Maverick!

In addition to the Prince (which is less central but close to Ala Moana & the port) where we stayed 3 nights pre-cruise, we also stayed 3 nights post-cruise @ Outrigger Beachcomber in Waikiki- should be considered for its fantastic location, their cafe serves superb breakfast options and all around clean, comfortable, classy digs. A hop across the street to the beach, next door to International Market Place, and walking distance to many fine dining options. Roy Yamaguchi's Eating House was amazing!

To do Road to Hana and back to Kahului, and hike the Pipiwai Trail would take the whole day. The speed limit on the Road considering the narrow turns was on average 10-20 mph. We enjoyed every minute - the beauty of the landscape, waterfalls, forest, black sand beach, lava tube, is worth the effort. We are saddened to follow the devastation and chaos unfolding on Maui.

We just came back from POA last week and loved our day with Unique Maui Tours - 7 Sacred Pools & Bamboo Forest. We hiked the scenic Pipiwai Trail at the Kipahulu at Haleakala National Park and experienced some of the most amazing waterfalls - Makahiku, Waimoku (400 ft tall), including Ohe'o Gulch/ Seven Sacred Pools and Hanawi Falls (coming out of lava tubes), not to mention the beautiful bamboo forest. We drove the Road to Hana on the backway (successfully avoided any crowds) and even swam in our private waterfall Pua’a Ka’a ("Rolling Pig,"). Our guide, Wendy, was amazing and made our visit so memorable with her vast array of knowledge, songs and stories. If you have a chance, do consider this tour - it was incredible.

“Her” - Patricia (or nickname Patou) would be the booking contact who’s great to provide suggestions and itinerary. Fabien, our capt for the day, picked us up at cruiseport, docked at a small slip 5 min walk over from the gangway. I have her WhatsApp contact if need to contact.

We booked with Patou Excursions , we had fantastic skipper Fabien - Patricia (Patou :)) was great to propose how we'd organize the day, working with our schedule. We happened to dock 30 mins later than when the public group tour was going out so we ended up doing a private charter just for our group.

Guadeloupe is one of the most beautiful islands we have visited and we have cruised almost every port destination in the Caribbean. We were there on a New Years cruise 2023 and along with others from our roll call we experienced an amazing day on a boat excursion up the Rivière Salée and explored the gorgeous sandbar islands like Ilet Caret and had a great BBQ lunch on a private part of an island Ile des Sables (in the Ste Rose area). We were picked up at the port in Pointe a Pitre and walked through the neighborhood at the port area appointed with small businesses, pretty flower landscapes and bougainviglia, and superb local artwork decorating buildings. Even a P-A-P sign for instagram-worthy pictures. Our family of 4 (including 2 ocean-loving kids 7, 10) loved it and are going back later this year! To anyone who would question whether this port is worthy to consider a guided tour or DIY visit, I would definitely say Hell ya. Do some research beforehand and ignore the neysayers who obviously have not done theirs. Check out this short video that could give you an idea the beauty and culture this island has to offer - on an extended stay or day visit: https://www.iles.com/fr/guadeloupe.html

We had a pretty good time with Captain Phil and Rosie in January 2023. We chartered a day trip from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, Cooper Islands, Caves ( our group with 8 of the best people on our Enchanted Princess sailing). They also do trips to JVD as well. https://antillespowerboats.com/

We did this 2-day private tour for our family of 4 when we were in Turkey last summer off the Celebrity Reflection. Our guide Beisa was amazing and we had a driver for a certain portion, which was helpful to avoid the crowds, walk to save time. It was our first time in Istanbul and we were able to cover all the principal stops, including Bosphorus cruise (other than the interior of the Blue Mosque which was under renovation). https://www.viator.com/tours/Istanbul/Small-Group-Istanbul-Highlights-Tour-Max-8-10-people/d585-45366P1

We were in Guadeloupe in early January (off the Enchanted Princess) and I'm surprised not more cruisers or non-Europeans have enjoyed this stop. It is a beautiful island with many areas to explore. People here were friendly and always helpful. Maybe it's the language or currency issues that seem to discourage many visitors off the ship but we had a fantastic day there. We took a speedboat tour with Patou Excursions (Patou is so amazing providing as much information as you need !), we chose to go to the Grand Cul de Sac Marine Reserve (northwest part of Basse Terre) with Captain Fabien along with a few couples from our Roll Call. We met the boat right next to the Cruise Port, sailed up through the mangroves of the Salt River (Riviere Salée) saw some large iguanas in their natural habitat, and made stops at the most beautiful sandbar and crystal waters (Ilet Caret), snorkeled over this extensive coral reef seeing lobster, sea urchins, shoals of fish, and having this huge and most delicious lunch (lobster too if chosen) at a private island (Ilet de Sable i think) cooked on a grill by our Captain himself. Could not have been easier or more convenient to get right back to the ship with time to spare. We had enough folks to do a private tour but Patou also offers a group tour/rates. If anyone interested to know more, message me I can provide more info but to overlook the beauty of this Port stop based on limited reviews from others who just walked around port area and gave up would really be a shame. I personally appreciated the port area actually, not at all shady, and some unique and interesting artwork and garden flora around to appreciate.

We do tip in Italy when using a car service (Rome Chauffeur - we used them Rome/Naples, Civitavecchia), as the drivers have always gone the extra mile - either waiting when our flight was delayed, helped us with multiple pieces of luggage, by avoiding high-traffic areas when time was an issue to get to the airport or cruiseport, or stopped at service stations while we needed a food/washroom stop.

I remember those days - we've done that also and worked well. We've taken the bus before also and train is by far more comfortable. Now with 2 kids in tow, 4 suitcases, 4 carry-ons 🙂 it's become a bit more of a haul so we had to forego the ease of the train for convenience in our situation.

We did both legs of Rome (Civitavecchia)-Naples and Naples-Rome last July and used Rome Chauffeur for those transfers as well as transfers from Fiumicino-Rome and back. Also used them on prior trips and have been responsive, punctual, reliable and provided all around consistent great service. They are our go-to car service in Rome.

The Buffet opens at 6AM and a hearty breakfast can be had comfortably within 10-20 mins depending how quickly you eat 🙂 in time to disembark by 7AM.