Swampduck

On 1/16/2024 at 9:01 PM, Cooper30 said:

We just did this back in October for a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

 

We flew into Venice - Marco Polo International Airport, spent a couple nights in Venice, then took the train from Venice to Ravenna, and spent a night there before our cruise.  The only thing we would have done differently is spent more time in Ravenna.  It is an amazing city.

 

There are two train stations in Venice... Mestre, which is on the mainland, and Santa Lucia which is on the main island, right near Piazzale Roma, which is where the road ends.

 

Since we stayed in Venice proper, we caught the train at the Santa Lucia station.  We took a high speed train (Italo) from there to Ferrara, then took a regional train (Trenitalia) from Ferrara to Ravenna.  The train change at Ferrara was very easy as there are only six tracks there.

 

Seats are assigned on the high speed train but not on the regional.  We had no problems with luggage.  There were overhead compartments on the high speed and plenty of space on the regional.  As a matter of fact, we met another cruising couple at the Ferrara Station who had twice as much luggage as we had, and they had no issues with their bags.

 

We purchased our Italo high speed rail tickets (Venice --> Ferrara) at the self service machine in the Venice station.   For the Trenitalia regional train (Ferrara --> Ravenna), we purchased tickets via the Trenitalia app that we downloaded to our phones.

 

Here's what I would do if I was going straight from the airport to Ravenna.

 

• From the airport to Venezia Mestre Station either bus or taxi.  Taxi would be the easiest.
• From Venezia Mestre, take the train to Ferrara (either Italo or Trenitalia).
• Change trains in Ferrara for the regional train to Ravenna (Trenitalia)

 

To get from Ravenna station to your accomodations, you could see what is recommended by the host/proprietor.  We walked to our B&B (15-16 minutes).  We could have taken a city bus, but we wanted to walk through the city.  We didn't see many taxis around the train station, and our B&B host told us there weren't many around in general.

 

To get from Ravenna to Porto Corsini (to board the ship), we arranged a ride through our B&B host.  The cost was 40 €.  There was a shuttle from the train station to the port on the day of the cruise offered by Royal Caribbean.  While I cannot remember the exact amount, it was cheaper than we paid, but it was nice to have a private car take us there.  It was an easy ride.

 

Some thoughts on navigating that area of Italy....English is everywhere.  Even the signs in the train stations had English on them.

 

I spent over a year learning enough basic Italian to be understood and understand people.  In Venice, no one wanted to speak Italian to me when they found out we were American.  It was pretty much all English, all the time.   I suspect they just wanted to get the transaction (with yet another tourist) finished as quickly as possible.

 

Once we got away from Venice, people were more inclined to speak to me in Italian.

 

 

 

Thank you so much for such a detailed answer.. that is exactly what i've been looking for.  I booked my flights and hotel today, and since then have been in a panic again about getting from Venice to Ravenna.   I will print this out and then research it.. thank you once again, Debbie 

On 1/14/2024 at 11:47 PM, Uniqeni said:

We will be in Belfast at the beginning of July. A group of 7 of us are going together. I was wondering if Taxis are readily accessible in the city center for a group as big? We would like to see Giants Causeway at our leisure while we are in port and not part of a tour.  Are they easily hailed or do you have to reserve in advance? 

Hi,

One of the local taxi companies is "ValueCabs" they have an app you can download.   I use them in work all the time, so can recommend.   The have a website valuecabs.co.uk  They do tours to the Giants Causeway you can see this on the website.  The phone number is 02890809080

Hope this helps 

Debbie

20 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

I would start by looking at trenitalia.com. Takes a little getting used to. Best rates will be about 4 months prior to actually traveling. 

 

First class is not a bad idea, I would recommend it, but not required. 

Hi thank you  for replying.   So do you know is the train station near the airport in Venice.   I will certainly look at trenitalia.   and hopefully get used to it before i try and book.   thanks again 

Thank you for the replies.

The only flights to Bologna are with RyanAir, whiich out travel agent doesnt recommend.. so we will be with AirLingus to Venice.   We are only flying into Venice and then hopefully heading to Ravenna..  

20 hours ago, mapleleaves said:

Are you flying into Venice first in order to sightsee?

There are frequent trains from Venice to Ravenna but I believe a connection is required, usually in Bologna. So if you aren't sightseeing in Venice, perhaps you can fly to Bologna instead.

I think the trains are almost hourly between Bologna and Ravenna.

 

And if you look further down the page there's a post on transportation between Bologna and Ravenna.

and the travel agent doesnt book RyanAir 

Hi

we are arriving into Venice to meet the Celebrity Constellation for the cruise starting in Ravenna in Aug, ideally we would like to travel that same day to Ravenna and spend at least 3 days there before our cruise.

I have no idea where to start with the planning of this.   What I do know is that Celebrity do not run transfers unless it is on the day the ship departs and if we were to do a private transfer by taxi it would be approx £350.    So that in mind we are thinking of travelling by train!

Is there anyone on here who could give me advice as to what trains to get and where and if we need to change?    Someone mentioned 1st class trains only because your luggage will be with you, is this a thing? 

Any advice is welcomed.. if you have done this trip can you please help

thanks

Debbie 

Hi Deborah,

 

I appreciate so much the time you've spent collecting and providing all this great information.

 

Enjoy healthy, happy and safe travels wherever that takes you next.

Thank you & it was my pleasure I am just glad we got some sort of confirmation, for everyone involved.

I wish you both a fantastic cruise, I hope you get to see a little bit of Ireland & maybe the next time you will visit Northern Ireland too.

I am counting own the days to my cruise in August.. a bit of a way of yet.. but closer than yesterday ;)

If I can help with anything else, just let me know.

Good luck and most of all enjoy,

Deborah (aka Swampduck ;))

I was in touch this morning with Mathew, but I will forward on what you have said and see what information he comes back with.

I have just been told that they have been given information thatthe ship is having a “deep clean” and that is the reason they are being toldthey cannot board until late afternoon and that they are using tents because there are 3 other ships in port and Celebrity has been allocated to thetemporary tent area.

Hope this extra information helps. But if you can justreconfirm that they can board after 11am after getting this information thatwould be great.

Thanks

Deborah

HiDeborah,

Youare able to board at 11:00 am.

Sorryfor any misunderstanding.

Matthew

Hope this helps. I would say you can board from 11 am

Hi Deborah,

 

Just a bit more info for my above post to you. I've just read on our roll call...Apparently the reason why we're using tents is that there are 3 other ships in port and Celebrity has been allocated to the temporary tent area.

 

Again many thanks.

I was in touch this morning with Mathew, but I will forward on what you have said and see what information he comes back with.

Swamp duck

 

Thanks for the info on the port boarding time. I specifically called the Celebrity Cruises Captains club and was told specifically 4:30 PM was the earliest. SetSail pass also states this. Will stay posted and see what final Dovcs from the cruise line state. Thanks again.

I was asked this in the email. please see below I have copied and paste from the emails.

I will go back to him and tell him that it is coming from Captains club,

Hi Deborah,

Hoping to get some info on thebelow here.

Can you please let me know whatdocumentation is telling guests that they can’t arrive until 4:30 pm?

Thanks,

Matthew

Account Manager, Guest Port Services

UK, Northern Europe and Singapore

RCL Cruises Ltd.

Even though, we shouldn’t havehad 16:30 being advertised. Try to check your documentation / check-in windowsand perhaps reach out to Deborah as I would be curious to understand where shehas the 16:30 from…

Lotfi

Thanks in advance

Lotfi

This has to be old.

I’ve sent Lou the updatedvoucher information already.

I’ll check with him.

Matthew

You may want to check the timeswe have advertised as this is the second request I get…

Thanks in advance

Lotfi

Thank you so much

 

Love your response comment to G.M.T....so funny.

 

Quack Quack:D :D:D:D

Ashland - i've had a response.

I contacted the Dublin port and spoke with the "head of corporate services" who in turn emailed RCC who have replied as below. I have copied and pasted what you need to know. Now they are requesting to know what documentation you received that said you couldn't board until 4.30 as boarding is you can board from 11am.

Hope this helps everyone out.

Ashland, if you want a copy of the emails i received I can email them to you. But please let me know who said 4.30 so I can go back to them.

thanks

Hi Deborah,

We will be able to accept guestsat the port as of 9:30 am and expected boarding time at 11:00 am.

Lotfi

Thanks in advance

Lotfi Trabelsi

Manager, Port Operations & Guest Port Services

UK, Northern Europe and Baltics

RCL Cruises Ltd.

Why let other people Google for you. As Swapduck has offered to you your research I think you should send him on the cruise.

Swampduck is not a HE but a She & not too sure what her hubby might think of his duck going cruising without him! lol

BTW, I don't mind trying to find our what I can, I live in Northern Ireland, so it might be easier & cheaper for me to phone and find out what I can to the Dublin port.. Plus I have contacts in our Dublin office who might just have that sort of info.

Thanks...not exactly the info I'm looking for...hoping for some cruiser's personal experience.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think this is the first year that Celebrity has left from Dublin, so personal experience may be hard to find.

I will have a google and see what I come up with, or I can try and contact the cruise port on Monday and see what they say and i will come back to you. Is that ok?

I understand, no offense. While we have a suite (on this our 50th anniversary cruise) we do not also have their unlimited drink package. We do have "free drinks" available in Michael's when they are open. That's nice, but we much, much prefer having our drinks together on our balcony and watching the water go by. We are not so much "bar persons", we value our privacy. We are not even close to moderate drinkers I suspect. A glass or two of wine for her, one martini or maybe 2 scotches per day for me. That's about 50% drinking than we do at home. :cool:

 

Make more sense now?:)

It does..:D

I was just interested & glad you took my question in the manner it was asked. :halo:

I hope you have a lovely cruise and enjoy spending time on your balcony watching the world go by... :D

 

 

We have a suite so drinks available in Michael's plus I have ordered a bottle of gin for our cabin. I suspect 90% of our drinking will be in the cabin. I do not plan on smuggling any liquor/vermouth on board, but but I am fastidious about my martinis.....so I am bringing my small martini shaker with me. I only drink my martinis straight up, shaken, not stirred as a proper gentleman would do.;)

 

My question: Would I have less "hassle" packing that stainless steel martini shaker in my carry on or checked bag? My thought is the former, as I can explain if required. Having to go somewhere to have my "suspect" luggage inspected for contraband is not something I want to do.

 

Question/comment: If the cabin set up with gin does not include vermouth, I am planning to ask our butler to bring me 6 oz or so. Same thing for olives and/or cocktail onions. Anyone have experience doing that? If that doesn't work for me, I will simply go to Michael's and ask for a similar amount from the bartender there. I am confident that would work.

 

 

 

What do ya'll think?

 

 

Doug

I don't understand! And please, I am not being or trying to be rude, just interested in your answer. Why would you go on a cruise, a suit, yet to drink - you will spent 90% of that in your cabin, when there are an abundance of bars on board. I don't even bring a bottle. If it is to do with the cost of the drink, then why not take a cheaper cabin and buy your drink. As I said, no offence meant, just curious.

Have any of you ever tried to bring your own handheld shower unit from home and unscrew the fixed shower head and replace it with your own on the Solstice class? Is this even possible?

 

I detest fixed shower heads and while I could go to the gym and use the showers there I'd almost rather bring mine from home and replace theirs temporarily - lol -:halo:

Why? :rolleyes: Seriously ... just why?

Same place as the other ships !

Chic nights are just not formal. *Supposedly* you step it up a bit. You'll see everything from a rare tux, suit, sport coat with open collar, Hawaiian shirt, long sleeve button down for men. Women maybe some sparkle, but mostly just something you'd wear to church. Think "Chico's catalog." Don't worry about it. You just don't need to be formal but if you want, go ahead. You'll be in the minority though.

You surely are not being serious - this has to be taken with a pinch of salt. :rolleyes:

IMHO

Chic nights: A lot more relaxed than the formal nights, but some people still wear their formal dresses and men in their tux or suits.

I didn't see to many dressed as if they were going to church, what I did see though were ladies dressed for the evening as if they were going to a good restaurant and a night on the town.

The men seemed more relaxed, open necked shirts and trousers.

To the orginal poster: You will not be in the minority if you decide to wear your formal dress. Wear what makes you feel good and also that you are comfortable in.

Thank you. We have sailed Celebrity several times and always loved their ships and especially the food! Did you find the food in the main dining room up to their usual fine standards?

We are off just off the Silhoutte a week.. :-( and I have to say, this year the food in the MDR was excellent. 100% perfect

Belfast

We had pre-booked with Odyssey Tours on a smaller bus “with more leg room” for 19 people. We were off the ship by 7:30 am as we were supposed to depart 30 minutes after docking but due to lack of communication from the ship or port master, the private vendors weren’t expecting us until 8:00 am so there was a bit of confusion at the docks looking for our driver.

 

 

Once everyone was on-board, we headed straight to Carrick-a-Rede Bridge via the “motorway” to try to beat the big busses. A headcount was taken for those who wanted to try the bridge so our driver Jim could call ahead and reserve them – this allowed us to skip the long line waiting to buy tickets and that was great! The walk down to the bridge is an easy 20 minute walk, with two different sets of stone steps but by the second set I was already thinking about coming back up…ugggh! We got to the bridge and had to wait a while as they can only let so many go at a time, and there was traffic coming from the other direction. It was amazing! A little wobbly but exciting and secure. After crossing to the “island” there is another area to go up to for the best views. After relaxing a bit and taking pictures it was time to head back to the bus. That easy 20 minute walk down was now a monumental climb back up. I am a healthy 65 year old woman, and I love to walk but those stairs back up were killers! I took my time, stopped several times along the way, laughed at the young boy who “ran” past me, and finally made it to the paved path without having a heart attack – maybe 30 minutes coming back up but seemed like hours! But it was sooooooo worth it!

 

 

The next stop was a “photo op” at Dunluce Castle. We did not go to tour it because the large vans and buses can’t get to the parking area, but we had some great shots and learned the history of this castle that literally broke and fell into the sea below taking many servants with it. The lady of the castle was so distraught that the family moved out and no one ever lived there again. Back on the bus heading to Giants Causeway. We by-passed the welcome center (which has a cost) and walked down the long roadway to the Causeway. There is a shuttle bus to take you down and up again at a cost of £1 per person each way. It was about a 10 minute walk to get to the bottom and amazing views of the area. We walked around a bit, and waited in the long line for the shuttle to go back up. We were at our pick up point in plenty of time, and it started to sprinkle – by the time we got on our bus, it was raining harder but we were nice and dry!

 

 

Next we visited the small village of Ballycastle and a nice little tavern – O’Connors – where we had lunch. Huge servings, great food! We chose to eat so didn’t have time to walk around the village but it looked inviting with shops and cafes. Back on the bus again and we headed down the Antrim coast through several small villages and along the shore – amazing views again and great commentary by Jim. He told us that it is believed there are more sheep than people in Ireland but they don’t know for sure….”every time they send someone to count them, they fall asleep!” (sorry – he was full of these!) Back in Belfast we had a tour of the city from the van and explanation of “The Troubles” and our driver’s opinion of it all. This was to be expected – there are very definite lines still to this day about the troubles and the cause, and depending on your driver you may hear an entirely different story but this is what we expected – we wanted to hear from someone who lived thru it all. Saw the Peace Wall and some murals and headed back to the ship arriving back about an hour before sail-away.

Well it sounds like you had a good day in N.I. on the Co. Antrim Coast & I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

You were right to by pass the Welcome Centre at the Giants Causeway, there is no need to pay to see the view.

You got both things we are good at... Rainy weather (that's why the fields are so green) & a history with 2 sides, after all, there is 3 sides to every story. :halo:

Hope you make it back again soon and see some more of what we have to offer.

BTW, thanks for a great review of your whole holiday..

Thank you for your lovely post and reply to mine. We would personally always want to take advantage of a chance to visit Northern Ireland, because we love it and it is a great destination. We visited last year while we were on the Ireland and Iceland cruise and everything was very well organised. We thought we would have to wait for a shuttle into the city but no, it seemed like all of Belfast's bus drivers were out there lined up and waiting to whisk people off the dockside and into the centre if they wanted to see the city rather than explore further afield or go on a tour.

 

While there we had a marvellous tour on a HOHO bus with the driver giving a really good commentary as we went. He made us all laugh a lot too, as well as telling us some of the history of the region. It was only the second time we had seen Belfast because we normally head off towards the North to visit relatives in County Antrim. So we have seen quite a few of the sights there but don't feel we have in any way exhausted everything that there is to see and do in N I.

 

The morning of our visit we opened the curtains in the cabin to see that we were sailing past Rathlin Island, seeing it from an unusual angle and stayed some time at the window identifying all the known landmarks as we sailed around the coastline. That's one of our best memories of the cruise.

 

That said, I have to say that we sometimes skip a destination or two while on a cruise if we fancy a lazy day on board! We just have to, sometimes!

Mrs Norman, thank you....

Well we miss the odd port too, it is nice to enjoy the ship on our own - well almost.

But I think the OP should've explained why he did, at the first point - we have so much to offer here. And like any other port there is more than the city they are docked in . (we live in Co Antrim)

IN FACT we have had the Princess Regal Princess (5,000 guests) doing an overnight here.

I hope you return again soon. regards Debbie x

I think you really missed out by your decision to stay on board in Belfast. It is a wonderful city with lots of interest and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. We have spent many a vacation in that area. It's great! do go!

Your are spot on Mrs Norman, thank you for your kind words.

Indeed they did miss out - and to think they have seen all that Northern Ireland has to offer... well I am speechless!!! :rolleyes:

To say Belfast & Northern Ireland have came a long way is an understatement & I am thankful to say, we have turned a corner. 2017 Belfast Harbour has welcomed 150,000 cruise visitors and is the gateway to very many sites and attractions Northern Ireland has to offer our international friends.

This up & coming cruise will be our 7th. I have to admit we haven't been to one show, in all those years. After the day at the pool or on shore, we enjoy the sunset bar till around 7.30 then get ready for dinner, after our meal, which we like to take time over, we usually go to one of the bars for a few drinks and enjoy a whiles craic with who-ever we have fell into company with..

There is no right or wrong way to enjoy your cruise, just do what suits you..

oh...Clifford Bay, Sauvignon Blanc classic package...

Maybe someone will post it on u tube,,.

We were shown the usual one in oct on Infinity..but subjected to a grade school level video..i think it was on hand washing.....

:rolleyes: Ah but some folk need to see that video on hand washing!! eugh.

:confused:More handwashing = less sickness!

Hi Everyone,

 

My partner and I are travelling to America together for the first time this September and have booked the celebrity infinity cruise going out from LA for 1 week.

Has anyone any advice for us? :)

We are coming from Ireland

and want this trip to be amazing and we are heading to New York before LA.

 

Thanks

You will love it. My advice is Ask questions.. there are no stupid or silly ones, except the one you don't ask.

Take the drinks package.. never met anyone from from North or South Ireland that hasnt enjoyed a drink ;) if it came with your booking that's great, if not, I'd buy it, saves all that worrying about the end of cruise bill.

Enjoy the build up..

S-Duck:halo: