AJ28

Well, there's a funny story about how we got tickets for the bus. We got directions to the bus stop from the Tourist Information kiosk but were not told about buying the tickets in advance.

 

We found the bus stop easily and stood waiting (we had half an hour to wait). While waiting we started chatting to an Australian couple who were also visiting Tarquina. A couple of buses pulled up and people got on and we noticed that they didn't pay the driver but had little tickets.

 

We asked another local standing nearby if we needed tickets and were told yes, we could get them from a shop but it was too complicated to explain where. :confused:

 

At this time we had ten minutes until our bus arrived so my husband and the other husband went looking for a shop. In the past we have bought tickets from tobacconists near train or bus stations with no problem and we thought it would be easy to find one by the bus stop. No, it wasn't and both husbands had to run up and down the street before finding a shop which did sell tickets (not a tobacconist) . I have asked my husband the name and he can't remember but thinks it might be something like "travel world".

 

Anyway both husbands returned with return tickets only to be told by us that the bus had just left. "Look, there it is" I pointed down the road. Then, thankfully it did a u-turn at the bottom and started coming back up the road on the other side. We all ran across and waved our arms and it stopped for us. Phew!

 

Later, at Tarquinia, we met another family who had used the same bus service, but an earlier bus, to visit the down. She explained that she boarded not knowing about buying a ticket in advance and the driver just waved them on anyway. They bought their return tickets in Tarquinia.

 

Husband is now just doing some googling to try and find out more information about where to buy bus tickets in Citi. However, he has come across some info on tripadvisor which suggests you can get tickets on the bus. Not so. (It is from 2011 though).

 

It's not really helpful I know but hopefully a bit of research may help you to find out exactly where you can get tickets. Tarquinia is definitely worth a visit and we are looking forward to returning one day.

 

Incidentally, you can get a taxi tour to Tarquinia for 100 euros, we saw people promoting this at the port gates.

We were docked in Civitavecchia on an Easter cruise this year and, like you, wanted to do something different. We got a local bus to the charming town of Tarquinia (google it); it is about half an hour drive away.

 

You will buy your bus tickets in advance at a local shop at a cost of about 1.60 euro each way. When you get to the port entrance (only a ten minute walk from the ship), find the tourist information kiosk and ask (a) where the bus stop is (about five minute walk) and (b) nearest shop to buy a ticket.

 

The day we went it was Monday and the Etruscan Museum was closed, it was also a local holiday so many other buildings were closed too. Additionally, many shops were closed 1-4pm. Despite this, it was very pleasant to wander around the town in the warm sunshine.

 

Next time we are visiting Civitavecchia we plan to return (hopefully not a Monday) to revisit this lovely town.

I found it interesting that there was an iPad and straighteners packed in the suitcase. I always take mine in hand luggage, (plus kindle and phone/chargers) they are too valuable to lose sight of. It is a measure of a good business how they feel with customers when things go wrong.

 

Some years ago we went on an Airtours cruise and stay to Caribbean. Husbands informal suitcase went missing for cruise part (thankfully suit-case didn't) and he got money to buy replacement shorts and t's, and flipflops. Suitcase turned up for the 'stay' part of holiday, damp, scratched but clothes within ok.

Hi GradUT

1. This ship was full, about 3,400 passengers apparently but did not seem to crowded to me.

 

2. Yes, we went for the fish and chips on the first sea day at the Wheelhouse Bar (it was a special British Pub Lunch thing, don't know if they did it again on the cruise though). Look out for a mention in the Patter or ask a member of staff.

 

3. I never sat by the Neptune but, walking past to get a hotdog I would hear music sometimes. There was a stage over the bar where a band would play at lunchtimes.

 

4. The Spa pool, adults only, is available to everyone. It is peaceful, no music playing. Additionally, there is a door to the Spa where you can use the loo. In the ladies loo (and I presume the mens) is also a sauna and a steam room.

 

5. There were wooden padded recliners on the promenade.

 

Hope this helps :).

Great review. May I ask what the Murder Mystery was, or should it remain a mystery for future cruisers?

 

It takes place throughout the cruise. We signed up at the library and were each given a sheet of rules to follow plus we had our photo taken. We were told that in a couple of days we would receive an envelope containing details of our victim (a picture) and the method of killing them (four ways), and rules about safe zones where we could not kill them. It was up to us to identify our victim over the cruise and effectively 'kill' them, preferably before another passenger found and killed us. The winner (serial killer) was the passenger with the most kills. On our cruise it was a lady with four successful kills.

 

On the last sea day we all met to hear who had made the most kills. We heard many funny tales about the lengths people went to nail their victim; seeing them on shore and stalking them back on to the ship to kill them after embarkation; lurking outside their stateroom until they came out (a long wait); sitting with them in the dining room one night and pouncing once they left (you cannot kill your victim in the dining room). The thing is, you may never see your victim at all (I didn't) so when you DO spy them, you don't want to lose the opportunity to kill them.

Tom I felt that the quizzes had a more British feel, perhaps because Emerald was going from Southampton and the majority of passengers were British. We did have a contingent from USA, Canada and Australia too but all together they were in the minority.

 

Grace, I've never posted Patters but I do have them all (dog-eared and scrawled all over lol).

Hi, TouristBay we were on this cruise too and enjoyed it, thanks for review.

 

Re the shuttle to Civitavecchia, the bus does stop a bit further away than it used to but it will only take you extra ten minutes to walk to the station. This is what we did, it's not a problem.

 

Re the query about anytime dining. We usually ate earlier and opted to share a table so never had to wait at all. However, when we were leaving the dining room (7.30-8pm) it was busy with a queue.

 

We too were delayed getting off on disembarkation morning. 9:05 am became 10am. Not sure why. Thankfully car was five minute walk away, but getting out of Southampton took ages.

I travelled with my husband and daughter to Southampton and the traffic was (as usual) very busy. I had heard that embarkation could be long and protracted but actually we went through the booking in and security stages very quickly; very impressed. Our mini-suite was lovely, with two tvs and an enormous couch. Our steward welcomed us and brought us a glass of champagne and very quickly our suitcases arrived too. I stayed in the room to have a bath (oh how I loved having a room with a bath for the first time; I had brought with me what seemed like the entire stock from Lush so I could bathe in luxury every day) whilst the others went to the buffet. Later, we did the muster drill, our cards being scanned to keep a record of everyone present; a good idea. There was a sail-away party on deck from 4pm but we preferred to relax on the balcony with a glass of wine (Princess allow passengers a bottle of wine/champagne each to use in the cabin). Mini-suite cabins on Dolphin deck are completely exposed no overhang at all. This meant that star gazing every evening was fabulous. I used a large umbrella for shade (if necessary) during the day.

 

We had registered for anytime dining and we like to share a table with other passengers. After a couple of days the lady at reception recognised us and would confirm that we would like to share (I was impressed by this because she must see hundreds of passengers every evening). It is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. We didn’t have to wait for a table ever. And went straight in. The food generally was very good and I have no complaints at all about it. I was pleased that to mostly came piping hot too.

I spent the majority of my time by the Calypso Pool because I like the MUTS (watched several films and concerts, plus a couple of football games). I always found a place to sit in the shade, sometimes even a sunbed was available! The pools on Princess are freshwater and at a comfortable temperature so I swam every day. Towels were always available and, if not, I would ask a pool steward who would get me some straight away.

 

I didn’t use the (Horizon Court) buffet (deck 15) much at all, I don’t do breakfast and order coffee and tea using room service each morning (doubles as an alarm clock). For lunch I usually got a hotdog or burger from the Trident Grill or a piece of pizza from Prego Pizzaria, both very tasty. Next to the pizza place is Scoops, ice cream is available there. I did walk through the buffet sometime and it seemed to be well stocked with a variety of foods. At the back of the ship on deck 15 is Caribe Cafe and this opens out onto another pool area with a lovely view of the wake. I came here once for coffee and it was very relaxing to sit watching the wake. On deck 5 is the International Cafe which I had a look at, has some wonderful-looking food but I didn’t try any (prefer to eat on deck).

 

On the last two days we decided to try the formal lunch (only on sea days I think) and it was super. I recommend it; again, we shared a large table with other passengers. On the last sea day we also did the formal afternoon tea. Mmmm, warmed scones with jam and cream; just delicious. I asked for my usual Earl Grey tea and got my own pot, but didn’t want the sandwiches or cakes offered (I had of course recently had a formal lunch!)

 

Entertainment-wise, there was a full schedule and we enjoyed going to the Explorers most evenings to see Kelvin the CD host quizzes. Daft fun and hugely entertaining. There would also be a show in the Explorers that we tried to attend plus the Princess Theatre shows nightly. It made for busy evenings. We had a variety of acts, several comedians; Berni Flint, Gary Thompson, Jeff Stevenson, Taffy Spenser, the marvellous Steve Larkins as a Freddy Mercury tribute singer; hypnotist David Knight (who also did an interesting talk about hypnotism later in the cruise), a couple of pianist/comedy entertainers; Darren Bethel and Maria King, plus other entertainment I can’t remember. I attended and enjoyed all the production shows in the Princess Theatre, particularly the Disco one and What a Swell Party. Films were also shown here during the day. If you can, go along to the Meet the Cast Backstage Tour on the final sea day, really interesting and we had a good chat to the dancers and singers. Also, make sure you go to the Culinary Demo on the last day in the Princess Theatre; a galley walk-through follows. I sat on the front row so I could get all the lovely aromas.

 

I had a look at the Sanctuary area ($20 for half a day $40 for full day); very comfortable looking double and single sunbeds in sun, partial shade or full shade. Didn’t have time to try it out but spoke to a table companion who did. She said the beds were sooooo comfortable and relaxing and she was served snacks and afternoon tea too. Just below the Sanctuary is the adult only pool. I tried it on the last sea day and it is a nice pool. It has a wave machine so that you can swim against the wave. There are two Jacuzzis. Inside is the gym and Spa area. The toilets also contain a steam room and a sauna.

 

On the first sea day we all signed up for the Murder Mystery event that would cover the whole cruise. We had no idea what was going to happen but it turned into a bit of extra fun. It was hugely enjoyable and I would love to do it again.

 

We stopped at Barcelona, Ajaccio, Civitaveccia, Livorno, Genoa, Monte Carlo and Gibraltar. We did our own tours at each place, having been to them all before.

 

Because we are Platinum passengers (Princess takes all our P&O cruises into account as well as Princess ones) we got to wait at Club Fusion with tea/coffee/juice and pastries. It was just as well because we were delayed by about an hour getting off. Platinum passengers also each get 250 minutes internet (14 day cruise). This is handy if you want to keep in touch with family or do research.

 

 

 

I am sure I’ve forgotten so much more to tell you, but sadly that is all I can remember just now. Just to finish by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise and it won’t be my last with Princess.

Thanks for your posts about St Petersberg, Kinka. We visited it a few years ago on a cruise and it is an awesome city (though the port is dismal). I am looking forward to returning for another visit in the future.

I reckon there could be 80 attending, judging by the list. The organiser says that she has attended previous meets and (she and others have) been unable to hear properly when mike not used, so she's going to request one. Thanks for all your replies. $10 isn't a lot, especially as Princess are laying on refreshments too.

Thanks for replies. I'll suggest to our organiser to consider not using one. :)

Is this usual?

 

I've not heard it happening before on this or other lines. We are off on 12 July Emerald and our M&G organiser has been told it's a $10 charge. As we have a lot of people on our list, we will probably use the microphone.

Hi Anna, thanks for starting thread :), great to read your experiences.

 

We'll be coming aboard on the 12th and will be seeing you on the 13th for our M&G.

 

Just one question for now, I am looking forward to watching the Movies under the Stars films. Can you tell me any films shown so far? (I am wanting to see Frozen ;)). Also, I am assuming that the final of the World Cup will be shown on the big screen on the Sunday, it'll be a great match to watch at sea.

Jak, is that the one going next Wednesday 9th April? If so, we're on that too :). I'm glad to hear that Spirit still has its cinema unlike Celebration.

 

I'll not be packing until the Tuesday :D, I roughly know what I need and anyway as you say, I can buy anything I forget when I am at one of the Turkey ports.

 

I am very much looking forward to visiting Israel in particular, but mostly jut want to bask in some warmth for a change. Weather here has continued to be cold and wet; I am desperate to be able to pack away my winter gloves, hat and scarves...

A few years ago I happened to see a great offer on Indy in the newspaper; third and 4th passengers sharing a cabin only £28 each! We could afford to upgrade to a large balcony cabin and took the kids (who were teens at the time) .... 20 months ahead of the cruise. It was well worth waiting for; we had a ball :D.

Update: son found out today that he couldn't take time off in July so that means just the three of us can travel, and are now considering a two week cruise instead. We are looking at a Princess cruise sailing out of Southampton in early July.

 

Son is an apprentice and does not get many days holiday anyway, but they are busy and he is also doing lots of college work/assessments too. He has decided to wait until later in the year before taking time off, possibly late August/September.

Update: son found out today that he couldn't take time off in July so that means just the three of us can travel, and are now considering a two week cruise instead. We are looking at a Princess cruise sailing out of Southampton in early July.

 

Son is an apprentice and does not get many days holiday anyway, but they are busy and he is also doing lots of college work/assessments too. He has decided to wait until later in the year before taking time off, possibly late August/September.

London, the itinerary is Southampton to La Rochelle (France), Bilbao (Spain), Gijon (Spain) and St Peter Port (Guernsey), then back to Southampton. One sea day. All new ports, so very interesting to all of us. Sailing on 20th July.

Seven nights only!

New ports to visit. Ship to explore. Warm sun to lie in on a sea day. Lots of nice food to eat. Family togetherness to enjoy again. Scrabble in the card room at a pinch!! :)

 

There is so much going for a cruise together and so little against it. Don't worry; it is a nice ship so just take them and enjoy it. ;)

 

That's exactly how we feel when we travel with our family; family time together is just SO important & with all the other nice things thrown in, what could be better?!

 

Yes, scrabble and I'll take the Uno too, that's always good for a laugh :D (no one wants to sit next to me...)

We've had a chat to the kids and explained about the age demographic on Adonia (and Balmoral, the other cruise we considered). They said that they didn't mind because the ports sound good and they wouldn't mind spending time with us oldies.;)

 

Adonia is probably not going to be an option because 4 berth cabins are thin on the ground, I count 7 all together. There is currently a waiting list... So we will probably go with Balmoral for the ports or Ventura for the facilities. Just waiting to see if son can get the time off work.

 

Thanks everyone for your advisc and experience.:)

Tiger, I am heartened at your comments :):).

 

We spoke to both kids on fb chat last night (4 way messaging) and they both said that they didn't mind if they were in a minority because the ports sounded good and they wouldn't mind sticking around with us oldies :p.

 

So perhaps we will give Balmoral a try. As there is currently a waiting list on Adonia for a 4-berth for the cruise we are interested in it is unlikely that we will go for her this time.

 

Son has to double check that he can get the time off from work first.

We are going to ask them what they prefer, and explain that Adonia (or Balmoral) will probably not contain many, if any, young adults but WILL be all new ports for everyone.

 

This will be the first holiday together as a family for over two years so we are all very much looking forward to holidaying together, and the kids are delighted we are cruising again.

 

We've taken them on cruises since they were babies and they've grown up in and out of kids clubs and, particularly when teens, meeting and making good friends which they still keep in touch with. When on RCCI ships they spent time with us doing all the sporty stuff; RCCI is great for families. This will be the first time that they won't be attending kids clubs, and I am wondering how they will 'find' others their own age to spend time with.

 

They've both been working over the weekend so we will do a 'family' facebook chat tonight and discuss things.

 

Thanks to everyone who has replied, much appreciated.

We are going to ask them what they prefer, London, and explain that Balmoral (or Adonia) will probably not contain many, if any, young adults but WILL be all new ports for everyone.

 

This will be the first holiday together as a family for over two years so we are all very much looking forward to holidaying together, and the kids are delighted we are cruising again.

 

Jules, we've taken them on cruises since they were babies and they've grown up in and out of kids clubs and, particularly when teens, meeting and making good friends which they still keep in touch with. When on RCCI ships they spent time with us doing all the sporty stuff; RCCI is great for families. This will be the first time that they won't be attending kids clubs, and I am wondering how they will 'find' others their own age to spend time with.

 

They've both been working over the weekend so we will do a 'family' facebook chat tonight and discuss things.

 

Thanks to everyone who has replied, much appreciated.

Thanks for your prompt replies everyone, they confirm my suspicions, sadly.

 

I must add that we would have been added to a wait list for a 4 berth cabin, there being only seven on the ship :eek:.

 

Tom, I'll have a look at your blog, I am heartened to read that you like Ventura. Perhaps we will give her a try. My fave P&O ship is Aurora but sadly there are no suitable cruises on her this time.

Mmmm, thanks for your info, London. It is a shame but I think you are right. Good itinerary too.