gdlamberth

As I read through this thread about shuttle busses I discovered folks were talking about to and from King's Wharf. I assume similar shuttle busses run to and from Hamilton cruise dock (where we'll be docked). TRUE or NOT SO TRUE?

@John Bull Just wanted to say thank you and let you know that I've downloaded both of you suggested days int my navigator. It looks like you live in Portsmouth area and I know its a long ways but we will be in London the afternoon and evening of 28 August this year before flying out of Gatwick noon on the 29th and would be more than honored to buy you a pint if you were going to be up London way. I really appreciate all the help you've provided a lot of us colonists visiting your country regarding trains, hire cars and getting around the UK in general. Again, thanks so much, Greg

Contacted the local Tourism Department by email and they indicated that the town/cruise line typically offers a shuttle from cruise terminal/tender pier to central Leknes. Does anyone have any experience with getting form cruise terminal/tender pier area to central Leknes? Thanks, Greg

We'll be spending three days and two nights in Hamilton and one in St. George. I am looking at St Catherine as a less crowded alternative to Tobacco Bay and Warwick Long Bay as another pink sand alternative to Horsehoe Bay. Since we dock in St. George at 0800, I think we could be to Tobacco Bay pretty early and maybe avoid so rush. It looks like we can walk from dock at St. George to both Tobacco Bay and St. Catherine. Looking for comments on snorkeling at either place (not a requirement just a nice to have) and transportation suggestions for 4 to Warwick/Horeshoe Bay. Thanks for all inputs, Greg

WOW! Just WOW!!

I am debating whether to rent a car or use a tour company. DW and I have been to several of the sites in a prior visit; but, Grandson has now become very interested in WWII, partly since a lot of his ancestors, are Veterans. This is part of a larger land trip to Europe where we'll fly into Paris, spend a day or two and then take the train to either Bayeux or Caen (if we rent a car for a DIY of the Normandy Beaches). I'm pretty good at navigating us around especially if there is pretty good signage...however, while my German is passable none of us speak French at all.

JB, You've been a well spring of information on other topics so I'll take you up on your offer. First, we are not on a cruise. We'll be doing a land trip where we plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Bayeux in late September 2025, primarily to visit the D-Day beaches and related battlefields. I would like to do this as a DIY for the 5 of us; DW, Son, DIL and 11tr old grandson. By way of background: We will be staying somewhere in the immediate vicinity of Bayeux after having taken the train down from Paris. I am a former Marine Paratrooper and my wife is retired Navy. When visiting UTAH I'd like to make sure we see the US Navy Memorial there dedicated to the Shore Fire Control Parties (my wife attended the dedication of this memorial several years ago). Also when going to or from St Mere Eglise, to drive by I'd like to visit Brecourt Manor. I know the sight is on private property but I understand there is a memorial on the road. When we do British/Canadian Beaches I'd like to drive through Ouistreham? I don't think the casino attacked by the French Commandos is still there but I'd still like to show grandson where it was. I would like to see the Canadian Museum at Juno as I understand it's very moving. I've also read Canadians talking about "Hell's Corner." I think I'd like to take family there also. When last I was at Pegasus Bridge I spent quite a bit of time at the British Airborne Museum there and I would expect to do so again. I personally feel the glider pilots at Pegasus performed the finest feat of airmanship during the War. All three gliders landing within 200 meters of the Bridge. Don't need a fancy lunch either. Last time our guide called in sandwich orders for Point du Hoc and we picnicked on the way to Omaha. Omaha and Pont du Hoc and the Btry at Longues-sur-Mer are must sees also. JB and colleagues, I know that's a big wish list but routing and sequencing suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. SF, Greg

I've asked this question on our Roll Call but the only response I received was from an NCL cruiser. So I thought I'd try here. Does anyone know if we dock or tender at Saguenay? In either event where do we get ashore? At Saguenay? or down at Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte- Catherine? Or, somewhere else? Thanks, Greg

Can't speak to the PH suites on Insignia; however, since the refurb a few years ago the walls in the non-PH are NOT metal. Can't speak to the Casino in Bermuda either but am interested since we'll be on Insignia NYC-Bermuda on the 1-8 Sept sailing.

We're doing pretty much the same thing a few months later. Using the opportunity to spend a bit of time in London.

I just looked on the Southern Site and they offer an "Off-Peak" for 20.10GBP which, as discussed many times, is only good for that one train only. They also offer an "Anytime" fare at 21GBP; and, if I am understanding correctly, that fare is good for ANYTIME that day. I am understanding that correctly? IF so, that seems like an inexpensive and safe alternative. AM I understanding correctly?? Any recent Hire Car Company suggestions? Thanks to everyone who's taken the time and effort to assist me in my quest. Greg

Sir, I'm looking at SOU-GTW on Wednesday 28 August 2024. I have also checked earlier Wednesdays incase I'm looking too far out. In either event I cannot find a direct train on this route. Is there a Direct train? If so, where do I need to look to find it? Thanks for your assistance, Greg

I did post this on the British Isles/Western Europe board also; but, thought some here might have relevant experience. We're scheduled to stop at Torshavn (Faroe Islands) on 21 August 2024. My question is: Based upon your experience or knowledge, what's the likelihood of a small (Oceania's Sirena, 20,000 tons and 680 pax) hip missing the port due to weather, seas, etc.? I'm looking into excursions and some DIY do not offer refunds if ship misses port. Any help or insights offered will be greatly appreciated. Greg

We're scheduled to stop at Torshavn (Faroe Islands) on 21 August 2024. My question is: Based upon your experience or knowledge, what's the likelihood of a small (Oceania's Sirena, 20,000 tons and 680 pax) hip missing the port due to weather, seas, etc.? I'm looking into excursions and some DIY do not offer refunds if ship misses port. Any help or insights offered will be greatly appreciated. Greg

The excursions I found really interesting in also was to the hydroelectric facility supposed to be one of the biggest in Norway. Haven't actually done it just thought I'd call your attention to it.

These are my humble opinions: Leknes- Lofotr Viking Museum DIY by taxi Alta- The museum and Cathedral of the Northern Lights are both downtown..if you can get downtown. Hopefully an inexpensive shuttle is available. The North Cape: you can actually take a local bus to Nordkapp or arrange a tour from local vendor for less than O's excursion Tromso- city bus to base of gondola and Arctic Cathedral. Town is compact and walkable after gondola and Cathedral YMMV, Greg

Yes, we have Coastline Tours booked for both 12 Feb AND 8 March (on our Auckland to Sydney leg of our B2B. However, I asked owner of Coastline and she suggested the following may be able to assist you: @John Maunder - https://www.discovermydevonport.au @Tasmania Boutique Tours - https://tasmaniaboutiquetours.com.au I've not used either of these but some of their tours look attractive. Hope this helps, Greg

If you're transiting north to south I'd recommend being on the starboard side somewhere early in the morning. This allows you to see the old French cut.

Mostly the wide variance and prices prices for the same train. Also the multiple companies have multiple websites where you can buy multiple tickets and multiple prices. I guess what I'd like to be able to do is get to the train station at Southampton walk up to the kiosk or ticket counter and say I'd like four tickets on the next train to Gatwick. If I can do that I'm a happy camper.

We disembark in Southampton the morning of 28 August 2024, and want to proceed to Gatwick Airport (basically to drop our luggage off at the hotel) and then proceed to Churchill War Rooms (and other area sights). I must confess while I think I understand The Tube, the English railway system baffles me a bit. I'm asking for suggestions/recommendations on getting for Southampton to Gatwick and from Gatwick to Churchill War Rooms area. Everyone's patience and assistance is GREATLY appreciated. Greg

With the holidays and all, I'm not even expecting a response until middle/end of next week.

I already have; but, haven't heard back yet.

We will disembark from a cruise in Southampton on 28 August 2024, and plan to spend some time in London post cruise. While there we plan to visit the Churchill War Rooms. I have 2 questions related to our visit; How long should we plan for our visit? If we pre-purchase tickets for a specific time window/slot but for any reason are several minutes late, will our pre-purchased tickets be honored? I'd rather pre-purchase; but, if the time windows are rigorously enforced (as I suspect) i think I'll need to purchase at the door. there are 4 of us if that matters. Thanks for your assistance, Greg

I understand that the residents, businesses, and environment of North Queensland and Cairns have suffered significantly from Cyclone Jasper. We will be in Cairns late next month (31 Jan-5 Feb) and are interested in status of tourist related operations (Kuranda Railway, Daintree Rainforest, Green Island, GBR dives, Flying Foxes in downtown Cairns, etc.). Any updates would be greatly appreciated. Greg

We will disembark from a cruise in Southampton on 28 August 2024, and plan to spend some time in London post cruise. While there we plan to visit the Churchill War Rooms. I have 2 questions related to our visit; How long should we plan for our visit? If we pre-purchase tickets for a specific time window/slot but for any reason are several minutes late, will our pre-purchased tickets be honored? I'd rather pre-purchase; but, if the time windows are rigorously enforced (as I suspect) i think I'll need to purchase at the door. there are 4 of us if that matters. Thanks for your assistance and patience, Greg