mskaufman

We have sailed under the bridge a number of times. Often looks like only a few feet clearance. It looks like the container ship hit one of the concrete support structures. I don't think so, but wonder if there is an alternate port on the other side of the bridge (like near Annapolis and the Naval Academy).

I would talk to the private excursion folks about handling a cruise that gets in at 9am. I know a lot of people rent cars but based on what we saw, would prefer to leave the driving to someone else.

How long (time) is the bus ride and how often do they run? Any issues in crossing the border?

Here are a couple we particularly like.

Everyone we went to was awesome.

Glad to hear these "yes" answers. Are these based on experience?

Other than renting a car does anyone have experience with a shore excursion from Rijeka to Pula?

Once embarking in Trieste (for an 8 pm departure) is it possible to go have lunch and then go back off the ship and do some sightseeing?

We have done some more research and are likely to spend another day in Trieste and save this part of Slovenia for a future cruise. There seems to be enough in Trieste to keep us busy.

Great!!

They are all the same. Don't remember it being uncomfortable.

All the boat tours have the same route. You can pick up a boat at many places along the water.

We are going in July. If you are before us, a review would be great, Thanks

We thought of renting a car, as Hank suggests. The other option seems to be an organized tour (about $100 - $130 per person). For two people the cost is similar to renting a car from a major agency (when you consider gas, parking, etc). However, would like to hear a good review on the tour option.

I have been on numerous cruises, including three with NCL. We were on POA last summer and had a great time. However, the cruise itself was not up to the standards we have come to expect from NCL. It seemed that they were very understaffed. For example, there were days our room was not made up until almost dinner time and there was no turn down service. The entertainment was lacking. That all said, it was a great way to see Hawaii. Happy to answer more questions or share my cruise pictures.

Thanks Hank, Still would like to see other options.

Any recommendations for how to do a day in Slovenia (from Trieste) that includes Ljubljana and Lake Bled.

Ala Moana is a nice beach. Lots of locals there. Ride share should be efficient transportation. Waikiki is also nice but when we were there more crowded.

Taking the shuttle to Horseshoe Bay is a nice day. You can make it a beach day or a hiking day along the beach.

We have had success with taxis everywhere in Barcelona. Even at 4am on a Sunday there was no problem finding a taxi.

Depending on timing, if the cruise line offers a transfer, that might be the easiest.

It looks like you live in Philly. Take the camera out around town and take pictures using different settings. Take hundreds of pictures and see what you get. Another option is to take a short trip to DC where there are a lot of photo ops. Hopefully, this way, by the time you get on cruise number 1 you will take great pictures (without a lot of time investment). Also, you can look for a local photo safari where you will get some lessons.

Whether its worth it is up to the individual. If you've never been and don't think you will have another chance, even a bus tour might be worth it. Otherwise, it might be nicer when you can spend more time there.

I have cruised all three, although not all three to AK. I agree with the previous poster that you are likely to get the best itinerary from HAL out of Vancouver. I would also look for a cruise that includes Glacier Bay.

I have been using Shutterfly and am happy with their quality and service. I generally make books with a lot of pages and then wait for a couple for "unlimited" pages.