cruisinginmay

Be aware that the US Department of State has issued a level 2 travel advisory for Germany. This may or may not affect your desire to visit tourist locations or transportation hubs.  We are scheduled to dock at Warnemunde and Kiel in September but have not yet decided what to do. We do not plan to go to Berlin, mainly because of the transportation time.

Thanks everyone for your input. I do realize that Etretat and Bayeux are opposite directions, but Etretat is only a 30 minute drive north of Le Havre, and who knows if I will ever get back to this area!  I figure getting off the ship at 9:00 leaves plenty of time to visit Etretat, then drive to Bayeux. However, we will readdress our itinerary. Still want to have time for day trips to Normandy beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel (separate days).

We will be disembarking in Le Havre in September. Our plan is to get a car service to take us to Etretat from the ship, then drive us to Bayeux. Then we will spend a couple of days in Bayeux, viewing the tapestry, and going to Normandy beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel.  Looking for recommendations for 1- car service to Etretat and Bayeux, 2- Hotel in Bayeux, and 3- Tour operators for excursions to Normandy beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel.  Thanks for your suggestions!

We have been in a suite/Haven suite 5 times. Sometimes, we rarely see or use the concierge. But on our Iceland cruise, the concierge made himself visible every day at breakfast. Got us quick debarkation at the ports. But the best was when Iceland immigration came on board the ship and all passengers had to have their passports checked. Passengers were called by suites, then by decks. We were off the ship on an excursion when the suites were called so we called our concierge when we were back on the ship and met him at the venue. He literally walked us past more than 100 passengers waiting in line right to the front.  That alone made being in a suite worthwhile!

1 hour ago, Turtles06 said:

Have a great crossing!

 

We’d certainly love to hear your thoughts about any changes made during the dry dock. 

 

And if you are able to find out whether the tub/shower combo in the Club Balcony Suites and the Penthouse Suites have been replaced by stall showers, lots of folks would appreciate knowing. 
 

Thanks and enjoy your cruise!

Thanks!

I haven’t been on the Gem before, so don’t have anything to compare it to.  I’ll try to find out about the tubs/showers, but we are staying in the 2 bedroom suite so not sure I’ll find out,

I’m going to be on the Gem when it leaves Barcelona on the 8th. Just curious - does a whole new crew board after dry dock, or have some or most been around during dry dock?  Not sure what they would do!

Yes. Or you can take one as you are checking in and use that.

We didn’t plan to leave Reykjavik the day we docked, but NCL kept encouraging passengers to take their shuttle instead of a cab. Around 8:00 am, there was a line of about 100 people waiting, and cabs arriving about 1 every 5 minutes.  Someone told us they were in line 2 hours to get a cab to their hotel.  So definitely plan to take the shuttle.

Caffeine Free Diet Coke!  It’s my drink of choice.

Thank you all!

No, I am thinking about the courtyard. I’m pretty sure the sun deck would be too cold at that time of year. With the roof closed, does it keep the area somewhat warm?

We are considering the Gem Transatlantic cruise this December. Does anyone know how warm the courtyard would be at that time?  Warm enough to spend time out there reading or just relaxing?

We used Rome in Limo. They can tailor your tour to exactly what you want. They picked us up at the ship, drove us around, and arranged a guide for the Colosseum. Not sure what the cost would be for 3, but taking you door to door for exactly what you want to see makes the best use of your time.

Thank you!

We (group of 4) will be in Iceland in August, visiting Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Reykjavik.  I’m looking for small group or private tours for those ports. Our group includes 1 who has mobility issues (but not in a wheelchair).  We would rather not rent a vehicle and do the driving ourselves. Any recommendations?

I have stayed in the 2nd bedroom multiple times.  Not very large, but adequate for 1 adult.  Also, you have the living room for during the day, so not confined to the small room except at night.

We (brother & sister-in-law, sister, and me) have stayed in the 2BR 3 times and it worked really well for us.  Brother & sister-in-law use the master, I have stayed in the 2nd bed (did ask for egg crate mattress because I thought the bed was very hard) and sister enjoyed the couch.  2nd bedroom is small, but really all you do is sleep in it.  And with no windows, it is nice and dark!  Booked again for 2021 (hopefully!!!).

Thanks for sharing. We’ll be on 2 weeks from today!

You can purchase the Cruise Next certificates on board, but you don't have to book the cruise at that time.  You have 4 years to use them.

Following!  Thanks for the review!  We are on this cruise in September.

We were able to book Haven, but I think we called to do it.

Thank you, Danish Viking.  We have decided that although it is likely we could make the flight, it will just be too stressful and will go for something later.

2 hours ago, Danish viking said:

If you can leave a the port at that time then it shouldn't be a problem.

 

I'm guessing you have to check your luggage in so arrival no later at 9 at the airport should be ideal. 

 

Then you have to get from the pier at around 8:15

 

If your flight is outside the Schengen area (GB, USA, Canada, Dubai, etc) then add 20 minutes or so for passport control. 

 

And notice that if you fly with Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair and the likes then your gate is located 10-15 minutes away on foot. 

Thank you, Danish Viking.  We are considering the  SAS flight to Newark (US).  I agree it’s doable, although possibly a bit more stress than I would like.

I am on the NCL Getaway docking in Copenhagen on a Wednesday morning.  Scheduled arrival is 7:00 am. If I walk off with my luggage, is it safe to book a 10:25 am flight, or would that be cutting it too close?

What currency do you use to tip the guide and driver in SPB?  I saw something that said customary tip is 10% to the guide and 5% to the driver.  I usually tip in cash.