keesu89

Beach was a ten minute walk for us. It is very easy to find, and there is a sidewalk all the way. There are serveral access points along the beach, but all have relatively steep steps. The beach itself is fairly long and narrow, water was lovely in September, clear and had a long gradual entry.

Enjoy.

We were there last September and had a lovely day. We did a hoho bus tour, walked the market, then returned to the ship, got our beach gear and walked back to the nearby beach. It was a great day, very low key and low cost. This was a new port for us, and it was a very pleasant surprise, we loved it.

Has anyone stayed in the Marriott by the airport? I was thinking of staying there because I could use points and it would be free. I will be arriving late and leaving early, so only sleeping there.

 

 

 

Thanks.

Yep stayed there two years ago, it was very poor. We chose it for the same reason, never again. Room poor, access challenging because of stairs to the elevator, tough with post cruise luggage, No shuttle from train station as expected, so had to find a cab, also not easy. Then due to timing stuck there for dinner, which was the worst we have had in many travel meals. Only positive note was service in the restaurant was pleasant, unfortunately it didn't make up for a meal that was inedible.

We were there last fall. Loved this stop, even though it rained. We took a hoho bus right at the port, got off when we wanted to wander and back on when we were done. Worked out great. Lots of fun back alleys to wander, beautiful buildings and lots of atmosphere. We found it to be a very comfortable and beautiful city. Enjoy!

We have also used these people twice. Once arranged by another cc member, and last fall I made the booking. Two different guides, both absolutely excellent. We had the best day of our trip with Them last year. Tour for four of us, very personalized, exceeded all our expectations. Would use them in a heartbeat if we were in their area again.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Same here. When I try to add the cruise in My Celebrity it says this: Exception in com.rccl.command.ebiz.GetBookingOwnershipCommand... whatever that means :mad:.

 

 

 

The way I look at it is, you've taken my deposit, give me access to my cruise. That's only fair. I don't feel like my cruise is booked until I can see it in My Celebrity... I particularly don't like to log in and see "MY RESERVATIONS" with nothing listed under it... :(

We have had the same problem, and our cruise leaves in September, so it is unlikely the site will be fixed by then. I did manage to get confirmation of all we had ordered over the phone, and got the rep to email me that confirmation. I will be carrying the paper record to reduce the chances of problems on board.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We are in our fifties and did exactly this last fall. It was manageable, but difficult largely because of the stairs in the station at Civitavecchia . We were ok getting seats, but the train did get crowded, even on a Saturday morning.

We will do the train again next time we return, but not with a large bag and a carry on each. Your other option might make for an easier trip. We found Termini in Rome no problem to navigate at all.

Enjoy.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Just to add to the discussion, you can book private tours in this area. We did a private tour from Messina a couple of years ago, and I believe our available time was similar. Loved it, and when we were back last year used the same tour company but out of Catania this time, and again loved it. The two tours were different, different guides, both absolutely what we expected, and well worth the money.

Last year we were with another couple who had not been there before, it was their favourite day of the cruise. So a bug yes to Taromina.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I am of the other view. We arrived early am one day pre cruise and decided to go directly to Southampton. Stayed at the Premier Inn and walked the old town, had a great dinner at a local pub and had a no stress boarding the next day. We found Southampton very interesting and did not regret our decision. There is no way we could do London in a day and do it justice. That is for another holiday:)

Hi Christine Frances:

Looks like you did exactly what we will be doing in the fall. Would you mind letting me know what your travel arrangements to Southampton were? We are thinking of National Express on the morning of our arrival from Canada, and I am wondering about booking now, to ensure we have a ticket.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We have also used vrbo for a place in Rome last fall. Location was great, just off Piazza Barberini. There are lots listed, and if you narrow it down and check the reviews on the site you will find lots of info. Operators are often open to answering questions. As the previous poster said, do check the listings and reviews carefully, there are sometimes additional charges.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Try looking at Adriatic cruises was well, they sometimes do Malta, and a number of stops in Italy.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Hi Mermen

We still have not booked anything, but we are leaning towards a Celebrity excursion, perhaps the one that is mostly on your own but does Pisa which we have not seen. We are still holding out for a bit. How about you guys.

If you have any other questions about the France stop ask away. We loved that particular day, a real cruising high point, and we are really looking forward to going back.

Since we have some tine, and we know things are close we will be doing that port as a DIY port. We are actually doing almost all the ports on this trip DIY.

Keesu

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Hi Mermen,

We are on your cruise, we've chatted on roll call. We have done Nice, and Eze, and Monaco in one stop a few ears ago. We did her a private guide shared among three couples. It was one f our best cruise days ever. It was easier because we had a guide, however I have read that you can manage on your own. If I had to make a choice I would drop Monaco . Nice was truly lovely, has a fabulous flower market, great foodie area with local food, wine , olive oil and little cafés . The flower market is best in the morning, by the time we got to it some vendors had left. Old town Nice is beautiful to look at, as is Eze. Stunning views.

We actually docked at Monaco, drove to Nice, walked around, had a lunch at a local place recommended by the guide, then drove up to Eze , sightseeing and stops for pictures on the way, toured the perfume factory, then Eze and then back to Monaco to board the ship. I believe we were on land from about 11:00 to 6:00.

Hope this helps.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We travelled the reverse of this route last fall, so perhaps I can help. Bags are stored in a bin at the end of some cars or with you at your feet if they are small enough. some people actually stuck theirs in other seats. It was a saturday morning out of Civitavecchia so not crowded. There is a set of steps from the tracks up to the station in Civatevicchia, then about a ten to fifteen minute walk to the port entrance. In Termini the platforms are below ground, but there are elevators and ramps as I recall. The lighter and smaller your bags are the better.

Also a heads up, we took the train from Rome to Venice last year, and we had to stow the bags where we could not watch them. We were forewarned on CC to secure bags to the rack with a luggage cable lock which we did and we had no problem and peace of mind for the trip. For the small cost of the lock and small added weight I woulld do this again for sure.

Enjoy your trip.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We did the Rome to Venice trip last October, to board our cruise. It worked very well, train ride was lovely, very economical. We bought tickets online in advance. It does pay to watch the prices, and act fast if you see a price you like. Discount tickets go fast. We went in early October and I purchased tickets in August or September. I was only able to get one of four tickets for rock bottom price.

One other factor to consider is carrying your cruise luggage. Packing light would be wise.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I called Celebrity about this yesterday, and was told that when you purchase the package they select the venue for your first night, you choose the time. Apparently once on board the maitre d contacts you to arrange the remaining nights, places and times. There is a limit on how many times you go to each place. My understanding is that on Eclipse it is twice in Tuscan grill and Qusine, and once to Murano. Hope this helps.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We have booked the five dinner package, gives a good discount off the price. We know that we will eat at these places, so the package works well for us. The package gives you five meals at either Qsine, Murano or Tuscan Grill)

Did you find that Celebrity booked you in for your first dinner on the first night of the cruise? We have also booked the 5 dinner package, but were hoping to use it later in the cruise, and to take advantage of any first nigh discounts they might be offering? Does anyone know if this can be done?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

While the train is easy and cheap, I agree with Hank regarding meeting a guide in Rome. That could prove to be challenging especially if you do t really know where you are going, or who you are meeting. Might be easier for the peace of mind to have the tour operator pick you up at the pier. We have done this option in a few other ports and have had a positive experience each time.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We have used Sicilylife also and both times have had excellent experiences. Small, personalized, efficient and friendly. Would book with them again in a minute.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Did Dubrovnik last October, weather was beautiful, perfect for sightseeing. I think fall will be our preferred time for the med in the future.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We did the apartment choice precruise last fall. Fabulous. We were with another couple, so this put some limits on our choices because of numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms we wanted. We had a terrace, which was lovely, enough room to enjoy, and most important we were right in the centre of things off the piazza Barberini. We were able to walk virtually everywhere we wanted. Would highly recommend VRBO as a source, but would also warn you do need to do your research carefully to avoid extra costs for things like cleaning and internet, and occasionally air conditioning. We would absolutely make this choice again.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We did the train option last October. Very inexpensive, but as Hank said you do need to manage your luggage. There are stairs at the station at both ends. We went on a Saturday so trains were not crowded, you might want to consider that depending on what day it will be. Couldn't beat the cost though.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Thanks for the info Hank. I had a feeling that here might be an issue, we shall just have to see when we are there. Not really a big issue, just thought it might be nice, the flowers were so lovely last time we were there.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Does anyone out there know if flowers purchased in the Nice flower market can be brought back on board a Celebrity ship?

Sent from my iPad using Forums