lv9777

Thank you all for the information. I have found what I needed on the navigator App.  The App did not have anything listed until recently, so I stopped checking.  I was used to getting a statement the last night of the cruise which I miss.  I also miss the daily towel animals.

I have not heard anything back from my email to guest relations yet, but it has only been 5 days. 

They were drinks I did not purchase. 

I had several small charges that were inconsistent with what I spent, but after an hour in line at guest relations, they simply said "well it is what we have documented".  I gave up as it was minor but I did think it was poor customer service. I understand the concept of principle!

It would also be helpful to know that if you forget to get your charges before you leave the ship that it is next to impossible to get them later at least in a timely manner.  Our cruise was a disaster for everyone, so handling things with guest services was a several hour experience.  I completely own that I did not get a print out before I left, but I didn't know how hard it would be. My mother was injured and I needed to send information to HAL's insurance within 7 days. I have sent emails, called, and tried on line. I have long since missed the window.  

SO be sure to get your statement before you get off the ship!!

We were on the New Amsterdam Dec 16.  The BB King lounge is now the Rolling stone Lounge. It looks the same but different music.  The band was adequate and the music was more rock-n-roll oriented.  IMO BB King was far superior.  

Jakartatom,

we are sailing on June 17 on the Nieuw Amsterdam as a 20th anniversary celebration as well!!! So excited. No cabin assignment or upgrade yet. Waiting hopefully......

We are staying at the Boscolo in June on Marriott Points. It gets good reviews on trip advisor. I'll post when we return.

We are using a private driver from Marseille to the Calanques hiking trails. It is a bit pricey, but the fastest way with a short time frame. Try tour.designer@provence-travel.com . Hope this helps.

We are having the same discussion regarding our June cruise. We are staying 5 days post cruise and need to travel light as we are using the train and busses to travel. We have decided to find an old Jacket from the back of the closet or buy one from Goodwill and then leave it behind. This is cheaper than renting a tux and I will not be over dressed due to the need to pack light. We don't want to eat at the Lido as we enjoy the MDR. This is our solution.

Can you comment on using the drink card? Are you confined to drinks under $7.00 or can you order more expensive drinks and pay the difference? Our TA told us you would just pay the difference, but I think that is incorrect. Did you find that there was suffcient variety and choice at this price point? Thank you for the info.

Thanks for all the info. I have made reservations in Vernazza!! I'll try to post a review when we return. Can't wait to leave these bitter temperatures and snow behind!

Thanks so much for the info. Very helpful to know that Riomaggiore is the first village by train. Vernazza looks wonderful. Worried about traveling village to village after the train ride from Venice. This is an extra trip after an 11 day cruise. We have 2 days in Venice, then planning 2 days in Cinque Terre and then another 2 days in Rome. For those that have been here. Does this sound workable?

We are traveling from Venice to the Cinque Terre and staying two nights before heading to Rome. Which village would be the best to stay in? Is Monterosso the easiest to get to by train from Venice or is Riogomorro? We plan to hike to most villages. Any feedback on where to stay? Reviews are mixed on most hotels. We want great views and clean. Don't expect 5 star. Any feedback is helpful. Thanks. This is a once in a lifetime trip and we really want to do it right.:)

Thank you for the info. As long as the steel verandah is not an option,we will be ok. We booked this cruise in August, so maybe we will see an upgrade.:)

We have always booked the specific cabin that we have wanted on our cruise. I am a little nervous with not knowing where we will be. With a VC or higher I don't believe I have to worry about the steel balconies. Do I need to worry about noise? What are the chances we will be upgraded on a prime time cruise? :confused:

Thank you for the info. I feel much better about our plans. Will pack light.:)

After reading through the forum it seems like the train is an easy way to get aorund Italy. We are ending our cruise in Venice and considering staying another 3-4 days. Would like to take the train from Venice to Florence, spend a night there and then proceed to Rome for 2 nights. Is this workable for a couple that does not speak the language? Any suggestions about where to stay or what to do in Florence? I like having more time to explore Rome than just an 8 hr stop. any advice is appreciated.

We took a Christmas cruise with our 15 yr old son and 10yr old daughter. The 15 yr old loved it!! There were enough kids to have fun and he enjoyed the freedom. He still has contact with several of the kids he met. The 10 yr old, did not care for her group and only went twice.

I would be concerned about cruising during school when kids would be scarce. Even at Christmas, there were not a lot of kids. The boat is dead after 10pm. I think the teens liked having it to themselves. :)

Thank you for the info. Appreciate the help.

Looking for a decent hotel near the cruise port. Would love to use Marriott points to save money for the cruise. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much for all the info. Looks like we should zipline! Can't wait to go....

Mamajules what did you do/see on your island tour? Was it exciting enough for the kids?

We have booked Ronys Tours, but don't know what to do. Our kids are 15 and 10, but we are also traveling with the grandparents.

Roothy123 if you are still checking this site, I would love to have your notes from Santo Tomas. We will be in port in December.

Thanks jravisser@yahoo.com