GMA123

Just returned from 7 night cruise on Oceana. Removed gratuities immediately , asked for envelopes so we could tip those we felt went that extra bit for us, which we did on the final day at sea, had no problem, it wasn't printed anywhere on any paperwork that we had 'opted out' (someone on a previous thread said this was the case) this is what we always have and always will do.

Hi - just picked up this thread - something hubby and I always do when we go away - and some of you are going to say Really ? or screw up your face in horror - but we take old underwear and socks (with a supply of nappy sacks) (and sometimes old tee shirts to wear on expected sweaty days !) to wear and then disguard them ... less to carry home and a good excuse to buy new ! and less washing too ..... I also take a see through over the door shoe hanger to put toiletries etc in in the bathroom - always limited shelf space - it works - sorry if I've offended anyone !

We are doing a Greek Isles cruise late June on the Oceana and we have just booked our excursions which came up last week on the cruise personaliser so the 12 week rule obviously doesn't apply to all. I would just keep checking.

thanks to everyone for their advice and tips - should have plenty ideas to go on !

Thanks for all your help.

The HoHo bus works well in Athens, with a pick up in Piraeus and change of bus at the base of the Acropolis. Rhodes is very easy DIY. Santorini might be worth a tour to get ashore sooner. I did a morning tour and then stayed ashore making my own way back via the cable car.

Thanks for that Sharon, will consider that for Santorini to get the best out of it.

Many thanks, that's very helpful, will most certainly consider an Athens excursion and look at the possibilities other than P & O. thanks again

Hi all - looking for advice for a one week Greek Island cruise booked in June. We will be calling at Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes and wondered if the ship was docked near enough in the ports to enable us to do our own thing rather than book excursions ? Maybe consider an excursion for Athens, possibly for Rhodes, but for Mykonos and Santorini thought about just having a relaxing wander around ourselves (even a beach stop if possible) as Hubby soon tires. Any ideas or advice anyone ?

Many thanks

Hi all, we have a one week cruise booked in June calling at Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes. Just wondering if any of these stops are worth booking excursions for or is it possible to do our own thing. don't know how close to the docking point we will be to enable us to just set off on our own - anyone know ? We thought of doing an excursion for Athens and maybe Rhodes, but just to meander around Mykonos and Santorini. Any ideas would be gratefully received ! Hubby does not have a brilliant stamina so walking for hours on end without a few rest breaks is not an option.

I wonder if anyone could help ..... two things .... first confusion over whether a visa is needed for Sanya ? the HAL website states that if participating in an excursion by HAL, a visa is not required. On Sanya tourism website it mentions different types of visas such as a 72 hour one , UK passport holder, tourist visa etc ... in these cases it looks like we wouldn't need a visa at all as we are British passport holders and our stay in Sanya is for around 8 hours only. So .. 2 questions ... has anyone done the HAL Far East Discovery cruise in November last year (2016) and can confirm if a visa is required for Sanya ? .... and .... what excursions for Sanya were available as I'm having trouble finding any for this port !

Help would be much appreciated .......