Refined Rob

11 minutes ago, Okcruisefan said:

I used Trainline app and found train is running from  civitavecchia to Rome but the train stop at St Peter’s (Vatican City) is not showing any stops on Christmas Day. 

From the main Rome station jump on a HOHO bus and see all the sights, the stop is just across the road from the station.

11 minutes ago, ziginnj said:

Rob- thanks again. One question. 
it says we get there at 9am. What is the earliest train you would suggest?  You think we need to prebook train? Look for two guys and a seven year old. That’s us!

From the ship there is normally a shuttle bus to take you to the port gate, then it is @ 15 - 20 min walk to the station. It is how quick you can get off the ship, we are in the YC so we can get off really quick. I would book just to be on the safe side, after 10.00 I would suggest - in Rome by 11.00 ish.

2 minutes ago, ziginnj said:

Rob- I’m so glad you posted this. We booked a tour and I was not excited about the bus ride. I am looking at train options now. Thank you. 
no longer in vegas. Brother is there. Said it was awful. Locals were upset. 

Glad to be of service, we have used the train before, as you exit the dock gates and walk towards the station there is a small shop on the left that sells discounted train tickets. Might not be there anymore, it was a few years ago. But the train prices are cheap and the trains are pretty nice, and double deckers (see image). We are boarding on the 25th, so we will pop into Rome on the 24th. 

So no longer in Vegas, it has changed a lot since I first visited in 1982. Been there a few times, did a video of changes https://youtu.be/YP0yrghanKY .

Hope to meet up on the cruise, if not have a great one.

3 minutes ago, ziginnj said:

I read the train is not running in the winter. Is that not true? I saw your comment. Any idea?

Just checked with trainline and they state that they are running and very cheap. 

btw, how was the F1, did you manage to watch it ? hear it ?

6 minutes ago, Okcruisefan said:

We are American and boarding in Palermo on the 19th. Super excited and very busy planning our week in Europe before the cruise and the one week cruising. Anyone taking the Rome tour through MSC?

Tour with MSC, when we normally visit Civitavecchia (Rome), we either take the train in ( very cheap) and then HOHO bus around the city. Or we have hired a minivan (lots of them at the port) that will take you on an all day tour of rome. The minivan / people carrier last time cost $200 for 6 of us, and they took us everywhere we needed to go to. The drivers are great and know all the back streets of Rome so you do not miss anything. 

I agree, very quiet, too quiet. Something is brewing in the background, people are saving their energy for the cruise. 

Just making arrangements for transfers from airport to port, and return.

Not long till we are all on board, and ready to party.

On 7/24/2023 at 4:51 AM, danny8826 said:

 

We have done a MSC Miraviglia in 2018.  The only thing we weren't impress with is guest services and the food.  I have been watching a lot of videos and seems like the food is getting better.  

Have you book any excursions?  I have booked my shore excursions as well as internet package.  

 

We have cruised with MSC on various ships over the past few years, and the food is improving. Excursions we have not booked any, we have been to these ports many times so we will be doing our own sightseeing. 

2 minutes ago, Okcruisefan said:

Japan sounds amazing! I’d like to take a cruise from US to Alaska then Japan. Safe travels!

Same to you.

You will enjoy it, every port has so much to offer, lots of history and culture. We are boarding on the 25th till the 1st Jan, looking forward to it. We are off to Japan in 3 weeks on the Bellissima, so we have to get over that cruise before we make plans for this one (we have been doing the Med since 1973 so I think we will have it covered).

Sounds like you have it all under control. Have you been to Europe before ? 

16 minutes ago, Okcruisefan said:

Flights are cheapest on or before December 13th so we are extending our trip from the central US for 6 days in Italy before embarking. RT flights will cost us about $750 each. 

That is a good price, are you onboard for New Year as well ?

11 hours ago, danny8826 said:

 

We are flying from SFO (San Francisco) to BCN (Barcelona) to board the ship on Dec 22, 2023.

The price is about $1289 for basic economy. 

Ours was a bit cheaper, £1400.00 for the 5 of us from UK to Rome. 

On 5/19/2023 at 9:41 PM, danny8826 said:

Have anyone book their flight yet?

Seems pretty high coming from the west coast.

 

We have booked our flights 24th December - Heathrow to Rome, prices are rising so booked early to take advantage of a British Airways offer.

13 hours ago, lfcpeter said:

We had the same idea. Spending a few days in Barcelona before we board the ship. I’m not sure how much the ship will be decorated due to its a Italian company and reading past guests on MSC Christmas Cruises. I’m sure it will still be fun to be on the ship.

MSC do decorate for Christmas, this was on the Seaside in the Yacht Club, and the rest of the ship was made festive. Barcelona is one of our favorite cities, and have spent many days there. It has some hidden gems that need to be looked for.

22 hours ago, lfcpeter said:

Traveling on Christmas Day would feel like I’m missing out on a special day on the ship. But I’m sure the excitement will get you through the day

We will see all the decorations and festive atmosphere when we get on board. Flying out a few days earlier so we will see some of the local festivities. Done so many Christmas and New Year cruises that missing the morning of one will not be a problem. No Christmas Jumpers to wear walking around the ship.

We (5 in the family) will be joining this cruise on Christmas day, in Rome. Looking forward to sailing during the holidays. 

It does always amaze me why people feel the need to rush to get anywhere on a cruise ship, it is not as if the buffet will run out of food! :rolleyes:

Bit like our driving habits, always in a rush to get nowhere.

Rob.

Celticfc,

I could not agree more with your comments, our children have been refused entry into lifts 'adults only, no children' they were told. My mother 76 was also told she could not get into a lift by other middle aged passengers because she was using a walking frame and 'there was not enough room' (only 4 people in the lift). Why people go on holiday and can't smile, and pretend that they are enjoying themselves is beyond me.

We could start another thread Ventura without grumpy people.:rolleyes:

Rob. :)

I agree meal times with young children is never nice, we tried the formal sittings only once and never again. We now use the anytime choice, and take the children to the buffet or the pizza area. Then ship them off to kids club and we can then go and enjoy a nice quite meal without them. Large ships are great for getting away from anyone, there is always an area that you can find without anyone around. Adult only pools and of course children only pools do help.

Hope you enjoy your big ship experience :)

Rob.

ps, we do take the children out on formal nights, very early (feed and get photos - then off to the kids club with them). ;)

 

Yes I choose Arcadia, for that reason.

 

Sue

Quick question - why have you booked on Ventura knowing that it is more of a family orientated ship ?

Rob. :rolleyes:

Our children are no way well behaved, they are like you say loud and very annoying. That is why in the summer holidays I send them off to our house in France for 6 weeks with the wife. That way I can continue to work and have some piece at home. :D

Rob.

Cb,

We have taken our children out for a few days in school term over Christmas 2 day’s pre Christmas and 3 days after. I do not think that they will suffer from these lost days, and they have learnt different aspects of life through traveling. We do not take our children out for any financial benefit, but we pick a cruise for its schedule. When our children get a little older and their educational requirements are more intense, we will not be taking them out of school during term. Then when they are past education, and in employment, they can pay for our cruises.:D

Rob.

 

The fines could then be hypothacated to the local education budget.

 

That is true and I agree, our children would be able to spell hypothecated properly.

Rob.

Sue are they giving free child places? Apart from Xmas, Oceana carries about 50/100 kids in the Caribbean. Even with Noddy I can't see this jumping to 490 particularly a 2 week cruise in term time.

 

Cb

They are offering free or only 10% fee on childrens places (3rd and 4th passengers in cabins) on some cruises.

Rob ;)

Hi,

We have booked two suites on the Ventura in May, one for my wife and myself and the other for our 3 children (we will keep the butlers working). We do admit that some children can be noisy and loud, but that is what children do. We have sailed with princess on the Star and Diamond which are smaller than the Ventura, and our children were in the Kids club most of the day and night. The ships are that large you never have a problem finding a quiet spot. If people would just enjoy the holiday, have fun and enjoy life that is what living is about. I moan just like everyone else (probably more) some times at children but more at adults who should know better. The last cruise the only security had to be called was to two over 60’s arguing over deck chairs (fist thrown etc. etc.).

I am looking forward to my first P and O cruise, and so are the children, we hope that you all have great holidays and just chuckle at the problems.

Rob and Claire

Kelsey 8, Olivia 6 and Lewis 5.