TravelBugM

On our last visit to Venice we did a tour of the Clock Tower (Piazza San Marco).  Very interesting and great views of the Piazza.  We also did the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doges' Palace which was also very interesting.  And for us a highlight of Venice was the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. 

In Koper, we took the public bus to Piran - a lovely, well preserved, medieval Venetian port town.  Piran is considered one of the most authentic/most photogenic towns on Adriatic coast.  It's a beautiful setting jutting out into Adriatic. 

There is so much to Dubrovnik than the walls.  Don't get me wrong, the walls are awesome in the true sense of the word, but there are so many gorgeous, most often overlooked, details  which are fascinating.  Don't miss Gundulic Square at noon! 

We did a private morning tour (Tours by Milo) when in Kotor and visited places and were imparted historic details.  We then wandered Kotor on our own in the afternoon.  We didn't visit, but there's a Cats Museum!

On our last cruise we were in Suite 8063 and had no noise issues whatsoever.  

If you have the time (not having to get home for work, etc.), why not spend some time in both Venice and Florence?

I'm unsure where "home" is, but if you are flying, I'm guessing a fair distance.  Hopefully you have also planned time in Rome prior to your cruise?

We loved Venice.... wandering the alleys, getting off the tourist track, sitting at a canal-side bar for an apero.  Your first night in Venice is on the ship (if I'm looking at the right cruise), so you have a full day and night before having to leave the ship the next morning when you could transfer to a hotel for a few nights.  You could then take the train to Florence and spend a few nights there and then fly home.  Florence is a treasure trove of art and history and so lovely in the evening.

Let us know what you decide.

Here's the complete list of what's included:

https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/en-ca/booked-guests/onboard-packages/complimentary-beverages

We used venicelink on our last to Venice. Shared water taxi. Excellent service. Since we were to be first off, we were placed up front with the driver and had great views coming in to Venice.

Bear in mind, it's quite a hike from arrivals to the water taxi area.

Private water taxi - very James Bond Casino Royale. Expensive, but a real treat!

We were advised approximately 4 weeks prior to sailing. I've heard of some being notified at embarkation!!!

We were upgraded to 8063 and were never negatively impacted by noise from above.

Two words: bigger bathroom

We have absolutely no worries leaving our lap top in the room. Usually just slip it in the dresser drawer when going out for the day, or if on the ship, just leave it on the desk with everything piled neat and tidy for the cabin crew to move around.

We never bother with luggage tags. We simply show up at the pier and the luggage steward place tags on our cases.

Can you order alcoholic drink from Rom service or is there a charge? Thank you.

 

 

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Yes, you can, but there is a charge. That's why I toddled up to the pool bar to fetch glasses of wine.

Breakfast is very good and always right on time when you pre order. Only a little wait if you call or order from the TV when you get up.

Our recent upgrade was confirmed approximately 4 weeks prior to sailing. We had no choice in cabin.

I have heard of upgrades being granted as late as embarkation check in.

We were very late coming back from Ho Chi Mihn City and the restaurants were closing and we first needed a shower. We decided to order room service and were very impressed. I toddled up to the Pool Bar and fetched glasses of wine to go with.

We had the Chef' Salad, Mediterranean Platter, Club Sandwich and Curry Chicken Wrap. Food was hot and delicious. The fries were crispy!

When we were finished, we simply called and they came and retrieved the tray.

"On the train home deciding what to book!! Be rude not to!!" LOL!

No such thing as a free lunch Lynda!!!

We dumped a load of laundry just after boarding on our last cruise. We had arrived a few days in advance of the departure and put our dirty laundry in our carry on. No one in the laundry room. And by the time the wash and dry was done, our room was ready.

A good time is just at the start of dinner service. Those needing to iron have gone and most have gone or are getting ready to go for dinner. We eat late, so this works for us.

There are times when it can be cut throat laundry. Other times everyone is pleasant. We've learned not to desperately need to do laundry and be able to return if the room is mayhem.

I've found some great reads in the ship libraries. I enjoy bios and there is always a good selection.

We easily walked into town and caught the local bus to the train station where we then took a direct train ride to Lucca. En route you catch glimpses of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Lucca is enchanting. Lots of sites, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Livorno has a lovely arcaded shopping area which is a short walk from the ship. Also lots of restaurants and cafes.

The link below offers insight into the port of Livorno:

https://www.whatsinport.com/Livorno.htm

We've used Civitavecchia Cab Service a number of times and would highly recommend for port to Rome or airport.

www.civitavecchiacabservice.com

Yes.

I board ship with spreadsheet in hand, noting what we have planned and noting which day we can do a specialty restaurant. I then sit with the reservation people asking when certain nights will be (White Nights, Indian Buffet, etc.) and then, by process of elimination, book the specialty restaurants, alternating one with the other. Works like a charm.

Agree, the Chateaubriand in Prime C is fantastic. Love bernaise so much I could have it with everything!!!

Disagree on the seafood buffet. We were extremely disappointed on a sample from the buffet on our recent Journey sailing. We opted instead for Discoveries which is always wonderful, both service and food.

If I had to choose, I would choose Aqualina. Menu is more to our style of dining.

Easy to take public transit from Livorno to Lucca. You will need to walk into town and take the bus to the train station. There are direct trains to Lucca. And you can see the Leaning Tower of Pisa from the train!!! Sit on the right side of the train as you head to Lucca.

All should be recognizable. I would still, in order to reacher a wider audience, toss in some broadway tunes.

Popera would be more ideal. Popular opera songs which are preceded by setting the stage with a short anecdote of what's been going on thus far. Easy props to accompany. Toss in some good broadway tunes and you could have a total different (good) show.