TravelingTexasGal

We will be in Genoa that day

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We took the bus up to the Yukon. That was a highlight of our cruise. On the next one, we are taking the train up there. See Mendenhall too.

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We just walked around and saw so much. It’s a small area but a bit hilly in some places. See the park for sure. The view from the park to the harbor is great for photos.

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84 for the Mediterranean and 427 to second Alaska cruise

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We did the Normandy beaches. We loved it. The tour included a very nice lunch at the Omaha Beach golf club and the cemetery. We did a lot outside of the bus and it wasn’t a “seen from the bus window” tour. Lot of history, beaches, and scenery. When people got back onboard, we heard tons of complaints about the very rushed Paris excursion.

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I know this topic has already come up but it really hasn't helped me make a decision yet. I am currently booked off of the Crown Princess in June for the Cinque Terre tour, which I have never seen. I've seen Positano so, my first question is, how does it compare to that area, which was gorgeous? I would like to know, from anyone who has been to both, what would be the reason that might change my mind to the tour to Portofino? I am very in between right now and not sure which one I should take. They are the same cost and same number of hours. I guess I would like to know which is better for eating and for shopping. I'm not a hiker so much but I don't mind a hike if one is involved. I don't shop at high end designer stores - I like the local artisans and stores.

We are booked on the Princess Ultimate Florence and Pisa shore excursion, which includes lunch in a "Tuscan" restaurant. Has anyone else taken this shore excursion and, if so, which Tuscan village do they stop in for lunch? I'm hoping it's Lucca but they aren't clear on it.

 

 

 

" I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by"....

 

 

I don't recall who spoke those words-it might have been the poet John Masefield or the guy behind me in Walgreens yesterday , but I remember saying them to Carol as the security officers on the Celebrity Reflection tasered me to loosen my grip on the gangway back on January 21st 2017 when I was unceremoniously booted-off at the end of my cruise.

 

 

Yes, you heard right. Nine long months since we last sailed the high seas. Oh! The humanity!

 

 

We have just returned from the Regal Princess and if ye have a mind (preferred) ye can join me in a tale that even shivers my own timbers.

 

 

I have been home in Chicago for one hour and have eaten a full bowl of Wheeties and aided by a supply of Guinness the like of which the World has never seen, am casting off on a journey down recent memory lane before I forget it all.

 

 

I hope you will join me for the next few weeks as I tell my tale in photos and video....

 

 

Norris

I was on that cruise! It was absolutely wonderful in every way. We booked our next one for the Mediterranean in June. 220 days to go. Can’t wait to read all of your reviews!

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Why not do the Hop On Hop Off bus.

 

 

 

 

 

I did the HOHO, did one route, switched buses for a 2 route, on both routes took the whole routes without getting off and the next day took the 3rd route to the Tower of London then finished that route.

That’s the way we saw London the first time. Excellent way to pick and choose your options

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So much I want to see and what is starting to feel like too little time.

I’ve only seen so much because I’ve been there 7 times. Don’t try to overdo it - just plan another for later! That cruise is so much fun too. Hint for Liverpool if you are wanting to do the Beatles thing. Don’t do Magical Mystery Tour. Do the Fab Four taxi tour. I’ve done both and we actually got to get out on the Penny Lane roundabout and at all of the homes (just couldn’t go in). On the taxi tour

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I'm hoping by traveling overnight we will be ab le to do something on Wednesday without falling asleup.

 

 

 

We will be there from Wednesday afternoon until Tues when we will head to Southampton. 6 days in London, 12 days on the cruise with only 2 sea days, a full travel day coming back home and we are going to need a vacation to recover from our vacation.

 

 

 

Looking up Crypt now. Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden are both on my list. So it's great to have that recommendation. British Museum and V& A are also on my list

The Tower, Greenwich, Bath, and Windsor are all worth the trip if you have 6 days.

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We did the DDay Normandy beaches tour. It was amazing. If you only have one day in London - having been there many times I would visit Covent Garden, British Museum, Trafalgar Square/National Gallery. You wouldn’t have too much time for Greenwich or the Tower unless that’s all you were doing. One of our favorite things to do is to go into the Crypt at St Martins in the Field church in Trafalgar Square and have lunch. It’s always the best meal!!

I lasted 30 seconds in Churchill’s - I get it lol[emoji39]. Thanks

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I having a little trouble getting the Oyster Card & Travelcard straight in my mind.

 

I think the London Pass is a card that prepays entrance fees to various sites and may allow discounts other places and has no connection to Oyster & Travel Cards. It may or may not be worth it depending on what we intend to visit.

 

Oyster Card allows travel on buses and tube etc and has a maximum amount that will be charged to card in any one day. You purchased card and "top off" to add transport funding.

 

So where does the travel card come in? I was told that you could add travelcard to oyster card and that was pretty much where I got confused. I've read the transport London page and I'm still confused.

 

TIA for explaining. Helping this confused, first time international traveler, from the midwest where we don't have tubes and multiple modes of public transportation, make sense of it all. Planning to be in London 6 days if that makes any difference.

Here's my two cents. We have done the London Pass a couple of times. If you are planning on visiting the major landmarks that charge admission, it is well worth it. We got the three day and visited Windsor, Kensington (including Diana's dress exhibit), Tower of London, Churchill Rooms, Hampton Court, Westminster Abbey and some smaller venues over three days. It takes a lot of energy to do them three days in a row but we are 57 and 59 and we did it just fine. With that pass, they offer the Oyster Card. The Oyster Card is my mortal enemy. They make you think that it's good the entire time your pass is good for. But, we ran out of funds on ours and then, I missed the pad on the way out and they charge me $12 pounds for not touching back in. It's not unlimited. Conversely, I've gotten the travelcard many times and it is much preferred. The reason is that if you buy a 7 day travelcard, it's good for unlimited rides on the tube and buses as well as the DLR and overland trains. There is no monetary limit to the card. I prefer it and we are using it again in December after our Oyster card fiasco in March. If you aren't planning on visiting all of those landmarks, the London Pass can be quite costly. And remember, some places such as the V&A and the British Museum are completely free....don't miss either one. They are fantastic.

Thanks! I will do just that.

Wouldn't you know it....our timing is off by THAT much!! My husband is a lifelong Yankees fan and I'm a lifelong Astros fan. Last night, our teams fates were sealed and they are headed for an epic showdown during our cruise, which starts Saturday. That said, does anyone know if Regal Princess has any way of broadcasting these games - whether in our cabins or on public televisions? Yes, I know we are on vacation - but we have always dreamed of this matchup being that we are on polar opposite ends of the fandom spectrum. And sports is still fun while on vacation. With this cruise leaving out of Brooklyn, I would think that there would be some interest onboard. That all said - let me just say - GO ASTROS!!!!!

Thank You Norris. Wow, everyone and his brother is on that October 14 cruise.

 

From what I understand U.K passengers entering Canada by land or sea do not need visas. There is a CC discussion here:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2299061

 

Have a wonderful cruise on Regal!

 

Jonathan

 

 

 

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It’s completely sold out....must be peak leafing season. [emoji16]

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We sail on the Regal on 10/14 for our first Princess cruise. Your posts, descriptions and pics have us so excited for our trip. Thanks so much for sharing!

10/14 is our third Princess cruise in 2 years. You will love it!

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Thanks so much for sharing the pics and stories. We are on the 10/14 cruise and we can hardly wait! We've been on the Caribbean for our British Isles cruise and the Crown for Alaska, but this ship looks just a tad more special. Hope the weather holds up and the leaves wait until we get there to change! :)

Maybe I’ll bring my Longhorn sweatshirt, Melissa! I wore it in Wales and got the funniest looks. Nice to see some fellow Texans will be on board[emoji869]

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It’s on my list! Love a good cannoli. 17 days to go

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thanks for posting this review. I haven't been on a cruise in almost 30 years and it seems they have changed a bit. We are going on the Crown Princess to Alaska next Saturday (8/29). I can't wait! We are doing the all day Yukon tour - I hope it makes it back in time :)