Twolittleboys

8 hours ago, PartyPlannerLady said:

 

I don't see anyone abusing anything at all.  It sucks when it happens, especially if the port being cancelled is one yo are really looking forward to visiting, but 'at any time for any reason with no explanation or compensation' seems to be a rather straught forwrad and easy to comprehand concepr.  I've sailed just two cruise lines (so far) and have had cancelled ports on both.The best thing the cruise line could do when a port is canclled is to just announce the cancellation and not add any explanation, no matter what it is some people will find a reason to gripe and complain.

Well, unfortunately I again disagree. First of all I don't think the cruise lines should not give a reason. When you sell a product and something goes wrong with that product you should say why, even if it is not your fault. Even more importantly, people may still grumble but a large percentage will understand not being able to visit a port due to bad weather, engine trouble, safety concerns etc. Complaints would be much louder if there was no explanation at all.

Secondly, I am not saying there is abuse. But sometimes it kind of seems like it. No matter the wording, every part of a contract has to act in good faith. If I sell blue dresses and explicitly state ahead of time "Color variations can arise" that makes sense. Dye batches can be different, the internet images will look different on each device, etc. So customers shouldn't complain about the blue being too pale or too greenish or to dark etc. However, if I sell blue dresses even though I know all I have and will provide are red dresses, I don't think that would be okay.

Depending on what you like to do most ports in Spain and Portugal can also easily be done on your own. There isn't always a need for a tour (depending of course on your personal tastes).

1 hour ago, PartyPlannerLady said:

 

That is because we all agree to this when we book a cruise.  I think it is paragrapn 6c in the contract.  When they do not give an explanation, people whine, moan, and b*tch that none was given.  When they do give one the same people whine, moan, and b*tch thatt they do not like the explanation.  In the end it really makes no difference why, the port is still cancelled.

I don't quite agree. Yes, obviously the port is still cancelled and the cruise contract allows for this. It does make sense that the cruise contract has that paragraph because there are many cases in which ports have to be cancelled - the weather is too bad, port employees are on strike, the country is no longer safe... There is indeed a long list of valid reasons and nothing can be done about it.

However, if a cruise line seems to abuse that rule by cancelling ports late in the process (i.e. after final payment) and the reason given is basically "we will save money if we don't go there so we decided not to" that doesn't seem to be the spirit in which the contract was originally written: We plan this itinerary and will stick to it unless we can't.

This may not make any difference legally but I do think should be talked about (so potential cruisers are aware of the possibility/likelihood) and should factor in people's decision which cruise to book.

Really appreciate this as I will be on the next cruise!

On 4/21/2024 at 8:27 PM, billyblaze said:

I will be in the Cannes port on Monday May 27 from 8am-6pm.

Most if not all of the cruise shore excursions are sold out.

Was only looking to get to Nice for a few hours.

How reliable is the train service or am i better off booking a driver?

Can I walk to the train from the port?

Not really in town too long and do not want to take a chance going too far away from Cannes.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I spent a week in Nice not long ago and had a cruise stop in Cannes on a Celebrity cruise. 

In my experience, train service is quite frequent and reliable as long as there are no strikes (check beforehand). There may be some delays so I would not cut it close. 

You can easily walk from the port in Cannes to the train station and getting to Nice should be no problem (I went to Villefranche without any issues). However, you could consider staying in Cannes for the day if you are worried as there is plenty to see and do there.

On my TA last year from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon (with a stop in the Azores on the way) there really wasn't any obvious immigration/customs procedure (we just walked off). However, I did hear that passengers who were not from the EU ran into some problems when trying to leave Portugal at the end of the trip (or when trying to visit Gibraltar) as there wasn't a clear record of them arriving there.

Not sure how helpful this is as clearly something went wrong with the process but it is what it is.

Are they booking in the US? Far as I know if booked in Europe you have to take all of the FAS or none.There is a flat fee charge for the FAS though (based on length of trip) so it wouldn't be cheaper to for example decline the beverage package (as no taxes have to be paid on it)

I have mostly cruised on Royal (though not the last couple of years as it has gotten so expensive) and did a transatlantic on NCL last year. Keep in mind that transatlantics are a bit different from most regular cruises (many sea days, different cruisers).

Here are a couple of things I noticed (it was on the Getaway):

There was more of a party atmosphere on my Norwegian cruise. Not extreme but you could tell almost everyone had a drinks package...

The Getaway was the first ship I ever noticed a smoking smell on.

Entertainment on Norwegian was pretty good but not as good as on the Oasis class ships for example. In general, they seem to go more for smaller spaces (like bars) than large theater shows (though they had some of those as well).

As others have said, dining is a bit different as it is all free-style.

One thing that I really like on Royal is the solarium. On most other cruise lines the nicer, adult-only relaxing area comes with an extra cost.

Overall, I did enjoy my NCL cruise but probably prefer Royal. Royal seems a bit more upscale and elegant. But the Norwegian cruise was great fun and I am actually booked on another one starting next week!

3 hours ago, Capitan Obvious said:

 

Um, life is easier when you use an educated professional? Especially since using a knowledgeable PCC or TA doesn't cost you any money.

 

In this instance the OP acted that their own TA and made a booking without the knowledge of the basic amenities that come with that booking. It seems only logical to wonder...what else might have been missed out on simply because the OP didn't know? Of course, you hope it is nothing, but you can't be certain.

 

Just my 2 cents.

Well, I have booked plenty of trips on my own (cruises as well as others) and in general have had no issues. Sure, a good TA is great but in my opinion not really necessary if you do not have very specific needs and do some research. And if OP has been hanging around cruisecritic for over a decade I assume they will be fine.

Like most, I would not choose either of those. The flight times are just too close.

I haven't been to Hawaii yet, but would not recommend Greece in August. Just too hot to enjoy (especially if you are coming from so far away).

Like others have said, I would recommend an Alaska cruise or Northern Europe. Maybe consider a different cruise line if you can not find an NCL cruise that fits in your schedule?

10 minutes ago, smilegirl07 said:

Thank you for such a detailed info!  Love it!  Would love to hear about your Cadiz experience once you visit in a few weeks!  I agree, with kids and August heat in the Med, I am not going to do a FULL DAY tours.... that will exhaust all of us and may test my patience and sanity with the kiddoes.... We may mix up some more extensive tours along with take it easy in our own, head back to the ship in a few hours kinda stuff.

 

Once again, thank you and have fun in Cadiz!

 

 

 

 

Thank you! Will definitely report back once I return from my cruise.

Couldn't get two pictures to properly attach so here is the second one:

25 minutes ago, K2j3 said:

Thank you for this post. I went to Cannes years ago and can only vaguely remember it. Having a short time there what would you recommend to soak up the atmosphere and get a variety. TIA!

If you have only limited time in Cannes I personally would stay there. You could just soak up the atmosphere. The newer, flat area of town reminds me a bit of Beverly Hills but you could also explore the old part of town with winding streets and a great view (I did not personally have time for this).

If your time isn't extremely short I highly recommend a trip to one of the Iles de Lerins. At least on my Celebrity cruise the boat tours left close to where the ship docked. I took a boat across to Ile Sainte-Marguerite and had a wonderful time!

You can tour a small fortress, go on a scenic walk, or swim. A great relaxing day that would even work if it is hot.

On 3/26/2024 at 6:40 PM, smilegirl07 said:

Hi, y'all!  I am traveling on Viva this coming summer(Aug) for 10 days through the Mediterranean and will be taking our three kids who are pre teens and a little 7 year old.  The itinerary that we chose are VERY port intensive starting from Lisbon - Gibraltar - Cadiz(Seville) - Motril (Granada) - Ibiza - Majorca - Barcelona - Provence(Marseille) - Villefranche - Livorno(Florence/Pisa) and then disembarking in Rome.  It is literally stopping everyday and I have started looking at all excursions and tours, but am not planning to do it every day.  There will be days we are planning to just stay on board and relax or just get off at the port and look around and then hop right back on the ship.  Since this is a trip with the kids, I want to do (and not do) things with them.  I want to hear from fellow cruisers who have recently done the Viva through the Med (or on any other ships, especially with kids?) that which ports were more exciting with kids, what are some excursions that you recommend and what may be some ports that are OK to skip and stay on board or just look around the port under just a few hours.

 

I always get so much information during the booking process/preparing for the cruise on CC and truly appreciate all your help and sharing the info!

 

Thank you so much in advance!

 

 

 

I have not been on the Viva but have been on several Med cruises with my two kids at various ages. Med cruises can be exhausting, especially with no sea days (and not just for kids)!

Personally, I would probably not skip any ports but would plan some more relaxed activities in most of them. If you go for independent touring you won't be locked into an activity and if it gets too much can just stay on board after all.

Here is my recommendation for the ports:

Lisbon - Great city - spent several days there (without kids) last year. If you have a couple of days prior to the cruise I recommend a day to Sintra. Looks to be straight out of a fairy tale and may appeal to your kids (depending on tastes)

Gibraltar - Not been yet (upcoming in 3 weeks!) but should be fun with kids climbing around on the rock, looking at the monkeys etc.

Cadiz - Actually haven't been there yet but will be in a couple of weeks. With kids I would not take a long day tour to Seville (have been) but enjoy Cadiz instead. If you have a horse lover in your family you could consider a trip to Jerez (I am planning to go there) with horse show etc.

Motril/Granada - I have been to Granada on a land-based trip years ago and it is very nice. This is the one place I would book a ship excursion if you are interested in seeing the Alhambra (and your kids are likely to be interested)

Ibiza - Would just do a beach day there

Majorca - Love Majorca! A day trip to Soller and Valldemossa is great fun and easy to do but with kids I would probably split my time between Palma (maybe tour the cathedral) and the beach

Barcelona - Lots to see and do there. Would not book an excursion but have several options ready depending on how everyone is holding up. Prebook Sagrada Familia though if you hope to visit!

Marseille - Lots of great destinations nearby. With kids I would go to the Calanques or maybe visit Aix-en-Provence

Villefranche - One of my favorite ports! Again, no need to preplan. You can hop on the train to go to Monaco (did this on a prior kids with kids and had a great time) or Nice. Or just take a walk around Cap Ferrat and spend some time at the beach

Livorno - We took a ship excursion (Florence on your own) and it was great but as it is towards the end of your trip you will likely be worn out and Florence is very crowded. So unless you really want to see Florence I would possibly skip this.

After writing all this I just realized that you will be going in August. Unfortunately, it may well be very hot. I did a July cruise recently and it was too hot to do much of anything. 

So my recommendation would be to have a possible plan for each destination (or best two different ones) but not pre-book a lot of excursions but stay flexible. Lots of these destinations are great for spending some time at the beach or just hanging out.

Hope you have a great time!

4 minutes ago, ceilidh1 said:

Oh my goodness! Thank you for this - I tried to figure out if it was a hotel as well but obviously wasn't smart enough. My teens would get such a kick out of it!

I bet they would (my kids had a great time but were a bit younger). The quality of the magic shows varies (it is more of a training ground so don't expect a Las Vegas show) but the atmosphere is incredible and everyone is so nice!

Also, the Magic Castle Hotel is THE best hotel in all of LA for families in my opinion. It is a converted apartment building (rather similar to the place you stayed at) but offers all kinds of goodies. For example kids (and adults) can go to reception and get an unlimited supply of various snacks/candies. There is a free soda machine, free laundry (they do it for you and deliver to room), free soft serve ice-cream and they even have a special phone at the pool from which kids can order popsicles!

On 3/31/2024 at 4:47 AM, ceilidh1 said:

Here’s an aside… when we came in to Hollywood, across the street from our hotel was a really cool looking building called The Magic Castle. I assumed it was a hotel and decided to research it. Turns out that it’s a nightclub for magicians! DS informed me that this place was in the Ricky, Nicky, Dicky and Dawn show, 

Just in case you do visit LA/Hollywood again in the near future: If you stay at the Magic Castle Hotel (right next to the Magic Castle) and book your hotel directly on their website, you can buy a pass to visit the Magic Castle!

Not cheap but not outrageous either. I have been twice, once with kids (only possible for brunch with minors) and last summer on my own in the evening. I can highly, highly recommend the experience. Fun magic shows and a really cool vibe!

I have stayed in Nice before (and taken trips both to Monaco and Cannes) and I have taken the train from Cannes to Villefranche during a cruise. It is quite straight-forward and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as long as you have a fairly long day in port and have checked on any planned strikes.

Make sure to take your passport when going to Monaco as you will need it for going into the casino (if you want to check it out). I forgot mine in my hotel room...

Monaco is fun to visit but there are plenty of other great destinations closer to Cannes, like Eze, Nice, or Villefranche (my favorite). Let me know if you have any specific questions!

3 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

perhaps it is me who is confusing Malaga with somewhere else?🥲

I think you may be? Like I said, I only have vague memories but I do remember walking from ship into town (fairly long but even), visiting the Alcazana, checking out the bull fighting ring, walking through town, and the returning to ship. I believe I wanted to still see the Castillo but that did look like a steep climb and kids were not willing...

I have a preliminary booking on a cruise that will stop in Malaga in May - if I go ahead and book it I can double-check and report for sure.

8 hours ago, edinburgher said:

This was replied to back in February. See post #2 and especially read the link to the previous thread as full info can be found on it.

 

twolittleboys, That very steep walk up in possibly hot  or even very hot sunshine must have been quite the experience, and I wonder what ages your kids were at the time, as you are, I believe,  the only person who has described the climb as "easy to do".

Huh, we only did Alcazaba (not Castillo de Gibralfaro) and I don't remember it being especially steep. Looking at Google Maps it also seems to be basically right at the port? 

Like I said, my memories are kind of hazy but definitely don't remember it as being difficult. Kids were 11 and 9, I think.
 

We did Alcazaba a couple of years ago. I don't remember the details but it was easy to do from the ship by just walking (and I was traveling with kids). Very nice experience!

I remember there was a lot of back and forth about how NCL handled the Free at Sea beverage package in Europe last year. Sometimes it was valid, sometimes no drinks could be had at all, sometimes tax was charged...
I am currently considering an April Med cruise and was wondering what the last status was? I don't think European cruises have started up yet this year but I lost track so don't remember how they handled it at the end of 2023. If anyone who was on a European NCL cruise in late September/October last year (or anyone keeping better tabs on this) could let me know  I would really appreciate it! I would be booking from Europe.

I assume the rationale for charging more for one passenger than for two is that cruise lines make most of their profit on extras (beverages, excursions, casino, shops, etc.) and not with the cruise fare itself.

So assuming that a solo passenger will only spend half as much extra as a couple (on average), they need to charge more on the room than it would cost for two passengers (as they can't really charge a solo passenger double for drinks etc.) if they want to make the same profit as they would if the room had two passengers in it. 

Obviously, that reasoning only works if they can be sure to fill all cabins with at least two passengers as empty cabins are much worse than just having one guest in it.

That being said, I do cruise solo and would not pay inflated prices. Actually, I don't look much at the solo supplement but at the total cost so might book a cruise with a high supplement if the base fare was very low. 

Still, all things being equal it is unlikely I would often cruise on a line with a high solo supplement as the total price will generally be higher than I can get elsewhere. And of course high supplements will make a line less "solo-friendly"

Biggest differences in my opinion: Medallion use, still twice daily cabin service, less activity facilities (like water slides, climbing wall etc.), somewhat older demographic.

Picture opportunity was free on Sky Princess a couple of days ago.

And personally I don't think there is any need to have the medallion ahead of time (luckily as living in Europe I couldn't get it shipped anyway).

Just now, Rodarm said:

Blame princess. Anyone ever think that maybe there was talk that the strike would be resolved and we would be able to get in? Maybe princess tried their best and was told at the last minute that we couldn't dock? I know for sure we were on thrusters at one point so someone somewhere must have thought there was a chance. You know what they say about 'assume'.

They may well have hoped that the strike gets cancelled but I do think at a minimum they should have announced right at the beginning of the cruise that there was a good chance the stop would be cancelled.