Brutis

On 7/27/2022 at 4:47 PM, Northern Aurora said:

You should pack a water proof (not water resistant) outer layer.  You should expect to have gloves and a head covering.  I don't pack a wool scarf but pack a "buff" (this is the name of the company -- google for a photo).  I don't pack wool sweaters but will have both a light weight (often referred to a "micro" fleece in the US) and a heavier fleece too; these can be layered for more warmth.  And depending on your activity level water proof walking shoes are a must, at least for us.

Thanks for the information! I think I'm ready now 🙂

Hi there,

Heading to Alaska on the Royal Princess in September. Has anyone done Sea Kayaking in Juneau and if so what was your experience like?

Thanks,

Brutis

Venezia - Hotel Locanda Salieri near Piazzale de Roma . Short walk to grand canal and vaporettos, St Lucia station, and Piazzale de Roma for people mover to/from cruise terminal. Good breakfast, in house trattoria and other eateries nearby .

 

Roma Hotel Smeraldo near Campo de Fori . All the sights are within walking distance, great location . Plenty eateries nearby . Recommend Roscioli, Pier Luigis .

 

Book direct via Hotel websites to avoid paying middleman commissions .

I 2nd Hotel Smeraldo! Great breakfast included to get your day started and central to everything.

I have done a variety of lines as well. While Celebrity is my preferred, my only complaint is the entertainment. There are times in the theatre where I have felt embarrassed for the 'talent'. What I do like is the smoking policy and how it is strictly enforced. What I LOVE is the time in ports. When you look at different cruise lines and see their times in port as compared to Celebrity, Celebrity is hands down the winner. I would rather spend a little more on cruising and have a lot more time in port. Plus, you only have to get back to the ship within 1/2 to 1 hour of sailing!

I am researching our Oct 17 Celebrity Cruise excursions. One possibility in Valletta is just walking the streets all day or splitting Valletta with a trip to Mdina. How long does it take to walk from the cruise dock to St John's Co-Cathedral?

 

This cathedral is definately on our must see list in Valletta. Just trying to determine our options. This is the last port of the cruise so we may be tiring out.

 

Any Valletta comments are appreciated. Thank you.

St John's Co-Cathedral was spectacular! Make sure you get some kind of a guided tour as you will appreciated it even more when certain things are pointed out that you never would have noticed. I'm sure you are aware but just in case, they are very strict with their dress code. Enjoy Valletta!

We just got back from our MSC Splendida cruise. We are a family of 8, ages 12-75, and did a private tour by a local guide. I absolutely fell in love with Mallorca. Palma was clean, many wide tree lined boulevards, parks, fountains, and much more cosmopolitan than I was expecting. We also went up into the hills to Valledemosa, a town who's claim to fame is that Chopin stayed and composed some stuff there for a few months. It was a beautiful little town, with gardens, nice shopping, lots of cafes. We had a 24 passenger van with a driver and a separate guide. We stopped at the top of the hill to see the view from the fortress, then went into town to see the cathedral and walk some of the old town. The guide was very nice, very accommodating of my mother who wasn't feeling very well, but also enthusiastic when my teens found a nerd culture t-shirt shop.

 

I'd love to go back and just spend several days in Mallorca. It was our favorite port from this cruise, despite, or maybe because, I'd had no real idea what to expect.

 

The ship was a very long walk from the port terminal, which was a good ways from the city center. I'd say the walk to the terminal was easily 1/2 a mile and probably more. The ship had a 13euro/person shuttle that left from the ship to the city center, about a 15 minute drive.

Would love some information on your private tour and guide. Looking forward to discovering this jewel. thanks

I can't find any posts about this, maybe I missed them? Anyone else get sick while on this cruise? My daughter and I both got it and I must say I won't be returning to this ship. The customer service is terrible (except a few who were exceptional). The overall feel was that there weren't enough employees for the amount of passengers and they were all pretty grumpy. Tables were always dirty, lounge chairs always had used towels on them and the ship itself needs some TLC!

I was on this cruise and was one of the first to contract this. In my opinion I felt the crew did a fantastic job keeping up with it considering the circumstances. There were over 350 sick people with an additional 50+ in crew members being quarantined to their quarters as well. I have come across this on one previous cruise (out of 12)where the cruise line tried to cover it up instead of reporting. I would not blame the ship as it was probably brought on board but someone who did NOT wash their hands properly. As for the ship being dirty, I did not find this to be the case. The tables were cloudy looking due to the cleaning agent they were using and they were down staff when it came to the Oceanview cafe. Everyone was trying to pitch in and help as I even had the entertainment staff pouring my coffee for me. My room steward came in while I was sick and disinfected the entire room. The ship is a little older and not as 'glitzy' as some of the newer ships but that is reflected in the price you pay. As for the grumpiness of the staff, I will say I did notice that a bit. My complaint was medical. As I said, I was one of the first (and only one) down there and it was an empty room. The nurse actually said "great, so the Captain puts out an announcement and now everyone feels they need to come down now when they have had all day". Not very compassionate nor professional in my opinion.

Will I sail Celebrity again? Absolutely, as they were quick to contain this outbreak.

Will I sail Constellation again? Absolutely! The price point for European sailings is fantastic as compared to other lines and with the credit for being quarantined (not many mentioning this) I am putting it towards another sailing in 2018

Check out Hotel Smeraldo. It's another of Rick Steve's suggestions. Central to everything, great breakfast included and very clean rooms. If you google his Rome shows, you will see it as well as great suggestions while staying in Rome

Just got back a 4 days ago...8000 refugee arrived from North Africa about 3 weeks ago in Sicily. I know they want to step up plans but don't know how this might affect cruise ship ports?

We just got back from our cruise and stayed at Hotel Ala which is about 50 metres from the vaparetto stop with no bridges. About 3-4 min walk to San Marco square and 15-20 min stroll to Rialto Bridge. Very clean, great breakfast included and quintessential Venice feel.

We are on her June 15th...hope she is ready :)

Great advice as usual. Thanks!