lisaten98

We received our final cruise documents today for our May cruise, including the Cruise Contract.  I'm not a lawyer. I'm not interpreting this, especially for anyone who wants to hang out here just to argue, but the Contract says:

"4. PUBLIC HEALTH, COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, KNOWING ACCEPTANCE OF THE RISKS...In case of any conflict between the COVID-19 Policies and Procedures described herein or on Carrier’s website, the website governs."

Now, if you go to the annoying website and somehow manage to get to the Covid info, you will see they are covering medical care, travel and lodging expenses for anyone who tests positive at the pier, or during the cruise. (Since there is no mandatory testing at the pier, that point is moot. Debarkation day is "during the cruise").   It is updated, in my opinion, because the paragraph above it mentions the cost of testing which is new information. Use the link below if you can.

https://www.azamara.com/booked-guests/before-you-board/explore-well-at-sea/explore-well-faq

Look under testing and screening.

Early May is the end-date many governments chose for mandates. I'm hoping futile testing is one of them.  We did everything so far that has been recommended, and honestly can't do more except stay home another year.  We'll wear masks still and avoid crowds when possible.  Go.  And enjoy your life. 

P.S. Azamara's PR staff should all be fired. It's been poorly handled.

Hotel Jazz

Nice is easily walkable from the dock. And right along the beach, too.

Hotel Jazz. Our plane arrived at 6:30am and we got to the hotel at 8am. They let us have our room right away so we to nap before exploring. Helped immensely with jetlag

Thanks for all the replies and for clarifying the theater is in Livorno. A Google search of Goldoni popped up Florence. It seems there are 2 with the same name. I think we can do it all and visit Lucca the next day. We're in Livorno port 2 days.

May15 Med cruise and our first full day is Rome; next day is Florence with Azamazing that night in Florence. I really am not looking forward to a full day in Rome, followed by a day trek into Florence, return to the ship and go BACK to Florence that evening. Would you do it? Or should we skip the day trip to Florence? Is Azamazing worth it? It seems like a day with 6 hours in a van/bus.

I don't have answers but can add some insight. We're in a similar situation (May 15 Med cruise) in that we're never been to Europe and are used to luxury trips in Mexico and the islands, so we never dreamed of venturing out solo in those locales. Since I'm not sure I will return to these areas of Europe, I want to see what I want to see, and I don't want to be on a shopping stroll. Az Tours isn't clear whether they include tickets to the attractions and so they say, in Rome, for example, if the tour guide deems the line too long you'll only see the outside of the Colosseum. Huh? What? are you kidding? Don't take their tours even if they are free, imho, if some sights are important to you. I found Rick Steves on YouTube and am getting more comfortable with the idea of venturing on our own or using local vendors. His book on Med Ports is excellent as his travel forum on his website.

But goes TSA rifle through them when they inspect your bags? If so, then it's pointless. I would love to use them but am wondering about this. And a dumb question -- do you roll your clothes in them or do they take the place of rolling? I'm a newbie to this.

Fortunately, mine went MIA before I booked; I just had a courtesy hold. My second one is not better. I called the cruise line directly and they told me they would need a letter from the 2nd TA in order to take over the booking. I'm doing everything myself now. I've learned that information is readily available on the internet to do it yourself. I would have preferred a professional to get me to Europe my first time there, but I can handle it. I just didn't want to.

The airport is closer to Disney than Orlando itself where you could find "cultural" things to do, so I suggest you try Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). Chances are, your hotel has free transportation, as most of them do. There is no charge to visit and the kids would enjoy the Lego experience, and the House of Blues (sometimes free mini concerts during the day). It's just a pleasant place to hang out. There is also the Florida Mall which has the Crayola experience. Too bad you aren't staying in the hotel that is in the mall. I live in the area.

Hi Anne,

http://www.floridashuttletransportation.com/destinations/fort-myers-shuttle-bus-transportation.html

This is the company I referred to. Apparently, there are two with very similar names. A friend used them but several years ago. Go to the forum on TripAdvisor and ask for opinions on how they are now. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g34231-i374-Fort_Myers_Beach_Florida.html

This is such a popular route, there are surely people on TA who used one successfully. As for the negative reviews on the other company, I noticed they were Orlando to points south.

Good luck

Lisa

Florida shuttle

I totally agree with Tom Fitzmorris' guide to restaurants. https://nomenu.com and agree with his recommendations. Also, when choosing a restaurant location, "CBD" means Central Business District and is mostly walkable from the French Quarter. "Downtown" has a different meaning in NOLA. "Uptown" can be walkable from the streetcar and is where you'll find Commander's Palace. Galatoire's and Antoine's in the French Quarter are old world dining experiences and memorable. I, too, am from New Orleans.

Not much walking available except downtown, and there is too much construction here now for that. The Florida Mall has a hotel in it, lots of shops, food court and there is a Walmart close by. There is also a Ross nearby which many tourists, as well as we locals, flock to. It sells discontinued (not damaged) lines of clothing and household goods. Discounted luggage is a big seller so they can bring home their purchases. It is also close to the airport.