leg

We just came back from a Med tour and used Rome in Limo to transfer us from the airport to our hotel, from the hotel to the ship and from the ship to the airport. We were a group of ll seniors and were extremely pleased to see them on time once we arrived from a long flight and also after we disembarked from the ship they were right there waiting for us with their lovely vans. When you travel it is so important to have a reliable company and since I had never used them before I was hesitate to use but in all three pickups and drop offs that was so important to see them there on time.

Our group of ll just finished a private tour Oct. 30th arranged by Nikos for a full day of Athens. Our Driver Demetris picked us up from the ships port in a lovely Mercedes Benz van right on time. He took us to all the highlights of Athens including the Acropolis and many more spotse giving us background information along the way. He spoke excellent English, and not only was he very informative about his country he was very funny and friendly which our group loved.t The Acropolis was amazing and the view from the highest point in Athens was beautiful. It rained for a bit so rather than us get out in the rain to see the changing of the guards which happens on the hour he timed it so it was not raining. We loved our typical Greek lunch at a spot he recommended which was very reasonable and enjoying. He dropped us off in plenty of time to catch our ship. Our group also are seasoned travellers and find the ships tours too expensive and very crowed with too much time spent getting many people on and off the bus. We always do the private tours and feel we have much more fun which after all is what it is all about. I highly recommend Private Greece Tour company arranged by Nikos Loukas.

Well all I know is Jan. 6 I booked an air/cruise package with Celebrity through Crucon for 9 adults and I figured to since it was the first time I had ever booked the air/cruise I would not have to worry about getting to the boat on time. I have always gone a day early. Needless to say Delta flight in Cinn. had mechanical problems which delayed the plane. I did ask Delta if we could go through another city and they said no. When we got to the horrible Los Angles airport that flight had left. Delta did put us up in a hotel however the flight only go at night so we did not fly out until the next night and therefore Celebrity cruise ship had left. Not to mention when we arrived in Auckland, NZ our luggage was lost, Celebrity had no one there to greet us or anyone to contact. A fellow cruiser had there cell phone and after many calls somehow got a bus to take us to the ship and another day not to mention the best tour had been lost. The clothes finally arrived a week into the cruise-wet, apparently they had been left out in the rain in Los Angelos.

Many lessons learned by me, Celebrity could have cared less and although they did provide $125 on board credit that did not near cover the cost of standing in line ups at the guest relations desk everyday not to mention 2 days of the cruise. Crucon did and still is providing an ear to talk to to at least make it better for future travellers. Delta within l day after coming home and me sending a letter send a $100 air travel voucher to be used within the year.

Moral of the story-book your own flight, go in l day ahead, take the least amount of luggage and pack in each others where possible and have wonderful travel insurance if you can find any. We had Mastercard coverage and so far have had no satisfaction. Apparently for the luggage lost we would have needed to purchase extremely expensive replacement clothing on the ship, which by the time we got there, so many people had lost there luggage everything was sold out and the trip delay insurance well nothing there either since Delta covered the cost of the hotel, but who cared that we had no makeup or clothing to sleep in or for the next day. We missed the ships Great Ocean Road Tour as apparently the ship arrived into port to late but the tour desk was closed in the morning for us to book anything else. When we arrived home Air Canada had lost our luggage. So needless to say it was a very stressful trip and I am still writing many letters to at least give them some suggestions so future travellers wont have to go through that.

If anyone has any great travel & medical insurance that they have had a great experience please let me know.

I am very confused. We are a group of 9 adults flying out of Toronto ( I hope) to catch the Celebrity Mercury for the Jan. 6 Auckland to Sydney cruise. We have booked the air/cruise package through a TA. The TA says we wont get the air schedule until 30 to 45 days ahead but by than if we dont like our flight it is too late to redeem our deposit.

Is there is chance we will not get on a plane in time to catch our ship in Auckland do you think? Do you think there is a possibility we could be 40 hours flying? Should we be taking out the air diviation, how much is it and can we all take it out. Is it worth it. I am still not sure what the air diviation is but since this is the furthest I have ever flown and with a group I am now getting nervous and need all the advice I can get.

Thanks Brenda