soggy1975 Posted December 12, 2017 #1 Share Posted December 12, 2017 We're a family of 4 (2 teenage boys) planning a weeks cruise from Venice in summer 2018, with a few days in Venice precruise. Last year was our 1st cruise on the Ncl Epic out if Barcelona and we enjoyed it. My first question is whether 1 night in Venice before the cruise is enough. Last year we had 2 nights in Barcelona before embarkation but I'm not sure there's enough in Venice to interest the kids. Also does anyone have any recommendations on good value hotels (I'm thinking €250 per night). Venice hotels seem v expensive, is the city centre easily accessible if we stay in Mestre where hotels seem much cheaper. Comparing our cruise options we are choosing between Ncl star and Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the sea. Costs are similar (once drinks are factored in) so the choice is between the ships and itinerary. To me the ships look pretty similar, can anyone offer a first hand comparison for me? Also we have a few itinerary options; Venice..dubrovnik..kotor..olympia..piraeus..split Venice..kotor..corfu town..santorini..mykinos..dubrovnik Venice..dubrovnik..kotor..santorini..olympia OR Venice..kotor..corfu town..piraeus..mykonos.kefalonia Which itinerary would people choose? Thanks for any advice Sent from my SM-G930F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
az4ship Posted December 12, 2017 #2 Share Posted December 12, 2017 I would chose anyone that has Kotor and Dubrovnik. I loved Mykonos. We went to the beach with 2 teenagers. They still talk about that Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted December 12, 2017 #3 Share Posted December 12, 2017 For Venice hotels and other info, you can also post on the Italy Port of Call board. Italy Ports https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=595 Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ger_77 Posted December 12, 2017 #4 Share Posted December 12, 2017 There's so much to see in Venice and area - I don't think you'll regret spending an extra day or two there. Having said that, we just returned from a trans-Atlantic and spent 2 days pre-cruise at a lovely little hotel in Mestre; the Hotel Al Vivit. It's on a beautiful piazza that is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, etc., and is only a short walk to the train and bus terminal. The hotel was very reasonable (122 Euro/night); it was clean, comfortable and quiet, the breakfast (included) was very substantial, and Giuseppe at the front desk was so accommodating and informative. We took the vaporetto to the island of Murano (famous for glass blowing), then to the island of Burano (you just have to see the beautiful colours of the buildings), and toured the Grand Canal. Then there's the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, the Galleria dell Academia (an incredible museum with Da Vinci paintings, etc), the gondolas, and I could go on. Google attractions for Venice and you'll see tons of things to see and do with your 2 boys. I don't know what your sons are like, but I think maybe the first itinerary would hold the greatest interest for them - Dubrovnik is a great picturesque city where you can walk the walls for a few hours, then go to the beach; Olympia is the home of the Olympics - a great place to tour and realize where they started (great photo ops); Piraeus (Athens) has tons of things to see and do. We haven't been to Kotor or Split, so I can't comment on those. Regardless, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time and come home with some amazing memories. Smooth Sailing! :) :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewheldon Posted December 12, 2017 #5 Share Posted December 12, 2017 And don’t forget to take the vaporetto out to the beach for a few hours and just walking the narrow alleys and bridges. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted December 12, 2017 #6 Share Posted December 12, 2017 We have been to Venice both by land tour and cruise ship. On the land tour we spent 4 days in Venice and still didn't see everything. Have been to all those ports -- very hard to choose an itinerary, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted December 12, 2017 #7 Share Posted December 12, 2017 I would spend at least two full days in Venice before the start of your cruise. Lots to see. As mentioned you can get suggestions on Hotels the Italy Board. We also used Trip Advisor for our research. Things are pricey in Venice though so I thought you would want to know that. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soggy1975 Posted December 12, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted December 12, 2017 Any opinions on ship comparisons? Sent from my SM-G930F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indigosails Posted December 12, 2017 #9 Share Posted December 12, 2017 In addition to Venice itself, you can take the vaporetti to Murano and Burano for a delightful day trip. I would suggest 2 days minimum...remember you’ll have a little jet lag to deal with. As far as the cruise itinerary goes, Dubrovnik is a “don’t miss” IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soggy1975 Posted December 12, 2017 Author #10 Share Posted December 12, 2017 In addition to Venice itself, you can take the vaporetti to Murano and Burano for a delightful day trip. I would suggest 2 days minimum...remember you’ll have a little jet lag to deal with. As far as the cruise itinerary goes, Dubrovnik is a “don’t miss” IMHO.Thanks although jet lag not an issue as we're from uk Sent from my SM-G930F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixtytwo Posted December 12, 2017 #11 Share Posted December 12, 2017 Venice is a beautiful and very photogenic city and I am sure you will enjoy whatever time you spend there. Just be ready for very large crowds! For us, Santorini and Mykonos are two that we would very much love to go back to! Loved them both. I hope you get your choice made and have a great cruise! Just for grins, somehow, after spending 2 years in your wonderful country, I had a suspicion you were from the UK. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted December 13, 2017 #12 Share Posted December 13, 2017 There's so much to see in Venice and area - I don't think you'll regret spending an extra day or two there. Having said that, we just returned from a trans-Atlantic and spent 2 days pre-cruise at a lovely little hotel in Mestre; the Hotel Al Vivit. It's on a beautiful piazza that is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, etc., and is only a short walk to the train and bus terminal. The hotel was very reasonable (122 Euro/night); it was clean, comfortable and quiet, the breakfast (included) was very substantial, and Giuseppe at the front desk was so accommodating and informative. We took the vaporetto to the island of Murano (famous for glass blowing), then to the island of Burano (you just have to see the beautiful colours of the buildings), and toured the Grand Canal. Then there's the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, the Galleria dell Academia (an incredible museum with Da Vinci paintings, etc), the gondolas, and I could go on. Google attractions for Venice and you'll see tons of things to see and do with your 2 boys.... Excellent suggestions. The island of Burano is also known for its lace and even has a small lace museum. One addition is to continue on the Vaporetto to the island of Torcello which will give you an idea of a Venetian island before development. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soggy1975 Posted December 13, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Just looked at the itineraries in more detail One option only gives us 6 hrs in Dubrovnik compared to 8hrs with the others Is 6hrs enough? Also one option gives us 10hrs in kotor..is this too long? Finally some of the options are docked in Dubrovnik/ kotor in the morning til lunch others are lunch til mid evening..would people choose morning's or afternoon/evening to tour these places Sent from my SM-G930F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2specialkidsforme Posted December 17, 2017 #14 Share Posted December 17, 2017 We were just in Venice in June with our 15 year old daughter. This was my third visit and third time staying at the Best Western Olimpia -love it!!! Just an idea since you have 2 teen boys - my daughter and husband did stand up paddle boarding -it was something she stills talks about! The company we used was SUP Venice. They were fantastic. A very unique experience for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted December 26, 2017 #15 Share Posted December 26, 2017 I would pick this itinerary, Venice..kotor..corfu town..santorini..mykinos..Dubrovnikout of those selections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buchhalm Posted December 31, 2017 #16 Share Posted December 31, 2017 Excellent suggestions. The island of Burano is also known for its lace and even has a small lace museum. One addition is to continue on the Vaporetto to the island of Torcello which will give you an idea of a Venetian island before development. Way to go! Take teenage boys to the lace museum!!!:') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted January 4, 2018 #17 Share Posted January 4, 2018 Another vote for Venice and staying at the Best Western Olimpia. Great location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaymoz Posted May 12, 2018 #18 Share Posted May 12, 2018 Maybe you already had to choose but my two cents worth is to go for more time in Dubrovnik even if it means less in Kotor. There is more to see & do in Dubrovnik. We spent several days there last year, and did Kotor just as a day trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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