nicksmom67

On 11/23/2022 at 5:28 PM, sayvan said:

Ok... Moving on to the food onboard.

 

This is a topic that is so subjective really... what I like you may not and what I dislike you may love... 

 

I've read so many threads about how the food on cruise ships has taken a turn for the worse. Honestly, I would love to know what folks are cooking and eating at home. I have zero complaints about the food. It was excellent wherever we went.  Plus I didn't have to clean it up afterward! 

 

The Lido buffet was great. Lots of options and honestly the sandwiches were some of the best I have ever had on a cruiseship. The pizza was hot and fresh and cooked to order. Yes,  there was a bit of a wait once you ordered but no big deal. Where else was I going to go right? The burger place however seemed to me to be disorganized and had extremely long waiting times. In fact, one time I waited close to 40 minutes for a burger.... I did find that a tad unusual from my previous experiences with burger joints on a cruise ship... but hey I'm not comparing,  remember? 

 

Getting back to the Buffet,  I did think it seemed to close down earlier than I would have liked during the afternoon. I found that usually most stations were closed by 2:30,  give or take. This was a bit of a pain when returning after being in port for the day and it did limit what you could get for a late lunch. That being said, it was probably a blessing in disguise forcing me to have a smaller sandwich or salad. My waistline was appreciative of these odd shutdown times. 

 

My overall  buffet rating was 7/10. 

 

The main dining room.... 

 

We ate here most nights. We had anytime dining and really only had to wait a couple of times. I did find that there seemed to be a push to have people sit at a table with a group of others, which we did do on occasion but otherwise they would accommodate a request for two (just with a bit longer wait). The food was more than just fine. It was great in fact. The menu's had ample selection and yes cruise lines are now starting to charge for some things that used to be free on the menu...Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster etc, but considering all the losses during the pandemic they have to try and make that up somehow and it must be working cause they keep charging so people are paying! We did not see this as an issue. 

 

The service in the Main dining room was fabulous and we had 3 or 4 different servers throughout the cruise. These folks work very hard to provide us with a decent experience and they did succeed. 

 

The dress code for the most part (and I'm not about to debate dress codes) was casual and the classy nights was a mixture of everything. I will say that I was surprised to see many men and some woman wearing shorts in the main dining room. I could actually care less as that does not impact my experience in anyway and if it did then I'm the one who needs to take a look at himself,  but I was surprised to see how frequent it was in the main dining room. Seemed a tad out of the ordinary, whatever ordinary is theses days. 

 

Overall, main dining room experience 10/10! good job HAL

 

Specialty Restaurants.... We had the HIA package so we had one specialty restaurant on this cruise. We choose Tamarind. I can't say enough how much we enjoyed this. The service was spectacular and the food was even better. I had a freebie for it but I would not hesitate to pay to go to this restaurant on our next cruise. The options on the menu were plenty and our servers provided great recommendations.  I highly recommend this dining experience if you have not been. 10/10 for me! 

 

Up next Ports of call! 

On 11/23/2022 at 5:28 PM, sayvan said:

Ok... Moving on to the food onboard.

 

This is a topic that is so subjective really... what I like you may not and what I dislike you may love... 

 

I've read so many threads about how the food on cruise ships has taken a turn for the worse. Honestly, I would love to know what folks are cooking and eating at home. I have zero complaints about the food. It was excellent wherever we went.  Plus I didn't have to clean it up afterward! 

 

The Lido buffet was great. Lots of options and honestly the sandwiches were some of the best I have ever had on a cruiseship. The pizza was hot and fresh and cooked to order. Yes,  there was a bit of a wait once you ordered but no big deal. Where else was I going to go right? The burger place however seemed to me to be disorganized and had extremely long waiting times. In fact, one time I waited close to 40 minutes for a burger.... I did find that a tad unusual from my previous experiences with burger joints on a cruise ship... but hey I'm not comparing,  remember? 

 

Getting back to the Buffet,  I did think it seemed to close down earlier than I would have liked during the afternoon. I found that usually most stations were closed by 2:30,  give or take. This was a bit of a pain when returning after being in port for the day and it did limit what you could get for a late lunch. That being said, it was probably a blessing in disguise forcing me to have a smaller sandwich or salad. My waistline was appreciative of these odd shutdown times. 

 

My overall  buffet rating was 7/10. 

 

The main dining room.... 

 

We ate here most nights. We had anytime dining and really only had to wait a couple of times. I did find that there seemed to be a push to have people sit at a table with a group of others, which we did do on occasion but otherwise they would accommodate a request for two (just with a bit longer wait). The food was more than just fine. It was great in fact. The menu's had ample selection and yes cruise lines are now starting to charge for some things that used to be free on the menu...Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster etc, but considering all the losses during the pandemic they have to try and make that up somehow and it must be working cause they keep charging so people are paying! We did not see this as an issue. 

 

The service in the Main dining room was fabulous and we had 3 or 4 different servers throughout the cruise. These folks work very hard to provide us with a decent experience and they did succeed. 

 

The dress code for the most part (and I'm not about to debate dress codes) was casual and the classy nights was a mixture of everything. I will say that I was surprised to see many men and some woman wearing shorts in the main dining room. I could actually care less as that does not impact my experience in anyway and if it did then I'm the one who needs to take a look at himself,  but I was surprised to see how frequent it was in the main dining room. Seemed a tad out of the ordinary, whatever ordinary is theses days. 

 

Overall, main dining room experience 10/10! good job HAL

 

Specialty Restaurants.... We had the HIA package so we had one specialty restaurant on this cruise. We choose Tamarind. I can't say enough how much we enjoyed this. The service was spectacular and the food was even better. I had a freebie for it but I would not hesitate to pay to go to this restaurant on our next cruise. The options on the menu were plenty and our servers provided great recommendations.  I highly recommend this dining experience if you have not been. 10/10 for me! 

 

Up next Ports of call! 

We have HIA also.  How did you reserve your specialty dinner?  Can you do it in advance? Or wait until you are onboard?  Can you  tell this will be our first HAL cruise on January 8th 2023

Thank you for your responses.  For best, I was thinking most reliable.  thanks to your suggestion cruisemom42, I will look for an official taxi.  We can make arrangements with one of the recommended vendors to go from hotel to port.  This is our first time in Rome .  Advice from seasoned travelers is very much appreciated.

What is the best way to get from the airport to the hotel?  The hotel does offer transportation.  Our first time in Rome pre cruise and I would like to do things as easily as possible.  My husband has difficulty walking so a train is not an option.  Thanks for you help

Lew.  My husband and I are from Worcester, MA.  We are now living in Florida.  Looking forward to meeting you.

We are on Celebrity Reflection TA from Rome to Fort Lauderdale.  Staying in Rome October 19 to 22nd when the ship departs.  I've looked over the recommendations ( thank you)  should I book directly with the Hotel or use Expedia like service?  Thanks

Looking for information on arranging a slot pull for an upcoming cruise.  Who do I contact at Celebrity?  Does anyone have a form to share?

Thanks

3 hours ago, bbtondo said:

Nicksmon67

 

So glad you got your return fight that you wanted.  What airline did you book to get a nonstop flight from fco to mia?

 

Celebrity booked us on Aitalia.

I have a question about beverage packages.  Do they ever go on sale?  With tax, it is $70 per day which seems high compared to other lines.  

Thank you for all of your replies.  I was able to book our return flight using Celebrity Air at a reasonable price for a direct flight.

We stuck with the inside cabin and paid $280 for 8 days eastern on Empress.  Hard to beat.

Original poster here.  Price is important but the length of the flight is equally important.  Right now the lowest price is on TAP which gets mixed reviews so I will wait but keep checking prices and airlines.  Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions.

When is the best time to book air from Rome to Miami for May 6th one way?  I see prices from $300 to $2500 depending on airlines.  Also looking for opinions on airlines from Rome to Miami or Orlando.  Thanks for the help.

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Am home now.  Did you find the info you need or do you have additional questions :).

 

Hank

Hi.  thanks for helping.  I have hotel Smeraldo booked for 2 nights but I am open to other suggestions if you feel it is not in a good spot.  Looking for recommendations for tours.  My husband wants to go the Vatican and Basilica Square.  My husband has balance issues.  I found some  guided excursions on Viator where you take a golf cart instead of walking a lot and I think that will be good for him.  Also best ways to get from the port to the hotel in Rome and also from the hotel to the airport.  We live in Florida and I am also looking for suggestions on the best time to look for flights back to Florida.  Now seems to early.    I know its a lot of information I am looking for and I appreciate your offer to help me.  It is our first time in Rome and we are there for two nights.  May 4th and 5th 2020.  thank you

On 4/6/2019 at 1:04 PM, cruisemom42 said:

Glad it was helpful. There is something to be said for just lingering at a cafe on Piazza Navona or in front of the Pantheon and enjoying being in Rome. Or just popping into random churches as you walk by them to see some amazing interiors.

 

Over the years I've spent a lot of time in Rome so if you want any ideas of places to see or visit at the end of your trip, feel free to ask. The Appia Antica and catacombs are nice on a Sunday as the road is closed to most vehicular traffic. Or take a stroll in the gardens around the Villa Borghese, a popular activity for locals on Sunday afternoons.

 

On Mondays some museums are also closed in Rome, but others such as the Capitoline Museum (with wonderful views over the Roman Forum and a nice restaurant with a terrace looking toward Rome where you can enjoy a break with a glass of wine....) and the Vatican are open.  You can visit the Baths of Caracalla until 2pm (well worth it). In late afternoon you might consider one of the wandering food tours.

 

I think you'll probably be like many of us and return to Italy again and again. There's so much to see there and such variety within a small country that it's worth many trips to explore it all.

We are taking a TA on Celebrity Edge and will disembark at CIVITAVECCHIA on May 4.  We would like to spend 2 days in Rome and return to Florida on the 6th.  Looking for help with getting to Rome, hotels to stay in, excursions to take and then how to get to the airport for the flight back.  Thank you in advance.

On 5/22/2019 at 12:30 AM, Hlitner said:

If you take any of the regional trains from Rome to Civitavecchia you can get on the train at Termini (the main station, S. Pietro, or any of several other Rome train stations.  Since the train originates at Termini that is the best bet to get seats if you are traveling around rush hour.

 

Once in Civitavecchia you will need to take the shuttle bus (which boards just across the street from the main entrance/exit of the station) to the Largo Della Pace transfer point.  The last time we took this shuttle bus it cost 2  Euros and you had to buy tickets at the coffee shop in the station (not sure if this has changed).  It is a short shuttle ride (about 1 mile) to Largo della Pace where you will need to grab you luggage and get on the free port bus designated for your ship.  The system works well, but does take some time.

 

An alternative to all of this is to take a private transfer from your Rome hotel directly to the port.  This will cost about 120 Euros but is sure convenient.  If you want a private shuttle we recommend RomeCabs.com.  There are a few other good private transfer companies (like Romeinlimo) or you could just use a regular taxi (but make sure you know the fare before you get in the taxi).

 

Hank

I need help going the opposite way.  From Cavi to Rome.  I also need suggestions for a hotel in Rome.  Could you help us?  Thanks

We are going on this cruise on December 2nd. We will follow along.

We are doing the same cruise in 3 weeks. Looking forward to following you and previewing our trip. Do you have any excursions planned? Which specialty dining will you do?

thank you for sharing your cruise with us. We are on the Equinox in four weeks. I will note your recommendations as it is our first time on the Equinox.

On Celebrity you can bid for an upgrade. Is there something similar on Royal?

following. We leave September 24, 2018. First time on this ship.