mrspaper

Thank you everyone for the very nice and kind remarks. Sorry for my delay in responding! I have not been on the boards in a while. Yes, I am still planning on doing a honeymoon review :D:D:D The husband and I might have a very, very big move coming up. Would be a drastic change for us! That has us pretty preoccupied.

 

Due to this move we might have to cancel our May 2015 Eastern Med. cruise :( Just waiting for a final/official word on the new job. As my dad said, Europe will always be there! This job opportunity might be a once in a lifetime thing so we are going for it!

 

Thank you all again!

 

Ashley :)

Good luck Ashley.

May we meet again!

How are your corning bowls looking??

Linda

Right now looking at 4-5 nights but didn't want the extra expense of renting a car.

 

Might do a tour that takes us to South shore & waterfalls and the South East- Skaftafell Nat Park plus Westman Islands but still exploring ways to save since I have points for hotel nights in Reykjavik.

A car is expensive to rent in Iceland, but the tours are even way more costly. You will save money by car rental and enjoy yourself better, by stopping when and where you want

I just got back on Friday and had a hotdog everyday for the 4 days we spent in the city. They take cards. That's what we used. enjoy!!!!

Thanks for that piece of info

I just want to add my 3 Euro Cents and support those who say that you do not want to have a car in London or Paris (or Rome). We certainly love to drive in Europe and do it a lot (currently spending a month driving around France and possibly Switzerland) and we actually picked up our rental car while in Paris. But within 10 min we were well on our way outside of Paris :). I could write a book on why you do not want to drive in those cities (special limited driving zones, parking problems, traffic nightmares, etc) but just take our word for it :).

 

Hank

I did the same, picked up the car in Paris and headed south with it.

You can always add your 3 cents, you are the OP

Your thread was resurrected.

Hmmm.?? They show up ok for me. I will check the permissions- thanks

I am able to see them. Wonderful

UK has it's own money, everyone else is on the euro

Since you haven't been to Europe before, I'd focus on one country. Unless you're spending a month or so, there's so much to see in each country.

Where does your cruise leave from? Where does it disembark? Maybe a few of us can recommend places to go, nearer to your ports

Is Naples a stop on your cruise? If so, I highly recommend seesorrento dot com

Have you signed up on your ships roll call? I'm sure you can join others in tours.

I agree with not driving in Amalfi. We were in car with a guide, and his mirror got sideswiped, he said it's a usual occurrence.

Paris, they drive like nuts in the city, public transport is the way to go, unless you plan to take the car outside Paris. When in a big city, public transport is always the way to go, and parking is expensive. In Paris, they park all over the sidewalks down the side streets.

Thanx for the response MrsPaper! I've heard that Barcelona is a favorite of many! So, are the hotels really all that expensive? What's on your list of things not to miss there? Anything you can tell me is appreciated! :)

I've spent more than a week there over 2 trips and not seen everything. At the top of the list are Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and several of Gaudi houses. La Bouquet Bouqueria- is also great.

Thank you for the post! We, like you, don't normally do 'ship excursions' mostly because as you said, we enjoy doing what we want at our own pace. ;) I always research wherever it is we are going and plan from there. However, we've never done a Mediterranean Cruise before ... never been to Europe! We just booked the Allure for a 5 night cruise in May of 2015 with stops in Rome and Naples, leaving from Barcelona. It's a bit overwhelming to be sure and I have a million questions! My husband is thinking since it's only 5 days instead of the 7 we're used to, that we should 'expand' on our trip. His thought is that we fly into Heathrow, rent a car and do some things in London. Then take the ferry across the Channel to France (with the car) and maybe spend a night in Paris. After that, drop the car (if you can do that in Europe?) and take the train to Barcelona. We thought we'd then spend maybe two days in Barcelona before boarding the cruise and again the night we return before flying back to the US the next day. Does this sound a little 'over zealous' or doable? I've been looking at hotels in Barcelona but aside from the fact that it's so far out, I can't get any definite prices, but ball park seems quite high ... same goes for airfare. Are all the hotels $300-400/night? I mean I like nice, but that's a little steep. Also, we've been watching videos of the Ports and wondering if it's possible to rent a car in Naples, drive the Amalfi Coast and also take the ferry to Capri? We dock at 7:00 a.m. and leave at 8:00 p.m. Would there be enough time or is it too much? I hope you're still monitoring here and see this because we're really excited about this and there is so much to learn and plan! :eek: I can certainly use advice and suggestions! Thanx in advance! :)

Glad you brought this thread back to life

I can't answer all your questions, but you're going so far and it's your first time in Europe, ABSOLUTELY spend more time. Barcelona is an all time favorite city of mine

Hi Folks,

 

I live in St. John's and can give you some advice. The irish Lop, while beautiful is probably too much for one day, it is 6 or more hours of steady driving without counting time for stops.

 

There are 2 ways I would suggest you see the area depending on your interests, the first is if you are interested in history and the second in the outdoors and scenery.

 

There is an abundance of history here with skirmishes between the British and French from the early 1600's. This run would include Signal Hill at the entrance to the harbour, don't miss the visitor centre and The Battery at the base of the hill.

 

From there start your southern shore run at Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America and take Maddox Cove Rd on to Petty Harbour. Have a late lunch at Chafe's Landing and head back to town for our visit to the Rooms. The Rooms Museum in the middle of town houses an art gallery as well as the museum.

 

If you are more of an outdoors type I would still drop by Signal Hill to have a great view of the city. There are great short hikes around the hill, they can tell you at the visitor centre.

 

Next head to Cape Spear and on the Chafe's Landing. After lunch continue up the shore to Bay Bulls. If the birds are still in, don't worry about the whales and go on one of the boat tours, either O'Brien's or Gatheralls. they take you to the world's largest puffin colony and you will see many other birds as well. It is really worth it.

 

If you skip the boat tour you would have time to go to Ferryland where there is an archeology dig going on of the Mansion and colony of Avalon. Lord Baltimore and his wife Mary lived here before going on to found...you guessed is, Baltimore, Maryland.

 

Turn around at Ferryland and head back to town. You have about and hour and 15 minutes drive back to your ship.

 

The best place to pick up a car is actually the airport. It is a $15 cab ride but they may do a drop off for you if you are a preferred renter with one of the rental companies. All the big ones are here, and yes, rental cars do sell out here all the time so book in advance. Cancel if you need to.

 

Have a wonderful time here. We were our own country until 1949; the place is unique both culturally and geographically. If you want to see where you are coming to in a fun way, look for the TV program Republic of Doyle on line and watch an episode or two. The city is the big star, but if you watch the last episode of season 4, you might catch a glimpse of my husband and I, we were extras that episode ;)

 

Margaret

 

Ps Ask any other questions you like.

thanks for the advice. I am printing it and taking it with me

In Sept, it's not advantageous to try to see the Puffin colony, is it?

It has been recommended we can walk around the city and cab it to Signal hill. Does that sound good, or do you recommend a car to get around for the day?

Ashley thank you so much for such an amazing review. I clicked on the link with your posts in "Post a Picture of Your Dress" and for the past 3 days have done nothing while online but read your review. Until now I'd never given too much thought of going on a Med. Cruise, but after your review it's now on my bucket list. I do coffee table books of all of the cruises we do, just about as detailed as your review here. It was so much fun to get to read some else's long review! Congratulations! You were a beautiful bride and are a beautiful person in general. Can't wait for your honeymoon review!!

I can't top Ashley's trip or enthusiasm, but the med is my favorite. Done about 35 cruises and med still tops my list. Did it 2x

Hello,

 

We will be in the Reykjavik for two nights this summer. Is it better to purchase Krona at the airport or in Reykjavik? What should we look for as a place to exchange currency? Should we change dollars to krona or use a credit card? Thanks in advance.

I used my charge card almost everywhere in Iceland. I think I cashed in $20 at the airport and had cash left to come home with. I have a charge card that doesn't change exchange fees

I always use an ATM to get the best rates. (there was a machine right by the luggage carousel, if it's still there). I travel with 2 ATM cards that have no fees attached. I carry two, since I had a problem in Europe and it went to the fraud unit (even tho' I told them in every imaginable way that I'd be out of the country). It took 2 countries and over $400 in phone bills (that the bank reimbursed me for), to get it straightened out. On that trip, I only had 1 ATM card and had to borrow money until I got it straightened out.

Hello,

We will be in Reykjavik for 2 full days/nights on our way to catch a cruise that will bring us back to Reykjavik for a shore excursion day. We will also have a ship day in Akureyi & Isafjordur.

 

To make the most of our times in the Reykjavik area, I thought to do a Golden Circle tour on the first day, and maybe a South Coast tour on the second day. Then on the ship day, explore the city area, either via tour, HoHo or Segway. (I agree that with all else there is to see, the Blue Lagoon would be like a visit to a spa.)

 

My questions:

1. Does my above plan show us what we "should" see in the time available? Suggestions?

2. After the Golden Circle tour, what other tour would be the next tour that we "should" we do next. Should we go north or south?

3. I've researched the various tour companies on CC & TripAdvisor. Are there any tour companies that anyone can strongly recommend?

4. What are the must sees in the Reykjavik city area? What is the best way to see the city?

 

Many thanks in advance.

We're with you, that one day back in Reyjkavik

I can't answer all your questions, but I would rent a car while you are there. It's must more cost effective than a tour of the Golden Circle, etc. It's easy to get around and you can rent a GPS with the car.

Personally, since you have time, I wouldn't miss the Blue Lagoon. Such a relaxing day, although it's not cheap. We spent about 4 hours there and wish we had set aside more time in the day

The city itself is easy to walk around, without a car. Very compact.

The Golden Circle takes the most time, so definitely good to do while you are there the first time.

We are doing a 10 day tour of Iceland in May and was wondering if they have good old brewed coffee like in the US. Can anyone advise. I don't like Cappachinos (spelled wrong probably) or iced coffee. Want good old brewed coffee.

someone else may be better versed at this answer. If I recall, at the hotel, we had packets of nescafe type coffee. Not sure if all hotels do this

Just returned from the Vision of the Seas - used my friend Mario for transfer from Panama City to colon. Very disappointed. They sent a guy the did not speak any English and sent us incorrect info. I realize they don't speak English there but since all of my correspondence to them was in English, I assumed the guy would at least be able to understand us. Also, when we got to the port, he did not have the proper documentation to get through the gates and was being questioned by the local police. We finally got in but don't know how he did it.

That's a shame. The guide we had used to be a teacher and he was great. The tour was the highlight of our trip

I would like to contact Woody to set up an excursion, but not sure how to go about it, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Easiest way is to message him on Facebook

Woody.dominica

If you google woody of Dominica, some links will pull up

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I will give it a try :)

We will be renting a 4 wheel drive when we arrive via cruise ship at 8am.

Is it possible to drive the Golden Circle and do the Blue Lagoon for a few hours before we have to be back on the ship by 5pm?

Thanks!

I think it's cutting it close. Let's see what others say.

Golden Circle takes several hours

Maybe it's possible to only do part of the circle and turn around

While you are driving the Irish Loop, be sure to check out some traditional Newfoundland ( Newfie ) dining. For those of us who have visited Newfoundland or with a Newfie connection, such dishes as Fish and Brewis or Flipper Pie are things of legend. The Island has a unique tradition in the area of food. Here are a couple of links to wet your appetite.

http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/thingstodo/fooddining

http://www.encounternewfoundland.com/traditional-newfoundland-food-unique-island-dishes-and-where-to-find-them

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Cuisine_of_Newfoundland_and_Labrador

you're terrific

thanks

Signal hill is high above the harbour entrance. The ships entering St. John's sail right under its tower. If you are on the starboard side when sailing in, look up, way up. If you rent a car, you can visit Signal Hill about 5 mins later.

 

http://comerfords.e.tripod.com/signalhill.html

great link

What you do may be very weather dependent. We were there for four days last September and had sun, fog, rain, wind - in various combinations. So, have a plan-B if the weather is poor.

 

If you go to Signal Hill, you will notice the Johnson Geo Center on your left just before you arrive at the parking area. We stopped on our way down, and were shocked at the admission price for the four of us, but we reluctantly paid and found one of the best things we visited. If you have any interest in geology, the Titanic, off shore oil industry etc do not miss the opportunity. It is a case of sensory overload, as there is so much to absorb.

 

The Rooms houses a museum and art gallery as well as an archive - they have an excellent restaurant with a great view over St. John's, if the weather cooperates.

Sounds good. Do you know off-hand if Signal Hill is on the Irish Loop?

BTW, the capital of Newfoundland is St. John's not St. John.

I remember an acquaintance who got quite upset if anyone forgot the "'s".

thanks for the lesson

I took a look at the scenic drives suggestions and if it were me….. I would choose the Irish loop. Depending on a few factors, you may not be able to get all the way around the loop. As I have mentioned we have been to Bay Bulls which is on the loop. It is a lovely area.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g154962-i754-k2911962-How_much_time_to_drive_and_see_the_Irish_Loop-Newfoundland_and_Labrador.html

Good suggestion from someone who has been there

In Sept, not sure if whales will be in abundance. I've done whale watching, and seen plenty from my ship in Alaska, so it wouldn't be my primary choice.

I appreciate your taking the time to give me some helpful info

I have not been yet

We are going next year maybe someone who has been there before will post

 

Enjoy[/quote

 

I hope so

I am looking at car rentals. What is the closest place to rent a car to the port

It depends on your interests

Signal Hill, Cape Spear

lots of history there

 

Here is a site with some thing to do & see there

http://www.stjohns.ca/visiting-our-city/things-do

http://www.trailcanada.com/newfoundland_labrador/st_johns/

Thanks

Great links

Looks like a good place to rent a car

From the port, what loops do you suggest we do

I have no idea how far driving is from one place to another

do you have a suggested route we should do