RTR 21-0

For varying reasons we almost cancelled our May 2023 Med cruise but our cruise and flight have more than doubled since booking last January (cruise) and July (flights) and they continue to increase.   Hubs said we better take our dream cruise vacay now while it works with our budget. Thirty-five years married and I still don’t like to admit when he’s right but I had to this time.  He’s still enjoying that little victory 😏

Checked out prices on FBC a lot for our upcoming May 2023 cruise and ended up booking directly with AA. There were a few factors that made us choose direct booking. We were able to book premium economy refundable tickets for much less than booking with FBC; we could immediately choose our seats; and based off not so great reviews on this board about FBC we felt more comfortable knowing we would be alerted by the airline should any changes occur to our flight.  IMO I think the only thing good about FBC is the option to defer payment for airline tickets until final payment of cruise.  Some would say it’s a good thing knowing FBC will make sure you get to the ship should there be delays but if you fly in a few days prior there shouldn’t be a problem.  I would also add that not being able to hold a lot of faith in any airline these days as far as cancellations I think it’s best to book refundable.  Good luck with your research!  It can be a bit overwhelming.  

1 hour ago, Cruisegirl6 said:

We booked him less than two weeks ago when he agreed and was happy but now he won't go.  My daughter was added to the room so its not a loss any longer since she be going.  Thank you so much for your reply, made me feel better.

Hope he changes his mind and decides to go.  I’ve seen you post a few times about your trip and sounds like you really would love to have him with y’all.   

Thanks for letting us know how your situation was resolved.  Good to know you were able to finally get reimbursed.  

On an 8 night cruise when are the two get your fancy on nights? 

21 hours ago, WestLakeGirl said:

It might help if you tell us where your sailing is because there are different rules for US based versus other locations.

 

But if you are sailing from the US, I think you are taking a big chance that you will be flagged and that she will be embarrassed for what, to save a few dollars? Not worth it, in my opinion

I don’t have anyone under the age of 21 cruising with us, so this is more a curiosity question.  If the cruise originated in Europe where drinking age is 18, can someone under the age of 21 carry on wine?  

Cruisemom42, I promise you I am really not as blonde as I sound lol.  I have two computer screens, a laptop and iPhone screens staring at me and think therein lies the problem 🤪 I really appreciate you taking time to provide this info to me.  Going to step away for a day and hopefully will be thinking more clearly afterward to gather a game plan or perhaps just recall the info I put in my original post a few hours earlier lol.  

Cruisemom42, I have been re-thinking that idea.  That’s exactly the time we need to be there! Are you psychic lol.  Actually. from seeing you on the board I’ve learned you’re a seasoned pro so I need to ask your thoughts.  Staying in Piazza Navona and walking around before our 2:00 tour of Colosseum.  Saturday morning at 9 is our tour of Vatican and more walking on our own afterward to see the must sees.  Hoping that will include Pantheon, Trevi & Spanish Steps since they seem to be reasonable close to Piazza Navona.  The day we come back I was thinking we could stay in Trastevere as I’ve read it’s a pretty cool area to see.   I’m open to suggestions on other areas that don’t focus on the sights of the city center.  I’ve seen a few online but having never been to Rome a little apprehensive as to what would be a good, safe area.  Mainly just want something we can do without putting a lot of energy into that day..strolling around, gelato 😉

Yep, that’s what I meant, Hilton & HGI.  I think my brain is officially fried from finishing up research & bookings for this trip.  I previously saw the “Rome Airport Hotels” but wasn’t sure if any of those commenting had stayed there recently.  I checked out Hotel Riviera and they have twin beds (not our thing) or a junior suite which costs more than the Hilton’s.  I really was surprised at the bad reviews both Hilton & GHI recently received.  But, for the sake of convenience and being able to hopefully have them store our luggage while we venture out until room is ready, one will suffice.  Thank y’all for replying! 

Anyone stayed recently at either of these in Fiumicino?  Reviews aren’t that good on TA and a few other sites.  Last day after cruise we’d like to stay in Fiumicino but close to train into Rome as I’m sure we’ll need something to do until check in time.  Not sure what traffic will be like heading to airport from Rome (would need to be there by 9:30 a.m.) and thought it would be more cost effective getting a car service from port to Fiumicino then playing by ear what we’ll do that last day.  I’ve looked in the hotel thread and saw mostly Rome based hotels.  Suggestions and ideas appreciated.  

2 hours ago, Fishboy1947 said:

Albergo del Senato has a 3 night minimum, we wanted to book 2

We have yet to stay (booked for beginning of May 2023) but we have booked for two nights Navona 49 which is in Piazza Navona.  Never been to Rome but I did a ton of research last summer, comparing hotel locations to the major sites, what was walkable, etc.  Seems to be centrally located and if we don’t feel like walking to Vatican or Colosseum a taxi should be easy to grab.  I emailed the owner, Angela, quite a few times and she was always quick to reply and they had the pay at the hotel, cancel day before options.  They’ve also arranged pick up for us from the airport and we will more than likely use them for transport to the port. 

Sorry it was disappointing for you CruiseFan94.  We’ll keep our glasses 1/2 full and make lemonade out of lemons should something similar happen on our cruise.  

Have never heard of Olukai but will definitely look them up!  I have multiple pairs of Skecher slip ons my go to airport shoes and are fine for most days/minimal walking but I know I’ll need something with more support for this trip.  Thanks to everyone who have given me recommendations and pointers.  On the last few planning details of our trip then it’s on to shoe shopping! 

4 hours ago, OysterD said:

Curious, do people tip similar amounts no matter which part of the world they're sailing? Also curious if Europeans tip as much/at all for this kind of thing as Americans do. As a Brit it's pretty much tip someone if they go above and beyond otherwise if they're just doing their job, no tip. I would never leave a tender boat crew a tip, they literally just did their job, for which they're already paid. Now if they gave some wonderful commentary about the port/area we were in during the journey then I would consider it. But to give a speech about how they care about your safety and what a great job they did of not sinking the boat, then nope. I'm not giving you extra money for the fact you did your job sufficiently such that we didn't drown! 

Would love it if we got to the point as in Europe and UK that service workers (particularly restaurants) were paid a decent wage and didn’t need to rely on tips to make ends meet.  I’m from the US and readily admit we are almost programmed (basically coming out of the womb) to leave a tip for a service provided.  I’m talking restaurants, hair stylists, dog groomers, even the cashier at a restaurant who did nothing but pick up a bag of ordered food and handed it to a customer. I’m not really a social media person, but on the rare occasion I do check out FB I always see conversations related to how hard it is to make ends meet, someone giving a waitress a huge tip just because (whether the story is true I cannot say) but I feel like in today’s society in America I’m guilted into tipping and it’s getting pretty old. Post-covid, tipping here has taken a turn from “we appreciate what we get” to giving a rendition of how hard it is to make ends meet.  Doing our research and for the countries we will be visiting on our upcoming trip we plan on following their protocol for tipping (which is not) and have to say it’s going to be nice to not feel that I HAVE to tip but that I WANT to tip.  

Piggy backing off this post, same idea, wanting to stay in Fiumicino for early flight, but possibly take a train ride into Rome to walk around the Trastevere district or maybe cab to Ostia.  I was leaning toward Hilton or HGI but both have gotten some really unfavorable reviews recently.  Are there nice, decently priced hotels other than the Hilton brand that are walking distance to the train?  If I’m not mistaken, the Leonardo is the only train system, correct?  Pretty much have our pre-cruise Rome itinerary planned which doesn’t include any train transportation but would kind of like to experience it and thought that last day might be the time.  

2 minutes ago, drakes2 said:

If they are humble about it I will leave a tip in the bowl or cup but nothing worse than them going on and on about how hard working they are and so deserving etc. One guy went on for 5 minutes really unnecessary so I left nothing. 

Those guys are the worst. People start standing up before the tender arrives at port just to get away from the blah blah blah as quickly as possible.  

7 hours ago, DCPIV said:

I typically won't tip the owner (owners set the prices and keep the money), and owners typically are more concerned with getting a good review than a few bucks. 

I was wondering about this.  We’ve booked two tours in Rome and Naples with guides (not through a broker/3rd party) but independently.  I know tips in Italy aren’t the norm and was wondering how others have handled this.  I noticed on their websites part of the not included was “tips”.  So do we or don’t we?  

2 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

If one is ever visiting Belize which is a tender port, the tender crew will ask passengers for a tip.  That feels like a money grab as no other tender ports asks for one and you would have to imagine they're all receiving a descent wage

Happened to us recently in Cabo and definitely didn’t get change in his jar from us.  He repeated it a few times.  I’m very well capable of reading the tip jar and my husband can hold my hand getting on and off the tender.  

2 minutes ago, MAVIP said:

DH and I did (in 2018) a tour of the Bay of Kotor - Perast, Morinj & Kotor including the island with the church dating from 1630 of the Lady of  the Rocks. A tour of about 8 hrs.  We had a very interesting day in beautiful surroundings. Kotor is World Heritage, but without any doubt you know that.

Yes, other than Rome and Naples it’s the port I’m very excited to be able to visit.  

Directly into Rome.  

1st time to Kotor in May and found a company that offers the following tours.  Which would you recommend for a 1st visit? 
 

1.  Perast & Kotor Shore - visit highlights of Boka Bay, Kotor old town and Perast with Our Lady of the Rocks Island. 

2.  Njegusi Village, Cetinje & Budva  with stops for views of Boka Bay.
 

3.  Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, bay of Tivat and bay of Kotor. 
 

Thanks in advance. 

We booked our May 2023 flight to Rime in July 2022.  Have seen the prices double since booking.  

Thanks Zach1213!  Our first time flying internationally and we are clueless but learning lol.  

How long does it take to go through customs upon arrival?  I’m booking a tour of the Colosseum afternoon of our arrival day.  Traveling in May and arrival time is currently 9:30 a.m. and has only changed once since booking last July.  Fingers crossed no more changes.  It’s a 3 hour tour and I’d like to start around 1 or 2 which is fine with tour guide or he suggested 3 or 4.  Trying to stay up to work through jet lag but by 6:00 they might find us sleeping on the arena floor 😂 

On 1/25/2023 at 4:32 PM, TopoChico said:

Our kids chipped in and bought and paid for a cruise to Bermuda in June for my husband and my anniversary, and a big birthday milestone for moi.  They gave it to us over the weekend so we could plan.

My husband knew but was afraid to say anything as he knew I was kinda not into the cruise thing right now because of the recent cutbacks… they were so excited. So now I am too. 
 

What is it like having three days there?  What should we be planning? We’ve been to lots of islands but never Bermuda. Will we be spending the 2 evenings in Bermuda dining off the ship? If so, where?  Should we rent a car for those days? 
 

 

Cheers 🥂 to your anniversary and birthday!  Your children surely are special blessings.  Such a thoughtful and generous gift.  We’ve been to Caribbean so many times and Bermuda has been on my travel bucket list forever.  Reading all of these wonderful suggestions will have me looking up a Bermuda cruise for next year.  Wishing you a fabulous cruise vacay!