cruisin'sz

Has anyone been to the Caves of Genova and/or the Restaurant above it?  It  caught my eye while researching and I was hoping for some feedback.  Is it an easy walk/ride from the  cruise dock and would you recommend? Thanks.

Thinking of doing Gibraltar on our using taxis and/or walking.   We want to go to the top of the rock (by cable car?), see the spes, caves and the town.  Just starting to research, so may find some more gems (feel free to offer suggestions - they are always welcome).  If anyone has any feedback as to how easy it is to do this port on our own,  let me know.   Alternatively, are we better off with a ship tour (usually a last resort for us)?  A third option is a pre-booked van tour, but they are all quite high.  If anyone is interested in putting together a group of 8 for a pre-booked van tour, or needs 2 more people for one they are already on; let me know.  We will be on the 4/8 sailing of Jewel of the Seas.

How easy is it to get a taxi at the cruise port in Malaga?   Are the fares set in advance or do you need to haggle?  Looking to get from cruise port to Automobile/Fashion Museum.  Any idea of the cost? Thank you.

We are planning on taking the train 1st thing in the morning from La Spezia and exploring 3 of the towns -  Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore.    Not sure yet if we will boat, hike or take the train between the towns - all weather dependent.   We will see where that leads us.  Hopefully, to some good food, wine and gelato.   

We will be in Marseille in April and are toying with the idea of taking a boat trip to the Calanques, if it is even possible at that time.  Are boat trips offered in April and if so, any recommendations for a good boat tour  would be appreciated.  Thank you.   

If you had to pick only one (easy to moderate) hike to do in the Cinque Terre - what would it be???

We only have time for one & want to pick a winner!

Thanks.

We are going to do Cinque Terre on our own from our port stop in La Spezia.  What are your favorite restaurants (lunch), gelateria and/or wine bars in any of the towns?  Trying to figure out our eating in advance, if possible......Also, does anyone know if the restaurants take lunch reservations?  Thanks for the help.

I always change for dinner and dress up a little on my Caribbean cruises.  I will be taking a port intensive European cruise (on Jewel of the Seas) and am trying to pack light (or as light as possible).  Do most people dress up for dinner on Jewel or is okay to come to dinner in more casual clothes?  I know Norwegian has gotten very relaxed with respect to dinner attire - how about Royal?   Thank 

Looking to do the "Red Carpet Walk" from Portofino to Santa Margherita (instead of the other way around).  Has anyone done this and if so, would you recommend it?  We will be in Portofino for a day on a cruise stop and it seems like  nice way to start the day.   Comments?  Suggestions?  Thanks for all input.

Does the club open up as soon as embarkation begins?

I will be traveling with a 3 and a 5 year old on the NCL Getaway.  Will they be together in the Kids Club? Also, if I utilize the Club in the evening, are there planned activities they will have to partake in or can they just relax with a movie or TV show (of their own choosing?)?  Do many kids fall asleep in the Kids Club and if so, are there mats/couches or such for them to sleep on?   Thank you.

Thanks all.  Appreciate the responses.  Will probably stick with local jewelers unless something reasonable really strikes my eye.

I was wondering if it was worth it to buy jewelry while on-board.   Can you really get a good deal or is it all just one big rip off?  Also, if you do buy jewelry on board, can you use your on-board credits and (I think it is 15% ) the ship discount some of us have as frequent cruisers?   Finally, if it is worth it to get the jewelry - are the jewelers negotiable.  Thanks for the help.    

Didn't try that, but will do. Thanks so much.

How easy is it to get a cabana on Paradise Beach? I noted in a TA post that there are some cabanas by the pool and are wondering if it is possible to reserve one in advance. Does anyone know?

Thinking of taking my grandsons to the Daniel Johnson Sloth & Monkey Hangout while in Roatan on the Getaway Is it a suitable place for the kids? What type of transportation is there from the port? Is there any such thing as a car seat in Roatan?

Looking to go to Paradise Beach but just realized that there are 8 ships in port that day!! Can you reserve a spot there in advance? Am I better off choosing somewhere else? Looked like a great place to go with the family, but beginning to question that decision with 8 ships in port. Has anyone been there under the same circumstances?

Is the main pool on the Getaway really adults only?? We will have a 3 and 5 year old with us and are hoping to grab seats by the main pool, but if the kids can't go in....

Thank you.

TThank you.

Thank you. Once upon a time there were signs telling you not to do that. Good to know it's okay now.

I assume most of the drinks are under the $15 limit - is that correct?

I don't recall ever seeing drinks over that price - has that changed, now that there is a limit in place?

What drinks would be excluded (other than bottles of wine/champagne)?

Is the kids menu available anywhere you eat on the ship? Can anyone provide a copy or let me know what is on it? Thank you.

Is there any place on the ship to refill your water bottle (other than your bathroom sink) without getting the evil eye? I know that it is frowned upon to fill your bottle at the water stations in the buffet. Will a bartender do it for you? Getting a pitcher of water from room service once was an option (perhaps I'm dating myself), but no longer seems to be the case (especially in light of the new room service delivery fee)...

If not, which ones are excluded?

Also, can you use a dining perk for lunch instead (i.e. sushi)?

Thanks.