CRUIS4ME

Just got off The Odyssey of the Seas on similar itinerary. If you like, I did post on the port threads about each port and on RCCL general thread, posted about The Odyssey Holy Land What I Now Know. Was a great itinerary, very hot, lots of walking, not a cruise for sipping pina coladas…we worked hard to see as much as possible. Plan now. Have a good cruise.

Had to laugh…rather chuckle…when I saw the topic. We just got off the Odyssey. Those buttons calling for the elevator or inside the elevator were a minor thing but must say I did catch myself a couple times leaning too close and…ooops….accidently pressed four or five floors. Oddly if one wave from top to bottom…vertically….other floors get lit. So by day 7 I got use to doing a horizontal swipe. No complaints…just a new way.

No problem….question was asked why the crew are wearing masks…just proposed a theory. 😁

We were in Haifa at noon…ship cleared and started calling numbers about 1:00/1:30. They called in group of three…1-3, 4-6…etc. with number 36, we got called about 3/3:30. We exited the ship and stood in line, which formed outside the terminal. It then took about 45 minutes to get to the passport processing desk and get through.

Because Covid is alive and well and crew may want to protect their ability to earn their wage, tips, and keep their income flow rather than take mask off…risk getting sick and having to quarantine and loose income. Having just gotten off a cruise where many were self reported and quarantined and many…a lot…who hacked, coughed, sniffled as they drank, ate, talked, laughed, and continued with their cruise routine knowingly or unknowingly spread the virus.

When we were in Israel and Santorini in early September, temps were 90-104 degree F. If you want hot weather, July and August would be optimum.

We had no problem with toilet stops. Our guide did know where to “go”. However, I did carry a potty stop pouch which included two seat covers per day, a wad of toilet paper neatly folded, a couple wet ones, and a travel pack of cottonele wipes. Even though restrooms we stopped at were “clean”, I was glad to have a mini supply of various products (and used them). I replenished every night for the next day.

We hired Spanos Bus Tour and took their Tour 2 which went to the mountain area, winery, and a small village. Great communication via email to set up….only 16 people on our tour. Was a. Ice change from the heat and fast pace of Israel.

We booked Levant Solmaz and our group ended up being ten. He was excellent…absolutely knowledgeable and took us through Ephesus as we have never done before to include the Terrace Houses. We didn’t have to stop at the rug place, but I asked to do so as we wanted a carpet and were pleased with that stop as we knew what we wanted and could communicate that without having to hear the spiel.

Use ATM and if the machine asks if you want to have it converted…press no. This way you get Euros and the bank does the conversion fee rather than pay the ATM for converting it. Cost was about 4-5E for using the machine versus something ridiculous for converting it.

We have iPhones and I switched to T-Mobile a few months ago. They have a plan that includes international texting and roaming and phone calls are 25cents a minute. With this plan we were connected on land in Turkey, Italy, Greece for email, messaging and FaceTiming…and google maps and waze. Good service and connection. We kept it on airplane mode while on ship as those roaming fees were not included.

Bite the bullet and pay for transfer and tour of Rome….through RomeinLimo.

We just got back from ROME. I made reservations online for Armando’s de Pantheon. Got lucky for a 7 pm reservation the day we wanted. Lines start forming about 6:30 for their opening at 7. Need reservations as we watched folks that did not have them and were told place was full…which it was. The other restaurant I made reservations for were Alfredo’s del Scoffa….where the recipe for Alfredo sauce is credited. Definitely need reservations and lines start forming about 6:30 but they take reservations first of course. Both were easy to do online.

We used Rome Cabs to pick us up at FCO and drive us to Civi. They were on time, sign with our name, helped tow our luggage to van, and drove us right to the steps of our hotel…Museum Guest House. We spent two nights there since we needed the antigen test which was easy to get done. Took a cab from guest house to ship so no schlepping of bags.

Just returned from our cruise and four days in Rome. Absolutely the best decision we made was to use Rome in limo to plan and help with our Rome visit. Started about 60 days out contacting them. Jany was so responsive with emails, quotes, and conversation about how to set up a Vatican Tour, when and where to buy tickets, changes in itineraries we made, accommodating us 100 percent. We contracted them to pick us up after the cruise, transfer to Rome, do an eight hour tour before dropping us at our hotel. Stephan, our driver, and quasi guide provided us with so much back information on all our stops. In our tour, we requested several churches that were on beyond central location. He knew every church, why it was important, what art and artist to look for, etc. In one day we stopped at no less than eight churches, many city vistas, Knight of Malta, Trevi, Spanish Steps, and more. We could not have covered anywhere near what we did on our own. The Vatican tour guide Jany set up for us was absolutely informative and knew the ins and outs of the Vatican…Giovanni was our guide. Prompt, knowledgeable, and most kind. Finally we arranged for a driver from our hotel to the airport. We changed our time for pickup a couple times as we got a bit nervous and wanted to be sure we were not rushed. Driver was absolutely on time and the convenience of having prearranged was priceless. You cannot go wrong with hiring Rome in Limo. Fabulous, long term company, that puts your requests first in planning and execution.

Tickets are not needed for Israel ports once the passport has been processed. Instead of a passport stamp, a paper validation ticket from the Israeli customs folks is given with your passport. That paper stamp ticket is how one enters into the other ports. One can scan the ticket and come and go. No paper ticket from passports….no getting in.

Just got home after staying in Rome for three days. I’ll continue with my observations in hopes it helps others. getting off ship…disembarking. This was no problem, no wait, quick, easy. We asked our driver to be there at 0900 and it only took 10 mins from time we departed the cabin until we were in front of terminal with bags. Israel, continued. We did not get the “paper” in our room about the tickets. We also were not use to reading the Compass on the app. The last thing I wanted to do….but had to learn to do to survive the ships new way….is to carry my iPhone! Personally thought it was sad to see everyone carrying their phones and noses stuck to a screen while on vacation…but that’s what it is now a days. So we just missed the ticket distribution and ended up with Number 36. By the time we were called, stood in line, and processed it was 4 o’clock. I agree with the comment to be careful about booking a private tour too early on DAY 1 in Israel because of the time it took to clear. Our sailing was only in Israel for 2 1/2 days where’s I know others are scheduled for the full three days which gives more time. Regarding the pace, absolutely we were if “full go mode” from the time we got to Israel for the full days. We were up at 6 or 6:30 am. Windjammer was open for breakfast. We were on tour for 10 hrs per day, walking almost the entire time, in 104 degree heat. Talk about hot, sweaty, wet, and tired. But we did it! So much to absorb. I am also glad I had several pairs of walking shoes to switch into and out of from day to day. Acre/Akko. We caught a taxi after we got through immigration and went to Akko. Went directly to the tourist office and bought a ticket to see crusader archaeological sites. We were able to complete in two hours and return to ship via taxi. (Albeit not inexpensive taxi cost). Cypress. We booked a private tour. Once again, up early to do breakfast and catch the tour. Pace was a bit better with several stops to include a winery and small village in mountains. However, the turmoil getting back through immigration/passport control back to the ship was like a herd of soccer hooligans let out after a game. The ship could not control the mass confusion…Cypress process could not handle the hoards of people pushing and shoving, shouting, and fussing. No lines….totally crowded butt to nose people all wanting to go through security. It was a mess. Ephesus. Yep…up early for a full day. Took private tour which we were grateful for the small group. Even though we have been there before, it’s been about ten years. Tour guide had a most interesting day planned…in one entrance of Ephesus and departed through a different entrance so we saw things we had never seen before to include the terrace houses. Bodrum. This resort type town we did on our own….walking from ship to castle, Beach front followed where the ship was docked and encompassed the edge of the bay. Beach front was only 10-15 feet deep, rocky, beach chairs were available but areas were full. Restaurants and shops were on other side of the beach path/road. I really have no idea why we were there…original port was Rhodes. Santorini. Of all the ports, this was the one I was looking forward to revisiting. And it was the most disappointment of the cruise. Six ships in port. That’s a huge amount of people to wander through streets only capable to have two people side by side stroll. Line for cable car to go back down took us 1 1/2 hrs. We booked the Oia Tour on Your Own which got us off the ship without a tender ticket, transport to a bus, ride to Oia, bus back to Fira and cable car ticket back down to ship. Was worth it to us. Crete. We passed on to recuperate for two days to be able to do four days I. Rome after the cruise. We enjoyed the balcony, being out of the sun, taking advantage of a nap, and actually staying up for one of the shows. If we had to do over again…..we would go later in the fall (good for y’all who are going in October) and we would consider delving into an overnight in Jerusalem city to perhaps ease the one day hiking. However, it was an absolute adventurous itinerary. We worked hard to plan and get it all in. I will go to the ports section of CC to leave port and tour info on private tours we used.

Part two. Odyssey of the Seas. Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before! We had bid and received upgrade to a JS. Happy for the extra room and large balcony. Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise. We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah. We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise. Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea and just bee bopped around. Then the port stops started which cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching. We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights. Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day. We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise. They were fine…not awe striking…but fine. Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans. Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30. What wimps! Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact. No interaction between passengers. Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet. Ship had about 3300 passengers. Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international guests. Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two. We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from…. First port for us….Haifa half day. Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number. Israel was very strict about passenger control. The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket). We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP. So by the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30! So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down. We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm. That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights. Catching a taxi back cost a little more. 50 E going and 60 E to return. Their Sabath started at 6.

We planned and prepped for our 12 day cruise from Rome to Holy Land. Thought I would jot down a few notes before we disembark. I want to pass along some tidbits which I now know but weren’t quite solidified in reviews and info beforehand in hopes it helps someone do their planning. Precruise - Civitavecchia and Covid test. We flew into Rome and stayed two nights in Civitavecchia to be sure plane, luggage, etc were at port when ship was. All went well. Glad we had a nonstop from Wash DC on United. Flight was good, bags made it, connected with prearranged Rome in Cab driver for trip to Civi. Stayed at Museum Guest House. Location great, small family run guest house, very very clean and friendly. Easily found a Covid test sight two blocks away, 15 E each, no wait, no fuss. Got negative results. Before we left home, we filled out the Israel entry form. This is not a VISA….but an entry form for passport and vaccination info that can be done ten days in advance of the arrival in country of Israel. We printed the authorization email we received and another form with a QR code. It did not matter when we left Italy per se, just when we arrived in Israel. The ship does have info on the forms once on board, but the passenger must use a computer and upload their info. My suggestion is just do it before leaving home. Israel entry folks did not request the form at all….but I would not risk not doing the form just in case passport control was linked with the forms, etc. …why risk an entire vacation because of a form not being done? So suggest just do it. Getting to port. On the map, it appears the port is a short walk from where we were staying. However, after doing a thorough recon, this is what we found out. From train station, there is a direct bus that goes back and forth to the port. We were not at the train station. Therefore, there is a bus system. There is only one entrance busses go through to get to ship. One lugs luggage to a bus stop, takes a city bus (green bus) to the port bus (white bus), uploads and downloads luggage on two busses, and waits for the busses. We decided to pay for a taxi which the guest house manager arranged for us. Very direct, no lugging, and we split fee with two other passengers. For us, easiest and 15 E each was worth it. Busses are on a one way loop. Port and terminal. We arrived, already had our luggage tags on each piece we were checking, handed off the luggage, and went directly to a counter for easy process. As far as I could see, there were no special lines for suites or status. Lots of counters and no real wait. We had a noon arrival check in but somewhere along the way…I think we answered the health information form…it had us choose another time for the health check which in reality turned out to be the show up to the terminal time which voided the noon time we had previously had….it changed it to two o’clock. No problem, we showed up at noon, no questions asked, went to counter and were checked in and on board I fifteen minutes at most. Cabins. Cabins were open for occupancy at one thirty. Our bags were in hall when we went to cabin. I will take a break here and continue with tidbits regarding port info.

Regarding getting Euros…..we are catching a cruise tomorrow out of Civitavecchia. Agree with above. We use a no transaction fee credit card for purchases and get money from an ATM using a debit card for food and beverage (cash). Before we departed, we made sure our debit cards had cash…we have two banks…I carry one debit card and DH carries the other debit card. We landed at the airport in Rome. There was an ATM in the baggage area. So while DH got the bags, I used the machine to get Euros. Today we stopped at a local bank machine and used the debit cards to get a few more euros to make sure we had the cash on hand while we cruised. Cash will stay in the safe and we only take enough for day expenses at each port. (Cautious about carrying too much cash). The one thing I noticed after we put in the amount we wanted to get out, there were two selections…one said “with conversion rate” and the other button “continue without conversion rate”. I had not noticed that the first time I used the ATM. The “fee” with the conversion rate was higher than the 5 Euro flat fee for using the ATM. So for now on, we will get any more cash without the conversion rate and the US bank will convert the euro at the going bank rate which today is bout one to one.

When I began planning, the “skip the line” ticket phraseology was so confusing. We booked a private tour but had to purchase our ticket separately. I used the Vatican sight and tour company explained how to get the tickets and what ticket to look for. The tickets “opened” 30 days in advance. Being on the east coast and being a six hour time difference, I got on the computer at 6pm east coast time which was midnight Italy time and the tickets opened exactly a few seconds after I got on. We also used the colosseum sight for tickets and a tour. Seems the skip the line phrase is used everywhere. I did research and saw security line is time consuming so it is advised to allow a bit of time for security check.

With the Odyssey coming in tomorrow morning, the city was hopping with people who I would bet were fellow cruisers. Lots of restaurants … dinner started about 7 pm at most places which was nice, weather was cooler and sunset was inviting.

The museum Guest House is a one man show…small. He was totally helpful. Explained the bus system and we checked it out. When I next saw Fredericko, we asked him to arrange a taxi to the port. He immediately got on his phone, called the taxi and confirm,d time for pickup, showed us a picture of the driver and explained the color of van to expect. So great service. Pharmacies are readily available for testing. Sunday afternoon they pretty much closed down but we’re open at 8 am Monday. One little pharmacy did not do the test but the lady walked us to the door and explained where the pharmacy that did the test was located. Very helpful.

In February in Bonaire, we booked the snorkel kayak through mangroves….it was through Trip Advisor or Viator. I think there were eight kayaks, all others were from the Netherlands as island is a Dutch destination…and we were from US. booked early. Great tour, didn’t have to fight currents, snorkeling through mangrove was totally different than sea, tour guide fluent in English and, of course, Dutch. In Aruba, we booked a day pass at Eagle Beach. Big mistake…got there and hotel was really lame. Glad we didn’t prepay as we walked away and went to the beach. Only could take an hour or so because the sewage plant smell was wafting our way. Next time, will go to Palm Beach. In Curacao we were there from 2 to 10 pm. So we just walked over to the port area where there were shops and stopped a couple places for a drink and people watch, then got a pizza for dinner. Views especially at sunset were gorgeous. Easy to DIY.