SoBaycruiser

4 hours ago, edinburgher said:

And in  Valletta, ships usually sail further in and do a twirl before docking in order to be facing the way out for a faster and easier sail out. (that is what we have experienced on our calls there )

 

If you were ever privileged to sail into and out of Venice back in the day, you will know the difference between the sail in and the sail out.

 

 

Thanks for the added info.  We’ve only been to Venice on a land based trip, and I was thinking of our most recent cruise when we sailed out of Sydney.  The evening sun was setting on the Opera house and downtown area.  It was beautiful.  Looking at the map I can see now we’d have similar situation with the morning sun lighting the city as we approach.  In addition, I just realized we have a late departure so it will be dark as we depart.  We now know to be prepared to get up and enjoy the sail in.

2 hours ago, marazul said:

You are heading into the harbour and viewing all the towns around it. They also go in slower than going out so you have more time to admire the dramatic setting.

Thanks!

On 5/24/2024 at 3:17 PM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

The Kirk-ease wedges were cute but I didn’t see silver either. I really want white (or maybe pink) because it would match several dresses I’m taking. I am leaning toward just buying something in Rome. 

Things may have changed in the last decade, but I thought the Italian shoes were quite narrow.  While buying shoes in Italy might sound like fun, it also will put pressure on you if you are counting on them at the beginning of your trip.

On 5/14/2024 at 7:39 AM, edinburgher said:

Europe is not the area to visit if you want to avoid crowds who are there in large numbers even during what used to be considered "low season". At least the heat in October will be more comfortable than it would be in August for example.

 

 

 

We will be in southern Italy the last week of October and my understanding is that the coastal city temperatures average from 19-22 C that time of year.  It’s hard to pack for that because it’s right between hot and cold …if the temps vary by more than a few degrees.  I was surprised to see you mention the “ heat in October”.  What would you expect people to be wearing at the end of October?  I understand there are no guarantees.  But there are recorded temperatures and there are “feels like temperatures”.  Your comment has me questioning what I should pack.

Just noticed you are from Edinburgh.  You probably think all those temperatures are warm!😅

On 2/20/2024 at 6:25 AM, edinburgher said:

 

 

And do plan to be up on deck a little under an hour before arrival into the Grand Harbour as it is one of the most scenic arrivals of anywhere in the world. Forward or starboard facing for the best views. Local boat trips of the GH are available although you will already see it twice when arriving and departing.

I’ve read this multiple times about being on deck for sail-in.  Any reason why this is better than sail out?  

My ancestor was a Swiss mercenary fighting in the British Army against Napoleon.  I know he was stationed in Malta in 1801 and 1803.  I was wondering if there is a museum or anything to visit specific to the Napoleonic Wars in Valletta… or would they drather forget that era?

4 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

I did see something on that website with a little wedge. I’ve never worn that brand, not sure how much arch support they offer. I could try them in person. 

I have a super high arch and felt they provided nice support (for a sandal).

4 hours ago, euro cruiser said:

It's actually quite easy to get to Naples by train, as long as you can handle your own luggage.  The fast solution is a Frecce from Civitavecchia to Rome, followed by another Frecce to Naples.  The slower option is an IC direct from Civitavecchia to Naples, no change en route.

 

The fast option departs Civitavecchia at 9:16 and, after a change at Rome Termini, arrives to Napoli Cenrale at 11:33, total travel time of two hours, seventeen minutes.

 

The slower option departs Civitavecchia at 9:24 and arrives to Napoli Centrale at 12:29, total travel time of three hours, five minutes.

Thank you!  That’s really helpful.  So do we take a taxi to the train station in Civitavecchia?  I assume it’s better to reserve the train tickets.  Is there a website for the Frecce trains?

Thank you again.

We will debarking in Cevitacchia in late October after a 12 night cruise.  Our penultimate port is Naples but I want to see more of the area than time there will allow.  We’ve been to Rome and cities north before and thought maybe we could return to Naples for a few days after our cruise and then fly home.  We won’t be driving.  We are in our mid-70s and not up for that any more.  The train trip seems complicated from the port to Naples… with three different segments.  It seems like a lot of travel just to spend a few extra days in the area.  Has anyone done this?  Can any suggest a way to simplify the trip?  

On 5/19/2024 at 3:19 PM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

We went shopping today and we were successful in buying everything we still had on our list (clothing wise), except a pair of white sandals that are dressy enough for dinner in a nice dress, but comfortable enough to walk the streets of Rome (and other Italian cities) long enough to walk to a restaurant and maybe do a little shopping. Not something I’d tour in all day. I plan to bring my Brooks and Birkenstocks for major walking. 
 

Edited to add: good arch support is a must for my high arches. 

I wanted something similar for our Spain Intensive.  I did bring walking shoes for long excursions but I wanted something that could fill both roles. I bought a pair of SAS sandals… on sale as they are expensive.  But they are comfortable and can be a little dressier.  I wanted something in the light blues, not white, but here is the type of shoe I’m talking about.

8 hours ago, Kristelle said:

there is also a little open sided train that goes to the historical war site, includes an optional guided tour  which was very good.

 

You would have to be able to cope with a few stairs going underground though

 

https://www.rottnestisland.com/see-do/culture-history/captain-hussey-historical-train-tour?tab=see-do

 

 

Thanks!  Sounds interesting.

13 hours ago, PerfectlyPerth said:

There is info about accessibility options on the official Rottnest website that might get you started on ideas. 
https://www.rottnestisland.com/visit/accessibility

Thank you for the link.  The Hop On Hop Off bus might work for us.  

I heard taxis were about A$45-55 from the airport to downtown.  We arrive on a Saturday morning.  Should we expect less traffic going into downtown at that time?

We will be on a cruise that ends in Freemantle with an overnight before we disembark.  We would like to go to Rottnest Island for the day.  The problem is that I am still recovering from a torn tendon in my ankle.  I have worked hard with PT to get up to walking about 2 km but not much more than that.  I can’t ride bikes nor snorkel with fins.  When I look at options for the visit, I am a bit overwhelmed.  Can anyone suggest a plan for the day that would be a nice lazy visit that wouldn’t require too much walking.

Thanks!

It seems like they are rotating more frequently.  In Sept Capt. Korona was on Journey.  In November it was Capt Filip and now in January it is Capt Korona again.  I’m am assuming he will stay at least through February unless someone has heard otherwise.

Additional question…  Now that I’ve decided to not try to leave the ship early, I have new questions.  If we book a flight that leaves Perth earlier and then have an overnight 12 hr layover in Melbourne, can I assume the following?…

1)our checked luggage will be checked on through to our destination and we will only have access to our carryon in  Melbourne

2) we can leave the terminal and check in at the Park Royal hotel  overnight (across the street.)

3) when we return to the terminal we only need to go through security as I assume we are issued both boarding passes in Perth)

I’ve never had this long of a layover and it only makes sense if you get to take advantage of those hours.  But am I missing some pitfalls

Thank you everyone!  There has been some good advice here. We are flying home from Perth and I have to accept it’s just going to be a very long arduous trip.  We have decided not to leave early and enjoy our last day in port.  
 

I’d like to say that I have a much better appreciation for the effort the Aussies must go through in their travels to the US and Europe.

20 minutes ago, Grandma Cruising said:

We have done it twice in Dubai. Asked them ahead of time and they said probably OK, but need to tell Guest Relations as soon as we get onboard. A lot can depend on local immigration and customs officials. I have heard of people refused this in Lima.

That’s what worries me… “probably” doesn’t work when you have a flight booked that requires early departure from the ship.   This is the Australia intensive cruise so the entire cruise is in the same country.  I would think that would make it easier.  I’d rather email and get their answer in writing but I could only find a phone number for US passengers.

13 minutes ago, uktog said:

You will need to check with Azamara as your luggage/customs clearance would be happening at a time they may not have permission to do it at.  It can be allowed but only Azamara can 100% say yes

Thanks.  Now if I can get a correct answer from them.  They don’t have a great record lately.

To get home from our cruise with the fewest flight stopovers possible, we will have to book a departure flight late in the evening… around 11pm.  Since we have an overnight in our debarkation port, we thought it might make sense to leave the ship the night before and go directly to the airport for the late night flight.  Has anyone done this?  Is it allowed?  Do you just notify guest services and do a walk off?

Any information is appreciated.

On 7/13/2023 at 9:38 AM, jillfeng85 said:

Thank you very much. After the math, I think it is better that we should get the package. But to use OBC for package, we have to wait until we are on board and then use the excursion credit to book excursions. The main downside is that it may be too late to book excursions then especially excursions for the first couple days of the trip?

I am in the same position.  I booked two excursions on the website but didn’t pay for them.  With all the OBC problems, I’m hoping they will hold these bookings until we are on board.  If nothing else it tells them we want to be on it.  No guarantees this will work but it was better than doing nothing I think.

So let me get this straight…. I can only get an Experience More package once I board the ship if I plan to pay for it with OBC, correct?  We have enough OBC for the Experience More Enjoyment package and will get $500 excursion with that package.  But we can’t book the excursions we want until we board and have paid for the package…and by then the excursions may be full.  Sounds like a Catch-22.  It makes no sense.

What is the rationale?  The rep I spoke to made it sound like I was trying to pull a fast one… using credit to buy more credit!  She said the packages could only be paid for with cash on credit.  I didn’t believe that so glad I can at least pay with OBC when we get on board.

On 6/14/2023 at 7:23 AM, beatnix said:

Senior officers in June 2023 on Pursuit

Anyone know when the captain rotates off?  Hoping after our Sept trip.

Here is where Pursuit was docked a few days ago. 

7 hours ago, Mrs Miggins said:

Also on Journey. Went to the wonderful Alcazar yesterday. Tickets booked online before leaving home.   We used their excellent self guided presentation. We used their devices,  but we could have downloaded onto our phones.

This morning I took a short walk to the Plaza America that we saw on our Panoramic Tour yesterday. Saw a wonderful (and free) exhibition in the Museo de Artes featuring modern  costume and fashions with a Spanish flavour plus ceramics, tiles and crafts.   Only a handful of others in this splendid  building unlike yesterday in the Alcazar.

We had a splendid Tapas lunch near the Cathedral yesterday and were serenaded by some of the lovely ‘Tuna’ singers that were our onboard deck entertainers last night.
Weather lovely.  
We have also done the French Chef’s table. First time despite our many previous Azamara cruises. A great time was had by all helped along by excellent food and generous pouring of the excellent paired wines.

We will be in Seville for a day and a half in Sept.  I’ve been debating doing a self guided Alcazar tour or paying for an independent guided tour of both Alcazar or the cathedral.  Does the “self guided” part come with the Alcazar tickets you booked beforehand or is it an extra?  My DH wears hearing aids that bluetooth to his phone.  If he downloaded the self-guided audio, could he listen that way?  How long did the self-guided tour take?