ollienbertsmum

Sorry I had not attached successfully.  
 

So here are our November pics of Ile StM.  Along with one of DH trying to get through some brambles that were in our path, it was not as difficult as it looks on the photo.  We got through.  So pleasant but not spectacular scenery.  It would look better with a blue sky.  
 

Compare the July pics.  The day was so windy that the NCL ship that was beside us did not attempt to go ashore in the tenders.  There is also lots of expensive yachts, going up to the old town and the free public beach by the film festival venue. 
 

I can’t immediately find any other pictures.    I liked Cannes more than the pictures show😊

On 5/6/2024 at 4:27 AM, dancedemon said:

Hi.  We will be docking in Cannes in October 2025.  Could you describe the day trip to St. M?  How did you decide on that island?  Was there enough to keep you busy all day there?  By any chance did you see any wildlife?  We are nature people and really love walks.  Thanks!

hi

This was our third trip to Cannes, We decided on st M Because we knew the ferry station was right beside where the tender stop. We’ve had a couple of long days and really wanted a relaxing day so we knew this would take about four hours in total. It was lovely. I’ll attach a few photos, including one of where the road suddenly came to a halt because it had brambles all over it.  That was a bit of an adventure.  
 

In your case you may well do better to do the train trip to Antibes (or similar) as mentioned by the previous poster. I think it would be a pity to miss Cannes completely, which you would do it if you just went out to one of the islands.  

And don’t forget to appreciate the sail in to Malta - one of the most impressive ports. 

21 hours ago, megr1125 said:

Dubrovnik is easy to do solo.  I did do a short, 90ish minute tour when I was there the first time.  Last year, I think I took just a cab to the square and had brunch.

In Kotor, I did a short Tuk Tuk Tour which wasn't expensive, also not too long, and kind of fun.

On our second trip to Dubrovnik we got the cable car up to see the views.  I’m pretty sure that you could do the walls then walk round to the cable car station- although there was a wait.  I’m pretty sure that a taxi from the port was as cheap as a shuttle.  You could perhaps take a taxi straight to cable car station.  Great views.  Then walk back to the walls.  
 

It is important to get kids involved with planning, especially because DIY always means getting out early.  If they have stayed up late having met new friends in the kids club, early mornings to places they are not invested in can result in grumpy faces.  Or just accept that kids just don’t appreciate travel.  What we think of as an interesting canal cruise of X turns into the opportunity for a nap to the kids.  Mine were polite but just did not get how fortunate they were for travel opportunities as teenagers.  As soon as they hit their twenties they have really taken off and have passport stamps that I could have only dreamed of when I was their age.  

On 5/11/2024 at 4:05 AM, Mymzik said:

I am trying to solve the same issue:  will be disembarking in Trieste from a cruise ship, then going to Centauro hotel  in Venice. Flying out of Venice the next day. Will handle luggage easily, so, walking is not a problem. Lookig for reccomedations for reasonably triced transportation options from Trieste  to Venice (Centauro) and from Venice (Centauro) to the Airport. Wouldn't mind to look into something scenic or something that includes a tour in Venice.

To be honest you are probably going to be best going directly to Venice  - so much to see and you have only a short time there.  I looked at your hotel on Google maps.  Looks like your easiest bet would be to get off the train and get a water bus ( vaporetto) to the Rialto stop and it is a short walk away.  You will enjoy the canal journey if you are not jam packed.  It could be that if the bus gets you in that much earlier, then it is worth the extra step from the people mover.  
 

It might be nice to repeat the  route at night.  I did it at 8:30 am on a Sunday morning accompanied by a Rick Steves audio guide and it was great.  Rick also had a great guide for St Marks Square.  I sat in the shade and listened while taking it all in.  
 

if you want to go inside the Basilica and Doges palace I would book for first thing in the next morning.  Do you need a guide for Venice - no because you cannot get lost - but see photo for what did happen to me.  I had to walk back to the hotel with only half a sole.  

18 hours ago, Milhouse said:

We'll be stopping in Malaga this September (my first time but the missus' second) and are planning to stay in town to explore.  

 

El Pimpi keeps coming up as a popular place to grab a bite but reviews really seem polarized.  Some reviews say the food is fantastic and affordable with a great atmosphere.  Other reviews say it's a tourist trap, the food mediocre and overpriced, and a poor experience (overcrowded, ignored by staff, bumping into your chair, etc).  I don't mind a well known touristy place but it has to be a good experience.  

 

Looking for thoughts, reviews, and tips for getting a good experience (eg time to visit, what to order, where to sit, etc) from anyone that has eaten here.  Thx!

 

I went to Malaga with DD and her boyfriend they live about an hour away, they were dropping me off at the airport for an early evening flight.  Malaga was mega busy as it was Palm Sunday.  It was late lunch time so a busy time in Spain.  Boyfriend who goes to Malaga a lot suggested El Pimpi.  There were tables inside so we were happy.  
 

I just checked the bill and saw that it was not cheap at €25 per head - probably just two alcoholic drinks in that, but we enjoyed.  I kept their card because I thought I would want to return.  
 

So I would say if you are there at a weekend, book ahead if you are specific about eating outside.  Don’t expect it to be cheap.  
 

I don’t think I saw anyone there that looked like a ‘tourist’, mostly families (who could have been staying in Malaga for Holy Week so could have fitted the definition of tourist).  
 

I cannot recall what we ate and sadly I didn’t take photos.  I know that it was tasty. 

I checked out the hotel on Google maps.  Great reviews, great location and lots of restaurants around. 
 

I do have to add that I have stayed in bcn pre cruise 7 times.  I stayed in a different location each time.  All locations were great because the city is so accessible.  

23 hours ago, marazul said:

If you must, pick Valencia.  The water is always cold in Malaga. Don't waste your time in Barcelona going to the beach.

This is what I was going to say.  
 

Also when we cruised midsummer we always carried swimwear and one of those small sport towels.  We found a place to swim in most ports.

On 3/30/2024 at 2:28 PM, MajSteve said:

Going to be in Gibraltar on 16 April. The ship indicates docking at 10:00 am. (I realize that this is "flexible" to say the least!) Anyway, in my research, most folks say it is about a 30–40-minute walk to the cable station terminal from the cruise dock. I'm a good walker, so is this fairly accurate? Or would it be smarter to take the bus from North Mole Road as mentioned by Zana711 above in order to get to the cable station? Then I could always walk back to the cruise port to see downtown. (The bus fares are cheaper than a heart attack!) Thanks for the advice. 

You have already had your trip.  I hope that you had a good day even though the weather was a bit dodgy across the region.  For the benefit of others I would say that it is easily walkable from ship to cable car if you are a regular walker.  
 

The 2, 3, 4, 9 and 5/10 all go to the cable  car station.  I often walk by after visiting Alameda gardens with my nephew and notice the queues.  They can be longgg.  I recommend getting out there early.  

On 4/14/2024 at 5:48 PM, HMSDingy said:

Thanks. We've booked an excursion in Gibraltar for which I will pay the exact amount with no change coming my way and will do any sort of shopping in plastic. 

In Gibraltar you can use euro to pay for items such as ice creams.  Not recommended for larger items because the exchange rate a business would offer you is definitely not in the shopper’s favor.  
 

However there are very few places that won’t accept plastic.  Even a place I occasionally buy coffee from, only £1.50, will take a card.  
 

It is acceptable to ask businesses for change in sterling - we all know the issue of not being able to use local currency outside Gibraltar.
 

Enjoy your port stop in Gibraltar.

15 minutes ago, alserrod said:

 

 

 

OK broken engine and so on but..... bad weather in Malaga???

Ok so I am a very cautious person, and I was thinking how you can be late in due to bad weather during the last night of the cruise.  Storms are not completely unheard of in the area.  Last  month my plane (different to a ship I know) was diverted from Malaga to Seville due to poor visibility.  
 

Does this help.  I was looking for beach photos but didn’t see any.  It is a strange picture because it looks like the ship is on a car park.  It is 2012 so things could have changed.  We were just about to sail away, no idea what I was trying to capture in the photo.  

On 4/2/2024 at 11:36 AM, orla56 said:

Thank you Edinburgher and Zana 711 for your very helpful replies.

My husband has Parkinsons and thought a hoho would have been easier for him as sometimes his mobility isn't so good.

I really want to see the Arts and Science area as I had seen it on tv.

Its funny when I have seen it  I thought for some reason it would be in the city near the beach 🤦🏻‍♀️.We will get either the bus or a taxi to there and see how we get on for time to visit the beach or the old town.

Could you tell me when you are coming off the ship at the port do you go into a  terminal suitable for a wheelchair or is it just like a gangplank you walk off.

Thanks again for your helpful information.

We went a few years ago.   We took the shuttle to the old town - I wanted to visit la lonja de seda (worth it) then we took a public bus to the beach.  It was a Sunday in the middle of summer, it was easy to see which buses were beach bound.  I recall being really impressed by the beach.  I’m not a big fan of the pool deck on a cruise ship, it was nice to get cool with room to breathe.  

We have done it easily.  This was on a cruise that called into Schengen ports only.  I would want a plan B in case of bad weather, engine trouble or any of the other causes of delay.  I can’t go anywhere without a Plan B though. 

I’m not sure that I do know what French people are like.  I googled it and apparently they are famous for food, wine, love, art and fashion.  Sounds a good basis for a cruise.  

1 hour ago, afdds said:

 If I understand correctly,  You took the train station Santa Lucia back to the ship?  Did you have to make any connections?  Is there only the one station to get off at in Trieste.  Was there restrooms on the train?  I'm sorry for all theses question.  I'm trying to figure out if I want to book with Holland American in July 2025.  They have an overnight stop in Trieste.  The day tour is $319 each.  Im thinking I would rather spend that money on a hotel.  Thank you for the help.

To be honest you still have a whole year to go.  I think the route and options for Venice to Trieste are getting better.  We did fine taking the train from Bologna to Trieste and Airbnb the day before embarking and then using FlixBus to Venice for our return.  That was a year ago and I think it is getting to be a road more well traveled.  
 

So you have this season to keep on reading reviews and blogs.  Make that your summer homework.  You have time to make decisions during the winter 

You have not said when you are taking the cruise, that makes a great deal of difference - from my experience small children work better in the cooler weather.  If you are going during summer months then you can find some good beaches in Barcelona, Cadiz (brilliant beaches), and Cannes where a short walk from tender drop off is a public beach.  OR a short ferry to Ile Saint Marguerite for walks or beaches could make a great day out.  Just take swimwear and towels (I always carry those small towels you can get from sports shops) because you might come across the possibility of bathing when you don’t expect it.
 

I am sure that there must be some great play parks around these cities too.   I agree that you would be best to avoid long treks like to Florence, but difficult to advise without knowing if this is 1. A once in a lifetime trip to Europe with kids in tow or 2.  A great cruise where we want to find things for the kids to do during the day.  
 

Does that make sense? The two cruises require different approaches.  I have done both - and version 2 worked out better. 
 

13 hours ago, Anyislandwilldo said:

We are 4 ladies, all from different families and when we go out to eat in Italy or Greece, looking for advice on how to pay our share of the bill.  We really don't want everyone to bring along cash or have to ask the server to write 4 separate checks.  Has anyone else any experience with this situation?  TIA

Now that so many people pay by card splitting the bill is much easier.  In November on a trip with three other ladies, one used her card and we all sent her money to cover expenses of the trip.  When we go out at home we will divide the tip and bill by the number of people and all pay that.  The waiter goes around the table taking cash or uses the card machine.  Perhaps it takes a few minutes longer than if one person pays - but they are used to it.  It is how people go out to eat in digital times.  

1 minute ago, alserrod said:

I am preparing my DIY at Cannes with my family.

 

Plans are to have late breakfast and not to be the first to have a tender. I expect not having problems with queues for tender.

 

Walking around
- Port
- Rue de Saint Antoine and Rue du Suquet
- Trav de la Tour until church and Cannes castle (in this way we will cross Le Suquet without big slopes
- walk down to the port
- Forville Market
- and going to La Croisette

and hope to arrive back to the ship for lunch.

 

I have surfed... may we do not want to walk back to the ship, there's a bus along La Croisette every 15 minutes to the ship
 

Your day sounds pretty much like our first day trip to Cannes.  It was really enjoyable and a relaxing day after a couple of long port days.  Don’t miss the handprints of famous people in front of the film festival building. 

On 4/14/2024 at 3:09 PM, mlmdaisy said:

I can sometimes do without a scopolamine patch if currents aren't too strong.  This next cruise is new territory for me, so I don't know if I need the Rx.

 

We'll be on a small ship/ yacht during the first half of May.  The cruise is RT Barcelona, spanning the coast between Peniscola and Sete, deviating out to Menorca and Mallorca. 

 

Can anyone suggest how strong the currents might be?  At first I assuming calm waters since we're pretty much hugging the coast, but I have no experience in the Mediterranean.  Thanks!  

The Med has not given us much of a problem in our 8 cruises - unless there has been a storm.  We have been in big ships though.   I think your best advice would come from the company running the cruise - or the crew itself.  Why don’t you take the prescription anyway and ask for advice when you are on board 

On 4/14/2024 at 10:39 PM, Joan18 said:

We are planning for our 20th wedding anniversary Mediterranean cruise in November of this year.

 

We have the port of Cannes on our itinerary. The NCL website really does not give much information on reviews. Ugh. This is a big dream for us. We never took a honeymoon, and would really like to make best choice in each port.

 

We are set on take a ship tour. But not sure which one.

 

I was looking at Highlights of Nice or Nice & Eze view.

 

Originally - we were considering the Monte Carlo tour - but I read many reviews that it was more for gamblers.

 

TIA for your help.

 

J

We have always done our own thing in Cannes.  We actually spent our 30th Wedding Anniversary (like you we never had a honeymoon) at Cannes.  We had been a couple of times before and had enjoyed just walking around for the atmosphere - expensive cars, views, buying a croissant using schoolgirl French, Le suquet, swimming from the public beach -(in summer) but as this was in November we decided to go on a ferry to St Marguerite a little island that offered nice walks.  We had a lovely day.  
 

I always say ‘next time Monaco’ but in reality I think we would likely have a more enjoyable day taking the train to Nice.

You want to do a ship tour I think so you have different considerations to me, in your case I think I would want to include Eze view with Nice.  I hope that the weather is kind to you during the cruise - we have had several in November and I find it much more comfortable walking around than July.  You do risk a storm though. 

With a bit of research you can do some good diy days in these ports.  Check out the ports on google maps as you may prefer to get a shuttle to the town Centres.  I think you will be stopping in Cadiz not Seville - it is a lovely city with lots to see.   Without knowing your preferences it is difficult to know what to suggest

Just left the cold rainy uk that Graham has described.  On my way home after a trip to see my 95 yr old parents.  Trip was extended because my dad had a fall getting into bed while I was there.  The broken bone will heal but he is struggling to sit up - his blood pressure keeps falling.  My sister is taking over getting mum too and from the hospital.  
 

I left early this morning on a plane headed for Malaga where my car has been waiting for me.  There was fog over the airport in Malaga so we were diverted.  Now I am sitting on the plane at the airport in Seville.  Ironically I have been planning a trip here for months.  
 

look how interesting it looks

On 1/28/2024 at 6:27 PM, donnajoy said:

Looking for 1-3 hour wheelchair accessible tour with very little walking for my parents for the following: Santorini Aug 13 after 2 pm 

Ephesus Aug 14 after 10 am

Mykonos Aug 15 after 10 am 

Naples Aug 17 after 10 am
 

any advice would be great! 

It will be hot in August, so you have to factor that in to your accessibility search.  
 

I would say that Santorini will be hard. It may well be that the cable car is accessible - but even when you get up to the town, we were met with a wall of people (Sept 2019).

In Mykonos we berthed out of town.  There was a boat taxi into town, can’t recall how accessible it was.  There was also a nice beach the other side.  A shortish walk and probably a pleasant way to pass the time ashore.  Mykonos is an island for fun.  

On 1/30/2024 at 1:06 AM, new_cruiser said:

Falling short by $158 isn't bad. If you go for a policy with higher limits, it's likely that the policy will cost more. When buying insurance, I'm most concerned about it covering the big open ended costs - emergency flights home, medical costs (if not covered internationally by your regular medical insurance), loss of all or most of the trip cost. Over the years of traveling, I'm probably ahead even if I had to pay for a few high season hotel nights.

 I agree 100%.