Need help with European Cruise ideas

[jennat]

Hey! We are going on the Brillance of the Seas out of Barcelona in June. We are mid-thirties, our kids are staying home,and this is our first cruise.

 

What kinds of shore excursions should we not miss, which ones should we skip, etc? There is only one day at sea so I am worried about over-doing it. Any help in narrowing down these excursions would be helpful. Any other tips for us first timers would also be great.

 

Has anyone gone on this cruise?

 

Stops include, Nice, Rome, Naples, Caannes (I think, this is from memory!)

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Jen

[vivian02]

Hi Janat,

Congradulations on taking your first cruise, I take it this will be your first trip to Europe. We will cruise out of Barcelona the end of May on Splendor of the Sea. Be aware that the dollar is rather expensive in Europe right now. I went ahead and bought 400 Euro's yesterday. Its a better rate if you buy some euro's ahead of time. Will the dollar improve before June? Good question.

Take into consideration jet lag. My wife on our last trip to Europe (2002) watched movies all night. I got three hours sleep but after arriving you will find you system is on US time when it is really Euopean time. The time difference is 8 to 10 hours differnce depending on where you live in the US.

Going without the kids will be a blast, just don't let the kids know.

Have an open mind, especially in France. Their customs are different from ours. You'll find out once you use one of their bathrooms.

The train sytems in Europe are fantastic. Ride the trains, its cheap and they are always on time.

Don't be afraid to ask if anyone speaks English. I have found most Europeans are very helpful when asking for information.

On the cruise itself just sit back and relax. There is always something going on and you will have the time of your life.

Enjoy the British, I still have a problem understanding what they are saying. I guess my English isn't very proper. Tim

 

Norwegian Sky 5/03

Norwegian Star 11/03

Royal Caribbean Splendor of the Sea 5/04

[gillyE]

Hi Jen, my husband and are and our 19 year old daughter and her friend are going on the June 12th Brilliance cruise from Barcelona. Is that the one you're doing? We've pre-booked the Naples tour that goes to Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri as that's too much to cover on your own I think. I would be worried about getting back to the ship in time! At the rest of the ports, we're going to do our own thing using the public transport systems.

[vacation elaine]

We're going in July.. go to a post that's a couple pages back (at least now) ..last post on it was on 4/01 at 11:43 p.m. by Capinboynton...he has a great review of this cruise and great pictures (there's a link in his post). Or, you could do a search with his screenname and I'm sure it will come up.

 

 

Norway, 2000

Adventure of the Seas, Augst, 2003

Voyager of the Seas, February 29,2004

Brilliance of the Seas, July 25, 2004 !

 

<img src=http://img22.photobucket.com/albums/v65/Elaine1150/Tropical_island.gif>

[SUZCRUZ]

The tour Capri, Sorrento and Pompei is the BEST!

Did it last year on the Constellation.

Probably our favprite tour of the trip.

Next was Rome.

[dperales]

Tim,

Where did you get your Euros? I am still trying to find the cheapest fees for Euros before we go in July. Were you able to get smaller denominations?

 

Elaine,

Getting everything ready? We are going to Vegas on Monday and I am going shopping one day as they have great warm weather clothes! See you in July!

 

Donna

 

Brilliance of the Sea First time to Europe!