want2go

On 2/14/2023 at 4:11 PM, cruisin from florida said:

Argostoli we found (after walking into town away from the port rip-off cabs) a cab driver who charged us a fair rate to drive us to Castle of Agios Georgios

( https://g.co/kgs/8wZYiG ) and bring us back to town. We walked from town back to the ship.

Can you share what the cab fair rate was?  And maybe what they charge at the port?
Thanks!

3 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

 Sorry, no.

I know the routine in the UK (Southampton to Stonehenge, London, etc)  because I was involved in the local travel trade.

That same routine will be the same for Le Havre to Paris and doubtless elsewhere in the world, but you'll have to rely on others and that nice Mister Google

 

Alternatively seek out a guide in Paris who can include car & driver in their fee, take the train to Paris St Lazare station and meet them there

 

JB 🙂

Thanks!  Appreciate you help in Southampton earlier!

2 hours ago, trafaelwyr said:

Hello all!

 

There are 159 days to go until my sailing on Liberty of the Seas out of Galveston!  I can't wait to go because we had to kick this cruise from August of last year to this year - but last year we would have been on the Independence.  Anyways, when I rebooked my interior room, they placed me midsection overlooking the promenade.  I've never experienced being in this room, so my question is this:  is this a good room to be in?  Will the lights bleed in at night when I go to bed and have the curtains closed?  Will I hear any ambient noise at night when I go to bed?  I really want to change my room, but want to hear from people who have had this room and hear their experience being in it.  Thanks!

In my opinion, MUCH better than any interior cabin.  loved the window seat. sailed on the explorer.

On 6/11/2020 at 7:14 AM, John Bull said:

There'll be few knowledgeable Paris guides based in Le Havre, and because of the parking difficulties in central Paris you'll be poorly served by a driver/guide who will mainly have to stay with his/her vehicle and unable to join you on inside visits. 

 

Best bet for a guided tour from Le Havre is to book a vehicle plus driver from Le Havre, and separately book a Paris-based guide to meet you in Paris. Driver & guide can then co-ordinate where to drive and where to drop you for inside visits and collect you afterwards. 

This gives you a very wide choice of Paris guides, and you're only paying for the guide's time in Paris & not the four to five hours driving time.

 

Alternatively take the train to Paris and book a guide to meet you a Paris St Lazare station. You can then tour Paris with your guide by metro, bus and waterbus.

 

With both options you can seek sharers via your ship's RollCall - a shared van & meeting your guide in Paris more than negates the cost of having both a driver and a guide.

 

JB 

Exactly what we would like to do!  Would you be able to offer any direction or recommendation for
1. vehicle and driver
2. guide

Thanks so much!

8 hours ago, John Bull said:

Late arrivals into Southampton are rare, and Le Havre is only a few hours sailing to Southampton.

 

12.30 is much more manageable than 11.30, Covid delays will hopefully be history or minimal by then, and with unassisted disembarkation & a private transfer car waiting as per my first post, you should be OK unless there’s some exceptional delay en-route.

when you book a car, ask for their advice- naturally like me they’ll give no guarantees but their general phraseology will give you an idea of their thoughts.

 

I’m assuming there’s no suitable flights later in the day.

 

JB 🙂

Thank you! I know we will be doing lots of praying!!!

On 12/9/2021 at 11:28 AM, John Bull said:

 

 

If it were a saturday or sunday then - failing any massive hold-up (delayed ship arrival,  major road closure etc) - making an 11.30am T/A flight would be pretty straightforward.

But there's no public transport that would do the job in anything like the time-scale, so your only option is a private transfer, and traffic is slow & often delayed on weekdays.

 

Here's the sort of timetable that you need......

 

To give yourselves the best chance you should check-in in advance - for Virgin / Delta I think it's from 24 hrs before flight time.

 

On most ships regular disembarkation starts at 7.30 am, but those who choose unasssited disembarkation  (haul your own bags from your cabin) can disembark from about 7 am. For those early folk there are usually no delays in formalities, so unless your collar is felt by HM Customs you can be thro the terminal within 10 - 15 minutes, and depart in a waiting pre-booked car or minibus between 7am & 7.30 

 

Ignore Heathrow's advice to arrive 3 hours before your flight-time, they're ultra-cautious & want you to spend plenty of time in the departure lounge paying over-the-odds for goods & food & drink to help those concessionaires to pay their exhorbitant rents.

But also ignore the airlines' latest check-in time of 70 minutes before flight-time, because check-in or baggage-drop lines can be long & slow, and there are also long lines at security.

I suggest you arrive 2 hours before your flight time, 90 minutes is the bare minimum that I'd expect.

 

That leaves about 2 hours for the 68-mile drive, which on a clear road takes under 90 minutes.. 

About 2 hours is the norm at that time of day, 2 hrs 30 is not unusual, and sometimes longer.

 

On our own & with transferable air tickets we'd probably risk it. 

With tickets that are only good for that flight I wouldn't take that risk with my own money, let alone taking the risk for others.

 

No other flights that day?

And - just a thought - what is the ship's last port before Southampton?

 

JB 🙂

Thanks for the thoughts... last port is LeHavre, France.
hate to ask... but do you think odds are good for a 12:30 departure?

10 hours ago, Post Captain said:

 

That's an extremely broad question, and all the answers/suggestions you receive are going to be highly subjective. By "beautiful," do you mean natural beauty (hills, rivers, valleys, the sea, etc.) or architectural beauty? How far from London are you willing to travel? Also, do you mean the view from the window of a particular hotel, or the views you would see when you go for a walk from wherever it is you're staying? To what extent does local "atmosphere" enter into your question?

 

With that said, here's my spontaneous and highly personal list:

 

--- Cornwall

 

So many places, so little time...  Enjoy!

 

Thank you for your detailed response.

Natural beauty is what I was after... and a view from my room would be especially nice, or some portion of the hotel where I could sit and enjoy! Would love to be able to walk to shop and restaurants... and then take public transportation to nearby areas should I need a little adventure.  But all staying in a home base hotel.

In my search I had Cornwall on my brief list.  If I can find something, you may have just confirmed that's what I'm after! 🙂  I will study your other suggestions as well.  But for some reason an ocean always calls my name for relaxation!

Thanks again for all the great info!

Please recommend where you would go in the UK to enjoy 5-7 days with beautiful view, walking to dining/shopping, public transportation to a little sightseeing... without a car.  Just interested in a relaxing time and primarily a beautiful view.  In mid-July. 
Thanks for your help!

On 12/8/2021 at 7:30 AM, gnome12 said:

What day of the week?

23 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

And where are you flying to? To the US, for example, has additional layers of security, and perhaps...can't predict, Covid checks.

13 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

Yes, that's real important.

 

JB 🙂

Fri. July 22...

to Atlanta on Delta really Virgin Atlantic.

1. Can we make it? 1130am flight Heathrow... dock in Southampton.
Trying to get home after 2 week trip.  Hate the thought of another hotel at the end.  Price is right to leave at 1130.

2. Will be 6-8 people... what do you suggest from port to airport for this size group.

Thank you so much for your help!

On 11/30/2021 at 3:42 PM, Cotswold Eagle said:

 A ‘Day 2’ test can be taken any time up to and including Day 2 - it’s possible to have one done at the airport on arrival and, for a more expensive fee, get the results in hours. 
 

Your arrival day is Day 0, not Day 1 - and the regulation works in days, not a period of 48 hours. But yes, you must self-isolate wherever you are staying until you receive a negative test result. 
 

So, for example:

Arrive Thursday morning - Day 0

Saturday is Day 2, you must have completed a test by the end of the day. 
Results may take 48 hours, depending on supplier, so you may need to isolate until results received on Monday. 
 

More expensively:

Arrive Thursday morning - Day 0. Take test at airport. Receive results Thursday evening, free to go out and about if negative. 

Thanks so much for the additional explanation! Sure pray things get much better before July.

On 11/29/2021 at 1:41 AM, Cotswold Eagle said:

I had not updated this thread as someone started another one. 
 

The changes come into force from 0400 Tuesday 30th and the government guidance has now been updated: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19

 

As mentioned above, the requirement is now for a PCR test on or before the 2nd day. Lateral flow (rapid tests) will no longer be sufficient. This test must be booked before travel and details will be required on the passenger locator form. 
 

Self-isolation is required until the result of the test is available. This is at home or the place you are staying, and you will be allowed to travel directly there on arrival, using public transport if no alternative. You will not have to stay at the airport. 
 

Another new requirement is 10 days self-isolation if identified as a ‘close contact’ of an Omicron-variant case, regardless of vaccination status. This could include having been on a flight with a confirmed case, but I have yet to see any guidance on this. 
 

All the above supposes fully vaccinated, travelling from a non-Red List country (which at the moment consists of several countries in southern and Eastern Africa). 

So, sorry to be a little confused.  Vaccinated and flying to London from US, arrive day 1, early in morning, I must stay in hotel room until  day 2 test?

On 11/25/2021 at 3:45 PM, zdad59 said:

Good point.   Prices as of last night on line.  Plus we have a $500 FCC to use.    We are near Philadelphia, so airfares to get to embarkation required for all.

• Northern Europe  -  Aug 28, 2022  -  $1795    Balcony Room
• Scan & Russia  -  July 10, 2022  -  $1588   Balcony Room
• NE & Canada  -  Sep 1, 2022  -  $3038   Balcony Room

go for the lower price! I loved NE & Canada cruise... but to get the others at half price... take it!

1 hour ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

Wow didn't the Amerikanis belong to the Greek Chandris lines which was later bought by Celebrity?  If so, you go waaaay back.  

I sure do go waaaaay back! ha!  Been hooked ever since! Celebrity needs to always upgrade me to a suite! ha!
And I was looking forward to the best days of cruising with retirement hitting same as covid.  I think I'm ready to go again... take my chances... if I die, at least I will not have to hear another Covid/CDC/Politics debate!  🙂
I'm one of those that believes there is a better place than a cruise and one day I'll get there!
PS.... fortunate to be covid survivor... getting 2nd shot on Friday.  I do realize the seriousness of the disease.  But don't call it living when you are isolated in a bubble forever.  Sad time for our seniors.

On 2/28/2021 at 9:50 AM, matj2000 said:

Quite a hefty request to ask.

 

Do you really think someone is going to sit down for 2 hours.

 

Just to put together an analysis of 8 cruise lines?

 

If you are interested in something particular,

 

Go read the member reviews of that cruiseline/ship...

ha! here I am! nothing better to do than remember the good old days of cruising.

I've been on quite a few lines, not Costa, MSC, or Holland America.

Easiest way to do this is say, find a good travel agent and really think through what you want and expect and communicate that... and read these boards!

Here's my 2 cents: (all this will be an opinion and a reflection of an experience that can change due to many variables... and heads up, RCI gets most of my sailing time)
Think of cruise lines like hotel chains that you like.  You'll find Days Inn to Hyatt to Holiday Inn to Ritz Carlton and everything in between, higher and lower. Even within a cruise line... so check the ship you are studying too!

Decor - Carnival is very zany... Royal more upscale contemporary. and Celebrity more than that.. NCL used to look more cruise ship traditional but the last ship I was on had it share of zaniness too .  Holland America has the reputation of upscale traditional.

Entertainment - You are the boss here.  Figure out what you like, then check each ship floor plans. I think Royal wins for active families or people enjoying watching active people! ha!... ice skating, flowrider, wind tunnels, trampolines, bumper cars, zip line, diving/pool show... check each ship... they all offer something different..  Shows are generally good and I feel fairly close on NCL/Carnival/RCI... will have magician, juggler, some Broadway... Also have seen the worst shop ever on Royal... "the gift" sooooo depressing.  Why would you want to go on a cruise to see something sad.  But on the same cruise some folks loved it. Go figure.
Look at the differences in pools if you are into that.  They all are small.  Some ships have multiple ones...an adult only  one too.  Some have water park experiences for the kids.
Look at casino size and games if that's important.  Disney doesn't have one.
Look at type of exercise equipment.
Many times you can see the daily sailing sheets  on these boards, which detail activities and musical offerings.

Things to consider that will affect your cruise experience, along with cruise line differences...
time of year - think school break, kids rule lots of ships then... Stay away from that unless you have kids with you!

itinerary - Caribbean, younger, more families, more partying because it's hot and people drink more! where Alaska/New England/Med brings generally an older traveler.

length of cruise - shorter cruises, generally more partying... people feel the need to put it all out there for the limited time they have, also more younger people because traditionally they can't take as much time from work. Worst cruise I ever went on was a 5 night cruise from Miami on a Carnival ship... it followed a 2 night cruise, where the ship was trashed... every thing smoky... nightmare for someone with allergies. Made me stay away from Carnival for a while.  Then sailed on two 7 day cruises with a new ship... and had an awesome time.

Style of ship... large or small.  You can walk yourself to death on big ships... but you'll have more variety of restaurants, shops, etc. Earlier, I loved the big ships... now I'm enjoying the smallish to midsize ones when I have a choice...

Attitude - if you are picky... be very picky in choosing a cruise.  Don't tell your agent you want the cheapest... because you don't want that.  When you go to a restaurant, do you specify lots of changes to the menu like make this extra crispy, leave out that, etc. you better check out food reviews.  Unless you are doing specialty restaurants on the mega ship or higher priced cruise lines... you aren't going to be happy.  Flexible people have more fun! 🙂

Well... guess that's all my brain will allow me to share.
My first cruise was in the rustiest ship in the port.... Amerikanis.  We loved it.  Couldn't wait to take a more glamorous one...  which we often thought wasn't as good as our first one! ha!

Try to cruise all you can and let us know your thoughts.  I think it will certainly be different in the future...

 

sad times for cruise lines for sure... and all us cruisers. but it's not our livelihood, it just our vacation.
don't know who to believe any more...

CDC? why haven't they given approval if the industry has reworked so much stuff to avoid airborne illnesses.  But that's for cruises leaving the US ports... your's is from Rome? another story there I guess.

Cruise lines? have they really reworked stuff? maybe in the CDC's opinion it's still dangerous? I'm not sure why, with us all getting a vaccine?
Why can people allowed to fly now? without distancing?
Why can people stay in hotels?

Guess we can be glad that one of our biggest aggravations is not being able to cruise.
I know lots of folks that would like to trade problems.

Hope living is able to return soon. 
I just booked for May 2022. fingers crossed and prayers lifted.

 

On 3/17/2021 at 10:48 AM, SouthLyonCruiser said:

A random thought occured to me concerning the future of NCL.

I have seen, in the past, in the golf course industry, something that may end up with a parallel in the cruise industry.

A corporation begins to build a golf course and, toward the end of construction, they begin to run out of funds. So, in order to get a quick infusion of cash, they offer something like a lifetime membership in the course at a low low unbelievable price.

Plenty of people sign up, the golf course finishes and is opened for business. 

Within a short period of time the owners sell the course and those who had 'lifetime' memberships were out of luck because the new owners were under no legal obligation to honor the memberships.

If Norwegian cannot financially survive this pandemic I wonder if they would declare bankruptcy, new blood buys all of their assets and reopens under a new name without incurring any obligations to those of us who have FCCs and cash deposits on future cruises?

Definitely something to think about.  CLIA used to insure payment to member cruise lines... way back.  Can't find that on their website today.  Did find this:

"What if the cruise company declares bankruptcy?

If your cruise line declares bankruptcy and the ship is departing from a US port, you'll be covered, says lawyer Christopher Kende.

"There's a requirement under the Federal Maritime Commission that cruise lines put up a bond to secure what's called unearned passenger revenues," says Kende, a specialist in maritime law at the firm Cozen O'Connor.

Even if the company is registered outside of the United States, or the ship is flagged in another country, Kende says your booking will be covered in case of bankruptcy or another disruption.

If you're sailing from an international port, Kende notes that passengers could be more exposed to risk. "If it's not a US-based cruise, it would probably depend on the law of the departure point of the cruise or the flag of the vessel," he explains.

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cruise-industry-coronavirus-aftermath/index.html

This is a year old article, but points made should be valid.

On 3/30/2020 at 1:02 PM, TMFTL said:

Further Notice does not mean June 1st.  

 

So your info is incorrect.

This is one of my biggest pet peeves.  Just because you haven't heard, doesn't mean info is incorrect.
I also heard June 1st yesterday... so googled...

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/coronavirus-closures-disney-resorts-bookings-june-1

On 3/30/2020 at 2:51 PM, Arzeena said:

OP

I am amazed how many armchair Pandemic Pundits love to give their two cents and run you down for your post.

I appreciate you posting it and whether it is June 1 or not, thank you for your post. I appreciate the light you are throwing.

 

+2
 

On 2/2/2020 at 3:47 PM, suzyluvs2cruise said:

 

The VCL is still available as a place to relax and enjoy drinks with "like-minded frequent cruisers". You asked "What is RCI thinking?" Consistency would be my guess. And it's being done by making the 2 ships w/o a dedicated lounge.....Majesty and Empress.....have the same offerings. 

I would like them to have consistency, so i don't have to research every ship.  I gave them the consistency theory and was totally surprised no evening event for diamonds and above  on empress. Ive been on plenty of ships who moved from diamond lounges to other locations to accommodate bigger numbers.  So not having a diamond lounge didn't signify to me no nightly events.  After my shock,i search, and i see it just happened to majesty sailing.  They need a new classification on ships.    Limited benefit ships. It should be emailed to every award member booking these ships as a caution with the opportunity to cancel. As a loyal to royal, i miss the social opportunity. I will not book ships that don't offer this. And don't like the fact i have to study now. 

Bring on the consistency! 

Ps.. empress junior suite needs named very petite junior suite.(more like regular balcony on other ships, no bathtub either... maybe just not call them junior suites at all) I heard grand suite gentleman with the same shock. 

Again... be consistent across the entire fleet. 

Boarded with no real traffic issues.  The tunnel is closed. That caused issues. Google didn't know it. Sooooo a little confusion. We were worried but drove down from west Palm beach. Easy except those drivers that don't value their lives.   Plenty of those on the road. 

8 hours ago, Tapi said:

I’ve been to Nassau more times than I can count over a 25 year span, so for our last cruise that stopped there, I planned on staying on the ship thinking that I’ve seen and done it all. Thankfully, my brother in law convinced the group to get a boat for the day and explore beyond the usual spots. It was, without a doubt, one of the most amazing days I’ve ever had in Nassau. We went to secluded beaches, and went swimming surrounded by turtles. I developed a completely new appreciation for Nassau. Here are some photos: 

Wow! Looks awesome! Can you share how and where it was booked?

After 30 years, first NCL (Dawn) cruise a week ago after tons of Royal.
1. Liked NCL: choosing luggage tag for disembarkation instead of getting assigned one.
2. Liked NCL: casual sit down dining option, O'Sheehans with no surcharge... open 24 hours, menu not buffet. Nicer than Johnny Rockets on Royal that has a surcharge.

3. No lobster NCL on 7 night cruise. Not sure if that is a change for Royal yet. Used to be on all 7 nights or more.
4. to me food good on both.  Refreshing change to see different menus... too used to Royals.  I think Royal has better desserts.
5.  I like Royal ability to reserve table & time on freestyle basis.  NCL you get in line and get where they put you.  Always a different table... only 1 waiter was not attentive, maybe not feeling well??? If I find a great waiter, I like to keep them for the whole cruise.  They learn your preferences... your beverage request, etc. 

6. Liked NCL: if line was long at dinner, you got a buzzer and a coupon for free bubbly or soft drink while you wait.  Would be nicer to add house wine option.
7. Liked Royal cabins with phone by bed. Dawn was across the room.

8.  Thought Royal had more nooks for storage in cabin... corner cabinets in bathroom, at desk, etc.
9. Bigger shower NCL... bigger balcony Royal.  Of course depends on cabin/ship somewhat.
10. Weird art in both!
11. Edge to NCL on shows. Royal for activities for active people... and ice show can't be beat.
12. Purchased NCL because of sale price.  Worth giving up Royal status for a week.
13. NCL book on board, advance deposit option MUCH better than Royal.

Differences... yes.  But I would expect both to be a great cruise experience.  In the normal market, I'd consider age of ship... and remember shorter cruises can make a different feel onboard.

Agree with those saying Hawaii will not be the same, but it is the only option.  And easiest way to see the islands in a week.
 

On 6/10/2019 at 2:39 PM, myra711 said:

OP, it's always nice to hear how things went.  I don't often see people follow up on this board, and I appreciate your doing so!

Thank you for being so kind!  Sometimes these boards can be brutal... so I really appreciate your extra kindness! As well as all posting on this question! 🙂

the rest of the story...

we forgot to go by and get luggage tags until we got back from LONG tender line in Newport on Friday 530ish... had to get dark green, purple were all gone... and they said would not be replenished.
on the way to dinner 730ish, walked by cabinets next to shore excursion... and see purple out there!

ship called numbers early... and at 920 they had already called purple and were calling dark green.

very pleased with the ease of debarkation...
very pleased with NCL

thanks to all that replied.

 

mking8288...
my head just exploded!
😳😳😳

never knew it would get this confusing.  I'll soak that in a bit. 
Guess they have all the angles covered as typical with any business.

Thanks for all your work in trying to enlighten me!
😎