, either the online site doesn’t tell the “ true “ picture or Princess knows historically there will be many dropouts by final payment which is Monday April 1.  Just curious how the ships manage this .  Are there occasions where they in fact overbook.  Could a guarantee not get a cabin?

The tour operator the Roman Guy has a 6 hour tour in Venice called 

Venice in a Day Tour with St Mark's, Doge's Palace and Gondolashttps://theromanguy.com/tours/Venice/venice-day-tour-st-mark-doge-palace-gondola-ride

Ok thanks for all answers . Actually a website called www.loco2.com just this morning advised me that June 12 had opened up. So I went straight to Italotreno direct and booked my trip from Venice St Lucia to Roma Termini finally!!! Of course the rates after June 8 went up but not too bad.  Interestingly , only italotreno has opened up, not Trenitalia but italotreno seems to have lower prices anyway.  

Thanks but still not on sale on both Italotreno and Trenitalia sites 

Well i was hoping to book way  ahead and get a cheap rate for premium, ill keep checking everyday but if they don't start selling June 12 until early June, I may be paying highest rates.

I’m on a cruise out of Italy in June and all excursions, drink packages must be paid for in advance.  I don’t remember this in Alaska, ( although it was back in 2012).  And my brother just cruised Caribbean princess in August and said he could just reserve excursions and pay later on shipboard account.  Is this something only for Europe cruises ?

Trying to book the high speed train on Italotreno website from Venice to Rome  one way for June 12  , yet for past week they are onlying selling up to June 8.

anyone here with experience bookingnthe high speed trains with Italotreno or Trenitalia. Both not selling past June 8 as of today March 2.  

I’ve been checking and Italotreno seems to have better prices than Trenitalia for Venice to Rome high speed . .  So this is a luggage question.   Will I be able to bring a 30 inch piece of luggage on the  Italotrno train ?   If so will it fit on those overhead bins , or would I have to set it at the front of car where there are luggage areas and if so would I have to worry about theft?

any pros cons between taking the state run Trenitalia vs private Italotreno ?  Also, are the high speed trains nonstop from Venice to Rome and if not how many stops and where .  Thanks ahead for any responses 

I am looking at three hotels fro our June 2019 2 day stay.  We are staying 2 nights  in Venice then leave for Rome for a Cruise.

So in Venice we are looking for a hotel with the following:

1. Great location 

2. ability to get off a water taxi, private or public easily not far or right at hotel.

3. A hotel with an elevator.

4. Great breakfast

The Hotel Rialto, looks to be the best in terms of water taxi stop right at hotels door , so no need to drag luggage far at all.  However some people have mentioned the elevator does not necessarily go to all floors  and breakfast not so great?

The Hotel Concordia looks like another fabulous location close to ST marks Square( right behind it, so I don't think we'd have a long walk from Water taxi with luggage.  It also looks a little fresher in its look, .

Grabriella I believe is right by bridge of Sighs,  

Has anyone stayed at any of these or have other suggestions based on my requirements listed above.?

Edinburger

You took tremendous time to lecture me regarding what you think others should do on these cruise boards and how “kind “others were to point out that I shouldnt expect any answers ( ie lisamc) but while the “ elite” members try to intimidate others who don’t live on these boards , I will not be intimidated and will continue to ask questions .

Stayed there many years ago. Great location, small rooms, okay hotel. Each floor on multiple levels so up/down stairs with luggage

Thank you for your response.

My understanding was that there is an elevator. Are there still many steps to drag luggage even with elevator.?