sofa.king

Thanks for everyone’s thoughts. It is reassuring that we wouldn’t be totally out of place. We have no issues booking two rooms and have some do on the last couple cruises. I think we found what we’re looking for on X so will try that line.

Thanks @gflo and @frantic36 I think we’ll be sailing X instead this year but appreciate the insight and thoughts.

Thanks @edgee It's the itineraries and ports of call we like and not too concerned about the onboard amenities as we would be exploring each day. Kids may go to the pool on sea days and don't particularly like the kids clubs.

We've sailed all the mainstream lines like NCL, Royal, Carnival, Princess, Holland. Two adults and two kids 11 and 13. We're not into dressing up and the kids are decently well behaved. How much more upscale is Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn and the other luxury lines. Would we be eye-sores as passengers? Should we even care about what other think? We prefer a more laid back vacation, but some of the itineraries on these luxury lines are very enticing, especially for my teen.

We've sailed all the mainstream lines like NCL, Royal, Carnival, Princess, Holland. Two adults and two kids 11 and 13. We're not into dressing up and the kids are decently well behaved. How much more upscale is Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn and the other luxury lines. Would we be eye-sores as passengers? Should we even care about what other think? We prefer a more laid back vacation, but some of the itineraries on these luxury lines are very enticing, especially for my teen.

We've sailed all the mainstream lines like NCL, Royal, Carnival, Princess, Holland. Two adults and two kids 11 and 13. We're not into dressing and the kids are decently up well behaved. How much more upscale is Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn and the other luxury lines. Would we be eye-sores as passengers? Should we even care about what other think? We prefer a more laid back vacation, but some of the itineraries on these luxury lines are very enticing, especially for my teen.

That's interesting and a nice perk. Thanks for sharing.

So if you are still Gold on RC and start sailing X, will there be an opportunity in the future to get your RC Platinum matched to Select on X? I'm going to guess that it is a no. Thinking about X for the summer and like 9 points away from Platinum on RC.

We got back last week and concur it’s a speedy process. I’m assuming they’re using the ID provided at check in to match up faces. I have Nexus and will never give that up for crossing into Canada. Too much time savings to pass up. Plus it’s free with some credit cards and your mentioned TSA Precheck benefit.

Does anyone know if Cape Liberty cruise terminal have a line or kiosks for Global Entry holders?

Thanks @orville99 I've made final payment on my cruise for December. I booked through an agency but figured since the money was going to RCI directly, that I'd call them. They couldn't help me and told me to call my agent. He did say that this would need to be done by 11/10/23 to get the existing rate. Any prepayment on 11/11/23 or afterwards would result in being charged the new rate.

This change start 11/11/23. So if we are sailing after that date, what is the last date we can prepay gratuities by under the existing $16 pp/day? Is it still 48 hours before cruise? Before 11/11?

Thanks Capt_BJ. I probably wouldn't go through the hassle of renting a car with timing plus possibility of getting reported for damage I may not have caused. I'll do the Uber/Lyft/Taxi route.

Looking for a possible visit to Kennedy Space Center and wanted to know if there is ground transportation easily accessible for a ride to Kennedy Space Center and then a return to the port. I’m assuming so, since it is an embarkation port as well, but I’ll be there for a shorex. Anything else I need to know about ground transport? Do I need to get out of the port area in order to catch an Uber or taxi?

If you’re a non smoker, how are you finding this ship in terms of smell of tobacco? I’ve heard mixed reviews about even areas that are off limits to smokers, will still have a smell of smoke.

Asking here as I’m sure someone will know this. For the Atac Metro, can you change from Metro A to Metro B without going through turnstiles? From what I’ve read, the 1.5 euro tickets allow for only one validation at a metro station but unlimited buses for 100 minutes. Trying to figure out the best way to go from Vatican to Colosseo. I’m thinking MA from Ottaviano to Termini and the transfer to MB to go from Termini to Colosseo. Is this viable?

Thank @VMax1700 The X80 bus fare is for 24 hours I believe. When it takes you into Athens, can you then use the same fare to go on other buses in land? It seems to read that way but I want to confirm my understanding. We will not need to go back to Piraeus but would like to see Piraeus first before heading to Athens.

It looks like Enchanted Princess docks at E12. Does that mean the X80 doesn't swing by there to pick up cruise passengers? We will be ending our cruise there but see that it's a 40 minute walk to the train station. Our initial plan was to walk around Piraeus before finding the train to Athens. What's the "touristy" area of Piraeus to head to? We could probably make it work if there were sights to see on the walk vs just heading to the train.

Very helpful @Hlitner

Definitely understand that part @MeHeartCruising Thanks! My concern was going up and down Vesuvio. I'm open to flaws and suggestions on my current thinking. Off the ship and right to the Circumvesuviana train. 40 minute ride to Pompeii to explore. Leave Pompeii to Ercolano and take the Vesuvio Express bus.

We’ll be in Naples for a day and want to visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Does any one know if there are taxis or buses that originate from Mount Vesuvius to take you down to Naples? I’d rather not have someone waiting for us as I’m unsure of how long we’ll want to be there. What about bus options if you don’t book the bus from the base?

Thanks @cruisemom42 Has anyone used the audio guides there? Are they good for some basics? Maybe I’ll find an app to use on our phones instead?

Hope you don't mind if I ask a question of the experts. Some of the tour operators are offering a Pompeii guide in addition to the tour fee. Are there guides on site that you can just pick and have them take you inside and talk about the site? I understand the guides need to be certified in order to do so. If the above is available, does anyone know the cost of such guide at the site?

Thanks euro cruiser. Am I correct about the walk from one entrance to another in terms of time? Do we need to have a guide for the Vatican museums? Could a downloaded app suffice?