jsy44

On 9/12/2024 at 7:52 PM, CruisinKikster said:

I'm sailing on a Christmas Market cruise down the Rhine on the SS Antoinette. Currently booked in a French Balcony and wondering if any of the upgrades are "worth it." 

 

For a little context, I usually like a balcony on ocean cruises and pretty much book nothing lower than that. When we originally booked this cruise, it seemed the Deluxe Balcony was the exact same as a French Balcony, but we lost space for the balcony. And since we won't be sitting out there a lot (hello winter), it didn't seem worth it to give up that space. 

 

Now I've reviewed some more videos about the rooms, and it seems the Deluxe is actually an enclosed balcony that we can open if wanted. I haven't seen anything about the French Balcony to know if it does the same thing, but I believe it does. 

 

Anyway, I digress... here are the upgrade minimum bids I was sent: 

 

Deluxe Balcony - $100 pp

Suite - $800 pp

Grand Suite - $1600 pp

 

Would you bid on any of these? (I'd likely do the minimum knowing that it's a low chance of succeeding because I booked a room I knew I'd be happy with. Just wondering if it's worth a minimal attempt for any of the others.) 

 

No. Don't do it! We are currently on this ship. Can't say I'm impressed with the Uniworld experience. Certainly not the 6 star, fine dining experience I was promised.

Had been going to book this trip as particularly interested in visiting Beirut. However I cannot find any days when they actually did dock there so I'm going to give it a miss. On the brighter side, we have used Guided tours Israel before and they were fabulous so you'll have a great time with them.

Didn't realise that getting rid of Sunset bar was being considered. So relieved it is going to remain. I think it would actually have been a deal breaker for me, had it gone.

Due to UK penalties I have never taken a cruise except at last minute. Have got some great deals this way. Recommended if you can do this. Also means I have taken more cruises than if I had had to pay full price. Cannot imagine booking my holidays 2 years in advance. Could be dead by then!

Just back from the Journey. The Bulgarian guitarist, Teodor, in the Looking Glass was a highlight for us but we rapidly left when the disco started afterwards. The cabaret offerings were very poor. The magician was okay but the British comedian was embarrassingly bad. However if you're not in a cabin nearby you can happily avoid this area. Make the most of the long days ashore and you won't need any entertainment.

It's a long journey to the port from Rome. We took the train - much cheaper!

Thank you so much for such a quick response. Leave for airport in half an hour and suddenly had a packing dilemma. Hate to lug unnecessary stuff around!

Will there be beach towels on Journey that can be taken off the ship please?

Is this really a substitute for an evening in the ruins of Ephesus?

 

No way!

Very useful link for those who haven't realised what they're actually getting!

Is this really a substitute for an evening in the ruins of Ephesus?

 

No way!

Very useful link for those who haven't realised what they're actually getting!

I did this by public bus a few years ago. Bus station is at the port. Was very busy so couldn't get on first bus that came. Return bus drops you in a different place so longer walk back to port. Trogir is fabulous but then so is Split!

"The Sept 29th Azamazing Evening (AEE) will take place at Cittantica Ephesus Park, instead of the Odeon. Typically when we're in Ephesus, we usually have the AEE at the Odeon; however, due to cold weather in September, we had to move it to an indoor venue.

Below is the marketing description for the AEE:

Experience a delightful evening at Cittantica Ephesus Park. This incredible park recreates the ancient city of Ephesus, complete with architectural replicas, costumed locals in character, contemporaneous details and interactive shows. Enjoy a welcome drink while watching in awe as entertainers perform a fire show surrounded by Roman soldiers. Live sculptures add an element of surprise to the evening and make for fun photo opportunities. Within the park, listen to the lovely strains of harp music during an introduction to Artemission, a hall built as a scaled replica of the spectacular Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Once seated, an exclusive show about Cleopatra and Mark Antony reveals the magnificence of antiquity followed by a live orchestra performance of music from the Roman era."

Yes, I noted this but booked as people seem to say good things about these evenings. I'm now going to cancel as I don't want a theme park experience to overshadow the wonderful site have seen before and will enjoy revisiting during the day.

I always book my holidays online but this time went into a Thomsons shop for inspiration and booked on the spot - big mistake to believe TA! Shore excursions much more expensive than I'd been led to believe. Realised I'd been charged extra for us to sit together on plane - who cares? I wouldn't pay for this. Final straw was phone call telling my to buy my holiday money from them as they'll 'look after me' as I booked my holiday through them. Said I'd check rates first elsewhere....guess what?Another attempt to rip me off. Look online for deals. This will be my first Thomson cruise. I normally go on 5 or 5.5 star ships for the price I've paid. Let's say my expectations aren't high...