sparty1

We are considering the same thing:-) We'd like to hire a car/driver for a tour from San Jose to Puerto Caldera, seeing sites along the way; then dropping us off at the port. I will be monitoring your thread for a response too! Thx

QUOTE=flcraigs5;47352378]I have seen a bunch of information on tours but it looks like everyone has larger groups going. Can anybody recommend a private driver that we could rent for the day. There is only 2 of us so we don't need a large bus etc.

Thank you for your response and input! Your suggestions are thoughtful ones too. Have a good trip, as we intend, also;) Looking forward to it!!

The ships are older but beautifully maintained. I just signed up for several excursions for my trip. On the last cruise I took tours that my late husband wanted to take. This time I signed up for ones I wanted. Both times I was on the Paris by Evening and the Montmartre tours. I love the artist area of Montmartre and Sacre Cour church. In Lyon I saw very little of the city so this time I've signed up for the Maison des Canuts tour. In Avignon I've signed up for the Pont du Gard tour. Arles has two tours I want to see. One is to visit the olive region and the other is the Van Gogh trip.

 

As this is a wine cruise we will have some onboard lectures, etc. I'm really excited about this trip. So much to see.

 

The Normandy area will have cooler temps than southern France. Hope to miss the rain, though.

 

 

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Hi. (We have not done this excursion through a river cruise, but have through a cruise ship) I have read other posters comments re Normandy Beaches excursions though. They had a choice of US beach tour(Omaha beach, memorial and cemetery where an emotional service was performed,were the 3 stops); or Commonwealth beach tour(Utah, etc). The alternative tour was the Taste of Normandy. Every comment I have read has been positive for both types of tours. It is a long driving day, and if you do not have the ties/interest in the WWII history, it may seem too much of a long ride to take the "beaches" option. We will be taking it, even though we were there 10 years ago. Our fathers were in the D-Day landings, and it has tremendous emotional and historical appeal for us! Hope this was somewhat helpful to you.:)

looking for input from anyone who has done this excursion. I see it is 10 hours, is a lot of time spent traveling in a bus vs being at the sites? what specific beaches/museums do they see? any impressions or input would be appreciated. we are trying to decide between the two excursions offered and both look good

I'm sorry we won't be traveling together this time! We will be ending our tour about the time you start yours.The wine-themed cruise does sound interesting. Do you remember much about the ships, Creativity and Scenery?Were there excursions you wish you would had not taken, or would have preferred you had taken? Anything in particular we should be aware of ahead of time about the ship, staff, October weather or excursions? Thank you.

I am on the October 20th cruise. I chose this because I wanted to do a wine-themed cruise. Yes, I love Avalon and already have my 2016 cruise booked (Vienna to the Black Sea) for August.

 

 

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Hi Pat. What is your departure date in Oct? We will also be on the Grand France in Oct on the Creativity. Just wondering if we're on the same one. Looks like from your previous cruises, you really like Avalon! That's good to know, as this is our first Avalon.

I went on the Grand France cruise in 2010 or 2011 and loved it. I'll be taking the cruise again in October and have a chance to take different excursions than I did last time.

 

 

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You're welcome. The items for the teachers/children is excellent, also. We did that too, and even though we gave our items to both teachers and parents(depending on what we had for them), we had some of the children come up to us smiling, some with items they hand made to thank us! You will love your time there. Enjoy!

Thanks for your feedback with my general enquiry. We could only get. 240 Kina in small denominations, so we'll take Aussie money as a back up. We are taking educational games and resources for teachers. Good advice on carvings too. Looking forward to meeting the local people!

Thanks again, problem solved.

 

 

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Thanx everybody for contributing your suggestions and comments! Looks like with the variability in Oct, I'll be taking layers with a raincoat/windbreaker:)

Don't know if this will be helpful, but when we were there, we hired a regular taxi just outside port who took us to a driver for the 4 of us to go to Petra.(Original taxi driver said he wasn't licensed for Petra) We toured Petra on our own, while our driver waited. We had an overnite in Aqaba, so we set up the same originaltaxi driver to take us to Wadi Rum the next day. Worked out perfect for the 4 of us! Don't remember exact cost, but it was much less than ship's tour, as it was flat price divided by 4. No matter what you decide, do not miss Petra!!

Hi from Australia,

 

Wondering if you have made a decision on a private tour? and if so, what company.

 

June next year, we are in Aqaba for one day and a group of us want to go to Petra. We are researching whether we should do ship or private tour. Sooo much to consider.

 

Thanks

thanx to both sengsational and Live4cruises for the websites and info. Will refer to it as time approaches.

Hi. Not sure what all you want to spend it on, or where you're from, but both USD and AUD are accepted in most places(except local food markets). I would suggest, though, at least 100 dollars worth of either AUD or USD in local money(they do tend to take AUD over USD as they are more familiar with it).Except in the capitol area, you will not be able to use credit cards. You will have a great time!:)

We are going to Papua New Guinea for 10 days - can you advise how much local money would be required for a few souvenirs and gifts at markets?

 

 

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Thanx. It does look nice and refreshing, but I'm still hoping Azamara will add the mirror back above the desk(simple thing, but an immense factor for women, especially!) If not,I will have to figure out a way to bring a large mirror with me by air, or convince the salon to let me use their hair dryers with mirror! It would still be more passenger friendly, also, if there were 2 comfy chairs(since most cabins are "double"), so both of us could enjoy comfortable seating together. Otherwise, the new design seems fairly impressive! We'll be taking one of the first cruises after refurb on the Journey.:)

Found this on Cruise Buzz . . .

 

http://cruisebuzz.net/2015/07/first-look-azamara-reimagined-suite/

 

posted yesterday (7/22/15)

Thank you sooo very much for taking the time to do this review!! It is very informative and helpful. We'll be using this info for our Oct trip. :)

Thank you so much for the summary! Sounds like you really enjoyed the trip. We're excited about the whole experience! Thx so much for your views on the cruise, ports, guides and staff! Hot!! Don't think we'll see that in Oct.:)

Really enjoyed the Paris to Normandy Beaches cruise on the Tapestry II June 27-July 4.

 

So many memorable tours with fantastic guides. We did the optional Eiffel Tower tour in the afternoon before boarding the ship. In Giverny, we visited the gorgeous Monet Gardens. In Les Andelys we did the tour to Chateau Gaillard (yes we climbed all the way to the top - what a view!). In Caudebec we took the Abbey Road tour to Jumieges & St. Wandrille monastery, and then went to the beautiful sea-side town of Honfleur (which became my favorite). The following day we took the all-day tour to the UK/Canadian Landing Beaches...an emotional experience.

 

Spent all day Wednesday in Rouen with a walking tour in the morning, visited the Joan of Arc site, and had free time the rest of the day. In Conflans we took the morning tour to Van Gogh's village and in the afternoon we went to the incredible Palace of Versailles.

 

Docked our last 2 nights in Paris...on our last day in Paris, we took the walking tour of the "isle de la Cite" and the Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon we took the tram up the hill on our tour to lovely Montmartre, and to top off our final night, we went to the Moulin Rouge show. Back to the ship, sat on the top deck and watched the Eiffel Tower doing the sparkly-light show which happens at 11pm and midnight.

 

It was go-go-go the entire week and I loved every minute of it. However, we did all of this through a heat wave our entire cruise with temps which at times reached above 40C (104F). :eek:

 

A shout-out to Avalon and the great staff on the Tapestry II. :)

 

Cindy

Several posters have mentioned a current amazing offer with Avalon. I checked Avalon for this amazing deal that is going on now. 2 for 1? Or something like this, if I am reading the posts here correctly. I can not find it. We are booked at a very expensive rate from Paris to Normandy, and Paris to Cote d Zur. I would like to find what this offer is and see if we may be eligible! Thank you.

Just returned last night! PNG is truly a place not to miss! You have made the right choice. The people, the colorful ethnic clothes, the festive competitions, even the ongoing spewing of the volcano are interesting and still unique. It IS hot, but it is so enjoyable, it is easy to tolerate:D We had 5 stops there. Loved them. Enjoy your cruise.

Hi all,

Papua New Guinea - 19th May, 2016. We have deposited for this cruise. Heard a lot about PNG (Papua New Guinea). Some good, some not so good but have decided to see for ourselves.

Anyone going on this cruise or have been on a cruise to PNG I ask what was it like? Believe it is a new world.

Hi! We will also be taking the Grand France itinerary this fall(October),only on Avalon Creativity/Scenery. (anyone been on these ships?)Would like to have taken one of the newer ships, but they alternate their schedule, so the timing didn't fit ours. First time for Avalon, and am anticipating a great cruise! Been to Normandy beaches during 60th anniversary of D-Day and we will return again this time. It's poignant to us(F-I-L landed on Omaha on D-day). Want to take optional to Honfleur and maybe Versailles. Really excited about Rouen! Seems so charming.

I've traveled to Europe in Oct-Nov and found weather very unpredictable(or maybe its predictably unpredictable) I too will take rain jacket and sweater/lite fleece if needed under it.Overall, layers should work since we're going from cooler to warmer weather in South. Thoughts on other tips for river travel that time of year; or sites/sights to not miss, etc?

Love to hear a summary from those taking this itin before we do, too! Thanx.

Anyone doing this itinerary this year? Would love to keep discussions going.

,

Thanx to you both on the railings. Answers my curiosity!

(As far as the fire,I do not remember reading about it and how it was handled, but I'm pleased it went so well. Kudos to Azamara, Quest crew and passengers for turning what could have been a very negative experience into a positive one.)

Here's an image showing the railings that was used in my blog post a few months ago called

HOME

Not a happy occasion for Quest, but the photo should answer your question:

 

http://www.thejournal.ie/cruise-ship-stranded-sea-fire-azamara-quest-403903-Apr2012/

Thank you for the response! I love standing and looking down at the water, seeing flying fish, dolphins, and sun/moon reflections. (sure wouldn't appreciate a blocked view straight down) Do you know if railings are clear plexi or opaque? Just curious. Thx

You would see water. Some oceanview staterooms on deck 6 have views obstructed by the lifeboats, but the lifeboats are under deck 7 so not blocking deck 7 veranda views.

does anyone know about the cabins in mid ship on deck 7? those that are directly above life boats: do you look at the lifeboats when you look down at water from those balconies? or are the lifeboats completely covered by deck 7, so we would see water, not top of boat? thank you

If it were me I'd put the planned Tapas Bar in the Sunset area.

Super idea!! :D

Thanx for the response. I assumed he(Larry) must have asked for passenger input, and just received the majority"other side of the coin" responses. He just seems like a person who wouldn't make unilateral decisions about customer convenience and needs without their input! Oh well, I'm still disappointed but I know I'll still enjoy the cruises:)

The thing about focus groups and listening tours is that you will always get enough opinions on both sides to justify whichever decision you ultimately make. We are hearing from people here who enjoyed the Sunset Bar in its existing configuration, but there may have been an equal number who told Larry they never use it and would prefer the new Asian restaurant to take its place.

The renderings of the refit are definitely beautiful! I'm sure we will enjoy everything Azamara is doing to upgrade the ship overall, BUT to see the changes in the Sunset Bar area that will benefit only some passengers, and actually be a detriment to so many others, is really a disappointment! :(I love cruising and I love the Azamara"experience" and I will continue to enjoy it, but it's sad to lose this important aspect.

Like I(and many others)have previously posted, why take such a special place on the ship where all could enjoy and reduce the access to only a few guests?The reduction in seating is also an issue for the time it is open(hopefully it is open to everyone outside of the dinner hours?); plus the loss of sunset dinners for the majority of us who look forward to this experience.(we used it 75% of the time, but now probably only one time as a specialty restaurant) This ship is just not large enough to remove such a special place, since there is no place else to accommodate the majority in that way.

Does anyone know where the idea and input came from? Was there a passenger panel involved? I met Mr Larry Pimentel when he first cruised on the Journey after becoming the CEO. He was so sincere in his desire to make this line something "real" people wanted! He held focus groups onboard, and wanted to actually talk to those who used the facilities, etc. He also contacted me after we cruised for input and follow-up. I truly believe he would listen, so this choice makes me wonder how it came about.

I apologize for the length of this, but thanx for your time in listening!:)

I can't believe how negatively this thought is affecting me:( I hope it is only a rumor!)That is one of the places we look forward to spending time at every day on our upcoming cruise(just after refit)! On our last cruise we had late afternoon tea and wine, with appetizers, there every day. Also had several sunset dinners there with the breeze adding to our enjoyment.(I'm assuming we can still have sunrise breakfasts there) I can not think of another place on that ship where the same view and outside atmosphere can be enjoyed every evening with dinner! We would never book any alternative dining venue(ie Asian) every night for the same food. With Windows the choices change, so you could go there many times. If this rumor is true, we will be so very disappointed! I will see what comes out this week, then also send an email to Azamara if it is, and hope they will reconsider the location for another restaurant.

will

I have it on good authority that part of the planned refit for both ships is a remodelling/new philosophy of the outside dining experience.

 

The plans include refurbishment of the Windows Cafe Outdoor space to change it to an "oriental speciality restaurant" for dinner, with a cover charge. (It will still be open normally for breakfast and lunch).

 

We are disappointed with this proposal as we love to have dinner here as often as possible (weather permitting) and on some of our cruises have not once ventured into the MDR. There is nothing quite like enjoying dinner on a warm evening overlooking the stern of the ship, and we often sit out there with our friends until closing time.

 

They are also refurbishing the Pool Grill to make it "smarter" and it will be open for dinner. But the location, in my opinion, is nowhere near as good as the back of the ship, as it is enclosed.

 

We are emailing Azamara directly to air our concerns, as there is still time for them to change the plan. Anyone else who enjoys the ambiance of the rear deck in the evening could also email them as the more correspondence, the better.

Thanx so much for the recipe! Do you know if it will work with Gluten Free flour? With my husband's Celiac, he can no longer have these pastries unless they are made GF. I also assume if Dawn Princess has"frozen" pasties and pies, they are pre-made and regular flour used. Thx,

For sparty1 and CruiserBruce :)

 

Mrs Borg’s Meat Pie

Please don't laugh(or do laugh;)), but when you say "pies", are you talking about the meat/veggie that is also called "Cornish pasty"? Love them, if you are! Does Dawn Princess make a GLuten Free one? Had a few made up in Cornwall. Impossible to find here in USA! Will be on Dawn shortly after dry-dock, so curious. Thx!

On the three 'local' Princess ships, we have occasionally had a Mrs Mac pie (hot) with chips (also very hot) at the Grill. They are served on a plate and a choice of sauce is also available. They are available every day along with hot dogs, kebabs (very good) and hamburgers (not enough salad filling).

 

Usually we go to the dining room for lunch, for sometimes a pie & chips hits the spot for a quick lunch.:)