Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

aberthelot

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    586

  • Joined

 Content Type 

Posts posted by aberthelot

    Wine tasting in Santorini

    in Greece Ports

    Posted

    2 hours ago, vinonme2 said:

    Hi again,

     

    I finally was able to get thru to Santo Winery and was told they do require reservations. SO, I tried to make a reservation on their on-line form and it was not going thru. I went to their main page and on the bottom right corner is a "Chat" box. I got on that and was able to get more information with another way to make a reservation. I tried that and that also would not go thru. I "chatted" again and was then told that their system was not accepting reservations past 3/31 until April 1.  

    SO, I'll be trying again next week and just wanted to give a heads up on what I was told. 

    Gloria

     

    Thanks Gloria! Are their prices listed?

    Angela

     

    Marylou's tours Kona

    in Hawaii

    Posted

    Hello I am so sorry to hear about Ken's passing he was our tour guide in September of 2017.

    In Kona , we went on a snorkeling excursion with Sea Quest. We are on a zodiac and it was a pretty wild ride. Our captain was Wild Bill. He took us to Captain Cook 's Monument to snorkel and then showed us a few caves and cliffs. We had to find our own transportation there and back. We had a good time.

    Hope this helps.
    Angela

    Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

    • Like 1

    Wine tasting in Santorini

    in Greece Ports

    Posted

    15 hours ago, dronnygirl said:

    We hired a car and visited the Santo winery as part of out tour round the island. It is a very nice place with spectacular views over the caldera.

    Hello,

    Do you have to make reservations?

    Thanks.

    Angela

     

    Ports advice MSC Musica, Italy, Greece, Montenegro

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    On 7/30/2018 at 3:55 PM, maminooka said:

    We are calling at Brindisi, Katakolon, Piraeus, Santorini, Corfu and Kotor during our cruise in August. I would appreciate any advice about what we can do when we reach these ports as we don't want to pay the cruise prices! We are travelling with a 12 and 14 year old and would rather do it off our own backs but at the same time, don't want to miss anything and regret what we haven't done. Thank you in advance!

     

    Hello,

    How was your cruise? Did you get to do a lot of sightseeing tours. We are going next year in April if all goes well.

    Thanks.

    Angela

     

    Ports advice MSC Musica, Italy, Greece, Montenegro

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    On 7/30/2018 at 5:53 PM, sidari said:

    Not such a long time then sadly, ok the New Fort overlooks the port and is about a 15 minute walk and well worth the entry fee, the Old Fort is on the other side of Corfu town but more expensive and less to see, the Liston near the Old Fort is an area of cafes and bars where the Corfiots go to meet, the Town itself has a number of shops, Churches, cafes and Museums. In the Old harbour a walk along the road from the main port you will find a trip boat that has glass sides and goes out to the nearby island of Vidos where they do a show with Sea Lions.

    When you get to the port building there will be Taxis waiting nearby, you could hire one and ask them to take you for a tour or the East coast going North, or ask to go to Paleokastritsa and Bella Vista if you like sightseeing.

    There is also the Achillion palace where one of the James Bond films was made which is South of Corfu Town.

    A few words that should help with a taxi driver is Yassou, Kalispera, Tikanis or Hello, Good Afternoon, How are you. The response should be Kala or Poli Kala, Good or Very Good.

     

    Thank you so much for the great tips and the language translations! This should come in very handy for sure.

    Angela

     

    Ports advice MSC Musica, Italy, Greece, Montenegro

    in MSC Cruises

    Posted

    1 hour ago, edsareg said:

    hi, Katakolon. Nice little port, Short walk in to the town, Most of the shop's and bars are on the right as you make you're way along, But if you turn LEFT as you leave the Harbour, There is a really nice little Beach with a small bar, Its great for swimming and cold beer. If after having a swim , You can walk thru the town and at the far end you will find a little Noddy train? You no what I mean. It will take you on a tour taking in a wine place plus some other stops, Ending up at a Great hotel . It has its own beach, Great Bar, COLD BEER, You can stay there as long as you like , Then catch the last NODDY back to the ship. It's only a few Euro's each
    That's what we did and had a great day.

     

    Thank you for sharing!

    New Cruise Podcast - Boats, Beaches, Bars, and Beyond

    in Cruise Blogs & Websites

    Posted

    On 2/20/2019 at 5:20 PM, smoknyreyz said:

    My wife and I launched a new podcast in January. The title of our show is Boats, Beaches, Bars, and Beyond. We’re on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts are found. 

     

    In in the first episode we cover a ton of cruise tips all the way from planning to debarkation. We had so many people reach out after the first show with more questions, that we decided to record an episode a day while we were aboard the Carnival Miracle a few weeks ago. 

     

    Check out out the show, and hopefully there’s some good info for the first time cruiser and the professional cruiser alike. 

     

    We we hope you enjoy listening as much as we’ve enjoyed creating the show!

     

    you can find us here:

     

    https://anchor.fm/boatsbeaches

     

    Hi,

    I have bookmarked this for later and will definitely listen.

    Thanks.

     

    Please post your planned or completed itinerary

    in Hawaii

    Posted

    Wow! Have a great time!

     

     

    Celebrity Eclipse B2B Vancouver-Hawaii-Vancouver Sept/Oct 2019

    Day 1 Flight to Vancouver with 1 stop at DFW

    Day 2 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

    Hop On Hop Off Trolley

    Day 3 Embarkation day

    Day 4 At Sea

    Day 5 At Sea

    Day 6 At Sea

    Day 7 At Sea

    Day 8 At Sea

    Day 9 HILO, HAWAII

    Land of Frozen Fire

    Journey into a landscape violently and beautifully shaped by Kilauea on this tour that will take you to Rainbow Falls, Lava Tree State Park, Ahalanui Thermal Pond, MacKenzie State Park, and Kaimu Black Sand Beach. You'll visit suburbs that live under the threat of lava flows, see a beautiful black sand beach, and travel to steep volcanic cliffs. After exploring this unique landscape, you'll visit Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, where you can purchase souvenirs.

    Highlights:

    Admire the fury and beauty of Kilauea, an active volcano that shapes and reshapes the landscape.

    Visit the village of Pahoa, where underlying volcanic soils are derived from the Kilauea Volcano.

    See petrified trees, explore warm geothermal springs, and walk past the cooled lava flows that form this dynamic landscape.

    Day 10 HILO, HAWAII

    Volcano National Park and Tastes of Hawaii

    Awaken your senses during a unique small-group exploration of Hilo's fascinating volcanic environment and mouthwatering

    gourmet delights. Expert guides showcase Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's tropical flora and fauna during leisurely strolls through lush rainforest and over new lava formations. At Jaggar Museum, explore real-time seismographs, stunning eruption footage and engaging displays. Along the way, savor Hilo Coffee Mill's famous brews, specialty picnic lunch with wine, and Big Island Candies' luscious chocolate-dipped macadamia nut shortbread cookies.

    Highlights:

    Explore how eruptions and lava flows formed Hilo's environment, as you indulge in the city's finest culinary treats.

    Walk through the rain-forest and over lava flows, and explore a museum's eruption footage and seismographs.

    Enjoy fresh 100-percent Hawaiian-grown coffee, a picnic lunch with wine, and chocolate-dipped macadamia nut shortbread

    cookies.

    Day 11 KAILUA KONA, HAWAII

    Kona Highlights

    Your tour will start with a visit to Kona's Painted Church, known for its incredible murals and rich history. Your next stop will be

    the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park. Those who broke the Kapu, the ancient Hawaiians' sacred laws, were sentenced to die, but those who could evade their pursuers and reach Pu'uhonua were spared certain death and granted refuge. This attractive historic park includes Hawaiian artifacts and beautiful surroundings unique to Kona. End with a cup of Royal Kona’s famous coffee which has been grown and roasted locally for almost a half a century.

    Highlights:

    See the Painted Church, a beautiful historic church that overlooks Kealakekua Bay.

    Visit Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, which translates to "Place of Refuge."

    Savor a warm cup of local Royal Kona Coffee.

    Day 12 LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAII

    Maui Deluxe Sightseeing

    Visit some of Maui’s leading attractions on this deluxe sightseeing tour, including Iao Valley, Maui Tropical Plantation, and Maui Ocean Center. In Iao Valley, you’ll take in beautiful views of unusual geological formations, covered in lush jungle foliage. Then, you’ll take a narrated tram ride through the Maui Tropical Plantation’s tropical fruit and macadamia nut orchards and see the sugar cane fields, with time to shop at the Made-in-Maui Marketplace. Finally, you’ll discover Hawaii’s unique marine life while strolling through the tropical aquarium exhibits at the Maui Ocean Center.

    Highlights:

    Immerse yourself in beautiful tropical landscapes at Iao Valley, a sacred place to islanders and site of an important 1790 battle.

    Discover Hawaii’s agricultural heritage while exploring the Maui Tropical Plantation’s lovely sugar cane tropical fruit and

    macadamia orchards.

    Learn about the various and distinct Pacific Ocean marine environments at the unique Maui Ocean Center.

    Day 13 LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAII

    Adventure to Hana

    Discover a remote paradise and captivating views as you head to Hana and beyond, an isolated coastal rainforest nestled between the eastern slopes of Haleakala and the Pacific Ocean. This undeveloped tropical oasis offers an array of plant life, rugged shoreline, and some of the best beaches on the island. Your tour includes several scenic stops, including a visit to the grave site of the worldrenowned aviator, Charles Lindbergh. ()

    Highlights:

    Enjoy incredible views of the lush wilderness, keeping an eye out for exotic birds and other wildlife.

    Travel along a coastal roadway and see areas that have long been home to taro, banana, and yam production.

    Enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch on your tour.

    Day 14 HONOLULU, OAHU, HAWAII

    B2B Turn Port from 7AM to 11:59PM

    Visit friends, Waikiki Beach, Lunch with friends, Afternoon tour with friends

    Day 15 LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAII

    Maui: Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

    Embark on an unforgettable snorkel adventure off the coast and bays of Lanai, home to wild spinner, bottlenose, and spotted

    dolphins. Board a sleek catamaran and sail off to a gorgeous Lanai reef, where you'll enjoy a guided snorkel, led by knowledgeable marine naturalists. Explore the crystal-clear waters and search for exotic marine life. Wild dolphins are frequently seen swimming right up to the boat, enjoying bow riding and doing playful flips and leaps.

    Highlights:

    Travel into Lanai's gorgeous waters on a 65-foot ultra smooth, eco friendly catamaran.

    Listen to the expert advice of your marine naturalist on board while searching for dolphins and other animals.

    Savor a continental breakfast and a BBQ-style lunch on your incredible journey.

    Day 16 KAILUA KONA, HAWAII

    Kona - Kona Flavors: Coffee, Chocolate & Beer

    Journey into the heart of Kona where you’ll visit a coffee farm, a chocolate factory, and taste “liquid aloha” at a local brewery. On the slopes of the Hualālai volcano lies Kona, a land nourished by afternoon showers and rich volcanic soil. This region produces some of the finest chocolate, coffees, and ales in the world. Embark on an intimate group journey that explores Kona’s more sumptuous side. Visit Greenwell Farms, where you’ll learn how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. Sample nearly a dozen varieties of Kona coffee and discover firsthand why Kona coffee is some of the most sought-out in the world. Then, you’ll visit the Donkey Balls Chocolate Factory. See how chocolate is made and sample some of the factory’s more unique confections. In Kona Town, visit the Kona Brewing Company. Sample the company’s signature ales, noting hints of passion fruit, Kona coffee, and toasted coconut.

    Highlights:

    Enjoy a small-group journey along the coast, learning about Kona’s rich culture and history.

    Discover Greenwell Farms and learn about how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed, followed by a Kona Coffee tasting.

    Learn how Kona chocolate is made at the Donkey Balls Chocolate Factory and taste the chocolate covered macadamia nuts.

    Savor “liquid aloha” at the Kona Brewing Company, sampling the company’s signature ales.

    Admire breathtaking views of the coast and the rich farmland of Kona.

    Day 17 HILO, HAWAII

    Secrets of Puna

    Discover Hilo's best-kept secrets. Cool off under swaying palm trees in a natural lava rock lagoon and swim in a volcanically-heated natural lava rock lagoon. Head out to Kilauea Volcano and walk across the lava flows which entomb the village of Kalapana until you reach the black velvet sands of Kaimu Beach. Enjoy a Hawaiian barbecue lunch, complete with chilled champagne, then take a drive to view the stunning lava tree formations of Lava Tree State Park.

    Highlights:

    Drive across the black lava flows to Puna District and Kilauea Volcano.

    Visit Lava Tree State Park, where in 1790 a lava flow covered the jungle and Ohia trees.

    Follow your guide to a volcanically-heated coastal lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or simply exploring the coastline.

    Day 18 HILO, HAWAII

    Best of Hilo and Akaka Falls

    Visit three of Hilo's leading attractions on this highlights tour. Walk a mile-long natural pathway through lush tropical forest and

    delight in the breathtaking sight of Akaka Falls, which cascade down 442 feet over a volcanic cliff. Travel through nut orchards to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center to sample tropical treats and shop. At Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, animals live in a

    botanical garden-like setting featuring orchids, bamboos and other tropical plants.

    Highlights:

    Akaka Falls: A walk through tropical forest reveals the stunning natural spectacle of water cascading over a volcanic cliff.

    Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens: See the endangered Nene (the Hawaiian State Bird), other animals, and extensive plant

    collections, all in a garden-like setting.

    Local Flavors: Taste the tropics and shop for souvenirs at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center.

    Day 19 At Sea

    Day 20 At Sea

    Day 21 At Sea

    Day 22 At Sea

    Day 23 NAt Sea

    Day 24 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

    Transfer to YVR flight to LAX to Visit Family

    Day 25 Los Angeles

    Visit Family

    Day 26 Return Flight to Home via DFW

    Please post your planned or completed itinerary

    in Hawaii

    Posted

    Hello,

    You don't need to book a tour to visit Pearl Harbor. If you go early enough, you can obtain free tickets to visit the USS Arizona Memorial and then see the museums on your own. We rented a vehicle while in Honolulu and went to PH on our own.

     

    From the site:

     

    Each morning, the National Park Service gives out approximately 1,300 free walk-in USS ArizonaMemorial boat/movie tickets. Visitors who want these tickets should arrive early; the gate opens at 7 a.m. Individuals must be present to receive a ticket, and the ticket is only available for programs occuring that same day.

    Have a great time!

    Angela

     

    Planned Itinerary June 1-9 Pride of America

    We are a family of 15 - staying two nights at the Embassy Suites prior to cruise and flying out the day we disembark.

     

    Friday - hang out in Waikiki; eat; drink; shop; beach

    Sat - hike Diamond Head & board.

    Maui Day 1 - Halfway to Hana with Epic Experience Maui. We will be in two separate vans b/c of the size of our group. Starting early 7:45 and back on ship at 3:300.

    Maui Day 2 - rent minivans and drive to Ka'anapali Beach; swim, eat, shop

    Hilo - Port tour with Island Wide Family Tours includes Volcano National Park

    Kona - snorkeling with Island Wide Family Tours

    Nawailliwillli Day One- some will do a helicopter; some just hang out at the beach.

    Nawailliwillli Day Two - beach time

    Honolulu Disembark - Pearl Harbor tour either with NCL or the Jeep Tour. Still trying to decide.

     

    Thanks for this thread - used it a lot in planning our adventure.

    Car Rental/Kauai

    in Hawaii

    Posted

    No. The port shuttles are free, provided by the rental companies for their customers regardless of how they made their reservations. They are not provided by DHCR and they would have no reason to tack on a fee.
    Note: Alamo does not proved shuttle pickup! We had to take a cab to pick up our car.

     

    Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

    Itinerary ? w/regard to cruising by lava flows in HI

    in Hawaii

    Posted

    Thanks for the info! One cruiseline particularly mentions scenic cruising past such an area and, of course, I've seen photos of glowing lava flows at night. It makes sense that this isn't ALWAYS the case anyway.
    The Carnival Legend positions herself between the 2 very distinct lava flows. The Pride of America gets very close. One passenger said they could see the lava flowing in a large tubular stream on the P of A.

     

     

    Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

×
×
  • Create New...