wcook

I always try to do “everything” on a cruise and often come back dead tired. My last Med cruise had a couple forced “sea days” (thanks COVID) and while I was disappointed to miss what I planned to do ashore, I “vacationed” - relaxed, actually read the books I brought to read, etc. It was nice. Going forward, I’m going to limit myself to four port visits in a week, regardless of the actual number of stops.

Both would be amazing and are more similar than they are different. Me? Kotor is the port I most want to visit, so I’d take that itinerary.

Assuming you are from the UK, ask over in the UK Cruisers forum. In the US, almost everyone I know is using the at home, monitored over the internet test from Abbott. A six pack of tests is usually about $150.

MCS has a good amount of younger people and has great nightlife with dancing etc. The only issue (which may not be a problem) is that it will have a larger percentage of non-English speaker than Royal/Carnival/NCL. Honestly though, I’d highly recommend picking a cruise based on whatever cruise he wants to take, not what line has a reputation for being good for solo cruisers.

Side note: We really need to give one of the Channel Islands to a foreign country to open a cruise port. Would really open up the west coast options.

This might explain why I wasn’t visited by my spirit animal when I went on that spiritual camping retreat. Oh well, at least I didn’t get carsick on the bus ride out.

Good grief that’s lot of stuff. I’d have no problem if it was “50 things you might enjoy having on a cruise.” But essential?? The problem is there are first time cruisers who see such lists and really think they everything. Of the 50, three are in my basic pack kit: - packing cubes - water shoes - Bonine, though get the generic stuff from Amazon for a fraction of the price. The generic name is Mescaline (or something like that.) Some of the other stuff is ok, but a bit was just off. For example, the vast majority of people these days need a usb hub, not an extension cord.

Different people like different stuff. I find the cemeteries at the beginning of the freedom trail to be the best part.

Wow, thanks for this post! I have a bunch of points from years ago, but I’d completely forgotten about myVEGAS. Had no idea MSC was included. All the rewards seem to be for cruises out of Florida. Do they ever offer discounts/free cruises for elsewhere?? Or onboard credit?

I’f you have your heart set on Niagara Falls, flights from Montreal to Toronto can be dirt cheap.

To the aquarium - silver line to south station, then walk the greenway to the aquarium. If you are at all an engineering geek, read up on The Big Dig beforehand.

Note that the LL Bean complex is in Freeport, surrounded by mostly outlet shops. Portland itself had a ton of interesting shops, restaurants and bars in the port area. If it’s me, I’d explore those over taking some sort of excursion.

You can rent a car - I have no idea how much that would cost, but it’s a super easy drive For what it’s worth, I’ve been to Freeport and to Portland many times each. Unless you are some sort of LL Bean groupie, Portland is the much (much!) more interesting place (IMO)

Favorite cruise: my next one 2nd favorite cruise: my last one.

Not a lot of ships cruise to Gettysburg, but I think you guys would love it. It’s one thing to read about Picketts Charge. But it really comes alive when you stand where the Southern lines were and look up across the open fields towards the defensive Union positions.

Another option is renting a car. We rented one from a company that had them waiting right at the pier.

Keep in mind threatened transit strikes in Europe are reasonably common. They often settle, or have given enough advance notice that contingency plans are in place. I haven’t a clue what MSC will do for you if there is a disruptive strike occurs in your dates. But I wouldn’t worry about it.

Of all the places in this world I’ve been, this is the one I least expected to turn up on Cruise Critic.

An excuse to sing Abba songs. That alone makes it worthwhile.

Sorry folks, the Louvre’s closed. Le Moose out front should have told you.

Ironically, I want to see it because it’s the most overrated attraction in the world.

I’ve done December. On ship we mostly stayed indoors. Keep in mind the newer MSC ships generally have a nice indoor pool area. In port, we put on light jackets and had a great time. Earlier sunsets? Honestly didn’t notice or think anything of it.

Excellent. Enjoy.

Just my 2 cents, with slightly different opinions than many of the other posters: If one of your favorite pastimes is laying in the sun, July is the better month. Perfect weather for that. Of course, it’s lousy weather for exploring old ruins, it’s crowded, and flights are their most expensive. The only cruise lines I know that offer topless sunbathing on the ship are German lines. AIDA for instance has a special, isolated adults only area just for that. While July more crowded than April, the big sights (Rome, Venice) are jam packed crowded in April too. To put things in Caribbean terms, the Nassau/San Juan/St Thomas route is Barcelona/Rome/etc. Of course, Rome is about a million times more interesting than St Thomas (IMO) but it’s still packed with people wearing cruise tour stickers and guides holding up paddles. Also, know that many of the most famous European ports, like Rome, are no where near where the ships dock. If you want more off the beaten crowd, the Adriatic/Ionian is a great choice. Including much better beaches (IMO) But you are talking older, smaller ships usually. MSC has a lot of good options. And will likely be cheapest. But while the ship has everything in English (and other languages) most of your fellow passengers will not be native English speakers. Another factor with Mediterranean cruises is they have more port days and fewer sea days. If not every port appeals to you, take a ship-in-port day or two.

Awesome report. Thanks. I’ve wondered what Yacht Club people think about the ships where the restaurant is on the other side of the ship. Is it good to force people outside the bubble now and then, or does that defeat the whole purpose. Anyway, give yourself an extra gold star for spelling out all those Norwegian place names.