Peteymil

We just came back from the Baltics, and toured with TJ Travel, and everything was perfect.

Our guide was wonderful, and the two days went perfectly.

We also did the ballet, but Olga booked it for us, and we were in the second row. She provided transportation also. It is entirely possible that she is unfamiliar with the US website.

There are some language issues that may be coming into play also. At first it seemed to me that she was telling me we had to dress formally for the ballet, but after a bit of back and forth it was cleared up. I think that may also be the case with your question about the guide. With all my research, I didn't come across anyone that was unhappy with their guide, so I hope you can rest easy about that.

I hope this helps.

Yes, it caught us out too, but was a very welcome surprise and helped kick start the day. It would be interesting to know if they are doing it again this year. Any recent Baltic 2011 cruisers out there can tell us?

 

Simon

Just got back, the Hoho boats were there when we got there (in the pouring rain!!) and took us right to the Vasa. It was before the regular route started.

We bought the tickets right next to the dock.

I saw online today that I could purchase the Hop-on Hop-off boat ticket online, and then print it out. Do you think that is necessary, or can I just wait until we get there?

Take it, take it, take it!!! Beautiful views, unbelieveable balcony-spent more time out there than in the room. Love it!

 

 

 

I don't want to debate anything...I'd just like to hear why some men are objecting to wearing suits?

I think it is a reasonable question (being female I won't offer an opinion), but I'm fairly sure you will get another thread that turns into a debate!! There's always hope though!!

Our tourguide, Francesco took us to Osteriadeu Pontefici which is near the Vatican. It is fabulous! The address is Via Gregorio V11 53, Rome. The web address is www.osteriadeipointefici.com .

 

It is a family owned restaurant and they treat you like one of their own.

 

Hope you get a chance to visit them

 

Happy Cruising!

 

Faith

We ate there also, and the pizza was the best we had in Italy-light and thin, with the most delicious flavor. The menu is quite large.

Cheryl,

 

Thanks, for the name of the restaurant and the pictures.

I've written it down in my travel log.

Mari

You might want to mention to Jany that you saw this online and give her the name of the restaurant. At least the day we ate there, it was not open to the public, and the 4 beautiful outdoor tables all had RIL groups, which had been prearranged.

Cheryl, it's funny, I took the same picture with the menu and the food!!

Here are a few pix from the tours:

Vinny (in the suit, 100 degress outside) taking us into the Coliseum:

 

 

Our amazing lunch spot in Sorrento:

Rafaele (in the suit, also very hot outside) and my dad:

This picture makes me miss Sorrento so much! We ate here also, and the view, combined with the delicious lunch, was incredible. Our RIL driver was Carmine in Naples, and he was also outstanding.

Another question???

 

 

Also, who has done the Amalfi coast tour without Pompeii??? What did you see and was it worth it?? It is a full 9 hour day.

 

Thanks

Cheryl

Just did three tours with RIL and loved every one. The personal service and attention made every day outstanding.

We did do Pompeii, but if I was to skip it, I would have definitely continued along the Amalfi Coast to Ravello, which is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous.

I can tell you about our experience with Romeinlimo on our cruise. Here is a little background about us. We (husband, wife 50,s and son 19) returned on 5/25/09 from the NCL Gem - round trip from Barcelona. Our ports of call were Malta, Naples, Rome, Florence/Pisa and Cannes. We have over 30+ cruises under our belt and have always taken cruise ship excursions. This was our first trip to the Med, via cruise, and we wanted to make sure we made the most out of our days in port and sightseeing - in one day.

 

 

We ended up paying 100Euro per person/per port. The advantages: MUCH CHEAPER than the cruise ship, you are with a small intimate group (not a large bus crammed with people), personalized and tailored (if you want - see their website) and saw more things. We saved $$$ using them versus NCL excursions. I brought home NCLs excursion pamphlet with sights/prices and there was NO comparison and a no brainer - Romeinlimo is the ONLY way to go. I just cannot say enough about them. Their responses to our emails were prompt. They are professional, smart, funny, a wealth of information (especially places to eat), great great people.

 

Also one concern people had when wondering to take private excursions vs cruise ones that I read, and had to admit, I had the same concern. Will you miss your ship? NO.. these drivers know their business. We never got back to the ship later than 5:30 pm (cruise ship left at 7pm - all on board at 6:30pm). They also knew the roads', traffic ins and outs and the shortcuts when needed. This should be no concern for anyone

If you have any questions about them, please don’t hesitate to ask.

 

Wow, you got a great price at 300 Euro per port (100euro x 3). That is quite a bit less than usual.

I do not understand Celebrity's request, since the information was on the first day's daily, with a picture and short biography.

Summit: Hotel director Sue Richardson

CC hostess Tanushka

Cruise director Damian de Lorenzis

More praise for RIL. Just got back yesterday and used them in Rome(Francesco), Naples(Carmine) and Florence(Fabrizio). The drivers were a wealth of information, and were all terrific. I would use them again in a heartbeat.

Deck - Panorama

Cabin # - 9259 and 9261

Class – concierge class C2

Starboard or Port Side - Port

Bed near?(balcony or bath) – 9259 bed near balcony, 9261 bed near bath

 

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) – both quiet

 

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – no obstruction, opened door between for sharing

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - normal

Was wind a problem? No

 

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem?

 

Any specific problems with this cabin? no problems

 

Any other comments?

Hope this helps!