Hlitner

Smooth of rough? Yes! Anything from glassy to 30 foot+ and everything between. You are on the sea the conditions do vary, year round. If one is fearful of the sea, the best solution is not to go on any ship :). Hank

Had to smile at the above climate post. It certainly can rain in Japan, during the spring, but 6 inches a day is not very likely (or you should book Noah's Ark). The key to Japan in the spring/fall is having layers to deal with any temperature extreme. Rain gear is always a good idea. When DW and I were in Japan during March-April of 2023, we encountered many days of rain. It was a very wet spring, and we managed to do everything on our bucket list (we spent a couple of weeks traveling pre-cruise) because we had the right outerwear to deal with some very rainy days. And by the way, when planning for the possibility of rain, do not neglect your footwear. Wet feet can make a day quite miserable and also lead to blisters. Hank

Being a "first timer" has nothing to do with the topic as it should apply to everyone who visits Alaska, be it on a cruise or a land trip. Forget anecdotal comments, based on a person who has visited a place one or two times. If everyone encounters cold rainy weather, that does not mean it will happen on your trip. What we have learned, on our trips to Alaska, is to be prepared for just about any kind of weather. On one our trips (which involved driving to the Denali area for a few days, some time in Anchorage, and several weeks on a cruise, we encountered everything from a heat wave (80s and sunny) to near freezing temps in fog/rain. The reality of weight limits (for luggage) and logistics does mean that most folks have to deal with packing limitations. The most common advice of packing layers is spot on! And bringing along some rain gear (we suggest waterproof outerwear) can also work with "layers" if you have a lightweight jacket and rain pants. With layers, you can bulk-up, underneath, for those chilly rainy days, and can lighten up on a warm day. DW swears by her fleece vest, which has been around the world (a few times) and serves her well. I like to take along some sweaters and also a decent sweatshirt. Some friends bring along insulated underwear although we have never found the need for that level of warmth in the summer. Footwear is also an issue. I think keeping one's feet dry is vital. Most sneakers become uncomfortable, when soaked, and they can take several days to truly dry out....which is a problem when you are out touring on most days. Hiking boots are great if you are a real hiker, but they are heavy and generally not needed for most folks. There are lots of waterproof/water resistant light-medium weight hiking boots (almost more like sneakers than boots). You can look, online, at places like LL Bean to find a decent selection. Hank

And I thought the topic meant that HAL finally got some talent in Seattle. Oh well :(.

The previous post should have said "desert" and not dessert :). Moral is do not type when drinking a martini.

Assuming the pick-up is close to the arranged time, you should be fine. Good move not taking the 9am time. Hank

Many places, in Venice, sell wine (not just wine shops). Normally, we just stop at whatever looks interesting as we walk around Venice. But if I were looking for a really decent wine, I would go to Millevini Enoteca, This is a little hike from the St Marks Square area, since it is located near the Rialto Bridge. On the other hand, strolling the narrow streets between St Marks and the Rialto area is so much fun :). If you do stop at Millevini Enoteca, say Buongiorno to Lorenzo. He is not only the friendly owner, but arguably one of the top experts on the wines of the region (and everywhere else). Hank

We have never had a problem getting tickets on any of the trains to/from Le Havre. But, I guess anything is possible. Keep in mind that there is usually one train per hour to Rouen/Paris. On the other hand, nobody can guarantee that the trains won't break down, there won't be a labor strike, a meteor won't hit the train, etc. If you are really concerned, buy tickets in advance. But then you must guarantee that you will be at the train station on time :). Hank

Agree! The YC (and arguably NCLs Haven Suites) offer a unique experience (ship within a ship) which brings many luxury touches to the mass market lines. That being said, there is much to favor small ship luxury cruise lines (i.e. EJ, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent, etc). DW and I have tried it all, but have also found too many limitations with the itineraries of both MSC and EJ. Both companies stress shorter itineraries (often no more than 7 days). While it is possible to string together voyages, the fact that folks are embarking/debarking (on a daily basis in Europe) does impact the atmosphere Most folks who have done long cruises would understant when I say that the atmosphere of a long cruise is quite different from a series of back to back short cruises. I will repeat something I posted a few months ago. Last year, DW and I decided to book a 14-21 day Caribbean cruise between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We first looked at MSC, which offered back to back 7 day cruises with a lousy itinerary (we have done this MSC cruise a few times in the past). EJ had some options that we considered. But in the end, we managed to stumble on an amazing 14 day cruise deal on Silversea, which was actually a lot less money than either MSC (Yacht Club) or EJ! Go figure. Since we booked that Silversea cruise, they have increased the price over 40%...so timing does matter. While we really like the YC, it is the lack of interesting itineraries or any longer cruises, that drives us away from MSC's Caribbean offerings. In Europe, we prefer the smaller ship Premium or Luxury lines...again because of their longer itineraries. Hank

If you simply go on your own to do a land tour, there are lots of terrific options. Within Japan, the train system is excellent (you can set your watch by their schedule) and can get you all over the country. The JR system (the main railroad) has quite a few train pass options (somewhat like the Eurorail passes) which can really make train use a lot more affordable. When looking at the JR system, the "Green Car" options are akin to first class. Also keep in mind that the Green Class cars, are not only more spacious, but they have a few seats (at the end of the cars) that include some extra space for folks that have large pieces of luggage. Those seats (with extra luggage storage) do need to be reserved a bit further in advance since their numbers are very limited. For us, the trick to independent land travel is to plan multiple days in fewer places. With the excellent (and fast) trains and a train pass, one can use one place as a base and take day trips (avoiding the hassles of changing hotels). For example, last year we spent a week in Kyoto (one of our favorite cities in the country) and used our rail pass to take a day trip all the way to Hiroshima. Although it is over 200 miles distant, it was an easy day train trip (the fast trains run over 100mph). Cruising around Japan is also fun (which is why we like the combination of a land trip and a cruise). But DW and I would be happy just spending 1-2 months in Japan with a rail pass. Hank

If you change your mind and want to go to Ephesus (and do some other historic places) we would suggest simply booking a private tour (including van/driver/guide). There are several excellent tour companies in Kusadasi (we have used EKOL with excellent results) that would work with you to design an itinerary that meets your wants. Otherwise, with those lousy port hours, you can simply walk from the pier into the heart of town. The part of Kusadasi that is within walking distance of the port has tons of shops (i.e. "Real Fake Watches") cafes, restaurants, etc. Having cruised and traveled, all over the world, we consider the ruins at Ephesus among the most amazing places....anywhere! If one is going to Kusadasi, for the first, time, I cannot imagine skipping those ruins. If you do change your mind and go to Ephesus, make sure that your tour includes a visit to the Terrace Houses (an extra feature that is within the ruins) Hank

We have been on dozens of cruises in the Med, but never in the middle of winter. The weather would obviously be "iffy" but the idea is fine for folks who love to cruise and do not put a lot of emphasis on warm weather. Keep in mind that it has been known to snow in Rome, and one also might have an issue with the so-called Mistral winds, which can make a visit to parts of Europe (like the south of France) quite miserable. The only Viking cruise I found goes from Barcelona to Venice, and I do not see "closures" being a big problem on that itinerary. It is the kind of thing DW and I would do, and would simply pack clothes for chilly/rainy weather. One could probably get a decent air fare that time of the year. Hank

what an interesting idea. I am too old (and not in the proper shape) for such a journey, but I found the post worth researching. One could certainly follow the coastal route (avoiding the A8 highway) and it is a really interesting route (we have driven it a few times). If going round trip from Cannes I would estimate the ride would be about 60-65 miles. Looking at some online sties, that is likely to be beyond the range of most e-bikes (without a charge), but I guess it works find if the rider does some peddling. It actually makes a lot more sense if done over two days, but that does not work out for cruisers. Hank

I really enjoy being in Alicante as it is a terrific port for those of us who like to walk. Just leave the port, head into town to the main street, and turn right You then walk along a very wide promenade with the large sandy beach on your right, and the city on your left. When you get near the end of that long Promanade, you can cross the street and head to the long underground tunnel that takes you to the elevators where you ride up to the fortress. Once up top, the views are terrific, and you can do a lot more walking (some of it involves steps and/or steep walkways) to explore the fortress area. For us, it is just a fun day of doing very little. But, if one happens to be there on a hot summer day, put on your swim suit and just spend part of the day on the public beach. If you do not want to use the down town beach, there are quite a few other beaches in the region. Hank

Ahhh, so you will get a different chef. Wonder who?

Did you dine there, back in the fall? Hank

This issue goes to the wisdom of booking excursions/tours. The joy of many travel options is very dependent on the weather. Booking an excursion, far in advance, means you are rolling the dice on the weather. DW and I really like driving up to Teide, and we simply rent a car (within walking distance of the port) and drive ourselves. We can stop, when we please, more when we please, and go where we please. If the weather does not cooperate, we can simply change our itinerary (at any point) or even cancel or rental car. As to the weather at Teide, while I agree that it is usually going to be OK when you get near the top, getting to the top is also part of the fun, and when its raining, foggy, etc. it is not ideal. I would also advise that if you do go to Teide, make sure to bring along some layers of outerwear (it can be quite chilly as you reach the higher altitudes) and comfortable footwear that is appropriate for some hiking over uneven terrain. Hank

Necessary? No. We have always purchased our train tickets, to Rouen and/or Paris, at the train station. When you enter the station, there is a ticket office on the right, and the clerks have always been very helpful. Also keep in mind that if you are 60, you can ask for a Senior ticket, which gets you a nice discount. Hank

When you let a cruise line choose your flights, you get pot luck. Maybe you will get good flights, maybe not. That is your choice. If you are concered, than either use NCL's custom air program or take the air credit and book your own air. Hank

I understand that some folks, on luxury lines, expect the cruise line to solve all issues. The reality is that once you disembark, you are on your own unless you have booked transportation/transfers through the cruise line. In that case, they will transfer you to the airport where you can cool your heels until your flight. Another alternative is to simply do your own thing (my personal style). In Vancouver, one can pay to have their luggage stored at the port or can arrange to store it outside the port at private venues. Of course this means you are on your own, can spend part of the day enjoying Vancouver (lots to enjoy), and later retrieve your luggage and take the train or a taxi out to the airport. That is how those of us who are independent travelers handle this kind of thing. Here is a link to the storage option at Canada Place (the port) How to Store Luggage at Vancouver Cruise Port from $17.50/bag (vancouverplanner.com) While you could also opt to go to the airport and store your luggage at the airport, you then find yourself well outside of the city. At that point you can either relax at the airport (not too bad if you have lounge access), take the train back into town, etc. For us, checking luggage at or near the port (until we must go to the airport) is the better option. Hank

Not sure we understand..having been to Kotor several times. Some ships dock and other ships anchor and tender. Using tenders is not a big deal for most ships (although it is certainly a hassle). I am not taking a shot at Princess, but rather at the entire cruise industry that seems to now change ports/itineraries at a whim! For about 50 years of extensive cruising (all over the world) it was rare to have a port change unless it was weather related. When a cruise line published their itinerary, one assumed they had already worked out the schedule with the various ports. These days, too many cruise lines seem to view itineraries as "advisory" and subject to change...usually after folks have made their final payment and are in the penalty period. Hank

Guess I never followed-up on this thread from our earlier posts. As previously posted, when we debarked our ship on May 1 we picked -up our rental car in Trieste (had to go the airport since everything in town was closed for the holiday) and drove to Lake Bled. We spent a few nights at the lake area, and really enjoyed ourselves. The area around the lake is very walkable (there are paved paths and some dirt trails) and we enjoyed a few decent meals in the town. Once we left Lake Bled, we worked or way up to Austria, across the Innsbruck, and finally down to Italy and our final destination of Malpensa (Milan's major airport). For those that end a cruise in Trieste, there are so many decent post cruise options. The only limiting factors are your free time, budget, and spirit of adventure. We could go back 10 times and never repeat anything close to the same driving itinerary. Hank

There are usually no formalities when you leave the ship. You simply pick up your luggage and go on your way. On most of our cruises, the ship has been cleared in 20-30 minutes after the gangway is in place. Keep in mind that many of the transfer companies (we like Romecabs) charge an extra fee for very early transfers (often pre 7am). And if you do arrange a very early transfer, what are you planning to do at 8 or 8:30am when most of Rome is still closed. You might want to consider a 7:30 or 8 transfer and give yourself time to enjoy your last breakfast on the ship. Hank

All the posts are very good :). But I will reiterate that Pompeii can be a very hot place, and folks should be careful if they are visiting on a hot day. Parts of the expansive ruins can have you feeling like you are out in a dessert with very little shelter and no facilities (they do have facilities in one location which always seems like it is far away...when you need it). My advice is to enter the ruins with a bottle of cool water (you can buy water near the entrance). Also make sure to dress for the weather and wear a decent hat. DW and I really enjoy Pompeii, but much less so on a steamy hot day. Hank

Interesting to read the various opinions. I do not see a problem taking that particular cruise. We recently spent 35 days on the Vista and really enjoyed the ship. As to closures in the Med, that is very dependent on the ports. The ports on that particular cruise should be fine with the possible exception of Argostoli. Since we have never been to that island that late in the year, we do not know what will be open and closed. But places like Dubrovnik, Kotor, Valetta, Palermo and Rome do not shut down after the summer season :). As to the weather, we prefer earlier in the shoulder season, but one always rolls the dice when it comes to weather. Hank