Dixe Lee

I have noticed in the last couple of weeks that I am not receiving my email notifications for threads that I am following.  When on CC website I have alert of notifications indicated by the bell but my email notifications are not coming. I have verified my email address, my subscriptions and I don’t know what has happened. Any help?

12 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Not that simple. Some repositioning cruises are transoceanic (not just the Atlantic) but others can be from one seasonal home base to another without crossing an ocean. Bottom line is that it is very dependent upon the specific cruise line.

Will have to do more research on these. I see that some cruise lines allow a search for the repositioning cruises specifically and some don’t. Not planning on taking one this year or next but once we retire (we both just turned 63) we would definitely be interested.

Sounds like repositioning and transatlantic are not one and the same? What is the best way to find a repositioning cruise?

15 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

I think the language "challenge" is more in peoples minds rather then a real problem.  Many folks (especially those involved with the tourist industry) speak and understand some English.  You will find that many cafes and restaurants have menus in multiple languages.  But keep in mind that pasta is pasta, pizza is pizza, etc.  I have had more language difficulties in Miami then in Italy :).  We always suggest that anyone embarking or disembarking a cruise in Italy try to find the time and money to enjoy a few days or weeks on land.  We have never regretted the time spent in Italy and always find ourselves going back to Italy whenever possible.  Good food, good wine, wonderful people, many charming areas.....etc etc.

 

Hank

Very reassuring and positive advice. Thanks Hank!

2 minutes ago, Markanddonna said:

Each person arranges their own. Go to the habicabs site and look under the shared shuttle arrangement. You pick the time you want to be picked up and the site shows how many seats are still available for that time. No need to coordinate with strangers!  

👍

41 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

This issue cannot be overstated.  Once you arrive at the Civitavecchia train station it is very likely that you will have to haul yourself and your luggage down a long industrial-type stairway, walk through a tunnel under some tracks, and then trek up another long stairway.  Mobile folks can handle the stairs, but it is quite difficult if you are trying to haul 100 pounds of luggage.  I should also mention that the platform (in Rome's main Termini Station) used for the regional trains to Civitavecchia is a very long way from the station entrance.  We are talking about the equivalent of at least a 3-4 block walk (within the station).  You will need to roll your own luggage which is a consideration for some folks.  And keep in mind that once you exit the Civitavecchia train station you still must get to the port and your pier.  This can involve using buses (with one transfer) or trying to find a taxi (not always possible).

 

I will admit that even though we know (first hand) all the options we also read Cruisemom's posts and advice on this transfer issue.  We have used the trains many times, but as the years past (and we age) the thought of all the hassles (with trains) does not make me a happy camper :).  I am actually thinking that on our next visit (next year) we might take advantage of our friends at RomeCabs and just kiss off a pile of Euros.  Keep in mind that if you use a licensed transfer company (or most taxis) you can go directly from your Rome hotel to your pier facility.  Speaking of Civitavecchia piers, we recently had our first experience with the new large terminal building (which only serves one pier) and it was a very nice facility.  Perhaps, in the future, there will be other new terminals constructed at this very busy port.

 

Hank

We sailed out of Southampton last year first cruise to Europe and found that we had a LOT of luggage to maneuver around since we also took a 5 day road trip after the cruise so we will definitely scale back this time Also think that there is a bit of a difference between being in an English speaking country and what we will find in Italy. A challenge we are up for but have to admit we will be relieved once on the ship and sailing away 😬

2 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

We used a shared shuttle through www.romeHabicabs.com three times for transportation from FCO to our hotel in Rome- 36 Euros for two people, and from the same hotel to the port- 65 Euro for two people, and then from port to Ostia- 65 Euros for two people. It worked out well and we didn't have to schlep our luggage.

Those are reasonable rates. Who arranges the shared shuttle? We would not mind at all sharing a shuttle to the port Great way to meet other people on our cruise!

2 hours ago, ollienbertsmum said:

your ability to handle your luggage has to be one of the major considerations.  

 

However I would also add that  how close your hotel is to Termini Station is also a point to consider.    If you already have to get a cab to Termini, getting the luggage in and out, I would be tempted to say “heck I am on Vacation” and book.a fixed fare car directly to the port.  

Being able to handle our luggage is one of the main takeaways we have gotten from all of the threads we have read on this subject so we will be packing with that in mind for sure.  And your point on being on vacation and booking a fixed fare car is also well taken. Thanks for the great information and advice. 

It will be warm during the day maybe even hot while in port. Chilly at night while ship is sailing from one port to the next or simply sailing on a sea day so I would suggest at least one pair of jeans or long pants and a sweater or shawl. DH packs a henley and a long sleeve shirt to wear over that. 

4 minutes ago, reallyitsmema said:

We booked a suite guaranty on Anthem and there were no suites available when we booked a few months before the sailing.  We fully expected to get a junior suite and were fine with that.  We waited until the week prior to sailing to finally get our cabin assignment and were thrilled to see we were assigned a two bedroom grand suite!  We were very happy we took a chance with the GTY.

We should be so lucky! That is awesomeness totally 😁 we both turn 65 in 2021 so a balcony will be a present to ourselves We usually book interior but not this cruise Going to splurge and was wondering what the chances would be of any type of upgrade Right now the balcony guarantee is less than choosing our room and since the location of the room doesn’t matter I think we will go for it. Nothing to lose and maybe a little luck will come our way. Won’t be disappointed regardless of how this turns out. 

1 minute ago, DallasGuy75219 said:

  

Very rarely.  In the old days they would have booked your guarantee counting on an existing balcony reservation to cancel, and put you in that cabin.  In the event there was no cancellation and they couldn't upsell someone else to a higher category, they would have upgraded someone (possibly you) to a higher category.

 

Now with Royal Up, they have a readily available list of who will pay what for an upgrade and can upgrade those willing to pay the most with no need to upgrade anyone for free.  Your cabin assignment will likely come from someone whose Royal Up bid to a higher category got accepted.

Interesting Sounds like we wouldn’t get hurt and maybe get a better cabin category to boot. But if we were to end up in a balcony room at the lowest category we would not have lost anything.

4 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Royal very rarely gives other than the mimimum category that is guaranteed.  I can only remember onc thread about someone who was bumped, but Royal evenutally made that right.

You are a wealth of information Thanks I think we will gamble on that.

6 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

Enchantment or Explorer?

 

Have you called Royal or a travel agent about stateroom availablity?

Enchantment. I was going to ask when I booked but wanted to not sound like a dummy ☺️ We never thought about this being spring break. If we book the guarantee as location of the room is not an issue will we get at least that category? Does Royal ever run out of the category booked as a guarantee?

We are going to book EOS for April 3, 2021 on a Southern Caribbean itinerary.  Only balcony rooms available are in the guarantee category. Why is this and what does this mean? Are all balcony rooms already booked? Should we book that? Any room with a balcony is fine with us as this is a treat and reward to us as we usually book interior; have only booked a balcony room twice. Just surprised and puzzled why we cannot pick the room when you can in the other cabin categories.

2 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

There are many threads discussing transport options Rome-Civi. We will use Rome in Limo, a wonderful company we have used many times in Italy.

You are so right lots of threads almost makes me dizzy. Your recommendation along with “cruisemom42” helps us narrow down the choices. We are very appreciative. 

3 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

There are a number of options. If you want the least hassle (but probably most expensive) option, there are a couple of private transfers that are frequently recommended on these boards: RomeinLimo and Rome Cabs. Do a search to find lots of glowing reviews. The cost for a private transfer for two runs about 130-160 euro, depending on the agency, but you are picked up at your hotel and dropped off at the ship or ship terminal (as close as they can get). If you get together a small group, the cost per person decreases.

 

There are also shared shuttle options -- you get the same service (hotel to ship) but are sharing with others, so your driver may make additional stops after picking you up. Cost for these shared shuttles is around 60-90 euros for a couple. One I've used several times and recommended to others is Romashuttle.com

 

Finally, you can take a train from Rome. It is the least expensive option per person (cost around $10-20 per person based on type of ticket/train). However, there is some hassle involved and you MUST be able to manage your own luggage not only off and on the train but also from the train to the port gates (via walking or public bus) and then on and off the free port shuttle that will take you to your ship.

 

 

Thanks for that great information 😃

49 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

If you want to see Rome, no doubt stay in Rome. It isn't that hard to get from Rome to the port on the day you sail. Rome is an amazing city, and it would be sad to avoid it just because the port is an hour plus away. We are sailing from Rome (for the second time) next May, so will be visiting Rome (for the 5th time) prior to boarding, for 4 days.

 

While there are things to see outside of Rome, again, really tough to miss all the MANY things one of the worlds greatest cities has to offer.

We are also sailing on May 6 on Epic and are planning on flying out on May 2nd and spending our days before the cruise in Rome. Since you have done this before what is your recommendation on getting from Rome to the port? Have to admit a little anxiety about this part of our travels.

“Love this thread!! So glad to hear there are people that love the Epic as we are sailing on her in March!“

This thread is awesome! We sail on Epic in May.  So refreshing to hear so many great things about Epic to include the bathroom setup 😃 Would love to go on a cruise with all of you!!!! 

On our 5 night cruise our costume night was Halloween and a different night was formal 

We make a concerted effort to stay well hydrated with water Plain ole water We also eat in moderation and with all the food choices available it is really easy to eat healthy and yet in moderation We use the stairs as much as possible and walk, walk, walk. With the added exercise we don’t feel guilty if we overdo a meal. I usually lose a couple of pounds but have never gained. 

Not sure what was missing, cannot say that we missed anything, love the room and the window seat is a nice addition. We must have had quiet neighbors as we never heard a sound from the connecting room. 

15 minutes ago, Despegue said:

Any dining experience of less than 1 hour is akin to fast food, and NOT a relaxing sit-down experience. If you want such fast service, go to the buffet. I can not stand when I have to gulp everything down asap. Time between courses should be at least 10 minutes.

I don’t think anyone is arguing your point. You are right. But not everyone wants that amount of time dedicated to a meal. That’s why we and others go to the buffet. I don’t consider that fast food. Often simply don’t have the time to spend in the MDR and we have never gotten out of there in under an hour. For us that is often too long.

CNN International on our last few Carnival cruises 

1 hour ago, MrsKC08 said:

Enjoy your cruise. For us, there are plenty of other options out there. 

You are so right that there are lots of other options This is our first cruise on NCL Haven’t been on a ship yet we did not like some more than others Frankly I did not read reviews of the cabin until after we booked Wouldn’t have stopped us from booking but I did get concerned about this toilet thing and it is me that is concerned DH isn’t ( probably a guy thing 😃) Hope and expect to have a great cruise Time will tell if this puts us off the Epic forever after.

16 minutes ago, MrsKC08 said:

Quite honestly, the bathroom set up is the main reason we canceled our booking back when Epic first sailed and why we would never consider it for our cruise vacation...and we are a married couple. LOL

I am sorry to hear that and I hope we don’t find this to be to problematic. I showed DH the videos and he said we could roll with it. Our itinerary and price is to good to pass on. I have to admit that I am still a little nervous about this but it is not a deal breaker.