Froufie

May I ask what cabin you were in and if you have any pics of the balcony  view/obstruction?

I have done a couple of tours with Dora and her group and have nothing but good comments - I would highly recommend her to anyone visiting Cartagena!

Travelling to FCO shortly - meeting up with a friend whose flight arrives earlier than mine.

We are hoping to reserve a car service and I know they will ask for flight details and wait around an hour or so?  I am concerned that might not be long enough as I have heard it might take 1-1.5 hours to get off plane, go through customs/immigration and pick up luggage?  Is this true?

If so can we just tell the car service what time we wish to be picked up?  Instead of relying on them monitoring the flight and deciding how long to wait?

As well concerned about 'contact information' - I believe they ask for a cell phone number which means one of us needs to have an international plan or sim or something?  I will be on a plane and then in the airport so would they be contacting me once they know I have landed?  Is it best to give friend's number as she will already be at the airport? 

Any input greatly appreciated!

41 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

DW and I are booked for the XBB shot on November 4 at one of the city clinics. We also have flu shot appointment with Shoppers before then, and if they too have the XBB shot, will get it at the same time and cancel the city clinic appointment.

Great idea!  I am back from my cruise on November 1 and booked in at a clinic on Nov 3 - looks like they do have the XBB for 'high risk groups' and I am of a certain age so looks like I would be included  LOL.

Also have flu shot appt the following week at Shoppers - so as mentioned strategy would be to get the booster there as well should the Nov 3rd thing not work out! (next cruise dec 3) - thanks!! 🙂

I just booked an appt here in Ottawa at Shoppers for Nov - to get flu shot and booster - I am assuming and hoping it is the updated one?  (cruising this week and again in December  - last booster was end of April!).

Anyone else in Ottawa had any luck getting the new updated booster shot?

For those that stayed in cabin 5450 on the Mardi Gras can you please confirm location of bed?  Was it bed first (upon entering the room) and couch near balcony?  or vice versa?  Any pics greatly appreciated!  Thanks

Very familiar with and always use whats app to communicate in other countries...and onboard the ship as well!

9 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

We are in the same situation

so onboard the phone will be on airplane mode 

the when onshore in Canada  regular cell

 

 If we need to call home will use What's app when in USA waters  with the wifi  connection

or I will just email on my laptop LOL

 

Whats app works very well for calling - have used it on many  cruise - as far away as Europe and Guatemala - just make sure your pals have it downloaded as well 🙂

8 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

For much of your cruise, even when in Canadian waters, you will not be in range of a land-based cell tower, so if you don't turn it off or put it in airplane mode, you will be routed through the ship's cell tower. That means if someone phones you, sends you an email or you get a notification, or if you try to use the internet, you will run up a very expensive bill.

 

Use it normally when in a Canadian port, but for the rest of the cruise, treat it in the same way as you would on a Caribbean cruise.

 

 

That's kind of what I thought!  I will use the ship wifi onboard (I am very familiar with setting that up/airplane mode off) but when in Canadian ports I can turn that off and use it normally

Thanks for your help! 🙂

Thanks so much for this excellent info details and map (I had found and printed out the map already but your 'colourful additions' are most helpful!

Having never yet flown into Rome/Fuimicino airport I am hoping some 'experts' can help me out.

My friend and I are flying in, arriving on a Monday morning within (hopefully!!) a half hour of each other.  She is from the US and I am from Canada.

Questions:  

1)  How long does it typically take to go through Customs/Immigration in Italy?  (I assume this is done after debarking/before luggage pickup).

2)  Once through the above I presume one would head to baggage pickup - is this located in one big hall?  e.g. can we see all other carrousels

3) I believe all international flights would be arriving in Terminal 3?

3)  After luggage pickup I assume there is an 'exit' to where drivers/people would be waiting - is there anywhere there/nearby or a designated space where we might be able to find each?  (turning wifi of course).   we do plan to hire a ride to our Rome hotel...... (what time should be tell him to show up to allow for customs/immigration/luggage/meetup etc).

Any details or airport map/info on a good meeting place would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

I agree I would rather buy myself a fancy sailway cocktail than have my medallion ship to me at a cost of $15 US - took barely a couple of minutes to pick it up when boarding.

Not very tech savvy so hoping someone can help or explain.  I have a 'canadian' cellphone and will be cruising from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale.  I know in Quebec City and first port (Halifax) my phone would work 'normally'.  

I have ship internet so typically would put phone on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges - but not sure if I should still do this?  (at least until we leave Halifax?)...or do I leave it on airplane mode on the ship - to use their wifi?  and when in those 2 ports and can turn my roaming on/switch off airplane mode?

Do I even need to use the ship internet for the first few days?  

Any input greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Question on Rome airport customs/clearance/luggage. Will be cruising with a friend - arriving separately at FCO approximately 11:30 am (on a Monday if that matters).  We plan to meet up at the airport and will pre-book a ride to our hotel.

The question is how long does it typically take to deplane, go through customs, pick up luggage etc?  While I know the transportation services typically ask for flight info for pickup, 2 of us coming from different countries/flights makes it a bit more complicated so I would like to be able to advise the company of a possible pick up time (later than usual/typical?).

Any input greatly appreciated!  Thanks.

P.S.  - any idea of a central meeting place in the airport/near baggage pickup also appreciated!

Anyone know what the status of the Juneau port stop is right now?

So very sorry to hear about your heartbreaking losses - stay strong and be gentle with yourself - hoping you find comfort and strength and can continue to travel and do whatever makes you happy!  Hugs to you!   Froufie

44 minutes ago, monorail81 said:

Oh, no!  I’m so sorry!  That’s a lot more than the American Amazon. Maybe you can connect with someone on your sailing who would buy them for you and give them to you aboard. The lowest price I see is $18.99 for a 36 count. When do you sail?

Don't leave til Aug 26 - still time to hunt some down - or as suggested see if I can get someone to bring some along  - we shall see!  🙂

20 hours ago, monorail81 said:

Don’t assume. Lol!  We had one cruise where they were out of regular pods and only provided us with decaf. 
 

That being said, also do a search for “Lavazza Expert Espresso”.   The Expert pods will also fit in the machines on board AS LONG AS they aren’t the ones marked with 8 oz (they’ll still fit, but might not brew correctly. It has to do with the grind). Also search for “Lavazza Welcome Kit”. It’s a nice little mix of espresso and decaf. Again…just don’t use the ones that are marked 8 oz. You never know…you might fall in love with the machine and end up getting one as a “souvenir” like my husband did. We started with the one like on the ship and then upgraded after our last sailing one that makes lattes and cappuccinos. 

the hunt continues - but I am not that successful.  I have found some of the Expert ones - and am avoiding the 8 oz ones but the espresso size (1.3oz) should work - I am in Canada and trying to get some but most sites here are sold out LOL - I have reached out to Lavazza Canada via Facebook and will see if they can advise.  

While I did find some on Amazon.ca they are super overpriced at around $60-$70 for a 36 pod box!!! 😞

On 7/17/2023 at 12:58 PM, neverbeenhere said:

Those don't appear to be the correct size.  Search LB300USA Pods

 

 

 

Well I tried - a) very hard to find and b) when I did I discovered they only comes in boxes of 100?  I love coffee but that is slightly overkill for a 7 day cruise?  LOL - oh well guess I will have to rely on whatever is supplied onboard?  (and I assume replenished daily?)

1 hour ago, Glaciers said:

We did the short walk to the skytrain last year. This was the route.

https://goo.gl/maps/b5k1iRo6S2nbdteX8

 

Thanks so much! 🙂

First time on Royal in a Grand Suite and love me some good coffee LOL - would like to bring along some of my own/additional pods (especially a few decaf ones - would those be available onboard?).

Would either of these work in the machine provided?

https://www.amazon.ca/Lavazza-Espresso-Nespresso-Compatible-Capsules/dp/B07G9Y7HHM/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1689605478&refinements=p_89%3ALAVAZZA&s=grocery&sr=1-1&th=1

https://www.amazon.ca/Lavazza-Espresso-Nespresso-Compatible-Capsules/dp/B07GB2TJTV/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1689605478&refinements=p_89%3ALAVAZZA&s=grocery&sr=1-1&th=1

2 hours ago, CJMini said:

We will cruise in June 2024.  There will be 6 adults and 1 child (age 10).  All the adults have credit cards which feature the “tap” function.  On the Skytrain, the “tap” function can be used directly on the turnstile…each adult will tap going to Canada Place and “tap”  going to the airport upon return from cruise.

My question is how can the child’s parent “tap” their credit card to pay for Skytrain fare for the child?  I’m wondering if parent will just have to use a ticket kiosk and get a single paper ticket for the child?

Thanks in advance 

CJ

never been on skytrain, but from local 'train' tap scenario - can you not tap - let the child go through the turnstile first/ahead of you?  Then the adult tap next and follow?   Seeing that there are several adults around I think this would not be a problem?  

Unless the setup is different in Vancouver?

19 hours ago, david,Mississauga said:

 

With luggage on wheels it isn't too difficult. It is two blocks: one short and the other longer.  I can't say in metres how far it is, but it takes me 10 minutes at a gentle pace.

 

When you leave Canada Place you will see an entrance to the Skytrain. Do not take this. It gives direct access to the Expo line which is good for the railway station but not the airport. Although that entrance can take you to the Waterfront Station (by walking along the platform) where you can access the Canada Line for the airport, there is only an up escalator from the platform to the station level at the Canada Place entrance.   So just walk past it and turn left for the short walk to Waterfront Station. There are escalators and a lift down to the Canada Line.

Excellent and very helpful information - thank you so much!

8 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

We have done this several times using a large suitcase and carrybag (each).  Easy if you have rollers on your bag IMO.  This way we avoid the taxi line and potential traffic, plus the cost was less than $4 each.  We are in our mid-70s and I have some limited walking issues, but still able to do it.

 

Thanks - sounds doable!!!

6 minutes ago, taglovestocruise said:

 

No voom and no Coastal Kitchen for Suites, everything else is included until it is not.. Gotta Love Royal. 

Wow - thanks for helping with the confusion?  It is not that clear - and no real indication that some perks are NOT included on some ships?  Room for improvement on website info I guess?  So far not impressed - I had purchased the internet package and have since cancelled it given the (inaccurate) information online - may need to buy it again?  LOLOL