cruisemom42

As promised, a few photos from Flåm. It was my favorite port. Adorable small town and easy to take the railway on your own—if you’re willing to buy tickets well in advance.

Kudos to slidergirl for the reminder. I keep meaning to post, but I just haven't been on the site as much as I was before. I have to admit to feeling a bit blue/out of sorts since my dad passed in June. I feel more like reading than being online. That said, I did have a nice cruise to the Norwegian fjords in August, so yes I was awol for about 2 weeks. It was beautiful and I enjoyed it very much. The best was our day in Flam, Norway, in part because it was beautiful weather. Took the little train ride up the mountain and back. I'll try to post a few pics soon. I enjoyed reading @slidergirl's Vegas posts too. EggSlut -- love it, especially the sign. 🤣 I'll catch myself up on everyone's posts and try to keep up better. With fall around the corner, I feel better. The long hot summer here is nearly over and fall has always been my favorite season.

It would be between Nautical & Classic (the survey says "classic" not "classy"...) and Arty & Sophisticated. Either is fine with me, but I will point out that on at least one line I've been on, the desire to go Arty & Sophisticated has led to some uncomfortable seating options...form over function. I'm NOT a fan of that. I like ships with lots of comfortable places to sit and read, watch entertainment, people watch, socialize, etc. Not a big fan of feeling like a pretzel while sitting.

Voyages to Antiquity's small ship kept promising transits through the canal on various cruises, but somehow they never seemed to pan out. Rockslides, work closures... You were lucky! I'd love to do it.

I think it's nicer when the interior remains true to the period.

Do you just want to "see" the canal or do you want to take a tour "on" the canal? Both are possible. Some cruise ships even offer an excursion for the latter. I'm guessing a private operator could also possibly arrange the latter as well. I've been on a couple of private tours from Piraeus that stopped at the bridge for a good view of the canal enroute to other places.

Just tell the hotel you want a taxi at 6:00 am. They will arrange it. I've done this multiple times from this hotel. Edited to add: Just be forewarned that if you do this, you will end up paying slightly more than the set fare to airport, as the taxi will also charge you whatever it cost for them to get to you at hotel. Usually a small addition.

What I guessed was how it happened. Azamara had everyone check in, hand in luggage, etc. at the Marittima port (the one reached via the People Mover, close to Piazzale Roma). From there, everyone was bussed by motorcoach to Fusina for boarding. It was pretty efficient; obviously would only work for a small ship.

Or maybe they're just hedging their bets. As in, it's mainly Maine lobster, but there's no guarantee....

Brunch is a meal that hasn't become popular in Italy. I don't think you'd have much luck with finding one. Possibly a large hotel might offer an "American style" breakfast but I think that's usually only for their guests. In the same vein, you're unlikely to find good restaurants open before noon for lunch.

For me, the "idea" of Venice is almost better than the reality of it, but everyone should see it once. It's even better if one has some of the history in mind (read in advance) and also has read some of the many novels set there. Do expect crowds, even off-season. I was there with my son a few years ago (just before Covid) and even in late November the crowds were crazy in Venice.

I've stayed twice at this hotel and agree it's a good option. Their deluxe single rooms are larger than many city single rooms. And their breakfast is also a step above many, though one should not expect it to be a full American-style one. The location near the Pantheon has been my favorite for years.

Last night we had a performance by Chordial, which seems to be HAL’s new traveling classical trio (piano, violin, cello). They performed on the main theatre stage. They were fairly good. Not LCS caliber and a trio rather than a quartet, but much better than some performers I’ve heard on other ships. They will do a second show tomorrow night, I believe.

I went to the Morimoto’s by Sea pop/up last night held in Tamarind. While I enjoyed it, I’m not sure the hefty extra cost is entirely justified. I ordered the pork gyoza, angry lobster pad Thai (which I enjoyed, I know some have not) and the melting chocolate sphere. Pics below.

Flåm was such a highlight of this cruise. Partly due to the weather no doubt. Just to add info for the DIYers, the Flåmsbana (train) is super easy to do on your own. The rail station is only a couple of blocks from the ship, no possible way of getting lost. I purchase my ticket online back when the 2024 schedule was first announced so you do have to plan ahead. The cost for the return trip is about $70 US (return) per person.