Hambagahle

Something similar happened to me some years ago. Got to Genova from Venezia OK by train but then there was a strike Genova/Ventimilgia (I was headed for Cannes on a business trip). Ended up by hiring a limo to drive me to the border and drop me in Menthon from where I got the train to Cannes. Cost a fortune but at least I could work in the car.

Hank - thanks SO much for all the info on this thread. I "followed" your adventures around Japan on HAL last spring and sense that you are enjoying this cruise a little more. Looking forward to reading what you have to say as the next 2+ weeks of the cruise rolls on.

Thank you for this informative review. May I ask a question? For your flight(s) to MIA - did Regent UK arrange those or did you do them yourself. Getting a one way trans-Atlantic flight is very very expensive (we are Swiss) and although we have been faithful clients of an excellent agency in the US for years they cannot do our flights. We love TA cruises...and would like to do another before we leave the planet but the flight cost is very very expensive.

Julia Child has a recipe for Duxelles in her Vol. 1 (Along with the recipe for Beef Wellington). Finely chopped mushrooms, onions and then sautéed - and yes - some foie gras added. But not much.

Duxelles normally has foie gras in it too...

They might not have known. In Italy most strikes are announced ahead of time - but far from all. And even when there are strikes - some trains run. If you are willing to show up and go with whatever is running. Fine. Problem is coming back to a ship and discovering the train you planned to take from Termini is not running... Taxis are expensive and take a little longer - from Termini - than a train...

You can also freeze foie gras....

Thanks to all, especially the info on the Divani Caravelle. I have stayed at the Grande Bretagne in the past, and at the Hilton too. Like the location of the former more than the latter. Hotels were both OK but the décor of the GB is a bit "early brothel" for my taste!! On Splendor we are in a Grand Suite and Regent says boarding at 1200 with access to suite at 1300. So I would like to get to the port early and will probably take a taxi. Really appreciated the info on the assigned bus numbers and the melée to get on the bus!

You just answered my question!! Thanks and take care, g

We will be on a Splendor cruise which leaves from Athens next April. A night in an Athens hotel is included...if possible I would love to know which hotels Regent has used in the past ? And also roughly how far in advance of the cruise do they tell you where you will be staying? (They aren't doing our air). I know Athens quite well and know more or less where I would like to stay. So might set something up on my own if I don't like their choice (!).

Of course ! Or if with the GM ... Makes me chuckle because the first time I met Franck Galzy he was F&B Manager on the Voyager. We were on a TA crossing and had dinner with Louise Ross, Social Hostess -- and Franck! What a pleasure. And the meal was very good.

We have a very successful Roll Call going right now for a cruise starting in April on Vista. Looking at the nationalities I would say that maybe 75% or more are from the USA. Of the rest, mostly Canadian with several Australians and one Kiwi. Only two from the UK I think. and then there is my husband and I - Swiss.

The we will be the ideal neighbours because we don't watch the TV !