L0VET0H0LIDAY

Thanks to the both of you am having trouble posting response so hope you both see the help is much appreciated :D

Great information can’t wait really looking forwards to it! :cool:

Thanks will take your advice and go for a walk without a tour!

Calvi is absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by hills. You don't need to do a tour here you can just walk up to the Citadelle with nice views and then walk around the town. There are some nice shops and restaurants (south of France prices). We loved our day there but would like to see more of the island so would do a tour if we went again. Enjoy:)

Thanks to the both of you am having trouble posting response so hope you both see the help is much appreciated :D

Can't help with all your ports but hope this may help a little. By the way, if you are going to book some of the ships excursions it is slightly cheaper to do so before you sail than if you wait until you are on board. Also, don't forget that, if you book a coach excursion with a different operator than Marella, the ship will not wait for you if you are late getting back for some reason but will wait for a Marella excursion.

 

Toulon, Cartagena, Ibiza and Malaga are very easy to DIY on foot.

 

TOULON - The port is right in the town centre. There is a great daily outdoor market at Toulon just 5 minutes walk from the port and a little train runs from the port grounds all around the centre including taking you to a beach area that you may not find on your own. The town offers a great cable car ride up the mountain - bus to this goes from the main road right opposite the port exit. There is also a fascinating Maritime Museum where you get reduced admission if you show your cruise card. The local Rose wine is very drinkable but, if you fancy trying a glass, chose a back street bar where it is 2.50 Euros a glass compared with 6 Euros on the sea front. If you do want to do an excursion rather than exploring Toulon I can highly recommend the ships trip to Cassis.

 

CARTAGENA - The ship docks just 5 minutes from the town centre. There is an amazing Amphitheatre/Roman Museum just 5 minutes from the port and, if you have a sweet tooth, there is an excellent 'Valor' Chocolateria virtually next door - think anything chocolaty (cakes, pastries, different flavours of hot chocolate, handmade chocolates and ice creams). If you turn left as you leave the port a short walk takes you to the panoramic elevator up to the castle. The town is famous for its many shoe shops (this part of Spain is home of some the most famous European shoe makers)

 

IBIZA - Both times that we have docked at Ibiza we have been a fair walk from the town centre so the ship lays on a shuttle that cost 5 Pounds p.p. last year; we later found that the port offers a free shuttle but this doesn't run as frequently as the ship one. There is a castle to climb up to and explore, some good shops and lots of boats offering trips to nearby beaches.

 

MALAGA - It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so a shuttle bus is provided at a cost of 5 Euros. If you feel energetic and want to walk through the port you will pass the recently built 'Muelle Uno' ('Pier One') bar. restaurant and shops development that is a good place to break your journey. When you get to the port gates go straight across 2 roads (the second is Malagas main artery the Avenida Alameda Principal) and you will be in the heart of the old city. ARAB BATHS - Missed by most visitors to Malaga the Arab baths are a great place to unwind and be massaged by experts using centuries old techniques. GIBRALFARO CASTLE - Bus 35 from the Parque de Malaga (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance. Soaring over the city, the 14th century castle was built to defend the citadel and provides spectacular views over Malaga bay and over the Bullring. After visiting the Castle walk back down the hill for less than 5 minutes and you will come to the entrance of the Parador Hotel - a really lovely place to stop for a Coffee break; you can get the bus back into the city centre from outside the Parador gates. ALCAZABA - Situated below the Gibralfaro Castle is the Alcazaba, a fascinating Moorish Citadel with many features similar to those found at the Alhambra in Granada (but without the crowds!). You can buy a reduced price joint entrance ticket for both Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. ROMAN THEATRE RUINS AND DIG - Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, visitors are now allowed to walk through the ongoing archaeological Dig to get a closer look at the ruins; closed Mondays. CATHEDRAL - A truly spectacular building known as the One Armed Lady as only one tower was built - probably due to lack of funds but legend has it that money for the second tower was sent to rebel US forces to help them in their battle against the Brits in the War of Independence. Next to the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace Square which is a great place to sit and people watch. MUSEUMS - Malaga is home to far too many museums to list them all but these are my particular favourites:-Picasso Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Glass + Crystal Museum and Motor Museum/Fashion Museum. BEACHES - If walking around a city isn't your thing, Malaga has several beaches close to the city centre. The best known is La Malagueta Beach about 5 minutes walk from the port entrance - the beach is especially popular with locals and is fringed with some good Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurants).. HOHO BUS - The sightseeing tour bus stops immediately outside the port gates and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle. MALAGA PARK/PARQUE DE MALAGA - Situated just across the road outside the port gates (and by the drop off point for the shuttle bus) this is an oasis in the city. Parakeets, Tropical Trees, small childrens play area and peace + quiet make this a lovely place to relax.

Hi

Palermo Naples Civitaveccchia Calvi Toulon Tarragona Ibiza Cartagena and finally Málaga

Hi

Four of us are going on our Ist cruise May 3rd and looking to book some excursions Am thinking it’s probably best to book with Tui before we travel or would it be ok to book independently? We definitely want to go Rome has anyone done this excursion with Tui? And is the express train the best way to go or coach? If we went independently we could do a private car tour? Any advice please :confused:

have booked 114 and 115, four of us all 1st timer cruisers and cant wait!!!! any other tips for us newbies please share I am sure we will have lots more questions in the coming months!!!! thanks :p

Hi

Thanks do you think theres less vibration and noise on deck 7?

Hi all

Have just booked my first cruise on the Spirit next May a surprise for hubbies 50th can anyone advise on which cabin not too noisy, or small and with an unobstructed view?

have a deluxe room not sure wether to pre book room on deck 6 or 7 looking at cabin 114 115 or 118 anyone stayed in one of these?

thanks in advance:cool: