UtterCaro

Don't forget cabfare and driver tips, if you need those.

1 hour ago, karinad said:

 I guess I need some encouragement. I'm not ready to give up cruising.

Please do come on over to the Solo Cruisers subforum.   There's a wealth of information and support there, and some of the nicest posters on Cruise Critic, IMO.  Here's a link:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/279-solo-cruisers/

14 minutes ago, FGJones said:

 

 

I think part of what worries me about a cruise is giving up control of the itinerary.  Another skill I have not learned.

I'm a bit of a "Border collie," too.  (Sounds so much nicer than "control freak," don't you think?)  And I remember being apprehensive about my first cruise ten years ago.  What if I hated it and couldn't get off the ship?  I'd be trapped!  Ack!  Turns out I adored it, and they practically had to pry me off the ship with a crowbar at the end.  Here's hoping you have the same experience. ☺️

3 hours ago, Homosassa said:

Is this not a reboot of a thread by this OP?  The exact same complaint by a poster with a very similar name was started before the shut down for the upgrade.

 

The complainant did not get much support for the complaint on the previous thread and appears to be beating the dead horse again. 

I thought it looked strangely familiar, too.  (Of course, a lot of posts look that way to me after several years on Cruise Critic.)

I tend to pack light.  Best "extra": a back scratcher (I usually cruise solo, and an itch I can't reach is maddening).  Heavy and unnecessary (now ditched): a laptop.  Thank goodness for smartphones!

Is there a skill you'd like to develop but haven't found the time, such as money origami?  Voila, you just found the time.  Or you could organize the photos on your phone, or write letters, or do any number of brief (but not unpleasant to you) tasks that tend to fall through the cracks back home.  Getting small things done can be very relaxing.

You can also expect to hear several reminders about the correct ship time, both over the public address system and as you leave the ship at port stops.

On 10/7/2018 at 6:04 PM, MJC said:

Perhaps I should clarify that TA = transatlantic. I now realize that in context it could also mean TripAdvisor or travel agent.

Thanks for clarifying.  Many of us use TATL to abbreviate transatlantic, because it removes the ambiguity.

If it will make you feel safer, you can take your phone (and cards/money) into the pool with one of these:  https://*****.com/waterproof-phone-bag

Great for port beaches and hotel pools, too.

Another insulin (and Trulicity pen) user who votes for the Frio wallets.  They're great for flight days, too.

Yep, I've noticed, and yep, I care.  (To me, it's not as annoying as not being able to read this thin, small font in a sea of white, but it's still annoying.)

Yayyyy!

Water like food is very subjective. You may like this. Get ready for a good laugh.

 

 

Harry

Literal LOL.

Zentangles could be fun and relaxing, especially with a nautical theme. Nothing sharper than a pen needed.

I love to sip a cup of coffee out on deck and watch the wobblers when the swells are picking up. The trick is timing the sips so I don't end up spilling (and sometimes wearing) my coffee. Note to self: pack tan shirts.

By "glue," I don't mean Crazy Glue. I'm talking more about the Post-it glue.

Glue dots. The half-inch size is just right for attaching peelable bills onto hands. Isn't that on everyone's packing list? :)

Just wanted to offer my heartfelt thanks to the frequent flyers who hang out in this forum, freely dispensing their expertise, advice, and reassurance to "the Kettles" (infrequent flyers, including me, who sometimes find flights/airports/security procedures confusing, if not intimidating). You're performing a true service to the CC community, and I appreciate it. Just for you:

http://

There are lots of different kinds of waterproof bags that one can purchase online to keep your money and cards dry. You can even buy waterproof containers for your cell phones...if you must have them and want to take them into the water

Google "phone dry bag" if you want to see pictures/prices/availability. They're very affordable, and the ones I've bought worked fine. You can test them with a tissue (submerged overnight) before trusting pricey phones in them.

Hope this helps.

It does indeed. The electric bus sounds interesting, and I'm sure it's a lot more affordable than a golf cart tour. (Forgot to mention that I'm on a tight budget. Those tours are outrageous!) Thanks, Knolmom.

You might want to hop over to this board and ask your question. There is a wealth of information:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

Thanks. I'd thought of posting this there, but the Europe Disabled Cruising subforum seems to be mostly about wheelchair/scooter use, which isn't what I'm asking. I'm hoping to find some Rome experts here. I do appreciate your kind suggestion, though!

My redeye flight arrives at FCO at 8:25 a.m. on a Saturday next month. I am staying at a B&B in Fiumicino that night, then taking a cruiseline (HAL) transfer from FCO to the Civitavecchia port on Sunday morning. My plan is to leave my bags at FCO and just carry a day bag/tote so I won't be too encumbered if I go into Rome on the Leonardo Express.

The main problem: I'm a very slow walker who uses a personal oxygen concentrator (POC), and I'm likely to be nearly exhausted upon arrival, because I've never been able to sleep a wink on planes. I do not have a wheelchair or scooter; I'm just really slow and wheezy under the best of circumstances. Add in jetlag, and I'm likely to be a wreck.

So what I'm seeking is a low-activity way to see at least a tiny bit of the Eternal City before my B&B opens for check-in at 2:30-3:00. I'm not seeing anything on TripAdvisor that looks both appealing and workable; maybe I just haven't drilled deep enough. I plan to drop coins in Trevi Fountain, so at least I'll have a return trip to anticipate, preferably with a lot more time (and perhaps a scooter in future).

Any recommendations? I'd appreciate any suggestions. I don't want to be so close to fabulous Rome without being able to get a taste of it due to physical constraints.

Welcome to the Cavedwellers Club -- and the best naps at sea. Shhh, please don't tell everyone, or they'll all want in, leaving fewer inside cabins for the rest of us. :D

I've taken several transatlantic cruises in both directions. My preference is for westbounds, mainly because I consider port days (lots of running around) to be the vegetables and sea days (lots of relaxation) to be the dessert. :D

Speaking of Ft Lauderdale, if you at all can,avoid the airport on Saturdays.

Sundays, too. If the ships sail at or near capacity, I'll be disembarking with over 12,000 cruise pax on November 11. Oy! I'll be using Luggage Direct, that's for sure.

As for San Diego availability, looks like you're in luck: https://www.maketraveleasier.com/holland/locations

Welcome to Cruise Critic. You'll probably find more accurate answers if you ask this on the Princess subforum. (A moderator might move your post there.)