24butterfly

I'm sure this has been asked and answered, but if the ship docks at 6 am, would we be able to make an 8:40am flight from Papeete to Los Angeles? Thank you!

Is the Blue Grotto ok for people who are a little claustrophobic?

Yes. You are hardly in an enclosed place. The entrance/exit is within your sight at all times.

If you take eurocruiser's suggestion, you probably wouldn't be looking for lunch in the vicinity of the Naples Archaeological Museum....but I do have to disagree a bit with the previous poster.

 

Near the museum are several good, traditional brick-oven pizzerias that make pizza in the traditional Neapolitan style. To find such a pizzeria, you look for a sign (usually proudly displayed and hard to miss) that says "Vera Pizza Napoletana" -- see the link below to a blog that shows what the sign looks like.

 

 

http://www.cellartours.com/blog/italy/the-ten-best-pizzerias-in-naples-italy-possibly-the-best-pizza-in-the-world

 

 

One place near the museum that's often on the "Best of" lists for pizza is Lombardi. It's also listed in the blog link.

 

These places aren't fancy, but if you want to try the real thing, it's definitely an experience.

Hmmm.....Wished I had known that--didn't see any of the above when we went---...We headed down the street in front of the Museum, to Pza. Barbarini near the music school and had a quick bite....The area is pretty quiet. We continued straight down, and found a gelateria (forgot the name) that's one of the oldest in Naples....

Our cruise this September docks at 2pm in Athens. Is that too late to head to Acropolis (thick of crowds), or will they be headed elsewhere by then? We've been once, but want to go again and maybe head to the Acropolis museum and to Plaka.

 

Also, we're in port until 9pm, I thought seeing the Acropolis at sunset might be cool. Anyone done that? Safety issues?? We're thinking of taking the new X80? bus from Piraeus port for 4euro. Wonder if it runs until 8pm also.

 

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

There are ALWAYS crowd at the Acropolis--but in September, hopefully they will have died down somewhat. I would definitely go to the Acropolis first, ----it also depends on what you want to do in the Plaka area--wander? Eat? You may have time for a short lunch, and then I would go to the Museum...You should have enough time. Worst comes to worse, and there's traffic coming back from Athens to Pireaus, I would just take the train back, then a taxi to the port.

I am looking for advice on the best way to plan for visiting both the museum in Naples and also a drive along the Amalfi coast. Any past cruisers who have done this and can offer a game plan would be appreciated! Also, what would be the best place to have a nice lunch at some point as well. Thanks in advance!

We have done both the Amalfi Coast and the Arch. Museum. On separate days. To give the Arch museum any justice, or even to just see the best 10 pieces, it would take a few hours....I would choose just one--either the Coast or the Museum. The Museum is an absolute gem--the "secret" room is worth a bit of time, and I would also recommend getting an EyeWitness Guide of the 10 Best things to do in Naples---it gives the best pieces in the Archeological museum to see--if you can resist everything else....It also houses ALOT of Pompeii's glass/dishes, etc.. As far as lunch around the Museum, there's really not a "great" place to have lunch....

Looking for advise on shore excursions by companies in Italy for Florence and Naples that are not ship sponsored. Any suggestions on good reliable companies that are not too expensive for these two stops? Thanks again.

You have not stated what you are looking for in excursions (to do) specifically......Maybe that will help people.

How is best to get there? any tips?

From TripAdvisor 2010 post:

The mud bath is out in the center of the caldera at the volcano hotsprings . It's not on the shore, it's actually in the sea in a shallow cove. To get there you have to either take the daytrip excursion boat or hire a private boat to drive you out there

Just walk along La Croisette and pick the one you like. You can see the facilities from the sidewalk. Check the prices, the menus of the restaurant, how crowded they are, etc. Some are connected to a hotel, others are independent.

We have used the beach facilities of the Grey d' Albion. It comes with a beach chair and mat. I think we brought towels, and there is a restaurant a few steps from the lounges. They will bring you anything you want (or what's on the menu)....I THINK the umbrellas were yellow---...ALso, their sister hotel, The Majestic, has day rentals, but their "beach" is a long dock. No sand. Next to the Grey's spot, there is a public beach but no lounges or mats. Warning--the water was cold ! :)

Docking here for the third time, seen all the sights in Athens so what shall we do see?

If you're "ruined/museum'd" out, we went to Aegina. Depending on what time your ship docks, you can take an 8:50am hydrofoil to Aegina, and a 3:00pm back. That will get you back in enough time for a 5 or 6 pm departure on the ship. Aegina is lovely and quiet---where you dock is a fishing village where you can just sit in comfortable seats and watch the day go by. The little alleyways are quite nice as well, as well as a fish market at the end one street in back of the waterfront.....It's also ALOT quieter than Athens....When we were there, the taxis were on strike in Athens, so we didn't get a chance to go around the island.....

When you do get a taxi, go outside to the stand, and MAKE SURE YOU ARE QUOTED A PRICE BEFOREHAND. A reputable taxi driver will have a chart and be able to show you how much it will cost to get to the area of your hotel.

I would never, ever use a debit card. If it's lost or stolen, they could empty out your account.

Hello

 

I will be staying in Rome pre-cruise for 4 nights end of September beginning of October 2015. Has anyone any thoughts about the following hotels:

 

Albergo Cesari

Hotel ****onale A Montecitorio

Residenza In Farnese

 

Thank You:confused:

You may want to check these out on Trip Advisor.....

Wow...okay. First of all, thank you for all of the info. If we were to pay the 170 euros, how long would it take to get back to the ship? And would all 6 of us fit? That may be our best option. Would you happen to have the contact info for that company?

From past experience, and if there is no traffic--about 1 hour......

My spouse and I have recently returned from the Infinity westbound TA (Harwich to Miami). We had a very enjoyable crossing, met lots of wonderful folks, and can't say enough good things about the staff and crew. Just about everyone went out of his or her way to ensure that people were having a great time. Our servers in the MDR, our sommelier, and our stateroom attendants could not have been better. We enjoyed many of the guest performers and lecturers. We had Halloween and a solar eclipse. And you can't beat seven consecutive sea days! (Except with eight. :))

 

I must say, though, that having taken our first Celebrity cruise aboard the Eclipse, which I think is a stunning ship, I was a bit apprehensive about sailing on the Infinity, particularly given some of the posts on here stating that the M-class ships are getting a little tired. Overall, however, I thought the Infinity was in good condition (although I think the physical design of the buffet is awful), but I have to make a big exception for our stateroom bathroom.

 

There are a few places on a ship that absolutely must be fresh, clean and pristine. The galley is one, and bathrooms are another. Unfortunately, the bathroom floor in our cabin was in very bad shape. The grout had visible mildew in the shower (gross!), and there were years of ground-in dirt on the tiles and in the grout on the bathroom floor. There was a rust hole on the outside of the shower (where caulk was missing) through which water mysteriously flowed into the bathroom every now and then, even when the shower wasn't being used.

 

I can't speak to the condition of any other cabins, but the grout in this bathroom has exceeded its useful life, and desperately needs to be replaced, and the tiles need to be sanded clean. I did report the condition of our bathroom to Guest Relations, and some days later, someone ran a bead of caulk over some of the mildew, the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. I realize that was about all they could do while the ship is in use, but Celebrity really needs to address these maintenance issues (and I so noted on our comment card). We did not let this spoil our trip, but it was off-putting (and hardly the "modern luxury" that Celebrity advertises).

 

 

 

Ew! A bit of bleach sprayed on this would have done the trick!

Would like some opinions on flying to Papeete from LAX. There seem to be 2 options. A red-eye leaving at 1150 and getting to Papeete at 510AM or an evening flight that leaves LA at 430 and arrives at 950PM.

 

When I arrive, I am planning on going to Moorea via the ferry for 4 nights prior to the cruise. I know I can save a night at a hotel if I fly overnight but I also don't want to waste a day on Moorea because I am so jet lagged.

 

I guess there are advantages to doing it either way.

Suggestions?

 

thanks,

Jill

I don't think you will be that jet-lagged. Maybe you can catch a few winks on the plane (I always take a valium or so) get into Papeete, (you should get there by about 6:30--including luggage and cab ride). Not sure what the ferry schedule is, but even if you are a little tired, a couple of hours of sleep and a shower will do wonders.

I'll look and see if I can find the ferry schedule. We will be there in Sept. on a weekday. I love the boat rides along the Amalfi Coast...have done them before. You're right...the bus takes too long and we are only in port 8 hours that day. It seems like a very short port day for ACC. :confused:

Tommycputts....since it's just the 2 of us, we do not want to hire a private driver...far too expensive.

We used Johnny Maresca (sp.?) for our driver--it was about $250 or so for the 2 of us. The van was on time, clean, and air-conditioned. That's about as cheap as it may get, but you're there and who knows when you'll be back......We did Amalfi, Ravello and Positano with a lunch stop halfway to heaven from Positano....La T----something or oher--where they just brought out food--and the absolute best mozzarella you'll ever eat.

I would absolutely NOT take a bus or drive yourself--the roads are very winding and very narrow. When we went, 2 busses sideswiped each other and we were stuck for an hour....The driver knows what's going on and can take other roads--we took the fwy back to the ship....Hope this helps.

Haven't been there, but why don't you research it on Trip Advisor?

Apparently, the schedule may have changed since you were last there. The above post from 24butterfly seems to suggest the Mısır Çarşısı (Egyptian Bazaar) is open on Sundays. Also, I found the website for the Egyptian Bazaar Tradesmen Social Assistance and Protection Association and that site says the Egyptian Bazaar is open daily from 08:00 to 19:30. Closed on October 29th and the full duration of religious holidays.

 

http://www.misircarsisi.org/sayfalar.asp?LanguageID=2&cid=238&id=256

 

Joe

Thank you. Some of the shops are open on Sunday, although they are open at 11 am or so. (Also, the Spice Bazaar/Egyptian is a BUILDING......) Not sure about the Grand B'zaar....Also, the Arasta B'zaar--a small street in back of where the blue Mosque has some shops open on Sunday as well....Bought a wallet there.......on Sunday.

Are these similar in scope of products? If you had to pick one, which would it be? And, what's a good estimate for length of time to get a good overview and do a little shopping?

We have limited time in Istanbul and I am trying determine the best plan.

Spice B'zar hands down. It's a lot smaller, and you'll find about the same merch. as in the Grand Bazaar...Also, the Spice B'zaar is enclosed. It is also open on Sunday, but late--like 11 am. We were just there. But, if u must see the G. B'zar just to say you saw it, then by all means. The Spice B'zar won't take you that long at all to go thru, if you don't buy anything.....Otherwise, expect to haggle.....It's just their way......

We recently visited NukuHiva as a cruise port. As Sekhmet mentioned, it is part of the Marquesas Islands which is part of FP. It was one one of the most beautiful islands we visited, very similar to Moorea with mountainous terrain and beautiful vegetation. You can book an island excursion which takes you to some interesting cultural sites and panoramic lookouts. We encountered horses that roam freely around the island. We ate at Yvonne's restaurant which is a popular destination. Our driver Pua told us great stories of the history of the island including their ties to France, even their cannibal rituals... Bring insect repellent when going inland. Book your excursion in advance as there are very few. We had ours booked 1yr prior.

Wow--thanks!

But, anyone speculate as to why they are including this island (sort of) all of a sudden?

We found the Tuscan grill to be very good with beautiful views. Murano food was also very good, the table side lobster and dover sole presentation was very nice. Silk harvest was so-so for us. Nothing spectacular, but we got 20% off so we wanted to try it.

Agree about Murano , Tuscan Grill and Silk Road.

We were in those countries for our May cruise, and almost all shops, restaurants, etc accepted credit cards. I hear that some of the smaller, out of the way ones do not, but we had no problem in the main tourist areas. By the way, make sure to notify your card companies you will be traveling , and check which ones won't charge you a conversion fee (AmEx Platinum was the best deal for us.)

Capital One does not charge a fee.

DO NOT use Am Ex.....They charge outrageous fees......And make sure that if you eat in a restaurant, you check over the bill and are not charged extra for things you did not order. Also, make sure that when you charge something, it is in EUROS--and not USD.

I know this has probably been discussed many times but I thought a new thread for all the new cruisers would be helpful. I have a sister who will be taking her first cruise next year and it includes a stretch of 4 sea days....what do you do on sea days? :)

Nothing.

Try to get out of bed.

Watch the scenery from your balcony/suite.

Go to the pool.

Spa treatment.

We had to make some crazy flight plans to work in a family wedding. We are taking a overnight flight and arrive at Ft Lauderdale at 5:30am on 8/25/2014, not sure what is the best plan when we arrive.

Wondering if it is best to wait at the airport till later to catch a shuttle to POM or is there other stuff you can do around the airport to kill time. I don't think shuttles run that early anyway and what would be do once we got to the port that early.

We are cruising on Royal Caribbean. Does anyone know how early you can get into the port terminal, it would be nice to be one of the first to board the ship. By that time we will just want to find a deck chair and caught a nap. :D Thanks for you help

 

Cruising is so much easier when you can fly in the night before :)

If you take an overnight flight, when u arrive, me thinks that you may be tired---you don't say from where you are flying from...That being said, I don't know what you want to do ----there's not a lot around the airport--there's never a lot around an airport.

Also, probably, you will have your luggage by 6 or 6:30/6:45 am possibly the latest. Depending on what day (weekday? weekend?) It may take at least an hour to get to POM. Are you arranging for your own shuttle or the ship's? If it's the ship's, you will have to wait until everyone on that plane has boarded the shuttle, which can take a long time...Or are you booking your own? So, if all goes as planned, you may get to the POM at 8-8:30 if you book on your own..... My guess is that RC will allow you to board at about 11am, which, in that case, as you said, you will catch the buffet and a deck chair and take a nap.....Hope this helps.....

Wonder why Princess has all of a sudden decided to include this island instead of just making all the Tahitian cruises overnight in Bora Bora?

Anybody got any ideas or speculation, since it appears that there is less to do/harder to get excursions on this island than others?