Off2seeAlaska

You are so welcome! 

Im not sure where you will be stopping as our itinerary was Athens to Athens but im happy to share our experience!!

We took some shore excursions through the cruise line but also booked independently. 

If you email Star Clippers directly you can get the times you will be at port and a list of the available excursions.

In Rhodes we decided to walk around on our own and went to the museum there. We also walked around part of the fortifying wall. Great views! 

In  Bodrum, Turkey we decided to walk through the market place ( we asked near the port for a more authentic version which was a little bit of a walk outside of the main section and a really fun experience) 

We took the cruises excursion to the Lyceum tombs in Dylan River, Turkey Seriously amazing day! Highly recommend doing this one!! It consisted of a guided tour of  some ancient remains of a village, a boat ride past the tombs high up in the cliffs and ended at a gorgeous beach with umbrellas and a little cafe. It was the most idyllic day of our trip 💕

We didn’t enjoy Santorini too much ( 😣surprisingly) the tour to the ancient ruins was crowded and rushed and then the main part of town very tourist driven. I wish we had just gone to Oai instead. ( that would be my advise to you!)

We Loved Hydra and booked a horse back ride through “Harrietts Horses” we got to go off the beaten path with our guide and got advise on the best restaurant of our whole trip!! 

As I said, Athens was amazing and both tours were booked independently. The photo tour was through Welcome Pickups (but if you’re interested I have the photographers email) and the market tour/cooking class was through Getmyguide. 

Hope some of these are helpful/informative.

Again, wishing you an amazing adventure! 

Wendy 

My husband and I did our first Star Flyer cruise to Greece last year. We LOVED Athens. I highly recommend A market tour/ cooking class or Food tour while you're there! Also if you want to really surprise your wife, book a vacation photographer! I Loved getting our pictures together for our 15th anniversary as we strolled along the Plaka. They are the Best pictures I have of the two of us since our wedding. While my husband was a very good sport about the posing, he really enjoyed the walking tour that went along with finding those good shots, and he does love the pictures. I'm guessing your wife would be thrilled! (Just be sure to let her know that morning if its going to be a surprise so she can look her best!)

It was easy to get around using the subway which was clearly marked and seemed quite safe. We did take the train out to the cruise ship, and although the entrance to the piers was right across the street from the station stop, OUR ship turned out to be a bit of a distance from the entrance, so grab one of the many cars that are offering to get you there if you have a lot of luggage or are short on time!

We used Welcome Pickups upon our return and to and from the airport, which was great! Easy to locate, nice friendly driver, and efficient.

The smaller cruise experience with Star Clippers was amazing! (We had sailed on Radiance of The seas to Alaska prior and I had done the Bahamas on Norwegian) so much so that We immediately booked our upcoming trip (Italy in Sept) the week we returned!

The raising of the sails, the feel of the ship moving along the ocean, the views from the Eagles nest and laying on the netting with the sea below and the sky above, so relaxing and peaceful!

We really liked our cozy cabin, We enjoyed getting up to watch the sunrise each morning and the shore excursions we took through the ship were well organized and thoughtful explorations of culture, history and nature. (The one we took in Dylan River to the Lyceum tombs was one of the absolute highlights of our trip!)

It was very slow paced and romantic. If you are more interested in spending quality time together than gambling or partying the night away, then you will be in heaven. We also met some lovely and interesting people over dinners (different tables each night which was fun) and got to hear of their many adventures (and share ours too!)

I hope this information is helpful! Have a Wonderful trip!!

Wendy

My husband and I are sailing Sept 7th 2019 on Star Clippers. Our ports of call are:

Civitavecchia – Ponza, Palmarola – Sorrente – Amalfi – Giardini Naxos – Lipari - Civitavecchia

The ship offers few shore excursions, but there are plenty available online that look good.

(I did get the itinerary through the cruise line to better prepare)

My questions are

1. Pompeii vs. Herculeaun : For those of you who have been to both, is there one that you would choose over the other?

We are leaning toward Herculeaun for the better preserved art, but don't want to miss out on seeing such an iconic site as Pompeii.

The tours online that offer both don't fit into our ships itinerary.

2. Capri vs. Positano:  We'd love to see both, but it doesn't seem that time will allow.

3. General Advise: If you've been to any of these ports, was there a wonderful excursion you did by yourself, with the ship or a private company that you can recommend?

Thank You so much for any helpful advise!! This forum is such a fount of information!!

I have a couple dresses that I would like to share and was wondering how to do it. Is this still an active post?

On 9/1/2018 at 10:05 AM, Ional said:

I am hoping you get answers to your questions as I am booked on that cruise in September 2019!

Me too!!! 

At home I only wear sneakers when I'm exercising, so no, I don't travel with them. In warm climates I have great walking sandals. In cool or wet climates (most of our travel) I have goretex walking shoes and various boots with great soles & arch support, my own personal requirements......

 

Horseback riding requires closed toe shoes/boots. Certain factory visits also require close toed shoes. Can't think of anything else I've done on my travels that required close toes.....

I am the same way, I brought a pair of sneakers to Greece because I wanted to take a horseback ride, otherwise I only wore them for the airplane (since they were my biggest shoes!) If I hadn't booked that ride specifically, I would definitely not have needed them. Wore walking sandals by Naturalizer through hours of hiking around ruins in Athens, Dalyan River, Santorini and Delphi. Wear what you like to wear and show off that Pedi!

My husband and i are celebrating our 15th anniversary with this cruise!

So excited,but feeling a bit nervous about the heat to be honest! Living in the Pacific North West makes me less tolerant of the heat, I'm afraid. I keep reading updates about heat waves across Europe!:eek:

It will be our first time on a tall ship and my husband is thrilled. (we've done other big ship cruises; Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruises)

We've booked several excursions with companies outside of the ship (although we do intend to do a few that the cruise line is offering.). Happy to share any info if you're interested!

Wendy

No experience transferring from ATH to Piraeus. We arrived in Athens three days prior to boarding the ship for sightseeing and body clock adjustment. We just taxied from the a/p to our hotel and then taxied to the port on the day of departure. I think you will enjoy this itinerary - we especially liked Hydra.

 

Also, we enjoyed the Museum of Underwater Archeology in Bodrum.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

thanks!! We are really excited!

Re Bodrum:

I had read that the museum and the castle were under renovation?!

We were really looking forward to visiting both, so fingers crossed its open in Aug!

Southern Cyclades - Athens to Athens

Sat 7/18 Piraeus, Greece - Embark Terminal A; Depart 2145

Sun 7/19 At sea

Mon 7/20 Rhodes, Greece - DIY Port

Tue 7/21 Bodrum, Turkey - DIY Port

Wed 7/22 Dalyan River, Turkey - SHOREX/Ancient Caunous & Dalyan River

3' 30"/90€/Boat ride to Caunos & Lycian tombs and Caunos for ruins/Beach stop

Thu 7/23 Santorini, Greece - SHOREX/Flavors of Santorini

4' 30"/100€/Bus to Akrotiri & Oia - also boat and funicular included

Fri 7/24 Hydra, Greece - DIY Port

Sat 7/25 Piraeus, Greece - Arrive 0700/Terminal A/Remain Onboard or Tour

This is our itinerary!!

We also opted to do the two ship offered excursions of the Lycian tombs and Akrotiri.

Thank You for posting such a detailed account!

I was wondering how getting to the port was? We've arranged for airport transfers for both arrival (we'll be beat) and departure (early flight) but I was thinking we could easily take the tram to Piraeus. Any experience with that?

Everything I read just makes it more exciting!!

We sail Aug 25th out of Piraeus.

Rhodes

Bodrum, Turkey

Dalyan River Turkey

Santorini

Hydra

Athens

Curious if anyone did any of the Turkey trips. (We'd like to see the tombs)

Also wondering how easy it was to take the tram from Athens to the Port. We will have one small suitcase each.

Already enjoying the trip through planning!

When I looked at our itinerary in port, there are no times listed in port. Does anyone know if they list this when you get your cruise tickets online?

I sent an email asking for them and received them by the end of that day!

Thank You for your insights! My husband and I will be sailing from Athens to the cyclades in August and this will be our first time on a tall ship! We are really excited but a little nervous too! I was wondering if the movement of the ship was an issue at all for you. (I get a little motion sickness and its my one concern! ( My doctor will be prescribing me a patch for this one and I always carry dramamine!)

Our last cruise was on a big ship and I had no problems.

My cruise isn't until July and I've already planned my outfits...which is at least 3 per day. That doesn't include the swimsuit/coverup outfits, so maybe 4 outfits per day. If it all fits in my 28" luggage & carryon, which fit under the bed, I personally don't see a problem. Regarding after dinner outfits, I love summer dresses and plan to wear whichever one I'm wearing to dinner...to after dinner activities. If I were in my 20's, I'd probably change again to go clubbing ;)

I am not cruising until August and I have been having a ball planning outfits and looking up packing boards on Pinterest!! Its a huge part of the process for me (Along with all the travel planning and reading up on the destinations!!) I make about a million lists with all the possible outfits I might want to bring and narrow it down closer to the date. It's also an excuse to get a few cute new things. (as though we need an excuse...)

I love getting dressed up for dinner, but afterwards I will also go change, but not into anything fancy, just something comfy!! (Like yoga pants or a loose skirt depending on the evenings agenda!)

I agree that you should feel free to pack and wear as much as you feel like!! It's YOUR vacation, wear the sparkles!;p

I on Vision last September decided the 1st full day a little late in the am I wanted my haircut do to the heat and humidity! I was given a 3pm appointment that day! I was going to do the same thing on Liberty a week ago, but woke with my bronchial event in good swing and thought better of not heading to the spa! Never tried it the Liberty trip! Yes port days services do cost less! They give discounts for your status! Once you have a service they tend to make you a package of more for a very reasonable rate! Enjoy!

 

Happy cruising!

Thanks everyone for your input!!

Sounds like I will be good to go, might go for the first night and then again on a port day!! Super excited:D

My husband is the same way. For me part of the excitement of the vaca is planning, learning and researching where we are going. I can make that 7 day cruise last for months both before we leave and after we get home.😀🚢

Love this thread

Planning is SO TOTALLY an extension of the trip!! I LOVE it. I am so excited that I found this site and can benefit from everyone's experience!!

I am an avid traveler (usually adventure or budget or both ie: Hostels, camping, hiking, everything independent) So Cruise travel is going to be a brand New Experience!! Thanks for all the great advise!:D

Read the daily paper to know what's going on board the ship the next day.

 

Plan to catch at least one sunset and one sunrise.

 

Meet at least one new person each day.

 

As others have said, take half the stuff, twice (or more) the money.

 

Above all else, decide to have a good time before you even go.

Love these tips:) I cannot wait for our cruise!!

DH has never been (I went with family as a child) and I know he is going to LOVE it!!

We've already decided that we are going to have a BLAST together and we're hoping the trip is fun too :D

My DH and I are cruising on Radiance of the Seas to Alaska in August. (11th Anniversary:))

I would love to have my very curly thick hair straightened for one or both of the formal evenings (I presume they are both on the at sea days)

I looked online but they do not offer the option of pre-booking a hair appointment .

For those with more experience, is it possible to get an appointment or are those prime times?

I've read posts about all spa services needing to be taken care of ASAP.

Do I need to rush to go make that appointment as soon as we board or do they mean stop by on the first day??

I also read that sometimes when the boat is docked the spa services are discounted? (Is this true?!: I might try for the eve before then :p

Thanks for any and all replys!!

Since your question is specific to Royal Caribbean, you might get better answers in the RC specific forum.

 

As for us, we usually do specialty dining on formal nights to avoid having to bring formal clothes. On occasions that we have been able to find out in advance what menu is on what night, we also can avoid nights in the dining room where we don't like the options.

 

Keep in mind RC offers a discount if you pre-book three specialty restaurant meals.

Oh Nice! Thanks for that tip! I booked three for nights that we don't have excursions booked during the day :gotta spread out the extra special stuff:D (although the more I read the more it sounds like each day is going to be totally beyond!!) So Excited!

I washed my hair and straightened it. (My hair is long and very thick, so I usually don't bother). I also put on a full face of make up.

TIP NUMBER 4) Everyone gets a photo on the first day of the cruise. Not just the one as you walk in that says the cruise ship's name behind you- but on your Seapass card for security purposes too. Sooo, I always make sure I look good- even just for that very photo! It also means you don't have to do your hair again before dinner on the first night.

LOVE THIS TIP!!! Totally makes sense but it did not even occur to me!

My hair is long and curly (read frizzy!!) so although it looks sort of bohemian and cool in person, it DOES NOT translate to pictures!:D

I also just signed up to gather information for our upcoming cruise to Alaska.

I have already made so many little tweaks to our plans based on the wealth of knowledge here!!

SO HAPPY I FOUND YOU GUYS!!

....as far as the grumpsters go..I've had a couple good laughs already :p

Congratulations to OfftoseaAlaska on being cancer free for 6 years.:)

As much as you are looking forward to your cruise, I think that those

6 years are even better:D...but I also feel your excitement for the

cruise too.....hope you have a fantastic time.:)

 

I am sailing to Alaska next month but I don't plan like you do......

I mean I know what I am going to do but all the "details"......I never

work out so that is not part of my routine. And I don't do the exact

times.....unless I am on tour of course....but sometimes I think playing

things by ear can be fun and relaxing too.:)

LOIS: Thank You for your kind wishes. It is a big celebration for both DH and myself for sure!!

I really have fun planning trips but I do agree that just going with what the day brings can result in some pretty amazing surprises coming your way! That being said, I try to balance my planning with a flexible and spontaneous travel style.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Your excitement is contagious. I've been planning my trip for a long time and I'm more worried then excited about my trip but after reading your post I'm starting to get excited too :)

UVASAG: I'm so glad that You are getting excited!! Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing.

I like to do lots of planning prior but then just go with the flow when I'm on the journey.

Have a wonderful cruise!:)

Thank You for the link to your blog! Great info there.

My husband and I are going on our first cruise together (His first my second: My first was with family so totally different priorities!).

This has been a super helpful thread!!

Here's what we have agreed on so far!!

WE WILL splurge on:

1. EXCURSIONS: Either through the ship or independently. We will be in ALASKA!! Going out in a float plane, seeing bears and taking a narrow gauge train is the ENTIRE point of our trip!!

2. SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS: The minimal charge is totally worth it for my husband who is a huge foodie. This is where he feels it is adding to the quality of our overall trip.

3.SHOPPING/ EATING ASHORE. Every vacation involves some type of extra cost with grabbing a bite to eat or getting a unique souvenir of the trip. We expect this and don't feel it is unreasonable. We WILL likely return to the ship for dinner each night mainly because it will be more relaxing to just stroll around the ship afterward and go to our room instead of making our way back to port or fretting about the time.(But a money saver bonus no doubt)

4. OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM: For My DH who gets a little claustrophobic it will be worth it for him to feel comfortable and relaxed even if we don't plan on spending a ton of time in the room!

5. TUX RENTAL: My husband is a rugged outdoors man. I have NEVER seen him in a tux. He doesn't own a suit and instead of buying one or worrying about it, we will just take advantage of the onboard rental service. He'll wear it to our specialty dinners and formal nights. 100% WORTH it it me!! (**sigh)

WE WILL NOT splurge on:

1. DRINK PACKAGES of any kind. We don't drink enough to justify the cost! We will likely bring a couple of bottles of wine to enjoy at our specialty dinners (We live in Oregon so we have some great wine options!!) But if DH wants a cappuccino or a soda we can likely get one ashore. (or just pay those few extra costs)

2.SPA : not only WaaaY overpriced, but why would I want to waste time inside when I can be on deck enjoying ROCK CLIMBING, SURFING or SWIMMING!! and seeing Beautiful Alaska floating by.

3.BALCONY: Although I might change my mind if we were cruising somewhere warm. If I won't be spending long periods of time lounging in the sun or sipping coffee I can just as well hit the deck for my fresh air.

4.CASINO: as others have said...No,Just No.

5.VALET/ PRIORITY BOARDING: My husband can carry our bag and we are perfectly able to wait (If either of those is an issue, tons of bags, small restless children, medical issues ect.. It could totally be worth the cost)

So there's my list!! Once we have taken our trip I might come back and let you know if our minds were changed!!

What a great thread!! DH and I are celebrating our 11th anniversary and my 6th year of being Cancer Free !! (Hip hip hooray!!)

I am still working out details but So Far:

DAY1:

Leave our dogs and all emergency info with our house sitter

Drive to PDX and park car for the week

Fly to Vancouver (arrive 11:25)

Take Canada Line Rail to the PORT (25 min)

Arrive to Embark on RC: Radiance of The Seas

DEPART 4:30 (Explore ship, find stateroom , dance around the room in anticipation of the amazing trip ahead!!)

Dinner: We are looking at CHOPS to set the tone for the cruise.

DAY 2: AT SEA

get up and pinch myself that this is really happening!

Coffee. review the days offerings and see what DH is in the mood for

Work out or jog (at Sea! How awesome is that!)

ROCK CLIMBING WALL!

camera binoculars NO PHONES, NO WORK, NO LAPTOP!!!

FIRST FORMAL NIGHT: DH has agreed to rent a TUX!! I am beyond excited for this (He is a rugged outdoors type. I have NEVER seen him in a tux!!)

DAY 3: Ketchikan 6am-4pm

EXCURSION: Misty Fjords float plane 730am (4.5hrs)

12-3 explore town (Museums? Culture Centers?)

Back to ship and another lovely dinner

DAY 4: Icy Straight Point 9am-6pm

Up early to work out, Grab coffee.

EXCURSION Whales Brown Bears & Wildlife 9:55am (5.5hrs)

3:30-5 Explore town

Back to ship for dinner (GIOVANNIS)

DAY 5: Juneau 7am-8:30pm

Work out early

Breakfast on board

LOOKING AT GUIDE BOOKS but basically plan on exploring the town for the day.

Likely go back to the ship for dinner.

DAY 6: Skagway 7am-4:30pm

EXCURSION: White Pass Scenic Railway 8:10am (3.25hrs)

11:30-3:30 Explore town

Dinner on ship (Possibly PORTOFINOS)

DAY 7: AT SEA (HUBBARD GLACIER)

Last day to relax and enjoy

Work out/ ROCK CLIMBING WALL

Enjoy beautiful ship

SPA DAY

FINAL FORMAL NIGHT (Last chance to see DH in TUX **sigh**)

DAY 8: SEWARD 5am

Coffee/ tears

Disembark early

8AM ACT TOUR BUS to ANCHORAGE

ANCHORAGE (airport drop off)11am

(LOOKING AT GUIDE BOOKS as to What to explore in town)

Last Night (ANCHoRAGE INN)

DAY 9: 6:15 flight to PDX

arrive 10:50am

Pick up car from long term lot

Home to Our PUPPIES!!

SUNDAY: Regroup and get our feet back on the ground

MONDAY: Back to the office!