Need some assistance from cc members

[midwestchick]

I know there is a Ports of Call section on here but when I do a search, I'm not able to find it exactly what I am looking for. :confused: :o I'm looking for information on Valleta and Siracusa ports...specifically if I can find information on reliable private tour operators. At this point the roll calls for our cruises are not active at all and I'd like to organize some private tours, so I'm doing a shout out to all you helpful members here.

[ellbon]

Just type in the city in Google and see what you get. I do that all the time. Never heard if the second city and the first is in Mexico or where? See why I use google

[midwestchick]

Thank you but there is also a great port section here...also some advice on DIY or not DIY....would still like information on the CC site.

[Andy]

I know there is a Ports of Call section on here but when I do a search, I'm not able to find it exactly what I am looking for. :confused: :o I'm looking for information on Valleta and Siracusa ports...specifically if I can find information on reliable private tour operators. At this point the roll calls for our cruises are not active at all and I'd like to organize some private tours, so I'm doing a shout out to all you helpful members here.

 

Hi Midwestchick,

 

For Siracusa, I'd post in the Italy Ports of Call forum : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=595

 

For Valletta (which is in Malta), I'd suggest posting in Other Mediterranean Ports forum : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=234

 

Other than that, I'd also suggest trying Google, or perhaps TripAdvisor. Hope this helps, and Happy New Year !

Edited January 3, 2014 by Host Andy

[midwestchick]

Thank you so much, Andy. That's what I was looking for on here. :D And, Happy New Year to you too. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful host on CC. :)

[dln929]

I know there is a Ports of Call section on here but when I do a search, I'm not able to find it exactly what I am looking for. :confused: :o I'm looking for information on Valleta and Siracusa ports...specifically if I can find information on reliable private tour operators. At this point the roll calls for our cruises are not active at all and I'd like to organize some private tours, so I'm doing a shout out to all you helpful members here.

 

You're not shy about asking questions here on the Azamara forum, so why don't you do the same on the Ports forum if a search doesn't turn up what you're looking for? Any time I've asked a question about a place I havent' been to I find people generally have been very helpful.

[ellbon]

Hi Midwestchick,

 

For Siracusa, I'd post in the Italy Ports of Call forum : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=595

 

For Valletta (which is in Malta), I'd suggest posting in Other Mediterranean Ports forum : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=234

 

Other than that, I'd also suggest trying Google, or perhaps TripAdvisor. Hope this helps, and Happy New Year !

 

Andy he not help me to know which country.. That is what I like about Google.. Hives me a place to start. I do read the Ports of Call boards but does not have every port as we are always trying something new.

[marinaro44]

Andy he not help me to know which country.. That is what I like about Google.. Hives me a place to start. I do read the Ports of Call boards but does not have every port as we are always trying something new.

Valletta is the main port on Malta (and home port for both Journey and Quest) and Siracusa is on Sicily.

[midwestchick]

You're not shy about asking questions here on the Azamara forum, so why don't you do the same on the Ports forum if a search doesn't turn up what you're looking for? Any time I've asked a question about a place I havent' been to I find people generally have been very helpful.

 

No, not shy at all...lol...should I be? ;)

I was searching for the ports originally but couldn't find them...AGAIN. :rolleyes: :o No one's fault by my own. Andy's links are what helped me. I know I've read the ports forums and posted before. I've now got them in my favorites so I don't lose them. :D

I had to do a "hurry up" booking for the land discoveries through the ship. Some of those I may cancel if I learn I can DYI or find something better for our ports. Can't help but love CC for all the helpful information that members give on here.

[dln929]

No, not shy at all...lol...should I be? ;)

I was searching for the ports originally but couldn't find them...AGAIN. :rolleyes: :o No one's fault by my own. Andy's links are what helped me. I know I've read the ports forums and posted before. I've now got them in my favorites so I don't lose them. :D

I had to do a "hurry up" booking for the land discoveries through the ship. Some of those I may cancel if I learn I can DYI or find something better for our ports. Can't help but love CC for all the helpful information that members give on here.

Not your fault that the search function on CC doesn't work that well. That's why I said you have to ASK the questions on the Ports of Call forum to find out what you want to know. It saves time. Someone usually posts a link (likeAndy did) to point you in the direction if your question's been asked before. BTW, www.tripadvisor.com is a sister to CruiseCritic and it's great for finding out useful info. When people write their reviews on tripadvisor, more often than not they put good stuff in like taxi fares, opening hours, etc. Nitpicky things that help in planning. They also review tour companies. We're going to Malta on the Journey in May, so I've bookmarked this. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g190328-Activities-c25-Valletta_Island_of_Malta.html :D

Edited January 3, 2014 by dln929

[Andy]

Thank you so much, Andy. That's what I was looking for on here. :D And, Happy New Year to you too. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful host on CC. :)

 

Hi Midwestchick,

 

Always my pleasure to be of assistance. Happy New Year !

[midwestchick]

Not your fault that the search function on CC doesn't work that well. That's why I said you have to ASK the questions on the Ports of Call forum to find out what you want to know. It saves time. Someone usually posts a link (likeAndy did) to point you in the direction if your question's been asked before. BTW, www.tripadvisor.com is a sister to CruiseCritic and it's great for finding out useful info. When people write their reviews on tripadvisor, more often than not they put good stuff in like taxi fares, opening hours, etc. Nitpicky things that help in planning. They also review tour companies. We're going to Malta on the Journey in May, so I've bookmarked this. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g190328-Activities-c25-Valletta_Island_of_Malta.html :D

 

 

Thank you, Deirdre. I've been a member of tripadvisor for a long time :D...I've been searching on there too. There is one poster that has been most helpful to me...Vagabonda...she's wonderful. :) I'll also check out the Malta link..thanks again.

[marinaro44]

Thank you, Deirdre. I've been a member of tripadvisor for a long time :D...I've been searching on there too. There is one poster that has been most helpful to me...Vagabonda...she's wonderful. :) I'll also check out the Malta link..thanks again.

Whatever you choose to do on Malta, be sure to get to Valletta's co-cathedral, the jaw-dropping home base of the Knights of Malta.:eek: Edited January 3, 2014 by marinaro44

[midwestchick]

Whatever you choose to do on Malta, be sure to get to Valletta's co-cathedral, the jaw-dropping home base of the Knights of Malta.:eek:

 

 

Just put it in my notes. Thanks.

[sandyss]

I found Amy Pace recommended on TripAdvisor. There are two separate tours that she has arranged for our Valetta stop on a Celebrity cruise. She has been a pleasure to work with.

[LuAnn]

might help as well. LuAnn

[midwestchick]

Thank you, ladies. I will check them out.

[dln929]

Whatever you choose to do on Malta, be sure to get to Valletta's co-cathedral, the jaw-dropping home base of the Knights of Malta.:eek:

 

That is definitely on my list. My daughter's old college room mate is from Malta and she said that the cathedral holds some magnificently beautiful art that we must see. Especially the frescoes, which are under restoration. The restorers work from chapel to chapel so there's plenty to see even though it's not completely finished.

Edited January 4, 2014 by dln929

[Lottie A]

I would definitely agree with other posters that you should see The Cathedral, it's magnificent. The Upper Barraka Gardens are very near the Grand Harbour and provide a cooling oasis from the hot Maltese sun and the views over Valletta's Grand Harbour are great. You should also try to visit Mdina, the Silent City, so atmospheric and historic. There are boat trips to Gozo, a small neighbouring island that has great beaches and it's like stepping back in time there.

 

Have a look at this little website, it should give you some ideas. And have a wonderful cruise.

 

http://www.maltabulb.com/attractions_in_malta.html

[uktog]

I've posted on the ports board about Malta before having lived there for a while. It's a lovely island and the sail in and out are worth being on deck for ( thus removing the need for a round the harbour trip).

Lottie is right for me Mdina is a real gem, easy to get to. Alternatively Marsasllox is a lovely fishing village. If you only have a day, and you do not expect to return, I would use tripadvisor to find a good local guide and put together a round island trip including the caves at the south of the island, time at a fishing village, some time in Valletta (cars are restricted there and bear in mind it's steep hills) including the view from the Upper Gardens and Mdina and possibly a quick stop at Mosta to see the bomb that did not explode and the beautiful church.

A local should also be able to check the saints days (there is always one!) so you can drive by the area involved and maybe have a few minutes at a decorated altar.

Do not spend long on a lunch stop (maltese food is good if you can find the real stuff but service is very sllooow.). What I have listed above is doable in 6-7 hours with a driver.

 

PS Andy feel free to move all this to the Ports board as we are straying off the remit of this board I am sure)

Edited January 4, 2014 by uktog

[midwestchick]

I would definitely agree with other posters that you should see The Cathedral, it's magnificent. The Upper Barraka Gardens are very near the Grand Harbour and provide a cooling oasis from the hot Maltese sun and the views over Valletta's Grand Harbour are great. You should also try to visit Mdina, the Silent City, so atmospheric and historic. There are boat trips to Gozo, a small neighbouring island that has great beaches and it's like stepping back in time there.

 

Have a look at this little website, it should give you some ideas. And have a wonderful cruise.

 

http://www.maltabulb.com/attractions_in_malta.html

 

Thank you, Lottie. We did see Mdina last year and Marsaxlokk but certainly did not spend nearly enough time there. I'm working on some things that we definitely want to see.

[Redtravel]

We took a tour with Joan last fall in Valetta. She worked with us to create a tour that fit our time schedule. Professional and very informative. Found her on Tripadvisor. Loved Mdina.