joehick

5 hours ago, ollienbertsmum said:

I think that what you need to establish is when your DH says that he wants to visit the Vatican, does he want to visit the museum or St Peters or both.    On our first visit to Rome we took a ship tour, this included the Vatican but only St Peter’s basilica and square.  We were well happy.  I was just excited to be in the Square.  We also had Trevi fountain, a taster of the Roman forum and the Colosseum included.  
 

We have been to the Vatican museum in a subsequent trip, taking the train to St Peter’s station with early tickets.  That worked well with lunch in Piazza Navona which was a lovely way to spend an hour or so. 
 

 You can walk through St Peters Square and go on to visit a number of other iconic locations.  I don't think that nowadays you can avoid security in any of the big Basilicas but they do not all require the same queues as St Peters.  I recall being impressed with St John Lateran, I always try to fit in Santa Maria Maggiore before going back from Termini Station.   Santa Maria del Popolo is a wonderful church for art (I think it only opens in the morning) but takes out a smaller part of your day.  The Pantheon is also fabulous.   One of our days included a late lunch at a restaurant right opposite the Pantheon.  Sitting eating opposite an inscription that basically said ‘Marcus Agrippa built this’ is a memory I have forever.  We had two glasses of wine so went back to the station in a taxi and had ice cream at Civitavecchia.  

 

I enjoy Trevi fountain on every trip. 
 

What I am trying to say is that you cannot do everything in one port day, but you can do things that are a little off-piste and still enjoy the treasures of Rome.  
 

This sounds exactly like what I want to do. Just the Basilica of St. Peter. I will than taxi to Trevi. Have done Rome a few times and just want to revisit a few places. Thanks

I've asked this ?? before, but just trying to get a handle on it. Been to the Vatican a few times, but more than 10 years ago. We just walked right into the Basilica without any lines or waiting. I'm going in Sept. and I'm hearing of long lines and waits just to get in the church. We are not going to do the museum or Sistine Chapel. Do I need to buy tickets to get in and to avoid the wait in lines as I know entrance is free?

They are taking reservations up until the end of Aug, but I'm surprised they haven't answered you. Let me know if they reply??

thanks

Have stayed at the Hotel Jazz before and liked it, but it has no availability in Sept. 

Any suggestions??

On 7/10/2022 at 7:33 AM, ziggyuk said:

At one point it was 2.5 hour delay but they pulled that back to 1.5 hours late.

That was yesterday, today is the ship.

This has been a great review. Leaving on Sept 4th. Two days pre cruise in Venice, than the train down to Trieste the day before,(have already booked). Will overnight in Trieste and cab it to the port. Hopefully ship will be a little more lively. 

What happens in case of an expanded European war? 

Any concern with cruising in Europe? 

TRUE. After thinking about this, I realized cruises have really been non existent for a long while. I would have to assume that they will open up after the cruises start rolling again. 

I certainly understand the cultural attitude as well.

Thanks

Looking for auto rental in Trieste. The only one I found is closed on Sunday, Hertz. Which makes me go to the airport, 40 minutes away. Anyone know of another solution? Doesn't seem sensible that a rental co. would close on the day cruise ships come in.

Looking for auto rental in Trieste. The only one I found is closed on Sunday, Hertz. Which makes me go to the airport, 40 minutes away. Anyone know of another solution? Doesn't seem sensible that a rental co. would close on the day cruise ships come in.

17 hours ago, hallasm said:

Far too early to answer the question - much will change before (hopefully) September.

I believe there still might be requirements for vaccinations.

Ask the question in August but also include the countries you’re visiting - each country will have their own restrictions and requirements (6 to 7 countries along the Adriatic)

thanks

Will be cruising the Adriatic in Sept. My ?? is. What will be or are is the protocol for disembarking at each country in regards to covid. Testing, Vax, etc?

I have a trip in Sept out of Venice. Although it is some time away, I will have to pay the remainder of my cruise payment in May. Now I have NCL insurance, and flight insurance, but NCL only gives me 75% toward a future cruise if I cancel. I guess it's a wait and see what happens between now and than.

On 2/24/2020 at 11:59 AM, SeaPink0409 said:

umm.?? Ok. WOW, thanks for telling me that I’m lacking respect,, especially since you don’t even know my heart. You should probably go and read my post again🙄.. Also, It seems as though I’m not the only one with the same opinion. It doesn’t mean that I don’t understand what’s going on..., regardless, all I am saying is that with all of the information that I am hearing, the normal Flu is more dangerous and killing more people than the Coronavirus. Coronavirus’s have been around for a long time. This isn’t the first one. Maybe you should do some research of your own before assuming things about others. I do think SOME ppl are panicking over it, that’s all I’m saying. So, actually yes, it would seem that saying “the sky is falling” is accurate for those ppl that are MAJORLY over reacting... and acting like the world is ending. I think it’s very serious, but I’m not panicking! All I’m saying is that some people are. 
I have lots of friends. Thanks for your concern tho 🤷🏼‍♀️

In 2018, to put into perspective, over 600,000 people died of the flu worldwide. 

I'm a senior with respiratory problems and have a cruise booked in Sept. and am rethinking it before I pay for the cruise. 

On 2/9/2020 at 10:23 AM, firefly333 said:

I'm watching prices, to see if any bargains, due to the virus. So far not, I guess people locked in so no last minute deals

 

My parents are elderly so my fear is if I got exposed I'd get them sick. 

 

My cousins friend just came off a cruise with a cold, even that I'd hate to give to my parents and I do all their driving, but we can arrange things so they can do without me. My parents are 101 and 93 so my worry isnt overblown.

 

So far the only deal is a short rcl cruise in sept, but I hate to lock myself in, rather a 7 day. Sept is my birthday so I like to go then. 

 

Does the virus make anyone think twice  or just me. I'm obviously older than most here. 

I will be on Symphony in June arriving in Barcelona and will be leaving with my own luggage at the earliest convenience, 5am arrival. I would like to book a 10 am train to Madrid. It looks like a 10 minute ride to train station. Is this realistic for a 10 am departure?

Hi,

 

We a group of 8 and will be disembarking from the Symphony of the Seas .on Sunday the 13th of May We will be using the self disembarkation process and the official dock time is 5 am .We want to catch the 9 am train to Madrid.Do you think it would be comfortable or should we take a later train . The next train takes 45 minutes extra to reach Madrid. Also should we prearrange a transfer or should we just catch a cab. Any insight would be greatly appreciated

Will be doing the same thing on the same boat, but in June. I had the same question, but am going to opt for the 10am train, just in case. Good luck

Yes, it's available on all RC ships, and the price is now $35.

Is this service provided on all days, or just certain days?

Portofino, Rapallo And Santa Margherita

 

FLORENCE/PISA (LASPEZIA), ITALY

 

DURATION: 8 HOURS 45 MINUTES

 

 

 

Has anyone done this excursion? What can you tell me about it? Would you recommend? Did you have sufficient free time in all 3 locations? Any other details would be greatly appreciated too. Thank you in advance.

Very interested in reply's to this question. I already booked this excursion on Symphony this June

OK. So Florence is out.

 

Would love to go to Cinque Terre, but concerned about my parents mobility there. Also considering Pisa (kids would love it), Lucca.

 

There is a tour of Lucca and the "Italian Riviera" (Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio).

Any thoughts on these?

We are not on your cruise, but on in june. We looked at options in LaSpeiza and decided on the on board excursion to, Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Margherita. We are both in our mid 60's and looks ok for us. Good Luck, lot's of options. Enjoy

Is any one re-thinking the cruise due to the problems in Europe?

Have you been able to determine whether or not the transfers happen inside or outside the cruise port areas?

Although I am not in the age groups you mention thought I would let you know that I was on Epic from Barcelona last June and there were lots of solo travellers - all age groups from those in their 20's to others like me in their 70's. We all met up in the Studio Lounge and thanks to an excellent crew member assigned to the solo travellers we had a fantastic time. The young folk certainly took care of us oldies but we certainly managed to keep pace with them at the H2O late night party!! I am still in contact with several of the solos I met and in fact will be meeting a couple of them on Epic again when I take the Christmas cruise on 19th Dec from Barcelona around the Canaries.

 

I wrote a review of my cruise which can be found at:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=257253

 

This may be of help to you.

 

Good Luck with your plans

 

Suzanne (Bristol, UK)

Going next June. How was the weather when you went? Hot, cold?