Off cruise topic would value advice on flight choice

[Ms Jo UK]

Greetings from the UK today, it looks like we are having our first little bit of spring sunshine.

I value all your assistance that you give on these boards and wondered if you could help with a question I have. As the £ is so strong against the $ I have persuaded my partner this is a great time to have that trip to Vegas that we have always wanted and he has agreed that we can do this late September before my Explorer cruise in November, I can not tell you how happy this has made me.

Now to my question, we will save over $700 if we take an indirect flight to Vegas. We have a choice of 2 airlines and routes. Delta via Atlanta or Northwest Airlines via Detroit. We have no experience of either airline, is one better than the other, and we have no experience of the gateway cities is one airport easier to get round than another.

We would really appreciate the help of this one.

Happy cruising

Jo

Until we sail explorer
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[vacation elaine]

hello.. we have a hint of spring here in Ohio, but it's turned cold again and rainy. We've been to Las Vegas at least a dozen times over the last 15 years and love it.

On the airports...we've flown through both and on both airlines.. not often.. I'm sure someone else will have more experience here but Detroit's is smaller and I thought it was easy to get around. Atlanta's is huge but when we've flown through there it has seemed very efficient (but we've only done domestic flights, not international yet...we're flying to Barcelona this summer and if you have any advise on that, I'd loveit).

Do you know where you are staying in Vegas? If you need any help there or on what to do, would be happy to help.

sounds great!


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>

[Mark_K]

None of our airlines are any good. If I were you I'd fly Virgin Atlantic direct.

----------------------------------------------------------

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits" Mark Twain

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's formal night attire, poolside attire, child rearing practices, walk-talkie usage, chair hogging, seat saving, line cutting ..." Mark_K

[Ms Jo UK]

Thank you for responding Mark_K, but I have to disagree with you on this point. While I accept Virgin are pretty good, flown with them several times transatlantic, and we are using them to fly to Miami for our Explorer cruise in November, and Virgin definately beats British Airways which is living on past reputation not current service levels.
We have also flown United to LA and back, and if that was only experience with a US airline I would probably agree with you, worst flight we ever had for lots of reasons. But our best flight ever came from a very suprising source a US Airways London to Philly, so don't be so harsh on your homebased airlines, the comfort, service, food and entertainment on that flight was the best we ever had.

The reason not to take Virgin to Vegas is the $700 saving on airfares which I am hoping to put towards the hotel, otherwise we probably would do the Virgin thing. But US Airlines are no worse than our home grown product.

Jo

Until we sail explorer
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[Ms Jo UK]

Vacation Elaine
Thank you for responding to my post. We are not sure yet where we would like to stay, our minds say Venetian or Bellagio but our wallets say an emphatic no (we can dream). Friends have suggested that Circus Circus or Excalibur would be good budget choices. I have been looking at the Luxor, Aladdin, or Monte Carlo. We do know that as this is our first trip to Vegas we will want to stay on the strip. Well spending our time, we don't do the gambling thing, well I might spend a half hour or so playing black jack on one day, just as I would on a cruise, I don't do slots as I don't undertand them and he who must be obeyed has no interest, we are really going to Vegas to see the spectacular that we hear of all the time. We also want to do the Grand Canyon, see the Hoover Dam and possibly horseriding as my friend did this and loved it, of course after having seen Cirque du Soleil in London this year we want to see one of their shows in Vegas.

As for Barcelona it is my joint favourite city in Europe it was my favourite but we just returned from a short break in Rome last week and I fell in love with that so now we have two favourite cities. Are you having a pre or post cruise stay in Barcelona?

Until we sail explorer
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[vacation elaine]

hi! Venetian or Bellagio would be my dream, too! But, we have always stayed on the strip and have loved the location for Harrahs, Paris or Ballys. They are close to all the 'big' places and very nice places to stay. Harrahs is a little smaller and easier to naviagate (it's right across from Mirage and Caesars) and next door to Venetian and an easy walk to Bellagio). Paria and Ballys are connected and across the street from Bellagio. Don't stay at Circus circus... it's too far from Venetian/ Bellagio area. Luxor is too long of a walk as well.
We've had friends stay at Aladin and they liked it.. it's also a bit further down the strip but you can walk to Bellagio..just further. Get on a Las Vegas tourism website..they all have maps that show where the casinos are.
When we go we also like to get out.. it's pretty inexpensive to rent a car there and it's very easy to get around Vegas. Also all the parking is free! (they want you to come to their casino.most have free valet, you just tip on leaving, usually a couple dollars is plenty).

Hoover Dam and Boulder City are easy drives.. about 1/2 hour out. Very nice to see. Also, Red Rock Canyon is an easy drive West of the City.. would be about 45 min. out, drive around Red Rock about 30 min. ,etc.. unless you like to hike.. friends have done that there and liked it.

Grand Canyon is about a 4-5 hour drive from Vegas.. we have not done that but if you have the time I'm sure it's worth it. There are, of course, organized tours from Vegas to Grand Canyon.. I'm sure someone can say more about that.

Lots of really good restaurants for every taste and you can really eat cheaply at the smaller casinos... we love Barbary Coast's coffee shop (they are on the same corner as Bellagio/ Ballys). Also, if you have time, go to downtown Vegas.. see the light show at night and check out the 'older' casinos there.. Golden Nugget is nice. If you get a car it's easy to get there and park at one of the casino garages.. right outside of downtown is a little creepy , so stay close to the casinos there. There are tons of dinner 'deals' .. $4.95 complete dinners at these places. Also, if you get off the strip to Boulder Highway.. Sam's Town has some great, inexpensive restaurants;

Yes, we are staying in Barcelona for 2 days pre cruise.. we're so excited, our first time to Europe. Any help there most appreciated.


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>

[vacation elaine]

I found a good map of the strip area.. go to Vegas.com, click on top right "more", the "maps"..

I'll try to post a link but I've never had that work before [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

looks like it's there.. it's to the right of the palm tree below.. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img] not sure how that happened.

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>[url="http://vegas.com/map.html"]vegas.com[/url]

[hoppelk]

This is off topic, but we are going to Las Vegas next month. I am very happy to see this as we are trying to decide on a hotel,also. What hotels should we avoid and what shows would you recommend? Thanks

[sseaver1]

We were in las vegas last june with a group of 6....flew into Denver and rented a van and took in the national parks in utah on the way down...stayed at Treasure Island, and drove to Grand Canyon one day....a very long day....but it was worth it...the most fun in vegas is just simply walking around from hotel to hotel and seeing the sites....dont be afraid to walk the strip...just make sure you carry water...

Scott and Barb
New Gloucester Maine

Oh man, are we ready to cruise !
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[Family of 14]

I would have to choose Delta/Atlanta. Larger more comfortable airplanes.

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Disney Wonder 3/2000 ~ Disney Magic 9/2000 ~ RCI Vision 2/2001 ~ Carnival Victory 12/2001 ~ Celebrity Millennium 3/2003 ~ RCI Adventure OTS 9/2003 ~ RCI Mariner OTS 7/18/2004 ~ RCI Serenade OTS 9/26/2004

[Kimarie]

If you are going without kids, I would not stay at Circus Circus because it is really a Circus with tons of kids. So is the Excalibur. Lots of families stay at these hotels.

Kim

[Rala]

I agree--IMO Circus Circus and Excalibur are "tacky". Treasure Island is in an excellent location next to Mirage (there is a little tram which connects the two.) Also, close to Caesar's and the Forum Shops. Also, Treasure Island is not too much more expensive than Circus or Excalibur. Unless you are counting every penny, I think this is a good choice. Have fun!! Sorry I can't give specific help on the airlines. Unfortunately, I don't travel nearly as much as I would like!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[birdyhunter]

I've flown both airlines. they're both ok. Atlanta is the hub for Delta. If you switch planes there, which I assume you will it could take some time. The terminals there are separate and are connected by an underground rail system.

Detroit is a brand new terminal and is a Northwest hub. It is smaller than Atlanta and has an elevated rail system that runs the length of it (one mile).

I would make my choice on price. The service will be the same.

Good luck and have fun! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

RCL Adventure of the Seas July 4, 2004

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Carnival Destiny 7/01
Carnival Pride 7/02

[Ifly822]

either one of these flights will be fine. Atlanta is HUGE so allow enough time between flights especially for customs too. It seems to me that atlanta is more of direct route than detroit. Detroit is pretty big in my eyes too, but not as big as ATL. As a heads up, there will be no food service on either flight to Vegas from either city. I know that Delta sells foos on those flights but no free hot meals anymore. Good Luck!!!

[Seaside2358]

I have stayed at both Monte Carlo and Caesar's. Monte Carlo was very nice and you can get it much cheaper than Caesar's. But definitely make sure you go into Caesar's. Much to see there...I am partial to Delta and would give them my vote.

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Until Jewel of The Seas<BR


Sensation 3/99
Majesty of The Seas 12/03

[ChristyW]

As much as I hate Atlanta, I would suggest you fly through there.

Since it is bigger, you will have more choices in case something happens with your scheduled flight into Vegas. (You miss your connection, mechanical, over sold, etc...)

Have fun and good luck!

<FONT SIZE=5><FONT FACE="Signature">Christy</FONT></FONT>

[B]Rhapsody Of The Seas - 10/08/00 - Mexican Riviera[/B] - Our 7th Anniversary
[B]Radiance Of The Seas - 06/28/03 - Alaska![/B] - My parents 40th Anniversary
[B]Navigator Of The Seas - 10/04/03 - Western Caribbean[/B] - Our 10th Anniversary

[bassetdaddy]

The new World terminal at Detroit is far easier to navigate than Atlanta and Northwest's planes are just as big as Delta's. And I am with you, 700 dollars is a big difference....gambling money [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]) Having said that, either choice would be acceptable. Have a ball in Vegas!

[wannalottadough]

we take trips to vegas twice a year and love it! Cant help you with the airlines, we fly spirit air (from chicago). If you want an inexpensive hotel with great location in the middle of the strip try the Flamingo, I have to warn you though it's older and not as flashy as some of the new hotels but it's comfortable and very convenient (usually my choice of places). If you want a newer one thats moderately priced i would give my vote to Monte Carlo, Nice hotel, newer, smaller casino, NICE POOL, but kinda near the end of the strip. If you are renting a car your hotel location won't be an issue.
If you want to try something really fun, go to the "Rio" it's slightly off the strip, they have a parade in the sky with floats that run along a track on the ceiling. for 10.00 you can ride in the parade on the float, they dress you up in a themed outfit and you can wave to everyone watching. When we did this our theme was the "seventies" so they dressed us up as hippies and gave us tamborines to play. There were seven of us girls that went together and needless to say we had a blast. Try it!

[Mark_K]

Ms Jo,

It's up to you, but I saw some flights on Virgin Atlantic for around £500. The ones on NWA/Delta must be amazingly cheap.

As far as where to stay, for inexpensive yet close to the middle of the strip, the Flamingo, Harrah's, Bally's are all good choices. I'd go with the one where you can get the best deal. September is a pretty popular time to go (the high temps get back down into the low 30's) though, so the rates might not be the best.

If price is not so much of a consideration, Bellagio, Venetian, Mirage, Ceasar's are my favorite four (in that order).

----------------------------------------------------------

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits" Mark Twain

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's formal night attire, poolside attire, child rearing practices, walk-talkie usage, chair hogging, seat saving, line cutting ..." Mark_K

[ebonybee]

My suggestion is to look at the flying time from each airport to Las Vegas. Atlanta, I believe has more flight delays and weather difficulties because they are at the foothills of the Appalachians. Weather patterns change quickly plus the volume of air traffic makes air traveling hectic.

Detroit, I'm just prejudiced because it is a northern city and I'm an ORIGINAL SOUTHERN BELLE.

Due to the fact that you will have to change from international to domestic-I hate to say this but Detroit is the better choice. I'm probably going to be call a traitor and a turncoat!

04/04 Brilliance
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[Driftwoodgal]

I guess I am a turn coat as well. I would fly into Detroit. I won't be flying on Delta again unless it is the only airline that flys to that destination. They have cancelled one to many flights on me where I lose a day sitting in the airports for my vacation. If all of those mechanical problems are real... I don't want to fly on their unsafe planes.

We love the Luxor, have stayed the numerous times. I would not stay at Circus Circus or the Excalibur unless you just feel like loving on some kids. Harrahs is an older hotel but we were pleased when we have stayed there. The Grand Canyon is well worth seeing. I rank it right up there with the Panama Canal.

Vegas rooms book up quicker than it used to. I would suggest that you book your room when you have narrowed it down. If you like steak, the Luxor has an incredible restaurant. It is upscale, but well worth the price. DH cooks a mean steak so I don't eat it out often since I am so picky. I can't remember the exact name but it is the Red ???? (door) or something like that. Have fun... people watching and casino looking is half the fun.

God bless you and yours.

[Ms Jo UK]

Thank you all for your advice it is really helpful. It looks like we are going to have to go Delta through Atlanta as we decided to increase from 7 nights to 8 and Northwest's cheap fare did not apply for the 8 night trip.

To Mark K the Delta flights from certain reputable TAs are coming in at £695 inc tax for 2 tickets (a bargain)! My partner would like to wait to see if prices reduce across the board closer to September but I think we should be happy at this price and not wait.

We don't have kids so will probably not stay Circus Circus or Excalibur. I will start looking at the hotel websites during this week.

On these boards I have heard a lot of people talk about priceline, we have just got this site in the UK, is it any good for Vegas.

You have all been truly wonderful with your advice - a big thank you.

Until we sail explorer
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[Mark_K]

Ms Jo UK,

I don't think I'd wait either. They can only go down so much, but they can go up forever.

Yes, priceline does Vegas, it was one of it's first claims to fame. The thing you need to be aware of with priceline is that you don't get to pick your hotel or your location, just the strip area. And their strip area includes some hotels that aren't actually on the strip - just in the area.

----------------------------------------------------------

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits" Mark Twain

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's formal night attire, poolside attire, child rearing practices, walk-talkie usage, chair hogging, seat saving, line cutting ..." Mark_K

[bthorn1108]

Personally, I would have recommended Delta, so I'm glad you picked it. I have flown both airlines and have never had problems with Delta, and nothing but problems with Northwest. Every NW flight I have taken was overbooked and we were delayed everytime while they looked for volunteers to be bumped. We fly Delta alot, up and down the eastern seaboard to visit family and go on cruises, and have never had a problem.

As far as a hotel in Vegas, we stayed at the Stardust. I know it's not a brand new, fancy hotel, however, it served it's purpose, it was clean and inexpensive. It's also got a great location on the strip. We were within walking distance to many hotels, including Bally's, which had the monorail to the end of the strip (MGM, Excalibur, NY NY).

Beverly
Southward 1988, Britannis 1994, Dolphin IV 1995, Star Princess (old version) 1996, Sea Princess 1999, Seabreeze 1999, Rembrandt 2000, Destiny 2000, Seabreeze 2000, Triumph 2000, Norwegian Majesty 2001, Destiny 2001, Sensation 2002, Victory 2002, Destiny 2003, Vision of the Seas 2003, Triumph 2003, Voyager of the Seas 2004,

[Seaside2358]

I know the monorail was not operating when I was out last June and as far as I know I don't believe it is operating as of yet. I could be wrong. Anybody know??

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Until Jewel of The Seas<BR


Sensation 3/99
Majesty of The Seas 12/03