edinburgher

Thinking you could do better than staying in la Spezia, as it is more of a "gateway" port than a "destination" port. If you have not already found this past thread when you searched for "la Spezia" in past threads I think you will find this an interesting read as it is full of suggestions and info. You only need ignore the reference to driving in the subject line as it isn't that at all. See what you think. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2911139-la-spezia-anything-to-do-within-a-short-drive/#comment-64723978 .

I have posted on three different threads, updates on Qaqortoq should anyone be interested. This the only way I can think of to alert members to them as there are too many individual posts on each to "quote" alerts and not everyone is following either.Updates on these threads. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2812546-qaqortoq-greenland/page/3/#comment-67724260 https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2996696-currency-in-greenland/#comment-67724298 https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/3018170-nanortalik-and-qaqortoq-greenland/page/2/#comment-67724218

A friend onboard with you said We are moving at a snail’s pace and getting to admire the spectacular scenery. And looking at the photos sent (and yours) the bow area was opened up for additional viewing spots, something we have also experienced on HAL ships in places like Greenland and Alaska. I do not know if captains on different cruiselines can also authorise it, but opening the bow area to passengers makes quite a difference and is much appreciated. So pleased for all onboard that you made it(also into Qaqortoq, yesterday) Enjoy!.

Giving a current update from a passenger onboard Volendam which made it into port yesterday. (Aug2) As it was a second visit one or two changes were noticed between then and now and I thought to share in case of interest to others but especially to those hoping to buy souvenirs. (quoting from message) There were fewer "ladies selling crafts from tables" this time, although more opportunities to buy "Made in China" The free museum is now $10. No dancers or costumed locals this time either The fish market was still open though and the Man and Rock art trail is still challenging. There were some flies but not enough to make me get out the hat and bug net, but I didn’t go to the lake, either. Most of the folks coming back from there did have their nets on, so I suspect they got worse around the lake path. The pretty wild flowers were spectacular again and a lovely backdrop to the coloured homes. End quote.

Giving a current update from a passenger onboard Volendam which made it into port yesterday (Aug2). As it was a second visit one or two changes were noticed between then and now and I thought to share in case of interest to others. (quoting from message) The free museum is now $10. No dancers or costumed locals this time either The fish market was still open though and the Man and Rock art trail is still challenging. There were fewer "ladies selling quality crafts from tables" but more opportunities to buy "Made in China" There were some flies but not enough to make me get out the hat and bug net, but I didn’t go to the lake, either. Most of the folks coming back from there did have their nets on, so I suspect they got worse around the lake path. The pretty wild flowers were spectacular again and a lovely match to the coloured homes. End quote.

Giving a current update from a Volendam passenger which made it into port yesterday. AQs it was a second visit one or two changes were noticed between then and now and I thought to share in case of interest to others. (quoting from message) The free museum is now $10. No dancers or costumed locals this time either The fish market was still open though and the Man and Rock art trail is still challenging There were fewer "ladies selling crafts from tables" but more opportuniies to buy" Made in China" There were some flies but not enough to make me get out the hat and bug net, but I didn’t go to the lake, either. Most of the folks coming back from there did have their nets on, so I suspect they got worse around the lake path. The pretty wild flowers were spectacular again and a lovely match to the coloured homes.

Thanks for that as not everyone acknowledges

there are many past threads with info and suggestions for Alesund, a port favourite with cruise passengers as docking is in town and there are a number of sights and attractions. some past threads here https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=alesund&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=116 This one is, I think, one of the best. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2826391-alesund-norway/#comment-62807291

Did you find and read any of the past threads using the search tool as previously suggesed you do?/ If not, Cavtat https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=cavtat&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149 Trogir. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=trogir&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

Future useful or not, it was an interesting read so thank you for your effort posting it. Melilla is similar to Ceuta, the second of only two Spanish enclaves in N. Africa, and subject to the same attempts to enter by those seeking a new life. As both only ever appear to hit the news for all the wrong reasons,your very balanced perspective was much appreciated.

Only you can decide if the driving time, effort and cost are worth it to you personally.😀

As you enjoyed Viking river cruises, Viking OCEAN, Azamara, Oceania, Seabourn but there will be others..

then it must be so.

Sorry. I thought this one above was the one you were referencing and I was surprised to see Ravello included as it sometimes is and sometimes not due to time and traffic constraints especially if you are getting free time in each and not simply drive throughs and/or photo ops. It is also a very long day for your child, and for adults too.

That itinerary sounds like too much time would be needed from Naples if you actually stop in each location instead of simply driving all day. Is it at least 8 or 9 hours long, and if so will the timings match your port timings?

You can double check by looking at cruise schedules on the official Port of Toulon website or cruisetimetables or any of the other cruise calendars..

I would not worry too much about Monday closures as you still have options and enough for a single port day as you would need more than a day anyway to include some of the closed sights. The viewpoints will all be open, as will the castle and shops will be open. Although most sights in Belem will be closed you could still take a bus or tram along and stroll the gardens and fountains and see the huge monastery from outside.. You would also see the Tower of Belem closer up (inside is actually underwhelming anyway IMHO) and admire the wonderful carvings on the Monument of the Discoveries which is huge and incredibly impressive up close, much better than the view of it from the ship, also the mosaic map of the world set into the ground beside it. the Castle of St George is open on Mondays. Buses go closer to the castle than trams, and from there you could walk downhill to the Cathedral/Se viewpoint. You could ride the quite famous vintage tram route #28 from start to finish or board at an intermediate stop. or choose instead to ride a vintage tram to Belem instead of a bus. One of the vintage tram routes to Belem runs from Praca do Figuera very close to Rua Augusta so you could start or end your Belem journey there.. Your first "sight" as it is closest to the sea and you may pass it on the way to your berth, is likely to be the huge Praco do Comercio, and on leaving it, head towards the Augusta Arch on Rua Augusta. You can probably see a tiny section of it it from P do C, slightly behind and to the left of P do C (with your back to the sea). This street is pedestrianised with many eating and shopping options, and sometimes street theatre, and you should stop at the bakery Fabrica de Nata where you can watch the natas being made and running around on tracks through the glass screens before eating some.Can personally also recommend their toasted sandwiches! All of that area is flat, even ground all the way to Rossio train station with many shops, squares and pedestrian streets to explore before reaching the station. To get up to our own preferred viewpoint, see post#6, you could join the line (there is almost always quite a long line) and pay for the Santa Justa elevador, or instead, from Rua Augusta, off to the left, (left with the sea behind you) enter the/Baixa/Chiado Metro station (it has a large curved semi circular entrance which can be seen from a couple of streets away.) where there is a series of free escalators which will take you to the higher up Chiado area and from the exit walk the last 10 or 15 minutes to the viewpoint. There is a good photo op just before the viewpoint as some of the vintage trams terminate there. There are some ideas and suggestions in the earlier posts on this thread, and absolutely delve into the excellent official visitlisboa official website also mentioned above and the more you look the more you will find. To properly visit Lisbon you would need at least a week, but as the above would easily fill a single day you may or may not decide to use the HOHO. Enjoy. We love Lisbon.

Sorry to disagree Hank, but Toulon has two porting options, Toulon itself and la Seyne sur Mer which is around 5 or 6 miles away and is mostly used by bigger cruise ships. ashley24 reading how Toulon is described on your itinerary, I am guessing you will be onboard a big ship (you didn't say) and most likely you will be docking in la Seyne s/Mer. From there you could take a cruise shuttle (could be bus or boat) or the little public shuttle ferry boat to Toulon or walk into la Seyne itself, a quite pleasant little seaside town which has both a train statiuon and public buses, opening up further sightseeing options should you not want to stay in either Toulon or la Seyne. there are some past threads for both and reading a few might be helpful. very few for la Seyne, more for Toulon. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=la seyne&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=462 Toulon https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=toulon&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=462 .

That would explain the lack of an actual "ticket office" when we were there, but perhaps "the lady selling tickets at the table" is there only on days with cruise ship calls? it could be that it is an easier option for staff than trying to help passengers use the machines but I do not know.

I agree with you that when reading reviews a "trend of sorts" does appear and I too find that helpful. Many people are dismissive of online reviews thinking too many are fake, but I still encourage people to read them as not every one can be a fake. And hotel booking websites only allow verified reviews from guests who booked through them. I hope you find a hotel which meets your requirements. I find looking for accommodation much more stressful than planning actual sightseeing. An extra note to say that the location of the Anantara is a busy one so traffic noise could be an extra issue as Nice is a busy city.

Are you aware that Notre Dame Cathedral is still closed due to ongoing renovation/rebuilding works following the 2019 fire and not expected to re-open before the end of the year? At present it is exterior views only.

Many people do enjoy it for at least a week, and will return for a longer stay if their first was for only 2 or 3 days. The more you look into what this city offers, the more you will understand why longer stays are preferable to shorter ones. as an example, should you want to follow the "Gaudi Trail" and visit interiors in addition to exteriors, this alone will use up at least one very full day as a few hours can be taken up in the Sagrada Familia alone. You could look at all the usual Tourist information websites including the official Barcelona City one, Tripadvisor, Frommer's, Fodors, YouTube and any others you choose from results when you internet search" Barcelona Tourist Information" It is almost guaranteed that you will love your time there however you choose to use it.

It got mentioned a little too much recently as it was one of the areas targeted by anti-tourist protesters. It is also an area which is very pro-Catalan with Catalan flags hanging from many buildings and usually hits the news when there are or calls for Catalan Independence.. We explored it on foot including visiting the market then continued walking along the beach promenade.

B2B is of course different froim a round trip so you may get lucky and get two passages after all.

Viator is another broker which does not itself operate tours but instead books you on to the tour with a local company which actually operates it. The local company pays Viator a commission for giving them the business. It is sometimes possible to trace the company by googling some of the tour description but not always.