shoesonfire

we also paid $26 pp on shuttle from pier and waited 45 minutes to depart to airport. What happened to the $16 pp cost quoted on this post? However we found the Staten Island Hampton Inn to be great. Staff was very helpful and hotel room was large, clean and very comfortable. Lorenzo's for dinner at the Hilton next to the Hampton was excellent. Highly recommend both. Shoesonfire

Sorry if I added to confusion. I was glancing through the posts and your reply got my attention. Yes, we are in TX, originally from NJ. I read your post and thought the shuttle from Hampton Inn Staten Island NY (we already have a reservation with them) to the pier in Bayonne NJ required a toll. Obviously, I misinterpreted your answer and since we are not driving to the Hotel it does not apply. I as well as many others appreciate all your advice.

Yes - the park sleeps from trinityreservations and stay123 offer up to 14 nights free parking for the price of the hotel room. On top of that you have to pay for round trip transportation to the port. You're on an 8 night cruise and live in NJ so it might not be economical for you since the port parking would be $152.

 

If you're considering this I would look at the Hampton Inn on Staten Island because you can get a free shuttle to the port if you pay the $14 bridge toll to cross into NYC.

Is the $14 bridge toll per person or for the entire shuttle van? If for the shuttle van than is the $14 divided by number of passengers?

Plans for private pick up at pier have not worked out. We now plan to take a shuttle to EWR and then take air train to train station to travel shore route To Red Bank or Long Branch NJ. Which EWR. train station and what train line works for this itinerary?

Yes, there is shared ride shuttle service available from the port to EWR. At last report the cost was $16 pp. After you exit the terminal, turn left and they'll be parked in the stalls that are closest to the taxi waiting area.

Thank you, your input and advice and that of others on these forums is very much appreciated.

Our plans from Cape Liberty have changed. We were getting picked up at the port, but now we need shuttle service on a Sunday from pier to EWR. Somehwere I read that there local shuttle services when you exit the ship that cost approx. $19 pp to EWR. Can you confirm

Will look forward to your post .

On the Infinity in April I had the Classic Alcohol package. I was able to get Lemon Drops in the Martini Bar. The bartenders would put it in a baby martini glass. There are 3 sizes of glasses: The regular big glass, the smallest glasses which are used for martini tastings, and the middle size which is the one I ordered. My husband and I would have our martinis most nights before dinner. He had the Premium package and ordered the $10 big martini and I had my "baby" martini.

We'll be on the Summit and have the classic pkg. My DH is not a big martini fan, but I would love to try a few different ones. Does the Martini Bar extend the "baby" martini to classic pkg. cruisers, or do they frown on serving these sizes or can you order them at other locations on the ship, if so, where?

We are cruising out of Cape Liberty in early June and will arrive a day early at Newark Airport, staying 1 night at the Hampton Inn Staten Island. We understand that the Hilton/Hampton Inn Van will pick us up at the airport on arrival and also shuttle us to the port the next morning to board our cruise ship. Has anyone had good or bad experience with this hotel and transfer service. It is our understanding that the shuttle service is complimentary (although we realize tipping is expected). Appreciate any advice to eliminate problems. We are seniors and don't want any extra stress. Thank you.

Adding my thanks as well Andy. We are looking forward to seeing Capt. Karlsson, Philip and Russ again. A great team!!

Jan & Frank

Okay, hoping to change all the "refit" chatter and as we approach the end of July wondering if there is any news regarding upcoming cruise staff? We're getting more excited as our sailaway date approaches and just want to focus on another wonderful Azamara vacation. We're staying tuned Andy!!

Jan

Agree, knowing who the crew will be does add to the excitement and anticipation of spending another wonderful cruise with Azamara. Thank you Andy, we'll continue to "stay tuned."

Hi Andy: Just wondering if you had updated information on Quest staff for 10/06/2012. Can't wait to be back onboard, trying to remain calm and staying tuned!

I think that it is a wonderful tribute to Azamara that the guests actually get excited about who the crew will be on the ship; the captain, the CD the Hotel Manager. We that have sailed with Azamara have gotton to know and love these people and the service they provide. I don't see this on the other cruise line boards on Cruise Critic . And , having sailed with several different captains , CDs and Hotel managers,I think they are ALL wonderful!

Agree, knowing who the crew will be does add to the excitement and anticipation of spending another wonderful cruise with Azamara. Thank you Andy, we'll continue to "stay tuned."

Hi Everyone,

 

I see that we have several new requests, and I'm on it. When I have your answers, I will post again. Stay Tuned !

Just checking any news on crew for 10/06/2012!!

Hi Everyone,

 

I see that we have several new requests, and I'm on it. When I have your answers, I will post again. Stay Tuned !

Hi Andy, we're on the Quest Oct. 6, 2012 -- can we add our request to find out who will be scheduled to staff this cruise date? Thanks!

Here is a reply from SmartCruiseTours that I received to my inquiry regarding the fast track train from port to Rome:

Trenitalia is having a delay with the Fast Track plans due to the fact that they are raising prices on the slow local train travel, and they have not decided exactly what price policy to follow for this train.

Either way we do not sell it for one way tickets.

A good alternative which is going to give you the same safety as the fast track train but with the added advantage of not ever being subjected to strikes is a bus service straight to S. Peter’s suqare (in the Vatican). It takes 20 minutes or so more of travel time and costs €11 for 1 way. Here is the description.

For more information on getting to Rome by Train, see here.

Really didn't offer much help. You can log onto their web site to click the bus service description or other information on getting to Rome via train. Strikes can be a problem, does anyone know if you can access this information ahead of time?

Yes, I saw this and contacted them via email, if and when I get a response, I'll post it here for others.

Does anyone know if you can book the Roma Express Cruise Train from Civitavecchia to San Pietro station one way -- only a 30 min. trip vs. 1 hour on the regular train? Wish it offered a later departure from Rome back to port, but understand it accommodates the cruise ships leaving port by 6 p.m.

I knew I could rely on excellent advice and tips. Both Eurocruiser & Cruisemom42 posts were very helpful in planning our day. One day is not enough, but we'll be trying to see as much as possible comfortably and enjoyably.

Cruisemom42 -- What are your thoughts regarding the Scavi? We actually are most excited about this tour and looking for it to be the highlight of our day.

Thanks so much!

The museums take up far more time, for most visitors, than the basilica. If you focus just on the basilica you'll have plenty of time for other parts of Rome.

We are 4 active seniors who will be in port in early Oct. Our cruise ship doesn't leave until midnight, so we are thinking of traveling by train from port to Rome. We already have tickets for the 3 p.m. Scavi Tour and of course want to tour the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's as well. What would your suggestions be for visiting other Rome sites in the a.m. having lunch and being at the Vatican in the afternoon. Also can you suggest non-tourist trap lunch spots? All suggestions are very much appreciated. Can't thank the kind folks who offer so much help to us newbies!

The previous post is obviously a "no brainer" just concerned about mystery air and would like to hear the pros and cons. The #1 pro was good price!

My husband & I are cruising from Barcelona round trip and flying from IAH Houston with another couple. For the first time we are going with the cruise line air/sea pkg - no deviations - good price -- what's the best way to select the best seats available for the 4 of us as soon as the cruise line releases our air itinerary to us? We are told we can request our own seats. Thanks