LuckyStar

On 12/16/2023 at 2:52 PM, racj846 said:

For those that have recently embarked in Galveston would like to know what shuttle company you used and would you use them again

Looking for a more regular shuttle service rather than a private car hire.

 

 

I have used Galveston Express. It was first class. I have also used cruise transportation with great service, so I go with what is cheapest.

On 11/28/2023 at 11:44 AM, RocketMan275 said:

Looking at two flights departing Bush Airport (IAH) on 9 Feb following Prima cruise from Galveston. Cruise arrives on a Friday.

One flight leaves Bush at 12:12

One flight leaves Bush at 14:05.

Cost difference is minimal.

One arrives home at 1700, the other at 1900.

Do not want to leave through Hobby.

Private car pickup at port at 0900.

The earlier flight is intriguing but the later flight gives more time if something goes wrong, ie., late arrival at port or traffic issues.

It's been 10 years since cruised out of Galveston.

Your thoughts.

 

Traffic to IAH from port can be problematic. It's quite a drive without traffic. Personally, I would choose the 1405 departure. I try not to fly until after 1300, anyway. 

On 11/8/2023 at 7:59 PM, beshears said:

We are comparing Princess transportation rates to Galveston Express. With the 8 of us, there will be 5 of us that have the senior rate. If you have used or know of someone that has used Galveston Express, would you give me the pros/cons on this transportation.

I have used them once before. Very nice, on

time and friendly. 

I'm so sorry, I am sure there are a million threads on this subject but I just couldn't find the one that just answered my one question:  I know Carnival serves coke products but do they have any other diet drinks other than Coke.  I am hoping diet Sprite or Sprite zero.  Thanks!

Jenny 

15 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

We were in a Terrazza aft wrap in Sept B2B. The best part was the Terraza brunch in the Steakhouse. 

There is no pool in Terraza area, just hot tubs. Hot tubs were hardly ever used, but it was fall, not summer. Same for loungers - always good ones available. 

That's good information, thank you.  This is the same way on the Panorama and the Vista.  Smallish pool but never crowded and two hotter tubs. 

I have done a Havana interior and patio.  The patio wasn't worth it for our group.  We wanted to be at the pool.  The Havana interior was perfect for husband and I.  We were also in Panorama 5225.  It was perfect, we never heard or felt a thing.   I love the Havana and hope to try the Venezia with the Terraza area. 

J

OMG.  This is a nightmare.  I would be horrified if I were banned.  I have no answers, you have been given some great information.  So sorry this happened to you.  Best of luck in clearing it up. 

J

I realize this topic is old but I love my United Milesplus VISA.  It is so easy to book using miles. No blackout dates.  It does have a $95 annual fee which is totally worth it because I get free luggage check in for each flight, two United Club passes annually and free TSA and renewals. My Mom is in Houston, so I fly there quite a bit. 

Sailing on Musica in Nov out of Athens, Greece.  Cruise doesn't leave until 10:30pm, we were assigned a check in time of 11:30, does anyone know the latest we can board? TIA!

Jenny

On 9/12/2023 at 3:04 PM, Tillyanne said:

Hello there, I have just received my cabin number for a cruise leaving on the 15th October on the Virtuosa expecting it to be an outside cabin but the allocated number seems to be a balcony cabin.  Is this likely to be an error and is it likely to be changed?  Or are we getting an upgrade?

We booked an interior GTY and got upgraded to a Balcony.  it's way forward but it's the Mediterranian, so we're thrilled to have a balcony. 

Thanks all.  I just decided I'm not going to worry about it. I'm so giddy with excitement, I'd be happy with a box lunch each night. 🤣

On 2/4/2022 at 5:35 PM, mitsugirly said:

We have never tried them before (normally fly Southwest) but have tried Spirit before and they weren't bad for a cheap carrier. This time around (for what we are wanting) Frontier is even cheaper than Spirit. 

 

Any thoughts/experiences on them?

Yes. I have flown them.  They nickel and dime you to death.  I will usually fly them for a short trip that I have no baggage and no layover.  I would never use them for a long trip.  They were on time and dependable but the extra charges are annoying.    

On 12/5/2022 at 12:38 PM, Zach1213 said:

 

You'll notice a lot of fairly short connections in MUC, even for flights that involve immigration and security re-clearance (like yours). Munich is just set up to be very efficient, and is. Connections that I would never try to make in other airports are generally no problem in Munich, so just keep that in mind. 

Well, this makes me feel better about the 1 1/2 hour layover connection in Munich from Genoa to Denver. I had stopped worrying about it.  I figure at this point, whatever happens, happens. 

Just now, euro cruiser said:

This is only true for paper tickets on regional trains.

 

Electronic tickets for regional trains must be validated on line.

 

Tickets for seat assigned trains (Frecce or Intercity trains) also don't need to be validated.

Well, the validation process is a giant ripoff but I'm sure they know that. Not even sure of the purpose.  

On 9/6/2023 at 8:15 AM, flukemaster said:

There is 2 of us that will be taking the train ( one person has a hard time walking) from Rom to Venice. I can see where the train station is in Rome, my question is:

We have been told that if you have baggage that you ride in a different part of the train? Also when you get there are there porters that take you luggage for you?

Any idea on the cost? How long of a ride?

Thanks

We rode trains throughout our tour of Europe.  There were no special rules for luggage.  There was a common area for all the luggage as your board. Not sure about the time from Rome to Venice but it is super easy to manage the train system in Italy.  One thing to remember on Italian trains, is that you must validate your ticket before you board.  We did not on our first ride and got shaken down by an employee for about $10 euros.  Lesson learned. 🙂

MSC newbie here.  We do not see our dining time on our reservation and weren't sure if it would be set?  It does note that dining is not set.  Not sure what that means. We are cruise vets so we understand how dining works on other lines but MSC seems an odd duck.  Any help would be appreciated!

Jenny

P.S. Not Yacht Club.  We are in the commoners area. 🙂

On 7/25/2023 at 11:30 AM, CynBeth6 said:

We recently were on a cruise that ended in Civi. We went on Royal and booked through them the shuttle to the train station for 6:45 am. We missed it due to a miscommunication and had to wait for the next which was maybe 15-20 minutes. Once at the train station it as easy to buy tickets to Rome there was a tourist office right as we arrived selling other things but also had train tickets. It is small but we had to figure out which track the next regional train was on and discovered we had to go down steps to get under and back up to get to other side and had trouble validating our tickets in the green machine but luckily we found someone to help. It was an hour and 14 minute ride. We were going to Venice and luckily had booked the high speed train from Rome to Venice ahead of time as Rome Termini is huge and took time to figure out where to go. 

Yes.  I remember not getting our tickets validated (didn't know we had to).  Man came around and shook us down for 5 euros each. Left a bad taste in my mouth after such great travels by train in Europe.

On 8/12/2023 at 11:59 AM, AndyB said:

I'll be in Venice for 2 days in late October.  I'm trying to decide between just booking timed entrance to these two sites and viewing on my own, and booking or joining a private tour.  Are there areas that are only accessible via private tour?  I saw a You Tube video that mentioned only being able to see the Golden Altar and the museum upstairs via private tour, but then again, they were selling private tours.  So I take that with a grain of salt.  I tend to prefer just doing things on my own, at my own pace, but am willing to pay for a tour if it will really enhance the experience.  Would love to hear recent experiences of either kind!

 

Thanks in advance!

Andrea

 

YES, YES. YES

On 7/20/2023 at 11:08 AM, euro cruiser said:

It's fine to buy Frecce (fast, non stop train) tickets in advance, but there's no point in purchasing the regional tickets in advance because they never sell out and there's no price incentive to buy early.

 

The first Frecce you could make isn't until 9:16 (arrives Rome Termini at 10:03), so you'd have plenty of time to make that one.

 

In addition to the cruise line shuttle there is a port shuttle bus for 6 euro that takes you from your ship/terminal directly to the train station in Civitavecchia.

We are on another cruise line but is the port shuttle available for anyone?  And do you have to book in advance? TIA!

1 hour ago, John Bull said:

No, don't expect to find tours or taxis waiting on-spec.

But many ports you can DIY without transport or using trains or buses.

Just needs research, and pre-book where necessary.

 

JB 🙂

We're checking out the same thing.  We have visited Rome before so we aren't looking to see the inside of the Vatican or Coliseum again, so we are going to go with a Hop On Hop Off and lots of walking.  Our question is how to get from the port into Rome without paying the high transpo rate of the cruise line.  It's about $64 per person.  I love the train but they strike quite capriciously so I don't want to be trapped in Rome with no way back to the ship.  Any ideas on buses or share rides?

On 5/31/2023 at 2:54 PM, CruzerDeb said:

I'm planning my second (only my second!!) Mediterranean cruise for next year (Rome to Athens) and would like to start off in Venice, then Florence, ending up in Rome for a few nights pre-cruise, where I plan on staying at Albergo del Senato again. I'd love to hear your recommendations on hotels in Venice and Florence; I'll probably spend 2 nights in each place, which I hope will be enough time to see the highlights.

 

Also, I guess I'd take a train from each city. Thoughts?

It is very easy to get around Italy solely by train.  If you haven't, you have GOT to go to Accademia Gallery.  It is magnificant.  The statue of David is awesome. There are a lot of lesser known Michelangelo work as well.  I do not even have an artist's heart but it was breathtaking. 

On 6/16/2023 at 11:02 AM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

What’s the best option(s) to get from Rome or Naples to Athens?  Which would be best to go from?  

We flew.  it was very reasonably priced. 

Hello!  We are first time cruisers on MSC for a Meditteranean cruise out of Athens Nov 5.  The ship doesn't depart until 10pm.  We are new to this late a departure.  How late will we be allowed to board the ship?  We have some sites we want to see pre cruise in Athens.  Thanks in advance!

Jenny

10 hours ago, travelbuds said:

Thank you for your reply. More questions if I may. Looking at the Celebrity app, I didn't see anything about table size for a choice. Are there tables for two? Made reservations for times, but no mention of table size. Looks like different opening dinner times for decks 4 and 5 of restaurant. Disregarding times, did you prefer one deck over the other? Were you able to order a couple entrees, desserts for a meal? We saw maybe 3 guys with a tux and several with jackets on the Sapphire.Thanks again.

 Yes, there were plenty of tables for two.  We were assigned a table for two, the same table every night.  

3 hours ago, travelbuds said:

My wife and I signed up for the Summit to Alaska for next year--- sister ship to Millenium. First time doing a Celebrity cruise. Wondering if you could post a copy of one of the daily "Celebrity Today" newsletters.

 

Did you have a favorite scenic viewing area on ship?

 

We just got off the Sapphire Princess and show times were 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. 45 minutes long.

 

Why did you have no choice but  6 pm dining?

 

Nice that you were able to bring some alcohol onboard. Princess allowed only a 750ml bottle of wine per passenger at embarkation.

 

We were able to pick our embarkation boarding time.

 

On formal night, did many guys wear sport jackets? Several did on the Sapphire.

 

Thank you.

I brought home the daily papers,, I'll try to get one scanned it. I brought home so much laundry!

Favorite area for us was Solarium.  Some couches and comfy day beds. 

We got the only time of dining available.  I would have preferred anytime but 6 was a good time, just not for the show starting at 7. Glad to see that other ships are offering 730 and 930. 

Our embarkation times were available at 10, 1030 or 11.  it seemed to be tied to a health check so we thought it was a true appt.  We'll know differently next time. 

We saw all manner of dress on formal night.  My husband wore a nice shirt and dockers but a sport jacket would have worked very well. Jackets were common.  Very few dressed to the nines, which surprised me.  We did see one gentleman in a tux.