love2cruisegal

A question somewhat related to the OP's topic. Part of the UBD process is sending a ship's photographer to take some pictures. Have they always charged for the picture? We did the UBD on the Pacific this past May and it was the normal $25.00 for an 8x10. I did not purchase it. We did our first UBD on the Ruby in 2009 and I did get a picture. I cannot remember if I paid for it or got it for free.

Bob

 

We did the UBD on our Med cruise in May 2016. Our first and loved it! We did get a picture for free and paid for another one too. Didn't realize you have to pay for your picture now.

If you want dining on your balcony, the UBD which was mentioned is fantastic. We did a Med cruise this past May and had the UBD on the Royal, food was amazing and getting the personal attention from the waiter was great, made us feel special. If you decide to do UBD, make sure you call the dine line as soon as you can on embarkation day.

The Crown Grill is very good too; have eaten there many times and did again in May.

You can't go wrong with either, but UBD is worth the $100.

We had a wonderful stop on 6-9 with absolutely no issues. Was for me one of the highlights of a 21 day cruise. Hope she continues to go in for those who want to see this fascinating city. FYI we also stopped in Kusadasi.

We also had no issues on our May 14-28 Med cruise. We enjoyed both Istanbul and Kusadasi.

We were in E409 last month and it was great. The balcony is much larger than most, and because it's the first one to the inside of the semicircle, it's protected from the wind. It can't be seen into from the SkyWalk, and there were very few people outside on Promenade. The starboard side is behind the shops, whereas the port side is behind Crooners, so I think it's quieter on the starboard side. I noticed that the people outside on promenade never actually look up, so I never felt like I was being watched. We liked it so much, we've already reserved the same cabin for our next Regal voyage. I took this pic from the very edge of promenade looking up.

You can see the size of the balcony. The bow of the ship is to the right.

Here's an interior shot:

 

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We were on a 14 Day Med cruise mid May and were in E411 next to your E409. We loved the location and the extra room on the balcony. We did UBD one night and had plenty of room. We would book this cabin again. Agree with you, no one seemed to look up while we were on the balcony and if they did, it was just a quick look and sometimes a wave.

We had a fantastic cruise and hope those sailing soon enjoy their cruise too!

We just used Rome Cabs on May 14 from our hotel in Rome to the port. Also picked up another couple from our Roll Call and they only charge an extra 10Euros to pick up at a second hotel. Driver was very courteous and drove us directly to the ship. Got to ship, dropped off our bags and checked in. He picked us up about half hour early so we had no trouble getting to ship on time. We booked back in Jan/Feb.

We would definitely use Rome Cabs again when we return to Rome some day.

Thanks for the advice. At this point we pretty much ruled out the land based cruise line tour- we will do it on our own. We want to go to Venice, so may fly into there and then "train it"? to Rome, We just can't do it all, it being our first trip to Europe- have to pick and choose. So thinking a few days in Venice and Rome, then the 9 day Italy/Greece cruise. Still piecing it together!

I agree with all who have responded to your questions. We looked at the Princess land portion and saw the cost and decided the same...too costly.

We are leaving in a week for Venice, Florence and Rome pre cruise (Mediterranean), spending 2 days in Venice, 4 in Florence and 4 in Rome. We are also taking the train between the cities. It will cost less than the Princess tour with more days.

I'm sure you will enjoy Venice and Rome, we sure plan to since it's our first trip. Enjoy!

That's kind of the way we travel. We use Rick Steve's a lot. As stated above I hate having every minute of every faction planned. I like to just let stuff happen. With that said it does make sense to have a general idea of what you want to do. So for example if you want to go to the Coliseum and Forum in Rome, it's best to buy tickets ahead of time to avoid hours of standing in line.

Yes, we have a general idea of what we want to do and when, but are not planning to rush; only to get to the Vatican early for our Walks of Italy tour one morning. We are planning on the Coliseum and Forum and already have purchased our tickets; didn't want to stand in that long line.

Thanks to all of you!! I am an "over-planner." DH does not plan, isn't interested in planning, doesn't want to hear about my in depth grappling with "do we want to do this or that." But he is an anxious traveler and maybe that's why he doesn't want to pre-plan because it stresses him. So I get stressed worrying that I've planned it properly!

 

All the advice I get on CC is so helpful! I appreciate you all!!

 

 

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Sorry but I'm going to add my 2¢! We are leaving for Venice 3 weeks from today and will also be going to Florence and Rome before our cruise starts on May 14. We have never been to Europe so all is new to us too. My husband likes to plan also but knows I like doing all the research, so he lets me. We discuss what we want to see and do but let's me make the reservations if necessary. We are in Rome for 4 nights before the cruise and the only tour we have reserved is the Vatican. Everything else we are doing just walking around and following the suggestions we have read here and on Rick Steves website. We have his tour books for all 3 cities and have downloaded his Europe app and will be doing sites by listening to tours. He also has a couple Rome walking tours we will be doing. Don't think we would want to waste so much time and $ having someone drive us everywhere, but that's just us.

We arrive from the US in Venice and plan to just walk around and not do any tours, just fresh air as many others have said.

Have a wonderful time no matter what you decide!

It was not on the website, so I sent them an email. Their response was what I posted. That is the reason I am anxiously awaiting responses from anyone that has actually gone this season. Am a little nervous about cancelling other plans until someone confirms that they are running as stated.

We are also waiting to see if this boat is still running this year. We have booked an excursion through the ship just in case. It also stops at Santos winery which would be nice. Anyone know if this winery is in walking distance to Oia in case we do the boat instead of the excursion? We are in Santorini on May 22.

Thanks.

September 2015 I highly recommend taking the X80 bus to Athens from the Port of Piraeus. It takes about 30 minutes, and costs 4Euro (it's an all day pass). Get your bus ticket before you get on the bus. There are bus stops at Terminal A and Terminal B - very convenient. The bus stops in Athens near the Acropolis, and at Syntagma Square. If you are not sure where your stop is - let the bus driver know. Attached are pictures of the bus stop at Terminal B, and of the bus stop sign for the return to Piraeus, near the Acropolis. The bus runs daily.

Thanks so much for the info and the photos. We will be in Athens in May and will be docked from 4am to 8pm as it's an embarkation/disembarkation stop, however will be there as a port stop. Do you have any idea how far of a walk it is from the Acropolis bus stop to the entrance to the Acropolis?

Thanks.

The vehicle they used was a van for 8 -- and there was no problem in it getting up the street. The driver was just worried about stopping and blocking traffic, so he parked at the end of the street and walked up to make sure we were all ready to go and had our bags outside the hotel, then he drove up, loaded us up, and there was no problem. If your pick-ups are farther apart than our's were, I don't think it would be an issue. Rome Cabs waived the extra pick-up charge for our three stops, but they might add it one of your stops is outside the city. You can specify when you want the first pick-up, so if it takes longer to do your stops, you can just allow for that when you schedule. Hope this helps.

Yes this helps immensely, thanks so much. Have not set this up yet so don't know if it will be just the two of us or possibly 6. Will contact them and get further info. I think it best to just do pickups for those in hotels located closer together.

We used RomeCabs on a recent transfer to Civitacecchia for a TA on the Zuiderdam (Oct. 21). Our driver was great. There were three separate hotel pick-ups, each one presenting some challenges -- one was a narrow street where it was difficult to stop, another a large busy hotel where the parking was congested and it was difficult finding the people to be picked up. He handled all of these challenges in a professional, good-humoured manner, and dropped us off right at the port, on time. A very stress-free way to get to the port. For eight passengers and three pick-ups, cost per person was 26.25 euros. Would definitely hire them again.

We will be staying in Rome four nights pre cruise in May. Planning to use Rome Cabs for our transfer to port from hotel. On our roll call there is a couple staying near the Colleseum and we are near Campo de Fiori. Thinking about asking if they or anyone wants to share transfer or just do it alone. Our hotel is on a narrow street and not sure of other location. Was it difficult getting vehicle down that street? Also do any of you know if Rome Cabs can pick up a couple in Rome central AND outside the center of Rome and take all to port? I would think it would be more difficult and time consuming? I probably would have to contact them. How far in advance would we have to reserve considering more than one pickup?

Thanks for any info.

As you can see below, we were on the Caribbean Princess in 2012 on the Canada/New England cruise round trip out of New York end of Sept.beginning of Oct. Arrived a day early in New York and had a great time. The 7 day cruise was amazing, we really enjoyed it and had great weather. Two of our ports were in the 70's and St. John's was also warm. Only cloudy day was in Boston. We would like to do the 10 day cruise to/from Quebec sometime.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw quite a few people taking flowers onboard.....

Didn't think you could bring flowers on board, but great if you can. Thanks for the great pics, we will be in Rome 4 nights before our cruise on the Royal in May.

Thank you friends for all the good wishes and positive messages.

 

Things are feeling better after a good night's sleep and getting ready for our flight has kept my mind off it.

 

We usually spend Thanksgiving in the house in Michigan watching the deer and the antelope play but not this year alas.

 

After New York we begin the process of listing and pricing all that was taken and that will put us on the track to replacing everything and getting back to normal. Thankfully all my camera gear was back in Chicago.

 

Thanks again for your warm wishes!

 

All will be well.

 

Norris

Norris,

Oh how awful! So sorry to hear about your terrible ordeal and glad to hear that you are doing better. These burglaries can be disastrous but you were able to come through it. So glad Carol wasn't there and hope they catch these bums.

You two have a good trip to New York. Thanksgiving in that house sounds wonderful and hope you can enjoy it there next year.

Best to both of you and looking forward to your X trip in January. I know I am looking forward to reading about it, as usual.

Ruth

Norris,

I have been following along and posted a couple times, can't believe this review is almost over. I knew Barcelona would be a great post cruise stay for two days, but after seeing all your pictures, we can hardly wait. But then I'm wishing our cruise away and it hasn't started!

We want to see Gaudi's houses, but wasn't planning to go inside, now think maybe we will at least one. Did you book the tickets online? Your hotel in Barcelona was beautiful and what a great view. We plan to do some walking there and also Las Ramblas. Our hotel has a rooftop deck and bar and hopefully we have the wonderful views you had.

My last post #920 or so (?) you asked about ship tours in St. Maarten. We have been twice and loved it both times. Anxious to hear about St. Kitts in your X review as it is one pace we would like to go.

You are about finished with your wonderful comments on this trip and I really enjoyed reading them. Look forward to reading your X review in January and how you enjoy their ship.

Ruth

Ruth, it makes all the "work" worthwhile when I see that people are enjoying this enough to feel they have to respond. So thank you.

 

The Silhouette cruise is 64 days away but we will be in Ft. Lauderdale the day before (Always Be Early!). As the Itinerary is the Caribbean with only 3 ports (San Juan, Phillipsburg and Basseterre ) the ship will be a main focus for me unlike in the Med where the Emerald was a means of getting us to all those ports. No surprises on the Emerald as I've sailed both of her sisters. X will be a surprise around every corner and hopefully all good ones.

 

I know the Specialty restaurants are pricey compared to Princess-but not to the land based ones we use in Chicago (or SF or NY) but I also know they offer discounts on board to fill the seats. Even so the value of the packages we got at booking are @ $1200 so that's money that we normally spend out of pocket ( our gratuities paid/ beverage packages each and $300 OBC.) It will be nice to eat from new menus and of course we have Luminae the Suites-only dining room and Blu.

We haven't tasted the food yet but it photographs well!!

 

We are going ashore in each port-a Segway tour of the forts in PR, some beach snorkeling boat ride thing in St Maarten with beach BBQ, and the Island train/Catamaran ride in St. Kitts. 3 sea days which Carol loves. Do you know if they offer Ship tours??

 

We have a butler which is new to us but I know there will be some aft balcony dining he can help us with.

 

The UBD on the Royal will be a great experience. When do you plan to have it?

We have always done it (3 times I think) when sailing aft as there is no wind.

Always at sea but if you have a late port departure when the sun is setting and the port lights are on that would be magical too.

 

Thanks again for the response!

 

Norris

Norris,

Thanks for your reply. I'm sure you will enjoy your cruise on X in January and will enjoy reading another review from you as usual.

We originally booked our Med cruise on the Royal back in March and then Princess had this big sale in early fall. We were able to upgrade from balcony to deluxe balcony for reduced fare. Also paid gratuities, a specialty restaurant, and a beverage package, but if you didn't want beverage package you get OBC. We didn't feel the beverage package would be worthwhile since we only have 3 sea days out of 14 day cruise. We wouldn't be onboard enough each day to use it.

Yes we think the UBD will be amazing. Not sure when we plan to have it but we will be in some ports late and Mykonos and Santorini are a couple of them which would be beautiful at night or sun set.

You will be stopping in one of our favorite ports - St. Maarten. Have been there twice and just did the island tour to both Dutch and French sides on the first cruise. In 2013, we did an island tour by bus and then stopped to board a catamaran to cruise in the lagoon to the French side. Many beautiful houses and condos on the cruise. Stopped in Marigot for shopping and had time to have a crepe in a French cafe, then boarded the bus for the trip back to port. It was very nice and was a Princess tour so not sure if they have it on X, but maybe they do. You are stopping at another port we would like to see - St. Kitts. Will love to read your review of it.

Thanks.

Ruth

Wow, there is definitely a problem with the Princess website this morning, for available cabins it just shows blank screens. Clearly someone has messed around with the website.

Totally agree. Logged on this afternoon and it's definitely changed. Was fine just earlier this week.

Wow, there is definitely a problem with the Princess website this morning, for available cabins it just shows blank screens. Clearly someone has messed around with the website.

Totally agree. Logged on this afternoon and it's definitely changed. Was fine just earlier this week.

Norris,

You surely were right! In your response to me earlier when I said we were staying in Barcelona two days post cruise end of May, you told me to hang in there you would have lots to post. You weren't kidding.....I have been enjoying them immensely. They are wonderful. The buildings and the architecture is just beautiful. Thanks, getting excited about staying in Barcelona but then I am rushing the cruise. Lol!

Will be waiting for your review in January from your X cruise. We looked at their itineraries for the Med and none seemed to jump out at us and most were round trip and didn't stop at all our bucket list. They also charge more for their restaurants and have more. So we are on the Royal Princess which has a great itinerary. We were on her in December of 2013 and she is a beautiful ship even with the smaller balconies. We have an angled balcony this time and want to do the UBD after reading reviews and watching some videos, including yours. It didn't seem that crowded and we ate in the buffet more than normal. The layout was so much better than the Grand class ships. Also Alfredos was wonderful and no charge.

Will be anxiously awaiting your review from the Caribbean on X.

Thanks so much for your review as always and wonderful pictures, Norris.

Ruth

We have had service with Telestial Phones for a few years now and recently purchased a new phone in April. We have had nothing but problems with this new phone and I am now in the process of mailing it back to them so they can figure out what is not working. I know you can purchase an international package for a smart phone, etc., but we have Consumer Cellular as our carrier and they do not offer international service, which is why we have this special phone when we go to Europe. I would love to know what else is available to purchase in the way of phones, sim cards, etc. that would be a reliable means of communication and peace of mind for myself that I can make a call in case of an emergency (medical or flight problems, etc.). Thank you!!!

Oh know Meena, I was afraid of that. We have Consumer Cellular too and was planning to call them but our trip isn't until May. Does anyone know if you can use the smartphone to take photos in Europe and send via email at your hotel or on ship? That was what we would be using it for mainly plus we have the Rick Steves Europe app on our phones for tours on our own which won't use data or WiFi. Should we then purchase cheap phone in Italy when we arrive or can we purchase SIM card and use in our phone?

Thanks much.

We are planning the UBD on the Royal in the Med in May but we have one of the angled balconies mid ship on Emerald deck. I think this should work out well. Is there any advantage to booking ahead since you still have to call to select time and day? So looking forward to this, first time doing UBD.

If you are able to find a newer ship that leaves from Rome you may still be able to get your wish! You could fly into Venice a few days ahead and then train to Rome or Civitavecchia.The train is very easy to do and is a pleasant ride . It's not that costly and may be a way to get in everything that you'd like to do. We have done this a few time,most recently in the beginning of October. We arrived on a Saturday morning and took the train to Rome Monday mid day. I'd be happy to answer any questions if you want to look into this option!

I agree. Pick your itinerary and ship and if it sails out of Rome fly to Venice, stay a couple days and train to Rome. You could stay in Rome a day or two and take train or private transfer to ship. We are doing that in May..

flying to Venice, train to Florence, few days there, train to Rome, few days there before boarding ship. This way you get to see the cities you want and have the ship you want.

Happy sailing!!

Some people enjoy the DIY and get a lot out of it. Tours are a good option but they aren't necessarily the first choice of everyone.;)

I agree. We are DIYers too and will be in the other ports but just seems less hectic in Naples and Amalfi coast. We are doing Capri DIY on our second stop in Naples at the end of our cruise.

Thanks cruisemom, I always enjoy your reviews and suggestions.

Wow! Just reading this post about taking the train and then the bus and maybe a ferry!! Makes me exhausted just thinking about it, and at this late date (going in Nov.?). We will be in Naples in May on our Med cruise and have already signed up with a tour company to take us to Sorrento, Positano and Ravello through our roll call. There are 8 couples with two vans and we will sit back, listen and relax. I would try to check a tour already booked on some of the tour companies websites and see if you can get in one that needs a couple more people. This is our first med cruise and feel more comfortable with the tour company.

Just my opinion. Happy sailing!