LinVirginia

Hi from another Virginia! We did our pre and post cruise independently last year. We were concerned about getting to Vilshofen from Prague but AMA does sells the transfers without having to purchase their pre/post cruise package. It was well worth it for us to do it that way. Friends that we were traveling with did the pre cruise in Prague and didn't feel like they got that much value for what they paid - a city tour, transfers both ways, hotel and breakfast (internet not included in the rooms at the Hilton Old Town),. For one of their optional tours, I was able to book it by myself (dinner at a folklife restaurant/cultural show). We were picked up and returned to our hotels as part of the ticket price. It was less than what AMA was charging for the optional tour. Here is a link to my blog talking about the dinner show: https://airlandandsea.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/wrapping-up-prague-weird-stories-a-great-restaurant-and-activities-on-the-main-square/

 

Enjoy

Jane

Thank you for referring these Richmonders to your blog. Learned from your commentary!

I would book the AMA transfer in any case as it is just easier.

 

As for "worth it" this is relative. If you are independent travelers, Prague is reasonable and easy to experience on your own. I recommend a private guide as it will enhance your understanding of the history and culture.

 

If you want soup to nuts planned for you (as some prefer) then book with AMA. They do a great job and the hotel they use is centrally located (unlike some of the other lines).

We are booked on AMA and are considering the Xmas Market 2-day post-cruise extension in Prague in December. The only things that appear to be included in AMA's package is 1) $110 transfers boat to hotel; 2) 2 nights hotel; and 3) 1/2 day city tour. Am I missing something? This totals way less than the amt of buying my transfers and doing the rest on my own for the two of us. Hoping to hear from someone who has done the 2 or 3 day Prague extension with AMA. Thank you.

SUCCESS! In 2112, I bought an expensive John Hardy cuff in a big downtown Cozumel jewelry store. Since no jeweler on any island is supposed to discount that brand, the store touted that this rebate that the Mexican government provides would make Cozumel cheaper than anywhere else for JH merchandise. I filled out the government paperwork but truly was skeptical. Low and behold, about 4 months later I received a check for the rebate in the mail. It took awhile to fill out the paperwork so I wouldn't waste my time for a cheaper item but the cuff was really pricey (over $1000) so getting an additional 5% back was well-worth the time. So, in 2012, this tax refund was legit!

We had several group Limo tours and one individual limo tour in Italy last year. With the groups, there was enough free time to get euros from bank machines (tho' only permitted at 250 euros per machine per time. We always just did two transactions at the same machine.) On our individual tour, the driver was more than happy to stop to find the bank machine we needed for no transaction fees. You may learn, also, that any tour or limo company will accept a regular bank check at the end of the tour. Ask. How easy is that?!

I have been searching posts here and have learned that there are 3 free soft ice cream machines operating from 11:30 to 6 at the pool, Wipe Out, and H2O Zone. 1) Is there any place to get FREE regular ice cream or sherbet/sorbet during the day? 2) Where are all the locations we can we buy some? This ice-cream loving family needs to know. Thank you.

Great. Thx.

Do you recall if there were "food runners" at the area where we would snorkel? We have an early dolphin/manatee time and hope that we would quickly move to the "pretty fish" area (to make sure we find a landing space) and eat once there. Might this work?

Can someone describe the food options at Chankanaab? We will be there early and I suspect the kids'll be hungry by 11. Some tips about the different dining areas and offerings would be welcome. Thanks.

Thank you. I never saw either question posed or answered previously on cc and appreciate your thorough response.

We are sailing on the Oasis in August. 1) DS (adult) drinks no alcohol and will be purchasing the Royal Replenish package. Is there any way he can get a can or two of soda through that package for his cabin? 2) DGS will have the Kids' Soda Package. Does that work in the MDR? What are his options? Thank you.

Such a very thorough, helpful reply. Thanks.

So the tour drops participants at the airport when it concludes? Does this require special arrangements or is it routine? Thanks.

Our post-cruise flight is not till early evening. If we sign up for the RCCL Everglades Tour, will they store our luggage on a bus and drop us off at the airport? Am I dreaming here but that would be sooo convenient!

This always was our beach of choice in Cozumel. (Haven't been to the island in 7 yrs.) It never appears on cc anymore. Has it been absorbed into one of the all-inclusiveness? Beautiful sand, gentle slope. Really a great place for a beach break. Hope someone has info.

Is there any way to control kids' spending on video games, milkshakes, etc., if anything and everything can be charged to their Sea Pass? I am a bit worried about so much freedom? Thanks for any tips.

Anyone remember the prices for smaller table-top steel drums at the port? I am talking about a 14/18" diameter size. Seems like the perfect souvenir. Thank you.

When we landed in Falmouth a few years ago, we were surprised at how far we had to walk to taxis. My husband can't walk far. Does RCCL now have any means for assisting passengers through the long series of shops to the taxi/bus area? Thank you.

Yes they are large enough for a small to medium beach bag. Yes for snorkel gear. And you can get a couple of them. No charge. There is a key on a rope you just take it with you.

I read that there are lockers for cameras during the Dolphin Swim. How large are these? Will a beach bag fit? Is there room for mask and snorkel? Thank you.

Swiss Cheese, brie, cheddar and gueda (sp) plus dried fruit and grapes. Yum! We bring our own crackers as DH like Rites, lol.:) You can order double for 2 people.

Have never ordered room service (imagine that?!). How does this work? You call from your room once aboard? It quickly arrives? Cost? how much do you tip? Is there always fruit? On Oasis in August. Thank you.

I have been reading several recent reviews on TA about dirty rooms in Embassy Suites. Others have been commenting on the dated, tired and worn-out decor. I am used to dismissing a claim or two as being from folks with a particular axe to grind but these comments are appearing repeatedly. How much of the hotel has been refurbished? Have recent visitors noted these issues? Thank you. Planning on an August stay (I think).

I booked yesterday and double-checked when I saw these new WOW $250 OBC figures. I tried booking the same categories and found that the bonus was still $200. Then I noticed the fine print - "up to $250." Guess the super big bucks travelers get the bigger break?!:(

which is advertised at the top of the cruise critic page periodically? I've posted on my roll call asking to share shore excursions and have had no response. Our cruise is in July and we are past final payment so I would think people would be making their arrangements. Unfortunately, our roll call is very quiet and does not have a lot of posts. I'd like to plan shore excursions for Rome and Florence and there are just the two of us so 900 euros for both is expensive.

 

I went to http://www.shareashoreexcursioninitaly.com and it appears very straight forward. They have a banner ad here so I guess they are reputable. I've searched for posts regarding this company but cannot find any. Has anyone successfully used them? Thanks!

Just returned from Italy, using this company twice. In Salerno, Mario couldn't have been more knowledgeable or helpful. He was professional and made a fun day for the 4 couples who didn't know each other before but joined up from a roll call. In Florence, Julia was exceptional. Our excursion was really simply transfers to Florence but she first took us to an overlook to give us the complete city pix and then drove a bit in the city interior so we would have a sense of direction. A perfect day again. I wrote and received many emails from the company and was always happy with the quick response. This is a wonderful way to traverse Italy. I loved how each person registered for the group on the site and that we were not fearful we'd be stuck with a higher bill because of no-shows. A very professional service with wonderful guides!

Where in Croatia? I agree you don't need to have it in advance because you have ATM's everywhere and restaurants accept all possible credit cards, nice shops too. But in Split, you'll need some kunas for street vendors, entrance fees and possibly bus ticket. But you can exchange small amount when you, re there, you don't need to have it in advance.

 

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I should have been more specific. This was a one-day cruise port visit for Dubrovnik and 2-day Istanbul visit. I knew we'd take taxis and not public transportation.

I just returned last week from these ports and had purchased some local money previously. Do NOT bother. Everything was quoted in euros and having local cash didn't help. Just use Euros (and dollars in some situations.)