starskyfan

I don't have too much to add but figured I'd share what I learned from my CVP.  He spoke to his sales manager and she said they are still working out the promotion, only certain voyages qualify (mine does not) but they are adding to the list.  

I'll be on Royal Princess on 9th May doing my talk in the evening and running an info desk the following morning. When I disembark, I'll check with the people on the pier how it's gone and report back.

 

 

 

Yes Lothian buses runs 3 different routes. It probably demonstrates what a big concern they are. The Edinburgh Tour has a live commentary but only in English and because of that, it's the one I prefer. It gives you a good overview of the Old and New Towns. (remember the New Town is 250 years old! The Majestic Tour is wider-ranging and goes out as far as Newhaven and Leith where there are cruise ports too. This line allows you to visit The Botanic Gardens and Royal Yacht Britannia as well as part of the city centre. The City Sightseeing (red bus) also covers the Old and New Towns in a different order and has a recorded commentary in lots of different languages. If you buy the £20 ticket you can choose to do one of these routes and they all start 5 minutes downhill from the bus station. Here's a link to the official website which will explain the routes in more detail. You're not offered The Three Bridges Tour because it's aimed at bringing people out to Queensferry from the city. Queensferry is a small but very characterful town.

Thank you, this makes a lot more sense to me now. I couldn't see the link but with all your other info I was able to find it, and see all the different maps which is great! I definitely appreciate the help. Brenda

I'm just a little confused on the HOHO portion of the ticket. Is it one bus company (Lothian) that has 3 routes, or are there 3 different companies we can use. I see the "City Sightseeing" bus logo on the bottom of the flier. That's the company I was going to purchase originally, and the only company where I actually found a map of their route. It also shows "Edinburgh Tour" and "Majestic Tour" logos as well. Are they all owned by Lothian? Can anyone clarify?

Thanks, Brenda

Continuing with my preliminary planning!

 

I have looked at several websites for excursions for Belfast to Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede. It doesn't appear any of them include crossing, just a picture stop. Has anyone had any luck finding a company that offers the crossing? I've looked at Odyssey, Finn McCool, McCombs, and a couple others.

Check Odyssey again....the one we signed up for says we stop there for an hour and 15 minutes. While it's not included in the price of the tour, I was told it will be 8 GPB if we want to cross. Now I'm not sure they will guarantee we will have the time or not, especially if what everyone is saying is true, but the intent is to have enough time to cross. Send them an email and see what they say. Brenda

https://odysseycoachtours.co.uk/giants-causeway-cruise-tours/

Thank you everyone! You've given me a lot to think about. I had read about the free tour guides and was considering that option as well. I'll check into it further, as well as the Suica cards. I did not know about the hyperdia.com site so that is helpful too. Happy to hear that getting to Asakusa is easy to get to from Ueno, in case we do use the JR Yamanote line.

Thanks again, Brenda

I've read how difficult figuring out the public transportation in Tokyo can be. I'm trying to be prepared to avoid wasting time. I watched a video on the JR Yamanote line and it looks like I can get almost everywhere I want to go on it, with the exception of the Asukasa station (for the Skytree and Senso-ji temple). If I buy the day pass for the Yamonote line, what would I need to get from Ueno station to Asukasa and would that be a difficult transfer? Or is there another day pass that will give me everything I want? I've looked at all the transportation websites and I'm totally confused as to what I need to buy. I know taxi's are expensive but I'm wondering if a taxi for that portion might not be a bad idea. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks so much, Brenda

Thank you both. I totally forgot it was a tender port. And 3-4 hours on a bus is definitely out of the question.

MMDown Under, thanks for the extra notes. That gives me something to work with. I'll be happy to do a cruise but also like to get out and explore on foot.

I appreciate the input.

Brenda

I'm trying to research this port and frankly not coming up with too much information, especially on cruise critic. Apparently it's quite a distance to Hanoi so I'm not sure if that is feasible with a 10am to 8pm timeframe. Our excursions aren't open yet so I can't even see if Princess will offer this option but I am curious. Other tours I have seen seem to start at 7am.

Other than Hanoi, it looks like a cruise around Halong Bay is the thing to do. Does anyone have any experience with this or any other suggestions for this port?

Also any private tour company recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Brenda

We did a Mt Fuji day trip that the pick up was from your hotel (booked thru viator) which was great.

 

Whilst we stayed in Shinjuku, we tried a number of tiny local restaurants, choosing our meals from pictures and at one place, eating local food. It was a great experince

 

We have been to Japan twice both times staying in Shinjuku and just caught the train to Yokohama ourselves.

The trains from Shinjuku to Nihon Odori (station near Yokohama's Osanbashi pier) would cost you less than US$ 10 per person, and would take about 60 minutes.

 

JR train from Shinjuku to Shibuya; 15 minutes, 240 yen.

Toyoko Line from Shibuya to Nihon Odori; 29 minutes, 450 yen.

 

Nihon Odori station is a 10 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride from Osanbashi cruise terminal.

 

QUOTE

Thanks for the information, it's all very helpful! I was thinking about a Mt Fuji excursion too so that is good to know.

I can't even imagine how hard its going to be to eat there. Picking meals from a photo might be the only way. I really only eat chicken so as long as I get that I'll probably be happy. It will be an adventure for sure.

Brenda

Hi Brenda, No unfortunately it was not included, and actually the breakfast we at the hotel for three mornings was actually the most expensive meals we had the whole time in Japan. The Buffet and Cafe were both about $48.00 for two for breakfast, although I will say they were very good especially the buffet. We live in Las Vegas so a breakfast buffet at one of the high end hotels would be that much as well. We took a walk in the area the morning we left for the ship and found most things do not open up till 10 or 11 in the morning which was surprising although about 2 blocks from the hotel was a McDonalds. We had already eaten breakfast but that was one of the few things opened at 10 in the morning. There is a department start that is quite nice not too far and we had hoped to do some last minute shopping there but due to needing to be back at the hotel for the shuttle to Yokohama we did not get to do this.

Thanks Lisa, that's all good to know. We are usually early risers so it could be rough if things don't open until 10 or 11. I'll have to buy something to have in the room as $48 for breakfast is a little steep, especially when I don't care that much for breakfast. I might be willing to try it once though just for convenience. Otherwise if I have to wait until 10 or 11 might as well wait for lunch:). Brenda

Thanks so much for your report and the photos. It looked like a wonderful trip! I'm sure I will refer back to it several times in my planning. We will be doing the 20 day cruise next year and flying into Narita. One quick question, do you remember if the hotel breakfast was included in the Princess package? Thanks, Brenda

Thank you both so much, you have made my decision much easier. It definitely sounds like a great location and a nice hotel. Perhaps I will book 4 nights instead of 3:D.

Laffnvegas, thanks for the photos too. The toilet looks complicated (lol). I will definitely look for your report.

Much appreciation for taking the time to post. This is truly a big help.

Brenda

For those who have booked this hotel with Princess, can you tell me your experience? For anyone who has stayed here, how is the location as far as walking to attractions? I know I could do everything cheaper on my own, but for a place like Tokyo I'm wondering if letting Princess take care of everything might be my best bet. Other than the cost, my main hesitation is that sometimes the Princess hotels aren't really located where I want to be. I'm just starting my research so at this point I don't really know what the best location is. I'm thinking of 3 nights pre-cruise. The ship leaves from Yokohama which is another reason I thought letting Princess handle the transfers was a good idea. I have not been to this part of the world before so any input or suggestions are very much appreciated.

Thanks, Brenda

@Brenda, yes, you are correct. In any case, I insist: your inward flight is not affected by security checks!... you do those only at the airport of origin.

Thank you Eric and yes I know, but good to be prepared for what we may see or walk into just the same. Plus, we do have to fly home eventually and as of right now our date was not on the list so hope that part stays the same. Actually I hope it's all settled before too long for everyone's sake.

Brenda

Hi Eric,

Do you have any updates on the strike? I've searched the internet and the only article I could find leads me to believe they aren't striking at least until Oct 6th now. Is that true? Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Brenda

On our previous trips, you could use a timed/reserve ticket on an earlier boat of the same company if space was availalbe. I will emphasize that there are 2 different companies (SNAV and NLG) and, in the past, they would not honor each other's tickets. However, this may or may not still be the case (things in Italy are always changing). We recently noticed that both SNAV and NLG are now owned by the same company (Gescab) so we have wondered if they will now honor each other's tickets. We will have to wait for the answer until we get back to Naples...or somebody else posts the current policy.

Keep in mind that wise traveler always checks the current policy. So the day you take the trip, ask at the ticket window (and hope they speak English). You can also ask the ticket collector...as you board the first boat.

Hank

Thanks Hank! If I learn anything I will let you know, but we don't go until October. Like I said it's doubtful we'd have reason to leave early anyway, but I'll probably want to book the latest we feel comfortable with so you never know. If we finish up early I wouldn't mind taking a look around the Naples port which is something we've never done. But somehow I doubt my feet are going to like that idea after a day in Capri!

Brenda

I have found an incredible amount of usefulinformation as I've been searching this forum for ideas on Capri. There is one question I haven't seen asked,or if it was, I missed it. Let's say Ibuy a 4:30pm return trip on the Hyrdofoil and discover at 3pm I am ready tohead back, will they let you change if there is availability? I don't really expect this to happen, butwould be nice to know if it is possible.

My last trip to Capri was on a ship excursionwhich also included many other stops so I plan to do it all myself this time,weather dependent of course.

Thanks so much,

Brenda

Yup, I just noticed today that on our Sept cruise the 2 Turkey stops have been replaced with Kotor and Katakolon.

We are seriously considering forgoing the dining room on our upcoming trip. We just want to relax & possibly not dress up at all. I'm not sure yet if we will. I don't know what other food options there are on the Triumph. It doesn't look like they have a buffet style dining area anywhere.

My advice would be to sign up for 'mytime' dining and the check out the buffet first to see if you are happy with the choices. That's what I will do if I ever take another Carnival Cruise. On another cruise line we always eat at the buffet, but the choices were limited on Carnival and honestly the buffet food at dinner was just not up to par. We decided to check out the dining room and there was a huge improvement! It's a pretty casual atmosphere (I don't like to dress up) as I'm sure others have probably mentioned. I'm not sure what the Triumph has, but we loved Guy's Burgers and the Iguana place for tacos and burritos. They close at 6pm so you have to eat early if you want them for dinner. Pizza is 24/7 and we enjoyed that too! Whatever you decided, have fun!

What were you're thoughts about the Pride? There was so much more we wanted to do, but also ran out of time. What did you do while in Bermuda? I also heard there was another "Glass Beach" nearer St. George.

I really liked the ship, it's the perfect size for me, and I will definitely take it again going back to Bermuda. Guy's Burgers and the Iguana place were a real treat for us, but we typical sail Princess and the food overall was not what we are used to, especially the buffet. And my husband was not impressed with the desserts (lol). We are early risers and early to bed and found most things were definitely geared to the late crowd. The shows we did see (88 Keys, Heart of Soul, 80's pop to the Max) were fine. Definitely not comparable to Princess but I liked the music so they were good enough for me.

The day we arrived in Bermuda we did a private tour of the island which ran from 10 to 4 and we covered a lot. That evening we did the Gosling's Rum cruise which was really fun.

The next morning we took a snorkeling Catamaran Cruise. We purchased it at the pier, not through Carnival. Everyone seemed to have a good time. I loved it but I don't snorkel. Others said the snorkeling was okay but not overly impressive compared to other places they have been. From there we took the $7 shuttle to and from Horseshoe Beach and that was a blast. Beach was packed, but plenty of room in the water which is where we spent our time. Gorgeous water and fun waves, everyone was glad we made the decision to go there. Next time I'd probably go earlier though rather than afternoon. Although next time there are other beaches I would like to try. Maybe go beach hopping one day:).

And the last day we just walked around the port and shopped in the clock tower. We had planned to go to Snorkel Park like you did, and really wish we had, but some of us weren't up for it after being wiped out from the previous days activities.

Not sure when we'll go back, but we definitely will! Brenda

Thanks for your excellent review! I've made some notes for the next time we get to Bermuda.....we were on the same cruise as you and I didn't know Glass Beach was so close. There just wasn't enough time to see or do everything and I really want to go back. Brenda

Can anyone tell me if it's easy to get a snorkel excursion on the spur of the moment, or is it important to book in advance? I'm thinking by the time we decide what we want to do, the ships tours are likely to be sold out, so was wondering if it's easy to just walk up someplace (and where would that be) without a reservation and get on a boat. A reputable boat I might add (lol). Any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks in advance. Brenda

A private food tour?! That sounds interesting. Can you let us know how it was when you. return.

I told you I'd let you know how the food tour went and then I almost forgot. We've only been home a couple weeks though. We had a great time.

We did the Signature Taco tour through Vallarta Eats and it was fantastic. There was no shortage of food for sure and everything we ate was really good. My only complaint was that not every food truck had seating, which is to be expected, but with bad feet it was difficult to stand around so much.

Aside from several tacos stands we stopped at a bakery and tortilla factory, and ended the day at an ice cream place and candy store. If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to answer them, but if you are thinking of doing something like this I'd highly recommend it.

I've cut and pasted this from a post I just made, but feel that it is germane to this thread, as well:

The "private" food tour is fun, and we have done it. However, it is with a group, and we were hustled from place to place, and like every "tour" we've ever been on, we stopped at "select" locations with the expectations that we would buy stuff.

I would suggest just grabbing a cab at the cruise docks and have them deliver you to the new dock in old town ($12US for up to four passengers, just a bit more for a van that holds 10.) From there, wander up the Malecon towards the cruise docks. You will find a lot of great restaurants and Cantinas to stop at, and a bunch of places to shop, all right along the beach, and at your leisure, with no rush. If you grow tired on the return, or are running late, just grab a cab back to your ship.

If you walk out to the highway at the cruise docks, you can save (maybe) $2.00US on the cab, but we just grab a cab at the docks.

Thanks for your input. I can understand the rushing around, but what exactly are they trying to sell you?

A private food tour?! That sounds interesting. Can you let us know how it was when you. return.

I sure will!