lynncarol

Spent 3 nights in Vernazza in Sept 2021 as part of our 3 week independent tour of Italy. Even then, with Covid impacting the number of visitors, the place was mobbed with tourists. We even had to stand in line to get into the village's tiny grocery store. I can only imagine the number of folks there now. That said, it is a pretty place, especially at night when the day trippers depart. There is a small beach and lots of folks were in the water. Maybe it was because of the crowds, but Cinque Terra was our least favorite stop in Italy.

Thanks for the affirmation. I feared I would get a lot of push-back from dressage riders for my post, but felt I needed to give a j'heads up" to others who may feel as I do.

Where is the cruise shuttle to Anchorage dropping you off? Downtown? the Airport? If downtown, my husband and I stayed at the Anchorage Comfort Inn at Ship Creek which provided a free airport shuttle. I can't imagine they would do that for 10 people however, if you rented one room. The Anchorage Museum was an easy walk from the Comfort Inn and we found that fascinating. I think that would be something a big group would enjoy Maybe you could call the Inn, explain your situation, pay for one room and just use the room for luggage. The group could hang out in their lounge, explore Anchorage by foot and then get your own transportation to the airport..

Having been on many cruises (probably 2X per year) over the past thirty years. The one time I got sick was a year ago on a 10 day Caribbean cruise when I came down with Covid....despite being vaccinated and boosted. Plus, at that time, everyone onboard had to be vaccinated too. Started feeling like a cold was coming on the last night onboard. Stayed in my cabin, disembarked and masked until I got home and tested just to make sure. Shocked to get a positive result since, thanks to the vaccines, I never got really sick. However, now that my usual cruise lines have dropped all Covid requirements, I think I will sit this next year out. So, judging by my experience, yes... you are now more likely to get sick onboard a cruise ship.

Agree that most independent excursions will be already full. However, in Juneau you can easily purchase bus tickets near the pier to visit Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center and walk to Nugget Falls. If you have a National Park pass, use it to access the special viewing rooms in the visitor center. In Skagway, take public bus and hop off at the train depot where you can walk to Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls. The Klondike Gold Rush NHP in town also gives a nice walking tour, but you need to sign up in advance. We hopped off the ship in the morning, signed up for an afternoon walking tour before heading to the Cemetery and falls.

My husband and I are in our mid-seventies and can assure you that getting around by train in Italy is easy and we don't speak any Italian The only tricky part is when your train is arriving from some other station, the main schedule board won't post which track platform until, at best, 15 minutes ahead of the train's departure time. You will see lots of folks in the station staring up at the main board when it gets within 20 minutes of their departure

My husband and I have traveled on our own to Vienna twice (6 days in total) and visited the Spanish Riding School when they were having a practice session. I am assuming folks know that this is dressage riding the horses are doing. The arena is lovely, complete with chandeliers. But as a former rider myself with a grandaughter who has taken lessons for years, I still have to admit that dressage is boring to watch. I know dressage takes a lot of practice and control, but after half an hour watching these very slow precise movements of horses and riders, while trying to peer over the crowds of visitors, we were ready to leave. Just saying...you of course may have a different opinion.

Depends on what time your flight is. If staying in old town, I would allow 4 hours before flight leaves to get to airport and check in. (I usually try to arrive 3 hrs early for international flights). If this is not feasible, stay near the airport.

Our 4th cruise with Vantage is coming up. No casinos and the only difference I can tell between Vantage and Viking is that the latter serves free alcohol at both lunch and dinner while Vantage does only at dinner. I have been loyal to Vantage since 2014 on our Black Sea cruise as it was the ONLY cruise line that didn't cancel that itinerary after Russia annexed the Crimea.

Three years might work if I were so impaired that the alternative would be a nursing home. Once we saw a very elderly and frail woman, who resided on the ship. She got room service for her meals and enjoyed sitting on her balcony when the weather was nice. Not a bad way to go if you have the money for it.

Interesting comments. I like our loyalty perks on several lines but primarily book for ports. I must admit I always check to see how many other ships will be there on the same dates. Incidentally, I also check for number of ships in a port when we travel independently on land. I once planned our whole week-long trip to Croatia around the one day when no cruise ships were in Dubrovnik.

My first cruise was a 20th anniversary surprise gift from my husband thirty seven years ago. On this round-trip sailing from NYC to Bermuda the seas were rough and I got so sea-sick it took 10 years for him to get me back on a ship. So glad he did as I now love cruising (even though I still require dramamine at times). I've lost count of how any cruises we have taken, not only on our own, but with kids, parents, grandkids and friends, all of which have significantly enhanced our lives.

For the last 30 years of cruises and traveling independently through multiple countries and entrance inspections I have only brought my plastic pill organizer. Not once has anyone anywhere challenged me. I can't imagine that any cruise line would hassle you. I do take a list of my medications and dosages in the remote case I should ever need to purchase more when abroad.

Sometimes you can do the best research possible and still encounter problems. Years ago my husband and I signed up on a roll call with a family of three for the five of us to explore part of southern Italian port stop. (I'm not going to be more specific in case they recognize themselves in this post).When we got onboard, we learned that this family had (without ever telling us) signed up another 18 folks and rented a bus. I should have backed out then, but foolishly continued on with this greatly enlarged group. Turned out they were all very boisterous, sharing photos and with continuous talking so loud that the guide on our bus finally gave up trying to impart any information on the tour. Days later we attended a captain's party where we could barely hear his comments because of so much noisy conversation in the background. Turned out it was this same group of folks. It took us quite awhile to sign up for any more tours with strangers.

My husband and I often travel independently. throughout the world. If the vendor is asking a reasonable price for something I really want, I pay. If not, I haggle but you need to keep the conversation pleasant and be non-confrontational. I always learn a few words of the local language and start by greeting him in that language. Then I switch to English and praise the merchandise, but say it is above my current budget and could he do better? If I like the new price, I pay. If not, leave with a regretful expression which often lowers the price to one I want. (I do this in the USA too at flea markets, estate sales etc.) My solution to hiring taxis for a local tour is to ask someone at the front desk in our hotel (whom I tip) what is a reasonable price to pay for the tour I have in mind and have them write it down on a piece of paper in both local language and currency. Then I go where there is a line of licensed cabs waiting, see if the driver speaks English, and show them my slip of paper. We always pay after the tour is completed and tip generously too if the driver makes a special effort. This has worked for us for years, even in third world countries. One disclaimer: I do ask the hotel to call for a cab if timing is imperative such as getting to the airport or we need it late at night.

Do you like museums? We do and The Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteck, which was easily accessible by bus, remains one of our favorites.

The first time my husband and I went to Water Island was years ago and the ferry was almost empty even with a cruise-ship in port. At that time, there were no eating facilities or rental equipment at Honeymoon Beach, on Water Island. We brought our own snorkel equipment and the snorkeling, while nothing spectacular, was OK especially near the rocks.The other time we went was on a ship snorkel excursion this past March. Honeymoon Beach now boasted an big outdoor bar, and lots of other tourists. The weather was rainy so most of them were huddled underneath the bar shelter. Those of us in the water were thrilled to observe at least 4 huge sea turtles swimming about. They were totally fearless and would come up for air right in the middle of small groups of excited viewers floating above. Then the turtles would submerge and continue placidly feeding on the grassy bottom. Very exciting and something we had never seen before or since.

It's been awhile but my husband and I used Spenser Ambrose tour to Jalousie Beach which also included quick stops at points of interest along the way and a nice lunch grilled on the beach (along with rum and beer). Very pleased.

Five of us booked a van with Bernard's tours last March. We presented our driver (Action Jackson) with our own 'must sees" and he delivered them in spades! Highly recommend.

Funny story. I too am shy and at the Myvatn Nature Baths felt uncomfortable about the shower (even though it was all female). Just then a drop-dead gorgeous nude young woman strutted into the showers and I totally relaxed, knowing for sure that nobody would be looking at me.

My husband and I went with Island Wings with owner/pilot Michele in Sept 2014. It was my first float plane trip and so smooth I hardly even felt the touchdown when landing. No issues at all with nausea etc. (Last year I went on several small safari bush planes while in Africa and although the weather was good, I could definitely feel a difference). When in Alaska, we chose Island Wing's Traitors Cove tour to see bears catching salmon and it was a fabulous experience. Viewing platform schedules were limited and enforced by onsite volunteers with only 12 folks at a time allowed at the viewing platform the whole time we were there.

Of course there are things to do at the ports that don't cost much money. My husband and I also try to watch our spending, but if a place has an attraction that we really want to see, we will spend the money to do so. You don't have to go on the pricey ship's excursions...many of us use private vendors. Check out your cruise roll call, often someone there is organizing an excursion where you can share costs. Prior to visiting Barbados, we joined up with another couple for a half day tour of the island. The trick is to communicate candidly with these folks and make sure you all want to see the same things. For example, for the Barbados tour, when this particular couple indicated they wanted to focus on things of natural beauty and were NOT interested in 'shopping opportunities' or bar hopping we quickly signed on.

My husband and I have stayed twice (6 days total) at Hotel Karntnerhof in Vienna, Grasofgasse 4. We weren't part of a cruise then, so not sure of its location to the port or to the Christmas markets. Not that expensive (for Vienna), quiet and a short walk to the cathedral and historical areas Rooms are clean, although rather compact and the beds comfortable. The staff is wonderful and they have a open rooftop area open for guests with shaded seating where we always enjoyed our pre-dinner wine.

Now that is impressive! Maybe YOU should be a travel agent.