momthecruisedirector

We got off the ship on the 18th. There were 11 people with 'norovirus' - ELEVEN. Not something to panic about though I understand the crew doing an extra scrubbing. If people would just use common sense and wash their hands before touching their faces or eating their bread at dinner after playing slots or running their hands down the handrails they would be fine.

I was just going to leave a review of the tour we took with About Ephesus and saw your posting. We booked this tour a few months in advance - it was very easy, they take a paypal deposit that is refundable if your ship doesn't make it to port. You can also pay by credit card. This is their website: http://aboutephesus.com/ This is the review I am posting:

We had a wonderful time with Gonca and our driver Alp with aboutephesus.com

We were met at the ship, as promised, by a smiling Gonca. She walked us to a very clean and comfortable van. We left quickly for Ephesus. Along the way she explained the history of the area and asked us what our preferences were. We chose to not see the home of Virgin Mary.

Walking up the pine tree path while listening to the history was capped off by the site of the stadium. Through out the area Gonca took pictures of us together and answered any questions we had. She then gave us time to visit on our own. We went to a lovely carpet making demonstration. Watched them spin silk from the silk worms and then knot the carpets before going inside to look at all the beautiful carpets. There was no pressure to purchase.

We then had a fantastic lunch outside, surrounded by olive trees and the smell of bbq. I am hoping to get the recipe for the lamb burgers (!). The food was fresh and we felt we truly were invited to a friends home for lunch.

On the ride back to our ship we visited and felt so fortunate to have had such an educational and beautiful day.

****shopping - there is a market area right near the ship. We asked to be dropped off there instead of at the pier. It is a very short walk to the pier when you are done shopping. You do not need an escort of any sort or it to be a paid excursion, everything is right there.

thank you!

We booked on line and it was very easy, I had made an error -so many museums to keep track of- they were quick to respond to my email and correct my error for me.

We are going to start with the museum and then head to acropolis. Looks like catching the green line and/or bus 200 from pier is way to go? Anyone have suggestions/experience with this route?

Thank you

Enjoying your posts - all details are appreciated. We leave in a few weeks for same cruise.

What airline did you fly out of MIA?

Can't wait to read more.

Thank you!

Does anyone know if the Cascine Market in Florence is still running on Tuesdays? Thank you

We are doing the same, for both Rome and Florence, would love to see the answer.

You can take the water taxi from the waterfront over to West Seattle (Alki) for best photo ops of the Seattle Skyline. Go for a walk north to Anchor Park and back, have lunch at Marination Station before taking the water taxi back to the city. On the waterfront you can walk past the ferry dock, stop at Ivars for a cup of chowder, go to the Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe and buy a post card while you look around, keep walking and stop and ride the Big Wheel, see the aquarium, then cross the street and walk up the stairs to the Pike Place Market. That will be a full but wonderful day!

We like staying at Bahia Mar. Great location, great service, clean.

Loved your review - thank you. We will be on board in less then two weeks.

You are right, Seattle is uphill both ways! We soooo enjoy walking in Boston, New York, L.A. - anywhere - because compared to home it's all flat and an easy walk.

I check frequently for price drops, ours has only gone up in price since we booked this time. As long as it is same category - L for an L, M for an M or whatever - you will get discount. Before making final payment this week I called directly to ask if there was a price drop. No discount after you make that payment from what I understand so waited til last possible moment to ask and to pay. I know on Carnival a few years ago the price dropped four times and though it was only for $10 or so dollars each time, they added up nicely.

Instead of putting the sodas aside, I find it's better to have steward remove them. When they clean room and see they aren't in fridge you will be charged for drinking them. You can get it credited back when you show where they are but it's easier just to have them removed if you don't plan on drinking them.

How 'lucky' that there was no Holland America ship scheduled out of Seattle today so there was port space available this morning next to the Grand Princess! I had to research, thought it was strange only one ship there today!

Love the review - thank you.

We are from Seattle and cruised to Alaska in 2005 - no airfare was key! We cruise the Caribbean repeatedly because it is the 'anti-northwest' - hot weather, beautiful beaches and all that goes with it. We enjoyed our cruise to Alaska more then we thought we would, while we see Eagles almost daily at home, they are HUGE up north and that alone was unforgettable. Seeing the windex blue floating ice with big critters relaxing on them while you cruise by is hard to explain.

We figured once was enough but are going back in August with extended family, I'm looking forward to going and seeing the scenery but mostly enjoying the ship this time, I can see us waving good bye as they head out on their excursions and we lazily sit poolside, like I said, we're from Seattle, let it rain - we can laze in the hot tub instead!

Thanks for the photos! Can't wait til October!!

Thank you SO much for your live review. We are going in October and it's been wonderful reading your posts!

There is parking available at Pier 91 also, not sure of the prices. The Sheraton downtown is in a good location, easy walking distance to Pike Place Market and waterfront. Can take the monorail to Seattle Center (home of EMP). Easy drive to Ballard locks.

Enjoy!

When we went in 2005, you just had to hold your passport up while sitting in your seat on the train and 'inspectors' (tired, can't think of proper name!) walked through and checked them all. It was very fast.

High season will always be more expensive, more people can travel during summer and spring/winter breaks. You can make arrangements with teachers to send along assignments or know that quality time with grandma and grandpa is an education itself.

We just booked Alaska on princess for mid-August. There are cabins avail and we got obc, which is nice. Med is booked next. I love Caribbean warm weather cruises but is nice to venture out to new areas.

Pier 91 is a bit of a drive from the Amtrak station. If you have time to kill you can walk to the west and see Pioneer Square or to the east and visit Uwajimaya store. I believe there is baggage storage at the train station but you will want to verify.

I like to finish our cruises with the ships port excursion tour and transport to the airport. It is a nice way to see your port city, not have to worry about your luggage and gets you to the airport on time with no fuss.

Here is the description from the Princess website:

Board your motorcoach for a post-cruise excursion highlighting the most popular sights in the "Emerald City." Your knowledgeable guide will share stories and information about the sights you see and multiple photo opportunities ensure that you capture all the memories of the day.

Travel through the bustling downtown area and view Seattle's professional sports stadiums, home to the Seattle Mariners, Sounders and Seahawks. Continue on to the International District, Seattle's Chinatown and the cultural hub for the city's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. A protected historic district, many of the buildings date to the early 1900's.

Visit the Pioneer Square district, considered to be the birthplace of modern Seattle. After a fire in 1888 destroyed most of the downtown area, all builders were required to use brick. The result is an exceptional example of Classical Revival architecture and a National Historic distinction.

You won't believe your eyes when you soar to the top of the Space Needle. Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, it has become the symbol of Seattle and one of the most recognized urban structures in the world. The observation deck is 520 feet in the air and a 43-second high-speed elevator ride brings you to the top. The panoramic views are spectacular and you can see snow-capped Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Mountains and the majestic Olympic Mountain range. Complimentary Swarovski telescopes get you even closer to the action.

Get ready to dodge some flying fish at your next stop, Pike Place Market. The oldest open-air farmer's market on the West Coast, this 9-acre public market boasts hundreds of artisans, local farmers, fishmongers and curio shops. One of the market's main attractions is to watch the employees throw salmon and other fish to each other instead of passing them by hand. Just order a fish at one of the ice-covered tables and watch your "catch of the day" come sailing through the air to be prepped for sale. You'll also want to check out the very first Starbucks, have a cappuccino, and toast to the place where coffeehouse history began.

You'll enjoy free time to explore the market before reboarding your motorcoach for a ride to the airport.

We took the hop off/hop on bus tour in September. Toured Miami , got off in Little Havana for lunch then caught next bus. Traffic was horrendous on the way to fort Lauderdale, there were three accidents. We were glad we hadn't rented a car or risked a cab($$$) since it was over two hours in traffic. The big red bus was a relaxing way to end vacation and having them take us in a van to FLL was a stress free way to go.