LuckyStar

We visited Rome about 10 years ago and did a Hop On Hop Off tour that was awesome. Rome is one of those cities that it works great for. We found lots of local maps and were able to see everything on our own.

I mix up my cruises too. I cruise based on itinerary and price. There are definitely more kids on Carnival, even in off season times, so I try to work around that if possible. I personally love the Vista class of ships since we have enjoyed the Havana area. The Venezia has a new Italian theme versus Cuban theme that I think might be fun but I think they are strictly out of NY.

Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks very much!

Hi, all, we are experienced cruisers in the USA, having been on a few different cruise lines but we are considering a MSC cruise from Athens for Nov 23. Are there any differences in what to expect from this company, specifically, or from a cruise in Europe? I assume all food and lodging is included in the price. Alcohol, WIFI and shore excursions are extra. But I actually saw a post that you are charged for water with dinner and while it sounds picky, I just want to know these things in advance. Thanks very much in advance! Jenny

We have been to Juneau on a cruise about 10 years ago and are considering just taking the bus or taxis to get to Glacier Gardens, which is AWESOME, btw, and perhaps Mendenhall Glacier. Since we have so long in port, we have found a hiking trail that we might like to see so we have considered also renting a car so we can take our time. Has anyone else done this and who did you go through? The only rental car we have found near the port is Avis. Thanks in advance!

Well, we did this when we took our last cruise out of Vancouver but we flew into Seattle. I made reservations and was all excited that we were going to take the train to Vancouver. We took the taxi to the Amtrak station and in all my excitement, I discover I have booked a bus, an Amtrak bus, to Vancouver. I was crushed but it was very nice. We stayed in Vancouver a day so before our cruise and enjoyed the city. So bus or train will work.

That's good information to know. I feel better knowing that I will need to wait.

Thank you!

Hi, All, Just booked our first Celebrity cruise for June. I booked through a third party but am able to log in to Celebrity to book excursions, etc,. but I am accustomed to filling out pre-boarding information on other cruise lines (passport info, credit card info) but am wondering if on Celebrity it is not available until closer to sailing when checking in? Jenny

I have always waited until we port and then check in. It's never been a problem.

You purchased insurance and it usually is not refundable if you cancel.

Thanks very much, this has been very helpful. I think we've decided to go with the HAL this time around. I am more intrigued by the ports on their itinerary this go round. It's nice to have choices and I have honestly never had a bad cruise. 🙂

The Rotterdam and yes, I did post the same question on MSC. Thanks!

I've never sailed on either but would love to hear the good, the bad and the ugly. We have two choices of 10-11 day Caribbean cruises and are torn which line to choose. On the face, the itineraries are both good and the prices are comparable. I have mostly sailed Carnival but also RC and NCL. We are not crazy party people (early 60s) but both HAL and MSC seem very upscale. Can you tell me your opinions? Thank you in advance.

I've never sailed on either but would love to hear the good, the bad and the ugly. We have two choices of 10-11 day Caribbean cruises and are torn which line to choose. On the face, the itineraries are both good and the prices are comparable. I have mostly sailed Carnival but also RC and NCL. We are not crazy party people (early 60s) but both HAL and MSC seem very upscale. Can you tell me your opinions? Thank you in advance.

I would definitely recommend the Carnival Vista out of Galveston. The Havana area is very peaceful, if that interests you. We're both 61 and most people were in the age range 50-70s.There have been no teens in this area on my two cruises. It was quiet and just awesome. There are several choices of room types. We now stay in Havana interiors but I'm the odd duck in that I love interior rooms.

Late to conversation about this. I have been in Havana area on both Vista (Havana Cabana Patio) and Panorama (Havana Interior). We have a booking for Celebration Havana interior. We loved the interior and I'm spoiled to the amenities of the Havana area. The cabana is really nice and if you enjoy being in your room area, it's great. My sister had to work one day so it was great for her. But we wouldn't book it again, just too overpriced for the amount of time we spent out there, which was low. We spent all our time at the pool. The interior was perfect for my husband and I. HTH!

I second this. We did this several years ago. It was great tour and we killed all the time we needed to.

I think it sounds fun. It will be a trip to get over to the new port but you should be fine on time.

My experience as well. Self debarkation was a nightmare on the ship but once they started letting us off the ship, it went smoothly.

You can do it. We did 30 days in Europe with just our carry ons. I did a lot of laundry in the sinks during longer stays but we always felt clean and fresh. Certainly made us more mobile.