RJG1011

Does anyone know if there’s a nursery or babysitting for an 18 month old?

Do they still have that lot? I read a while back it was discontinued. It was cheaper if you didn't mind waiting for the shuttle that goes back & forth.

 

Yes, it looks like it's different from the one that closed down, seeing where this one is located.

It seems very close on Hook Rd where you drive into the port.

It looks like it’s cheaper to stay and park than to park at port. That would cost $280 vs about $240 for hotel, parking and shuttle RT. I did see an off site lot at bayonneparking dot com. Since supposedly we can’t park indoors, that may be a good option. Does anyone know about this lot? It’s really close to the port. Thanks!

Rebecca

There are 3 ships sailing from Bayonne May - October. Anthem, Adventure and Summit. Cape Liberty has decided that all Summit cruises will use the outside (horrible condition) parking lot across from the cruise terminal. Not sure how or why they decided to boot the Summit cruisers since Summit has been sailing out of there for years, but that's what we were told when we sailed May 13-20 and had to park outside across from Bayonne Dry Dock and STILL pay $20 a day.

Anyone familiar with this place? If we are forced to park outdoors this is cheaper and we won’t have to walk outdoors to whatever lot they have us use. https://www.bayonnecruiseparking.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3v3YBRCOARIsAPkLbK67ijtdV3wrZS_rgDra-QqUEcN6-ET0Yqyxww018amrkXohstmauiIaAreBEALw_wcB

Looking for parking ideas not at port. It’s too expensive. Are there any other lots with shuttles?

I thought my husband was up for going into Rome again, but he said "been there, done that." I was looking around the boards and saw some ideas - do you know anything about getting from Citavecchia to Ostia Antica? What about beaches near Citavecchia? Thanks!

Also, if we spend a few hours in Florence without going into the Ufizzi and/or the Accademia, do you think we would have time to make a quick stop in Pisa on the way back to Livorno? It seems that all the trains stop in Pisa enroute to and from Livorno.

Hank and company,

This post has been wonderful but like others my head is spinning (this is our first trip to Europe).

This may well be our one and only visit to the Mediterranean (our finances have changed drastically since we initially booked). We are booked on a 13 night cruise in late October (Civitavecchia-Piraeus-Rhodes-Kusadasi-Alexandria-Ashdod-Haifa-Naples- Civitavecchia). Any and all advice appreciated (like links to other posts/sites) for this once in a lifetime trip.

Specific questions:

1) We are in Rome 3 days before and 1 day after cruise. Of course, we plan to spend most of the time in Rome but would it be possible to get to Florence/Pisa during that time? Best way to do this? Or if you were in Italy only once, would you do something else?

2) We will be in Athens on Sunday and Rhodes on Monday - any problems with closings?

3) We will be in Haifa on Sunday, November 1st , which I read is a public holiday there - is that going to be an issue?

 

FINALLY - what are the top things you would spend the extra money/time doing; what things are really not worth it? (I know this is probably too broad but just a couple of items would be appreciated)

Thank you, Aimee

It's easy to get from Rome to Florence by Train - you don't need 1st claSS, but be sure to get a non-smoking car (that is, if you don't smoke) and an express train (Eurostar). My son and I were running late and didn't realize that smoking was allowed in some cars. This may have changed - we went several years ago. You can check train schedules online - but leave early to get in the most sightseeing.

The train station in Florence is pretty central and Florence is an easy city to walk. Reserve your Ufizzi and Academia (David) tix ahead of time to save lines. They are for a specific entry time. The Duomo isn't far from the station and the Pitti Palace is on ;the other side of the river, over the Ponte Vecchio(fabulous site itself). Also, you would want to go to the church (I believe it's Santa Croce) where Michaelangelo and other Renaissance notables are buried.

In the Piazza near the Duomo, there is a huge market with all kinds of leather goods. There is also a leather-making school somewhere near another Piazza. Of course, there are great stores all over the area. Enjoy!