jmb4534

Our cruise arrives in Quebec City on a Sunday. I was wondering if Basilica Notre Dame de Quebec, or Notre Dame des Victoires are walkable from the ship (hoping that we are docked at pier 21 or 22). Can you tell me approx. how far the churches are from the dock? I would like to attend one of the morning masses at the Basilica if possible. Thank you for any insight on this.

Prices are always high in January as it’s peak cruise season with peak occupancy. Also, Fri-Sat are much higher than Sun-Thurs.

Prices are crazy expensive in Ft Lauderdale Nov-April, even when no events are going on. I’ve had success getting lower prices, even at peak times, by using Hotwire and Priceline Express.

You just need to constantly monitor prices and get ready to pounce when you see a price you like. You won’t know the name of the hotel until after you pay, but you can choose the star rating and the region you want to stay, so you will have a little control.

Thanks. I was just wondering if there was maybe a sporting event or something that would cause the prices to be so high. I've booked a comfort suites ($277) for one night. I'll keep looking for a price drop or do Priceline or value trip closer to our cruise.

Can anyone tell me why hotel prices in FLL are so high for January 2019? I looked at Sunny.org to see if there was anything going on, but there was nothing there. Prices for January 5, 2019 are twice what I paid last year. :o:oThanks!

Thanks for the replies. Maybe if our roll call gets a little more active I can get a group together.

We've booked the "St John, Bay of Fundy Top 10" excursion on our Sept 7, 2018 cruise on Adventure of the Seas. We would really prefer a private tour, but it seems that all the guides I've researched have a set fee for a van of 6 or more people. Are there taxis at the port who can be hired for the day? If so, has anyone had experience with doing this? Thanks for your help.

Yes, there is a dining patio area between the Windjammer and the main pool.

Thanks so much for your reply. Your posts have been very helpful to us. The ship reminds me of the "olden days" when we sailed on Commodore Cruise Line out of New Orleans. We love the smaller ships, but will surely miss a balcony this time.

That's it folks! If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Thank you for sharing your photos. We are in the May 29 sailing out of Tampa. Are there any outdoor dining areas? On a lot of ships you can access tables outdoors from the buffet area. (but on those ships the Windjammer was aft) Thanks!

We stayed at ES on 17th Jan 2 & 3rd. The service at this hotel is awesome. The breakfast was cooked to order and the evening reception was really nice.

If you like a really GOOD hamburger, be sure to try Gilbert's. After 10 days of unidentifiable food on the Serenade of the Seas, that was the BEST burger & fries in the world! We also enjoyed the "real" food at Outback.

We stayed at Embassy Suites three days ago. There was a pamphlet for Sawgrass Mills. It stated that there was a shuttle. Roundtrip was $30/pp. There is a concierge desk in the lobby, I guess you sign up there. Hope this helps.

We spent 2 wonderful days with Michael in February 2009 while we were on our 46-day repositioning cruise on the Mariner of the Seas. He is without a doubt the BEST guide we have ever had on all of our vacations. Travelling with Michael was like being shown around town by a good friend or relative. It was relaxed and easy from the minute we got into his car. We let him be the boss and show us HIS Valparaiso and surrounding area and we were NOT disappointed. I was also amazed at how he knew all of these people who would let him bring us into their homes while the people on the tour buses were standing out on the sidewalks! I wish all tours could be this good.

boards,

Do you recall what port you were in? I think most cruise lines have pretty similar excursions. Thanks

Thanks Bev! I really appreciate your help. Janelle

Sharon - try http://www.nzadventuretours.com or http://www.akaroafarmtours.com. I tried to book with nzadventuretours (this could be done in 1/2 day), but the farm tour for the day I wanted was already full. The Akaroa Farm Tour sounds great, but it is all day.

Bev - Thanks for the info. Is this the "Akaroa Scenic Tour" that includes a stop at a farm? I didn't see that in the description. But then I did just skim the info. The price looks reasonable. I don't want to have to get a group together, but I certainly don't mind going with a group of nice people! Do you know if it is a bus or large van?

Thank you! Janelle

I need some advice from some of you New Zealand natives, please. On our upcoming cruise I would really like to see a working sheep farm and I think I've found what I'm looking for with the "Akaroa Farm Tour". If I can find another couple to join us I think the price is reasonable. Not cheap, but much less than an all day ship tour. They will transport from the pier and back. My concern is that if we choose to do this tour it will take ALL of our day in Christchurch. I've heard that the drive to Akaroa is spectacular though. In your opinions, is this trip worth the time and money?

Thank you, Janelle