goncruzn

I've stayed at the Athens Gate Hotel. Very nice hotel with a nice restaurant on the roof that has a view of the Acropolis. Across the street is the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Plaka (great food & shopping) is a few short blocks away. The Acropolis Museum is also only a few minutes walking. If memory serves me correctly it's about a 15-20 minute ride to/from the port and maybe a 1/2 hour or so to the airport. It's been a few years since I stayed but it was a perfect location and the hotel was very nice. We used a transfer service to/from port/airport and for a tour. Highly recommend.

I cancelled the June 7th Med sailing on March 4th and now on day 107 I finally have my full refund. I am so glad this wait is now over.

8 hours ago, phire said:

Same here. Start your credit card dispute now. I disputed a month ago and just got the chargeback to stay permanently June1st. The 114 days NCL never gave refund. 

I was trying so hard to be patient and understanding as we are in uncertain times, but I'm done. I may do exactly as you suggested and start a dispute. Should have done it a long time ago...

I'm on day 93 and still waiting for my refund. Paid in full and cancelled on my own March 4th, prior to POM and was given a 7-10 business day window. Then it was changed to 90 days. As of right now, still nothing.

Just FYI to all, I am now at the 93 day mark and no refund, so if you haven't reached the 90-day mark yet, be prepared it could take longer. I actually cancelled on March 4th, prior to the 90-day policy. My refund was supposed to be 7-10 business days. Just got off the phone with the exec desk and all they could tell me was refunds are taking a little longer than 90 days. SMH.

13 hours ago, Jobeth66 said:

 

Some people seem to think that if you file a chargeback the credit card company is going to contact the cruise line, and when the cruise line says 'yeah, we are going to refund them in a few months, eventually' the credit card company is going to reinstate the charge until the cruise line gets around to refunding.

 

I don't think that's how it's going to work.  The credit card company is going to say 'Hey, cruise line - our customer says you're not able to provide a service they paid for, is that true?' and the cruise line is going to say 'yep, that's true'.

 

Dispute closed in favor of the customer.

Everyone has a valid point regarding this, but I do know six years ago I cancelled a membership that was an automatic debit. For two months the charges came out of my account. I disputed with the bank, the money was refunded to me temporarily while the bank did their investigation. Once that was over, a letter was sent to me stating the vendor was processing the refund and the letter also pointed out that in the fine print of my contract, it was stated the refund could take x amount of days. The bank then pulled the money back out of my account and it was one of the largest banks in the country. Needless to say I was not happy, but I did finally receive the refund from the company.

If the cruise line can prove they are processing refunds, it's hard to say whose favor the bank may rule in favor of.

I cancelled my June 8th Med cruise on March 4th which was prior to the "peace of mind" policy and was told 7-10 business days for the refund. It is now 34 business days, 48 total days and no refund. I wound up speaking with the "executive" department and was told even though I cancelled prior to any cancellation or new policy, just the sheer amount of requests is taking up to 90 days. They show it "pending" in their system. At this point, I'm not going to work myself up over it and I'll just wait. I have to admit that initially I was quite upset (no, angry) because no one could give me any information on why it was taking so long and the refund line is just a recording that gives you no information at all. They need to do better responding to people's questions and concerns over the refund process.

3 hours ago, Scottee25 said:

 

 

Maybe they just didn't know that they had to be seated during MTD. I know of plenty of places that are not fast food that guests are to seat themselves, and no, it's not at the bar. Yes, maybe these people were just jerks. But there is also the possibility that they didn't know any better. I still recall all the things I did on my first cruise that would get me flamed here, such as wearing my swim trunks and flip-flops to the MDR on formal night. I just find it interesting that people are blaming this other couple for acting entitled when I sense that same level of entitlement from some of you replying here.

Yes, it could very well be a case of the couple just not knowing, but I 'm hesitant to believe that at 7pm it was so empty that they thought you could just walk in and find a table. I'm quite sure there was probably a line of people waiting to get in at that hour. Even if you don't see the signs for those with or without reservations, one would think you would question those standing around waiting if there was a wait or not.

I do understand the "newbie" thing, but even on land, if you visit a "nice" restaurant, you are usually shown a table. Of course, there are exceptions, but something tells me this couple understood what they were doing.

I am glad that this situation did not ruin your cruise and that you were able to look past this and enjoy.

I have used ATM's in Rome prior to the start of my cruises, and they are very convenient, but I usually take between 500-700 euros with me that I get in the states. That's just because while traveling, especially on a cruise where we do a lot of tours, I don't want to have to worry about finding ATM's to get additional euros if I run out. I also use credit cards, but I pay small things with euros (food, souvenirs). If I'm buying something of "value" I will use a credit card just in case I find that after I get home something is wrong with my purchase, I can dispute it easier with the bank.

Toward the end of July it may not be as light early in the morning as it would if it were early July, but like others I would say allow 90 minutes. I'll be there in early June and the days are longer then so hoping for some pretty views on sail in. I missed most of the sail in the last time I was there but will definitely get up early enough next time!

On 10/9/2019 at 2:43 PM, maidncruze said:

If your looking for a private tour no one better than Milo from Tours by Milo.  We have used his services many times over the last few years and you will find no one more dedicated, passionate and professional to show you his beautiful country!!

 

He's simply the best!

http://www.toursbymilo.com/en/

 

Frank

 

Another vote for Tours by Milo. I used them two years ago and our guide was excellent. They came recommended by a number of people on the boards which is why I decided to go with them.

I always rely on shuttle services. The train and bus are definitely cheaper, but I guess I'm lazy and just don't feel like lugging my luggage around.😊 I've also used RomeCabs and they were wonderful. Picked up on time from our hotel in Rome. We shared a van with 2 others who were on our cruise and they needed to stop at an atm in Civi so the driver took us to a bank not too far from the port (we could see the ship) and then straight to the terminal. It was really painless. I plan on using them again in June.

On 9/4/2019 at 10:45 PM, cruisemom42 said:

Albergo Santa Chiara (very central, right behind the Pantheon) -- great hotel and you can sometimes get rooms for $250 or close -- probably not in high season though.

 

Nice rooms, on the small side as usual with European hotels. Great breakfast. Can't beat the location.

 

I have recommended the 9Hotel Cesari in the past, between the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain but after my last stay it was very much in need of a re-do, which I think is in process -- so just at the moment I'm reluctant to recommend them.

 

Albergo del Senato would not be in your range but it is hands-down my favorite in the area.

I agree, I have stayed at both the Albergo Santa Chiara and 9Hotel Cesari and think they are both great, although haven't stayed at the latter in a few years so I'm not surprised it is in need of a re-do.

I'll be staying at Hotel Pantheon next June for the first time. Hoping for a good experience as you cannot beat the location.

8 hours ago, ValleyCruiser said:

Has anyone found their Genie to be too intrusive? We're pretty private but it sounds like the Genie will need to be around a lot and lead us all over the ship.

Our genie was not intrusive at all. She would check in with us in the morning, not too early based on our preferences, and see if there was anything we wanted or needed that day that she could take care of for us. If we had a lunch and/or dinner reservation she would stop by the restaurant to say hello and make sure we were fine. You can choose to see them as much or as little as you like. It's all based on your preferences. They do go in their "bottle" after a certain time at night to "recharge"! You will enjoy having one!

11 hours ago, ValleyCruiser said:

I am considering a sailing at the end of October 2020 aboard the Harmony of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. This would be for our family of 4, two adults and two children ages 13 and 12, and would be our first time aboard an Oasis-class ship. I am looking at Royal Suite Class categories, and am particularly attracted to the AquaTheater suites at the aft of the ship. My preferred choices are between a Spacious AquaTheater Suite 1 Bedroom (Sky Class)  or an AquaTheater Suite with Large Balcony 2 Bedroom (Star Class). I have a few questions. First, what types of things does a Royal Genie do, and should I assume this service, along with the complimentary gratuities and specialty dining, worth the additional approximately $700/person? I purposely left out the complimentary beverage packages because we don't drink alcohol at all and very limited soft drinks. Secondly, if we opt for the less expensive Sky Class suite, which deck is preferable for viewing the AquaTheater performances out of decks 11, 12, and 14? The higher class suite would be on deck 9; is this an okay location?

 

I am leaning toward the Star Class 2 bedroom for the sake of our children but would love to put money towards other things if the additional perks described above aren't impactful enough for us. 

I can't really say it is worth the extra $700 per person, especially since you do not drink alcohol, BUT, the experience was worth it to me. You get the best seats in the theater, no worrying about making arrangements for specialty dining as soon as you get on board; single day pass for thermal suite access for the adults; all the water and juices you can drink; meals, snacks brought to your room either because you wanted it or your genie just decided to do it because they knew you were hanging out in the room; treats for the kids; priority access to flow rider, zip line, rock climbing wall; non-alcoholic drinks; priority embarkation and debarkation, just to name a few. My family and I sailed sky class before, but once we sailed star class it's made it difficult to go back to sky. 

Deck 9 would be a great location. We were on deck 8 in 8330 and it was perfect for viewing the aqua show. On the first night of the cruise our genie sent up tapas from Vintages so we could sit on the balcony, have snacks and watch the aqua show below. I say try it at least once. I think you will love it!

On 8/1/2019 at 1:06 PM, nalrudaini said:

And this is exactly the kind of topic I needed to read 3 days before a cruise 😅

Yeah, I have three weeks. Now I'll have to buy a night light . . . 🤣🤣🤣

I've definitely learned something here. I never thought about the dangers of the arm inflatable devices, but as I read through the information here, I see how they can be a danger. Thank you to the lifeguards/safety instructors and EMT's on this thread that have given this information. I am going to make sure my 7 year old grandson, who we're trying to teach how to swim, does not use those devices. Especially since he is still a little afraid of the water.

Agree with all above. I think #3 is correct.

13 hours ago, not-enough-cruising said:

It most certainly is true.  The porters at the terminals (USA Terminals) are part of the Longshoreman's union.  Starting salary average $130,000. The guys working the cruise terminals are more senior members of the union, as this is a highly desired assignment (thus they are higher paid and are making an overtime and weekend differential as well) Tack on paid vacation, union medical and dental, and they are VERY well compensated for moving y bags 20 feet or so from the curb to the nearest trolley (where they then hand it over to RCCL staff)

Actually, there is a difference between the two. A porter and a longshoreman are two distinctly different jobs. A porter can belong to the Longshoreman's union but they are not longshoremen. A porter is someone at a port, train station, airport that takes your luggage and transports to another area/car, etc. A longshoreman is actually someone who loads and unloads cargo from ships. It includes docking the ships, loading and unloading cargo, checking for specific containers, and inspecting cargo for damage. At cruise ship terminals, porters take your bags to a holding area where they can be loaded by ship's personnel. 

Yep, starboard side door was always open when I sailed in CLS two years ago on Oasis, but the port side doors were always closed. I, too, would close it every time I walked through only to find it open again the next time I went through.

I drive to and from the port from South Carolina and do two 1-way rentals. I always hop in a cab or shuttle at the port and take to the airport to pick up my car there. National normally has the best rates and if you join "Emerald Aisle" (no cost), all you do is reserve a car online at the mid-size rate and then go straight to the lot and pick out whatever car you want in "Emerald Aisle". The agent at the exit checks you out and you are on your way. It is about as painless a process as there could be. There is no waiting on line in the car rental lobby. The hardest part is deciding which car you want in the aisle.

Right now a Haven suite (H7) will cost me approximately $6K more for three people, almost twice as much as I'm currently paying.

Great review! Great insight into everything. I will definitely use it as I plan our days out for our sailing.

I took the class on Allure. It was ok, but I think an 8-year old would enjoy it. They may need assistance with some parts but I think it would be a lot of fun for them. For me, it was "meh".

I booked the 4 bedroom villa suite for 4 people on Harmony for November 2020 without any problem.

Believe me, this year on MLK day, I don't think I got any work done. I logged on every hour to check the rates!😄

They were definitely not as good as they were the previous year! You really just have to keep checking often because the prices can change even within the same sale. I'm sailing the Getaway next June, but haven't been able to get any good rates for The Haven suites as I have for Star Class on RCCL. I will keep at it though . . .