gdlamberth

16 hours ago, John Bull said:

Best to rent a car.

Bayeux - is closer to the American sights but car rental may involve a taxi ride from the station.

Caen - has a number of rental agencies close to the station, but it means a little city driving.

You'll need a sat-nav or navigation tablet.

If you're planning to take 2 or 3 days, Caen is as convenient as Bayeux - head first to Ste Mere Eglise, overnite somewhere near Omaha Beach, and make Pegasus Bridge your last stop,

 

As @CruiserBruce says, language isn't a big problem, there's plenty of written & some audio in English, knowledgeable English-speaking staff at the sights, and a good proportion of the locals speak English. Many menus are in English too.

 

I've spread my suggested route over two days, here's a suggestion for the first day

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DKWASWR8PMhtGE496

From Caen or Bayeux to Ste Mere Eglise on the N 13 divided highway. Taken by US airborne forces, good Airborne museum, worth up to an hour.

From Ste M/E little lanes direct to the coast (put Hameau Mottet into your navigation tablet as a navigation point) then turn right (the sea on your left) along Utah beach (its pretty featureless) to the D-Day Landing Museum (worth an hour and more). You'll see the USN Monument close to the museum.

On the way to Sainte Marie du Mont pass the Dick Winters monument and take the next right (signed Audoville La Hubert) opposite a crucifix monument. In a couple of hundred yards turn left by the Easy Company Memorial - it's a narrow car's-width lane, Brecourt Manor is part of the farming complex on your left, no signage. That from google streetview - I've not driven down there.

Put La Cambe into your sat-nav, return to the crucifix monument & then right to continue on the road from Utah and through Ste Marie du Mont to re-join the N13 divided highway heading back towards Bayeux. 

I've included the German Cemetery at La Cambe.

You'll see it alongside the N 13, but it's worth the little diversion signed at the next roundabout (traffic island in American-speak?) to spend ten minutes there - the comparison with the American Cemetery is stark

Now to Pointe Du Hoc, worth 30 minutes plus.

Then to Omaha.

If you book your overnight accommodation in the Omaha Beach area, you can then explore in any time you've got left that day, and the rest before you take to the road next morning (you probably won't manage the American Cemetery until the morning)

 

It's late & I've got a couple of busy days ahead of me, second day to follow - but you'll have to adjust it to suit your time-schedule

 

JB 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

WOW! Just WOW!!

10 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

@gdlamberth, are you planning on renting a car, or use tour companies? I think a rental car would work best for you, and your sites to visit list is awesome....however there are many options for tours to help you complete your list. We did a very similar trip ( our third visit) to Bayeux and the D Day area just last summer.

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.

On 1/5/2023 at 6:35 PM, John Bull said:

Or rent a car (find sharers via your RollCall) and DIY.

If you quote your ship, day-of-the-week arrival and sailing times, your port (Le Havre or Cherbourg), and your interests (presumably Brit.?), I and others can suggest a route. Sights have plenty of signage & knowledgeable staff

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. 

1 hour ago, herbanrenewal said:

I'm on a April 27 cruise, arrive in Southampton May 12. Most of my advice was that there's a fair chance of making it to Heathrow, but less likely to Gatwick. I've opted to stay near Gatwick overnight and fly home in the morning.

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

13 hours ago, John Bull said:

Take the hourly Brighton-bound train from Southampton Central at 20 minutes past the hour to Havant where you have a simple change to that train from Portsmouth, which arrives on the same platform about 20 minutes later.

So a simple same-platform change, journey time about 20 minutes longer, fare £20.10

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

9 hours ago, John Bull said:

 Book via the National website  https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/  or direct with the operator   https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

 

JB 🙂

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.

14 minutes ago, MomC said:

for Leknes—( the Lofoten Islands); Hardstal, Alta, Honningevag—the North Cape,and Tromso

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

On 12/30/2023 at 8:45 PM, boeckli said:

Am I correct in assuming you'll be in Burnie mid February 2024? If so, any chance for some feedback here on your tour with Coastline Tours?  Looks very interesting and I'll be there about three weeks after you, so any info would be great.

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.

4 hours ago, ziggyuk said:

What is it you don't understand about the regular trains, I think they are very similar to what I have used in other countries

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

16 minutes ago, possum52 said:

Perhaps the Tourist Information Centre isn't back up running yet after Jasper. Or the centre is extremely busy answering queries. 

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

41 minutes ago, possum52 said:

You can contact Cairns Tourist Information Centre through their website or email at info@cairnstouristinformation.com.au 

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;

1. How long should we plan for our visit?
2. 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;

1. How long should we plan for our visit?
2. 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

5 hours ago, 2552phxcrzr said:

Cooktown, which was to have been after Cairns has been canceled and replaced with a day at sea.

I gather then that you docked in Cairns?   How damaged was the town and it's environs?  Tours/Excursions go off as scheduled? or which were cancelled?

Thanks for interrupting your vacation to report in!

Greg

1 hour ago, Campbell soup said:

I am trying to find a Tour by Locals in Burnie on March 3, 2024 but Burnie doesn't show up. Am I doing something wrong?

I think you're correct,  I misspoke.  We booked our tours in Burnie through:

Coastline Tours | Experience North West Tasmania | Day Tours

I don't see any TBLs out of Burnie.  You might also try Launceston at

Launceston-Australia - Find an Authentic Private Tour - (toursbylocals.com)

It's about an hour and a half from Burnie and one of the guides there might be able to help.

Sorry for misleading you.

Greg

I know this has been asked before but I couldn't find concrete answer.  Since the dock is in industrial area with no services and about 3.5km from town, do cruise lines -or- the town -or- someone else run a shuttle service into town and back? Free? Cost? It appears if there is some sort of transport into town, one can walk to the Cathedral and Alta Museum.  

Thanks,

Greg

Any experience with Alta, Norway?  Dock is in industrial area with no services and about 3.5km from town.

thanks,

Greg