***LIVE*** From the Carnival Freedom

[Crusin6]

Thanks for the great info. We will by sailing the freedom 7/9/08. DH and 4 DD's all very well behaved and would never cause any scene or disturb any other passengers thank goodness. My question. How was the luggage lost? was your flight from Houston direct or a connecting flight? Also, since we really like to carry on as much as possible, 6 carry ons for our family of 6, what determined that the flight was too crowded for a carry on? If it were a smaller plane to a gateway city I can understand, but please don't tell me it was a JUmbo Je and they still made you check the carryon. Thanks for any and all info.

[flahagan]

Addicted Traveler,

We flew to Paris this past March, from Daytona to Atlanta on Delta, then to Paris on AirFrance. We had no problem whatsoever taking our carry-ons from Daytona to Atlanta. But when we went to board the AirFrance plane, in the "tunnel" just before entering the plane door, an AirFrance employee was stopping everyone with carryons and made us turn them over at that point. The reason given was, it was a full flight and there wasn't enough room in the overheads.

When the flight attendants went through just before takeoff, checking the overheads, we noticed that most were completely empty! We were a little steamed, as 2 in our party had bought new luggage within the AirFrance guidelines for size of carryons, and then we had to check them anyway and wait for them at the terminal! So now I just don't assume anything.

[wrk2cruz]

[My question. How was the luggage lost? was your flight from Houston direct or a connecting flight? Also, since we really like to carry on as much as possible, 6 carry ons for our family of 6, what determined that the flight was too crowded for a carry on? If it were a smaller plane to a gateway city I can understand, but please don't tell me it was a JUmbo Je and they still made you check the carryon. Thanks for any and all info.

 

Hi You are very lucky to have "good" kids! And so are the other passengers:D LOL

Our luggage was taken in Houston on the flight to Newark, the overheads were full...our seat was towards the front so we were one of the last to board. I don't know the type of jet , it had 3 seats one side 3 on the other, maybe a 767 or 757???.....We had no problems with full overheads coming home... but our seats were toward the back...I would try to take as much on the plane as possible...

[Quince]

Hi, We're on the cruise right now. We lost 1 bag out of 4 on our Air Canada flight from Toronto, but it arrived the next day on the same time. It just meant my husband had to skip a morning of touring in Rome to return to the airport in hopes the bag arrived.

 

However, there was an international CNN report on the slowdown of the baggage handlers union at FCO. The union was saying they were overworked and couldn't process all the luggage as required, so alot of it was just sitting on the runways in baggage carts!

 

On this flight there are only 50 people missing luggage. John Heald continually announces that they are to be included in all events, including formal night, even if they aren't dressed appropriately. He knows that we all sympathize with them! It also sounds like Carnival reps are doing all they can to chase down missing bags and get them to the passengers while on the cruise.

 

Hopefully, your plans include arriving in Rome a early so that if your bags don't arrive, you'll have a chance to catch up with them!

[irisgen]

Oh My:o

Every time we pack for a cruise it is a challenge!!! :D What I try to do is get everything together that I think we will need....and remove half!!! Try to put representative clothing in every bag....so if one or more is lost you will have something to wear till they find your bags....(been there ,done that) LOL

We wore most of our dinner clothes twice , wear the same slacks, different top, etc...., but you will buy something new to wear .....We did laundry twice. The washers and dryers are large. We took beiges, whites and neutral colors so I could wash everthing in 1 load... I brought zip bags of my own laundry derergent and dryer sheets. I also tried to take clothes that were light in weight... We managed with 2- 25" suitcases (actually convinced DH to fold his tux) 1 -21" carry-on, small rolling backpack for my camera stuff/computer, and our 2 personal items. We brought a zippered collapsiable carry on with us. Looks like a large wallet untill you un-zip it, then it makes a nice size carry on.. .

We also brought a travel scale.... (thank you bekah for that advice) you can find the travel scale at Target (9.99) In their luggage department ..I think they have the zippered carry on too...

We started packing the sea day before Livorno so if we needed to buy additional luggage we could get it there:rolleyes:

Have Fun!

Wish we were going again !!!

Lynn

 

 

Thank you Lyn for your great tips! I really buy your idea of bringing our own detergents and travel scale. We need more ideas because this will be our very first long cruise.

 

Again thank you Lyn.

 

Evelyn

Glendora, CA

[Peanut Patricia]

Hi eveyone,

I just wanted to check in quickly (I'll write more later) to say a huge thank you to those who left such great tips and valuable info. Our trip was significantly better because of the time you took to post! Now it is time to give back.

 

To those who have not yet sailed, you are in for an unbelievable time.

 

I went with my husband, daughters aged 11 and 13, and 19 other close friends, ages 11- 70's. We are all from the NYC metro area originally (or still). We flew in several days ahead and spent time in Roma.

 

What I brought but did not need:

--plug in scent/night light for bathroom--did not fit the plug, and bathrrom had very good ventilation

--over the door shoe organizer--plenty of room for our stuff

 

What I brought that was very handy:

--quarters and laundry detergent (saved time and I brought a mini bottle of liquid detergent--didn't want powder for the underwear); and pop open laundry baskets

--empty lightweight duffle bag--we didn't buy much but it came in handy on the way home for distributing dirty laundry and making sure our luggage was underweight; also to separate dirty clothing from Roma to ship.

--luggage scale (it was the hit of debarkation process)

--power strip--an absolute must

--American money--dollar bills for room service tips, cash was needed for stamps, and casino, and extra tips

 

What I did that I would advise others: (remember my family profile)

--booked private excursions in Naples, Sicily, Cannes

--booked a year ahead and did my homework

--booked private transportation FCO-Roma, Roma to pier, pier to FCO

--had the late dinner seating

--brought walky talkies (invaluable when you have a group, or even a family on such a large ship)--had a plug in charger and vibrate alert

--bought the Romapass in Roma (3 day unlimited metro/bus & 2 free entrances to sites, we chose Coliseum and Galleria Borghese) 20 euros

--bought the 24 hour vaporetto pass in Venice, 15 euros

--called all of our banks ahead to alert them of our trip, and then called back to double check

--learned some Italian--as others have said, it goes a long way.

--brought about 200 euros from home, just to pay for transportation from FCO (50 euros) and lunch so I wouldn't have to search for the Bancomat in FCO

 

More in a few days,

Pat

[Templeowl]

Hi Pat

Thanks for all the infor. Where can you buy the Romapass? Can you prebook these tickets? For your 2 free entrances do you still have to wait in line?

Thanks

Audrey

[Peanut Patricia]

Hi Pat

Thanks for all the infor. Where can you buy the Romapass? Can you prebook these tickets? For your 2 free entrances do you still have to wait in line?

Thanks

Audrey

 

Check romapass.it

Allegedly you can buy it at the international arrivals terminal at FCO; you can buy it at any venue you use it plus at Termini--we bought ours at the Barberini gallery (but did not even go there). No need to prebook. Absolutely no line--at the coliseum we kept passing any and every very long line to get to the exclusive and empty romapass turnstile. 3 calendar days of metro/bus. After 2 free entrances the others are reduced price. Well worth it. I think it just began 2 years ago. Comes with metro map. Enjoy!

Pat

[joanne1]

We just booked the Freedom for July, 2008 so please keep the info coming :D .

[-Charm-]

I have a mission should anyone choose to accept...

 

I have learned recently that carnival changed suppliers for the "Turkish Bath Experience" shore excursion in Istanbul. There was a passenger who's letter prompted the change that John Heald posted on his blog that referenced unsanitary conditions.

 

I am trying to find out who their new contractor is.....also potentially helpful would be findout out who their old contractor was as well, so I know where to avoid.

 

If you are going to be on the ship soon and could find out this information I would be very greatful!

[alinehu]

I think you should first read about the turkish bath experience on Johns blog.

Maybe its not such a good idea:p

Please read;

http://johnheald.wordpress.com/

read this blog in particular -Holland, America, and Turkey go almost to the end of it and read Johns own experience at one of those turkish baths.

[-Charm-]

That's what I already read yesterday and the day before, which is what I am trying to avoid. I am very comfortable with my body, but I know when to say no I cannot beleive he endured that in that type of establishment.

 

There are several traditional Arab baths located throughout Spain (the moors definately left their influence here, some more modern than others) that I have been to and they have been absolutely wonderful. I have had the spa treatment exfoliation as well that he speaks of where we were blissfully scrubbed down in a private room and rinsed with bucket after bucket of water. It is NOT a broom (he's a comedian and likes to exaggerate!), it's a loofah and the place we went to let us take ours home and used a brand new one on every guest. It was pure heaven to sit with my husband in cozy bathrobes sipping mint tea with the music and candleilight, after being rejuinated in the multi-temperature baths, exfoliated, and then ending with a light massage.

 

I hope no one gets scared away from this type of thing, all of my experiences have been great. I know how wonderful it will be after a few long days of touring, I wanted a chance to try it in Turkey.

 

Here are some links...it feels like being transported to another world, and is an absolute treat for the senses.

 

http://www.airedesevilla.com/eng/galeria.htm#

 

http://www.hammamandalusi.com/index2-eng.html

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g227869-d583400-r8391803-Hammam_Andalusi_Arabic_Baths-Jerez_De_La_Frontera_Costa_de_la_Luz_Andalusia.html

[-Charm-]

Here a some personal experiences in Turkey

 

http://spas.about.com/od/spahistoryandculture/a/turkishbaths.htm

 

http://www.storyhouse.org/andrea.html

 

I am leaning toward the Hyatt Regency Istanbul couples package, the quality is practically guaranteed there (but of course that comes along with a steep price tag), but if I can figure out who Carnial's new contractor is and I feel comfortable with the reviews, I'll possibly go with them.

[Seguros]

This is Live from the Carnival Freedom. We’re sailing from Naples to Dubrovnik on a beautiful sunny day. It is 27 degrees (or more) in the Mediterranean. Well, since CruiseCritic.com and John Heald’s blog (http://johnheald.wordpress.com) have been so helpful, wanted to log my own experience. And let me tell you in advance, we’re having a great time and we’ve only done two cruises. So don’t be expecting a lot of negative criticism.

Toronto –London - Civitavecchia

First flew from Toronto to London on Air Canada without incident. Spent last week in London. Then flew to Rome. That flight was booked with Alitalia on Orbitz. Worked smoothly – we had no tickets and no assigned seating – but it was all online at the airport. Alessandro from Rome Cabs (http://RomeCabs.com) met us just past baggage pickup. Eight passenger, air-conditioned, Mercedes van which took us the 1 hour to Civitavecchia port. All modern highways and well signed.

Check-in and Embarkation

Dropped our luggage with the porters. Can never figure our why one pays 20 Euros to not see one’s luggage for 6 hours. Check-in was efficient with many open positions and clearly marked areas for priority, Fun Pass and regular check-in. Our 3 inside cabins on the Promenade deck 10 are a great location which allows you to walk out your door and be right on the platforms above the Lido deck facing the big screen. Obviously the newest and most up-to-date cabins of Carnival’s fleet. Large bathrooms with well designed shelving to put toiletries on around the mirror. Strangely, none of the usual toiletry kits.

Maybe we’re getting blasé but the whole ship interior just seemed on par for Carnival. A bit of over the top Las Vegas decoration. Certainly the new Habana Lounge is handsome with its wingback chairs and cigar box poster insets. The Posh and Chic dining rooms are suitably sumptuous and perhaps somewhat more restrained than the rest of the ship. And I’m sure that someone thought about what people would say when they saw disembodied blue Statue of Liberty heads floating in the Lido room.

Our one problem was quickly and efficiently solved by the Maitre D’. For some reason one of my rooms was seated at a different dinner time. We accepted a change to a 6:30 dinner time seated at a private window table in the aft Posh dining room reasoning that most ports required us back on board by 6.

Now, I know that some like to eat with just their family, but I enjoy eating with new people. The Carnival Freedom seems to have a large number of family size tables, rather than the 8 and 10s.

The highlight of the day was our meet and greet with fellow CruiseCritic.com afficiandos. We wore yellow ribbons and met at the Endless Lido bar at 5pm. Had folks from Canada, the U.K. and U.S.A. Great way to start off meeting some of your fellow cruisers.

Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento

Being do-it-yourself travellers, we were up and off the ship for the 25 minute walk to the Circumvesuvia train http://www.vesuviana.it/Home. An excellent description of the simple to the train station can be found at .com Be aware that Naples is an industrial city and you’ll be walking along the gritty port. It is not the cleanest of routes, but it is straightforward. The Naples drivers should us immense courtesy a number of times – contrary to reports – even stopping to let us cross the street. (Oh, and the public toilets are “Turkish” style a.k.a. “squat” – and remember to bring your own toilet paper!)

The Circumvesuvia Train is a commuter train with graffiti and a lack of air-conditioning which reminds one of the NYC subway 25 years ago. But it is runs on time every 30 minutes from Naples to Pisa. Again, very helpful people in Naples. The Ticket agent spoke English, sold us 3.60 Euro all day tickets, and made sure that we knew where we were going and the Naples’ natives on the platform were most concerned to point out the Binario from which the train was departing. Maybe there is a civic initiative to improve Naples’ face to tourists.

Getting off at Pompeii Scavi station, you make a right and walk 100 yards to the Pompeii entrance. At Pompeii (11 Euro entry per person) we were approached and purchased a 90 minute English speaking tour from a registered guide who charged 50 Euros for the 6 of us. In fact, the tour party ended up being 20 in total. We enjoyed a live guide, as opposed to the audio guide, but that is a personal preference. There is likely an opportunity to insist on a private tour from the guide, but we were satisfied with our group tour.

After Pompeii, we reboarded the Circumvesuvia train to continue on the 30 minutes to Sorrento. We disembarked at Pompeii and followed the rest of the tourists into the centre of the town. It was now 2:00 pm and many shops and restaurants were closing. We ate at a touristy pizzeria, which was quite fine. Walked back to the train station and retraced our journey for 90 minutes without a problem. Would highly recommend Sorrento – even just for lunch – it is a pleasure to see a beautiful, Italian seaside town after the grit of Naples.

Once onboard, we lined the rails to watch for late arrivals. The latest was a couple who were actually put on board the pilot’s boat and brought out to sea to board.

We then went to John Heald’s Welcome aboard show. One of the pleasures of planning this trip has been reading John’s blog thingy, so it was great to see the whole routine come together. Now, I know from reading CruiseCritic that John has a set routine. But it was absolutely hilarious to watch Live. The man can really control an audience. He has a great sense of timing and ability to lead the audience in laughter. Highly recommend the show to all.

Day at Sea

After the rush of Naples, it was a enjoyable to sleep in and get up just on time and watch John Heald’s morning show on the Lido deck screen. The day at sea featured the normal round of Carnival activities – Trivia, Hairy Chest contest, Port talks. There were plenty of deck chairs available throughout the day. Didn’t observe much saving, but then I don’t like to sit near the main pool. The secret areas appear to be the stern around and above the Endless Lido bar and decks 11 and 12 in the bow. Lots of chairs.

Formal night this evening – along with what now seem to be normal announcements that lost luggage shouldn’t prevent attendance. Probably only 10-20% of the men in black tie, with the ladies looking far more elegant. Let’s face it – everyone looks good in black tie, so get with the program.

Tomorrow – Dubrovnik.

John

[okteach_61]

Thanks for the update John! Enjoy your cruise!

[bp traveler]

Reading these live updates sure make me miss my Med cruise!

 

We took over 400 photos and a cam corder, but we printed only 150 or so pixs for a hard album. We did get some really great pictures of our trip. I was glad we only printed this many when it came time to put this all together!

 

Hope everyone is enjoying their cruise and cruise planning - that is half of the fun!

 

I have talked dh into doing this maybe every other year of so - sooooo I am waiting for pricing to come out for summer of 2009.

[Kacruiser]

This is Live from the Carnival Freedom. We’re sailing from Naples to Dubrovnik on a beautiful sunny day. It is 27 degrees (or more) in the Mediterranean. Well, since CruiseCritic.com and John Heald’s blog (http://johnheald.wordpress.com) have been so helpful, wanted to log my own experience. And let me tell you in advance, we’re having a great time and we’ve only done two cruises. So don’t be expecting a lot of negative criticism.

Check-in and Embarkation

Dropped our luggage with the porters. Can never figure our why one pays 20 Euros to not see one’s luggage for 6 hours. Check-in was efficient with many open positions and clearly marked areas for priority, Fun Pass and regular check-in.

Large bathrooms with well designed shelving to put toiletries on around the mirror. Strangely, none of the usual toiletry kits.

 

Hello John,

Thank you so much for all of the information. I do have a couple of questions regarding the above post. First, the 20 euros that you paid the porters. Was this a tip or a fee? If this was a tip, is the 20 euro standard and how many pieces of luggage did you have? Want to make sure we keep with the customs and this is the first I've heard of paying 20 euros to the porters.

 

Second, is regarding the usual toiletry kits. What did they have? I was planning on not packing a lot of toiletries because of the kits, so maybe I should rethink this?

[Seguros]

Only toiletries in the room were a bar of handsoap and the dispensers of shampoo and bodywash in the shower. Asked the room steward about a shoe shine cloth and was referred to the gift shop.

 

The tip for the porters was high because all I had was a 20 Euro note - suprisingly noone offers change! On the Carnival website the advice regarding porters is as follows:

 

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal:

Guests will drop off their luggage at the Baggage Drop-Off area and give the luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for this service is $1.00 per bag. Guests will park their car in the designated parking area and walk back to the terminal; depending on the distance, some cruise terminals have a complimentary shuttle from the parking area to the terminal.

 

John

[Seguros]

Dubrovnik

Just returned to the ship after an 87 degree day in Dubrovnik. Tendered over at 10:30 a.m. The Capers said that there were no non-Carnival tenders until 10a.m. So we had a leisurely breakfast at the stern in the Endless Lido area. One of our favourite spots – you can look out the stern window and it is quiet.

While we were advised that the wait for a tender would be 30 minutes, when we arrived at 10:25, we had just sat down when our tender was called. Again, a very efficient system of assigning numbers and then taking you down to the tender. Today, the tenders were the Carnival Freedom lifeboats.

There are 4 options to get to old Dubrovnik: 1) Carnival shuttle for 10 Euros per person return (although you may also be able to pay in US$); 2) Taxi for 10 Euros a taxi one way; 3) Walk for about 50 minutes or 4) Local bus.

For us with 6 people, taking 2 cabs was 40 Euros round trip or a savings of 20 Euros over the bus. In addition, we seemed to arrive at the Old City Wall before our fellow tender passengers. We did not try the bus, but look forward to the blogger who describes how it works since it pulls right up to the port. All 4 taxi drivers understood and spoke English.

Dubrovnik is certainly one of the most beautiful European cities imaginable. However, we tourists are draining the locals from it and turning it into almost entirely a tourist attraction. Every street and every alley is wall to wall tourist.

Although I’d read extensively about Dubrovnik, there did not seem to be any major attractions other than doing the Wall walk. You might think that would make for a short day, but in fact it filled the day and was extremely enjoyable. We did note that there were kayak tours and walking tours advertised on the stroll from the cab to the Wall, but you would need to make sure of the times, since some seemed to offer only a limited number of walks or tours.

On entering the main city gate, you turn left to walk up the stairs to the Wall. Must be about 45 feet high at that point up narrow, steep stone stairs. My 75 year old MIL made it, but you should consider your physical condition to do the walk. The wall contains many steep portions and many stairs.

On the way up those same steps, the first window in the wall sells you the wall ticket for 6 Euros and the second window sells you the audio guide for 6 Euros. You want the audio guide. There are 24 stations along the wall with recorded commentary.

Walking the Wall provides wonderful vistas and photographic opportunities. Be aware that there isn’t a refreshment stop until past the first quarter of the wall. After that, there are drink stops until the final eighth of the wall. Quite frankly, water bottles, coke and beer (pivo) were all between 0.5 Euro to 2Euro, so well worth buying on the Wall rather than on the Ship. We completed the walk in about 2-2.5 hours (Although one could certainly do it quicker without stopping at every audio point).

Once off the walk we had lunch in one of the local restaurants on a square. Lunch was 470 Kuna. Withdrew 500 Kuna from an ABM beside the restaurant. The ABM was attached to all networks.

Sorry for the delay in posting, but we need to have a word on Blackberry and internet service. My Canadian Rogers Blackberry has quickly connected in every port. However, it does not seem to always update on board - although the ship is supposed to have cell phone service. Connecting to the onboard internet service has been a challenge. It says that wireless is available in every cabin. However, I’ve not been able to find any service other than in the internet café. Even there the wireless service is spotty at best. The internet cafe manager is unable to assist.

[7toEleven]

Yes, the internet service/connectivity on our May 25th cruise was pretty bad also. I have heard this over and over. The manager wasn't helpful and he didn't appreciate the comment someone else made about it being the worse internet room/connections he had ever seen. They do have an opportunity for big improvement in this area.

Otherwise we LOVED our trip! Glad to hear you are also enjoying yours!

[Seguros]

Venice!

This was the city which we’d been waiting for and it did not disappoint. Walked the 15 minutes from the port to Piazzale Roma. You walk down the pier from the ship and make a left. (no guarantee which bay you’re in, so how far you walk from the ship to the entrance to the port is dependent on that). Walk by the ACTV booth which is just at the end of your pier. It does not sell 24 hour tickets.

At the exit to the port is a round-about. Keep to the right and cross the road. Walk up the road on the hill. Keep your eyes on the P. Roma signs which are there to guide the cars. At the top of the hill turn right. Walk over the bridge, past a road to the train station to the right and down the hill. You will walk across a busy driveway to a car park. This is where all the drivers have to leave their car upon entering Venice.

At the next crosswalk, go left across the street. In the evening rush hour there will be a policeman directing traffic. Otherwise, you are on your own. Traffic does seem to stop.

You will then see 20 yards to your right the blue ACTV sign. This is where you buy your Vaporetto tickets http://www.actv.it. Purchase a 24 hour pass for 15 Euro (2007). Be aware that the conductors at the docks check your tickets when you are heading back to Piazalle Roma. This is how they make their money (and if it is after your time – pay the 6 Euro extra – you would have paid 21 Euro upfront if they had asked).

The #1 and #82 Vaporetto from this dock both go to Piazza San Marco. However, the #82 is an express. You can disembark at Rialto (Ponte Rialto) and it is quicker to walk across to Piazza San Marco than to continue on the vaporetto. The route is well signed, although amusingly often both options on the sign point to P. S. Marco.

We walked from Ponte Rialto to the Arsenale. Takes you through both the tourist Mecca of Piazza San Marco and residential areas. Actually saw a door decorated for the birth of a child (Venice has the lowest birth rate in Italy). Piazza San Marco is a tourist clogged nightmare which is not to be resisted. Purchased corn for 1 Euro and had the teenagers feed the pigeons.

Had pre-booked the Basilica San Marco at (http://www.alata.it/eng/BOOKING/sanmarco.asp) If you pre-book go to the group line – which is signed in Italian and show the guard your web printout. He will wave you through. In addition to recommending pre-booking at that site online, you need to bring a guide book. There is absolutely no interpretation offered in English. It would be helpful to read about the Basilica while you are inside. The Basilica is only lit once during the day (11 am?) – so if you wish to see it brightly lit rather than natural light you’ll need to book accordingly.

Don’t bother with the cruise gondola rides – you can set them all up for yourself. The regulated rates for gondolas can be found at http://www.gondolavenezia.it Gondolas have rates, just like taxis. So make sure that you know what the charges and extras will cost. This was one of the major savings over the cruise – my family of 6 did a gondola ride for 100 Euro, all in, which was approximately the single passenger rate offered by the cruise. There were a number of scare stories offered to passengers suggesting that the cruise would get better and more polite service. Pish Posh. Walk up and discuss with your gondolier the price and the route. They will have a set itinerary and it is likely a good one. Our gondolier gave a running commentary in English. You can check out itineraries at the website above.

We enjoyed all the city had to offer. Had a gelato at a neighbourhood stand. Rode the vaporetto. Stood up at a coffee bar and ordered a cappuccino. Ate sandwiches from a deli to save time. As others have said, just give yourself time, walk, shop, take in some music at night, enjoy.

Finally, another note on the Carnival Freedom. Have gone almost each night to listen to jazz at the Habana cigar lounge. The trio is technically quite good. A most enjoyable experience to sit, listen and strike up conversations with other habitués.

John

[jplewis]

Can anyone tell me if they have stayed above or below areas that would have a lot of activity? I'm wondering about the noise level. Hopefully newer ships have better soundproofing.

Thanks,

[DavidandPaula]

Can anyone tell me if they have stayed above or below areas that would have a lot of activity? I'm wondering about the noise level. Hopefully newer ships have better soundproofing.

Thanks,

 

We were in 1291 on our cruise, bottom of the passenger decks, roughly in the middle in both directions. Behind the bedhead was a big white area on the deck plans which I eventually found out was cabin accomodation for the higher ranking staff and married couples on staff.

 

There was a low noise like an air appliance operating about every five or ten minutes day and night but we very quickly found we just did not notice it, not that we spent much time in the cabin.

 

The only other time any noise intruded was during one of the At Sea days when sounds of mutual passion came from the cabin next to us. And yes it was from a passenger cabin and not from behind us in the staff cabins. That cabin also had a do not disturb sign hanging on the door for most of the cruise so we assumed honeymooners or the like. It was a bit of a surprise late in the cruise to see that the cabin was occupied by young children but at least they were not running up and down the corridor banging on doors and as they were not my children any future suprises will not get back to me.

 

Overall very happy with our particular cabin. The Canadian couple who we shared a diner table with were not so happy. Every time the ship was manouvering such as when approaching the dock their cabin shook and rattled, coment from Mike was that he would need to get all his fillings replaced when they got home. We only noticed this on entry to Livorno and then only in the Posh dining room where we were having breakfast.

 

David

[bunnyette]

We were in 1291 on our cruise, bottom of the passenger decks, roughly in the middle in both directions. Behind the bedhead was a big white area on the deck plans which I eventually found out was cabin accomodation for the higher ranking staff and married couples on staff.

 

 

Too ironic, we are booked in 1291 on the August 29th sailing. Was it near the exit? I heard there was a fast place to leave the ship on deck 0 when it is in port.

 

Hopefully no honeymooners next door when we sail;)

[bp traveler]

I don't think the sound proofing is any better on this ship.

 

We were in an aft balcony right above the place they do Karoke and we could here them singing away clear as day late at night!!