JohnGinPBG

37 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

Just so you know, Monterosso is a wonderful place to stay.  My DH and I have stayed at a hotel where we befriended the owners who are absolutely lovely...so is the view, along with a wonderful breakfast.  We returned a few years ago for four nights, in the same small hotel. We are meeting them again next May, but just for a short visit.  You can start the hike from there, or begin it at an easier place/town.  Another great way to travel to the other towns is by ferry; do not miss Portovenere if you ever return for an extended stay!

We stayed in Monterosso for 3 nights in 2019 at Il Guardino Incantanto with hosts Fausto and Mariapira. It was magical! By any chance was that the place you stayed? Daily breakfast in a wonderful garden

We have a middle SV on deck 7 on Apex for a TA in November 2013 from Barcelona. So glad we booked it, based on all the great indo on Cruise Critic.All the other SV's are now taken. Book early!

21 hours ago, FLCruiser97 said:

I know...RIGHT!  Go on over to that roll call and put your name in. They are keeping track of everybody's info....glad to have you.

I'm already on it. Been there for quite a while.

50 minutes ago, FLCruiser97 said:

Are you on our roll call? I don't recall your username.

I am.John and Sue from Palm Beach Gardens That's quite a strong roll call!

2 hours ago, hrhdhd said:

Me too! 😄

So are we!

26 minutes ago, OysterD said:

Does anyone know if this also applies to those booked in aquaclass? When choosing whether you want cruise only or always included, elevate etc in the small print it states:

 

†AquaClass guests that purchase the Elevate or Indulge package will receive Spa Credit in place of Shore Excursion Credit.

 

Do you have to use it in the spa or does it just get added to your general OBC pot that can be used for anything? 

We're in Aqua in October and did the elevate. Have been using OBC for shore excursions.

21 hours ago, JuliaMS said:

We also will be aqua for the first time on a Constellation transatlantic. Will my husband be OK in dockers and golf shirt most nights? I have heard TA is a little more laid back and we will be traveling for 3 weeks before boarding so don't really want to drag a sport coat around.

I'm glad you asked this question. We're sailing with you, also in Aqua, and spending 18 days pre-cruise touring around. I was debating whether to pack my sportcoat but, based on the responses, will leave it home in the closet. It's tricky enough packing for 33 days!

1 hour ago, sydbarrett said:

just buy bigger pants!

Sounds like a plan!

We may be in trouble. We'll be in Italy for 18 days prior to our TA in October. Uh-0h.

1 hour ago, 2Oldpeopleinlove said:

Yes! I found that and will talk with our son about doing it. I think he knows about the zoo already. They’ll love it! Thank you!

Hope it works out!

We are stopping in Toulon as part of our TA in October. Our plan is to walk or taxi to the cable car and ride up to Mont Faron, with great views, hikes and even a small zoo with big cats nearby. Sounds like something the kids would enjoy. https://www.francecomfort.com/en/sights/807/Cable-car

On 1/29/2020 at 10:22 PM, hcat said:

No view issues at all...beautiful and clear.  No issue with EDGE below but we have  selected Deck 9  middle SV on APEX,

 

2 loungers would def fit straight out with room for the little table for sure.. I preferred the overhang for a bit of shade.The balcony is a very nice size. Sadly, did not see very much sea life!

 

The photos run together but show diff times of day

 

We're booked on APEX in SV in 7315 fir a TA in November 2023. Your comments about the view and the noise are reassuring - thanks! I see you have a moon photo. Just curious, can you see stars from the balcony? I like to do astro photography, but I assume it won't be dark enough.

Davey,

I've missed the lead up to your post, but I appreciate you taking a stand against tyranny. For what it's worth, I've always enjoyed your superb videos and erudite comments. I hope to meet you someday on the high seas.

34 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

 

We're pretty torn up about it. We were in Kyiv less than 3 years ago and to imagine what is going on now is just heartbreaking. 

JP,

My thoughts are with you and Chris during these tragic times. And I'm not referring to the latest snowstorm.

Any of the great New York Times crossword puzzle collections. Just ordered one today for our October TA.

17 minutes ago, D C said:

The upgrade from the classic package (the Always Included one) to the premium package should be $10 plus 20% gratuity, or $12 per person per day.  

 

You may have selected a different upgrade option which you can undo prior to the cruise. 

We bought the Elevate upgrade. Bottom line, for $720 we got $400 obc and premium for $10.67 pp pd so we're happy with the deal. Thanks.

We are new to X and opted for the $30 pp pd upgrade offered on the website. 15 nights x 2 x 30 +900. $400 OBC included . I didn't know you could upgrade for $12 pp pd - that was not offered. So it's basically a wash.

We booked a 15-night TA cruise in October while a 20% fare discount was in effect. Afterwards, I called to upgrade to the premium drink package, assuming it would cost $900 for 2. I was surprised to see it only cost $720 - the 20% discount during October had kicked in. We got $400 OBC with the upgrade, which we're spending on excursions.So going to premium cost us, in effect $11 per day pp. Pretty good deal.

16 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Albany Rural Cemetery

Hi JP,

My father, grandparents and many other ancestors rest in peace there.

Be well.

Silver Shadow, 2018 Alaska

We stayed in Monterosso for 3 nights in October. My suggestion - train to Monterosso, ferry to Riomaggiore, a little time in each town and then train back to La Spezia. Vernazza was very crowded and not worth it.

11 hours ago, jpalbny said:

And thanks for the tips. We were thinking more along the lines of the Ben & Jerry's factory,

We visited the B+J factory in Waterbury and it was a let-down. Not even a free cone. Meh. My suggestion if you're in the area is to go to the Prohibition Pig in Waterbury. If you're into beer at all, they have the best you can get. And their grass-fed burgers are outstanding.

We also visited Shelburne Farms 5 mi. south of Burlington which is beautiful and historic and I think right up your alley. If you were on a cruise on Lake Champlain, this would be a primo excursion.

Enjoyed the 6 perfect days of weather in the Capital District! Sweating through the FL heat until we leave for Italy in 10 days.

12 hours ago, jpalbny said:

 

Hope you enjoy your time up here in our back yard! Niskayuna is right next door. Have a great family visit! 

Thanks! Such great weather here. Tooting around town today then going to Mass. tomorrow.

1 hour ago, jpalbny said:

What brings you up to these parts?

A little get-together with family this weekend. Staying with my sister in Niskayuna. Weather looks much nicer than Florida!

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

Good morning...…..John and Spins, glad both of you are ok.

 

We still work today....the rains are supposed to start here around 9 and stay all day and now it looks like the

storm is going to  move west and South Carolina will get the brunt.

Good luck, Lois! Hope all goes well.