tourismtessy

We did the Cinque Terre Princess Excursion as part of a European Transatlantic Cruise aboard the Emerald back in 2008. It was a great tour and a highlight of the cruise. It did involve some walking but not too strenuous. I felt it was a good, thorough day. We felt it was worth the price for the comfort of knowing the ship would not leave without us. It is a full day in the motor coach, ferry, and walking. Cinque Terre was my favorite port (along with our day in Capri) on the cruise. We had some free time to walk and explore the villages and lunch was on our own.

If you do self disembarkation and get off as early as possible, you should be ok. I would say a noon or later flight gives you a little more wiggle room but your call. Your major concern will be whether fog is a problem or not that day.

There are self service laundromats on board so you can do laundry as often as you want. I would probably pack about 10 days worth of outfits and just wash and re-wear the outfits. It's up to you and how often you want to do laundry. I also bring a baggie full of quarters and my own laundry detergent (dry, remeasured into baggies or those pods) and dryer sheets. It makes doing laundry a breeze.

We have sailed on both and they are essentially the same (they are sister ships). Both beautiful ships and you will enjoy either one. One of our favorite places is the Piazza and International Cafe. We have never sailed to Alaska but have taken both the Emerald and Ruby on Caribbean itineraries and a European Transatlantic. We love both ships and returning to sail on them is like going back to a favorite hotel.

We typically sail Princess and I love everything about them. I have cruised NCL recently with my Sis in Law and LOVED the trip. I felt the entertainment was far better on NCL and the food was excellent (the same as Princess). I did enjoy the crepes on NCL and the larger assortment of beverages (including flavored water) included in your cruise cost. Overall, I liked NCL a bit better but Hubby wants to stay with Princess and enjoy our Platinum status. Things are a little more sedate (relaxing) on Princess than on NCL. Cabin size (balcony) is comparable. We love the International Cafe on Princess and there was not really anything to compare that to on our Norwegian ship. I wrote a blog post titled "Goldilocks and the 3 cruise lines" comparing Carnival, Norwegian and Princess. Overall, I felt Norwegian was "just right" and Princess was a little too soft (sedate) for me. Carnival was too hard overall, although I really enjoyed the adults only deck area. Just my personal opinion and you will find many others say the food and service is far better on Princess. I did not find this to be true. Outstanding service on NCL and I enjoy the towel animals. We don't get those on Princess. Not a show stopper, just a nicety. Overall if you want complete relaxation and to "escape completely" I would recommend Princess. If you want more activities and better entertainment, I would say go with Norwegian. (just my opinion) Here is my blog post: http://www.joyfuljourneyist.com/blog/goldilocks-and-the-3-cruise-lineshttp://www.joyfuljourneyist.com/blog/goldilocks-and-the-3-cruise-lines

I always bring the little pods (or pre measured dry laundry detergent in baggies) and dryer sheets with me. I also pack a baggie full of quarters as this is what the machines take (at least on the Emerald). Sometimes the change machines are out of order and you would then have to go to the casino to get change. I just prefer coming prepared and having all my laundry supplies with me. The laundry is available 24 hours a day and I usually do ours halfway through either in the morning or evening. I've never had to wait for a machine. Call me weird, but I enjoy doing laundry aboard the ship. I find it relaxing for some reason :)

LOVE Princess Cays and have been there several times. The beach/lounge chairs are free and there is lots of free shade available with the trees. The barbecue lunch is also free and good. The only thing you pay extra for are the cabanas, floats, other water activities. We have never paid for anything as we are content to lounge on the beach and just walk the quieter side of the beach. It's a nice beach day. Enjoy!

Having cruised Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess, I would suggest Royal Caribbean or Norwegian for your family. They are more geared towards "active" cruising versus the "relaxing" Princess line. I find the entertainment on Norwegian to be the Best. Pools and rock climbing walls on Royal Caribbean will suit your needs. I think they are similar in pricing. I like Norwegians freestyle cruising: Eat dinner anytime versus the Traditional dining times. Also they offer "dress up or not" nights where you do not have to dress formal. We don't like having to pack extra clothes for formal nights so this is a bonus. I've been on Princess and Norwegian most recently and it has been years since our Royal Caribbean Cruise.

Thanks for posting the comparisons. Your likes and dislikes seem very similar to how I would feel. Since I have only ever cruised on NCL, stories about the other lines always interest me. And what you wrote was very informative. I have always wondered about the partying on Carnival.

 

That said, you did say that one is "banned" from the NCL main dining rooms if you don't dress up on dress up or not night. It's the OR NOT that is missed by you. Every night there is one dining room that is a little more dressed up than the other, but really you just have to be presentable and can't wear shorts or flip flops. Otherwise, one is never banned from any dining venue for not dressing up. The dress code never really changes any night. It's Freestyle!

Thanks for your feedback. Just to clarify the Dining option, I said that the "Dress up or Not" on Norwegian versus the "Formal" on other cruise lines was a hit with me. You do not have to dress up at all on the Norwegian ships. I hope this clarifies what I wrote on my blog.

(great food options (including "Dress up or not" versus Formal nights where you are essentially banned from the main dining rooms if you don't dress up),

I have sailed on 4 of the major cruise lines and enjoyed them all. I wrote a post for my blog/website on why Norwegian is my favorite. You can read it below:

http://www.joyfuljourneyist.com/blog/goldilocks-and-the-3-cruise-lines

I hope you enjoy my "Goldilocks" comparison and that it might help you in planning your cruise vacation.

On our last cruise aboard the Ruby, you had to use quarters. I just bring a ziplock baggie full of quarters (after gathering them up from the house jars full of change), ziplock baggie with laundry pods, and another with dryer sheets. Most of the time the change machine in the laundry room didn't work. I'm sure you could get change from the casino or guest relations desk but I like to come prepared! I usually only do laundry once, about halfway through the week or towards the end of the cruise on a sea day. Its nice to NOT go home with a bunch of dirty laundry.

Thanks for the kind words everyone! For those that have been to Paris, you definitely understand why "Just a Day" is worth it. I'd love to spend a month or so there but am happy we at least went and saw the highlights. Taking the pricey ship excursion was SO worth it and not having to worry about getting back to the ship on time (if we would have done it on our own via the train) was a great relief and made the day much more enjoyable. The bus ride was very comfortable and the scenery along the way lovely.

On our British Isles Cruise last year aboard the Ruby Princess, we took the ships excursion into Paris. It was a great day and I shared about it on my blog. Click below for the link to read and see pics of our day:

http://www.joyfuljourneyist.com/blog/just-a-day-in-paris-france

I also have some general cruising posts you may enjoy reading:

http://www.joyfuljourneyist.com/blog/category/cruising

I use this forum for all my research before every cruise and find it invaluable. Thank you to all that contribute here. Your input is so greatly appreciated.

We sailed the Ruby Princess last year on a 12 day British Isles Cruise. At the beginning of the cruise we had one day in LeHavre, France. We took the ships excursion into Paris for the day and had a great time. You can read all about it (with pictures) on my blog below:

http://www.joyfuljourneyist.com/blog/just-a-day-in-paris-france

I also have some general cruise blog posts under the Categories (right hand side): Cruising

I hope you enjoy hearing about our day. I use this forum for all my research before every cruise and appreciate all the input from everyone. Hoping I can return the favor with the sharing of my blog posts. Thank You to all that take time to contribute here!

On our British Isles Cruise last May above the Ruby Princess, we did the ships excursion to Paris for the day. Even though it was a short day to see the city, we had a great time and got plenty of pics. Read and see all about our day in Paris on my blog here:

http://www.joyfuljourneyist.com/blog/just-a-day-in-paris-france

I also have some blogs on cruising in general and you can access those on the right hand side under Categories: Cruising. I use Cruise Critic for my research before every cruise and find it an invaluable resource. Thanks to all here that contribute! :)

We are booking a suite for back to back cruises out of Fort Lauderdale. WE will have the same suite/cabin for both cruises. Do we have to pack up our stuff and move out on disembarkation day or can we leave our clothes, etc in the cabin? Also, can we stay on the ship during disembarkation/embarkation of the 2nd cruise or do they make us get off and then back on again? Lastly, any special "suite" privileges that you get for booking this category? THANKS in advance from all you Back to Back Pros!:)

The Kirkwall option without a doubt. You will see some beautiful countryside and the option to visit Scara Brae which is not to be missed. Many others places to visit as well. :)

 

Liverpool is interesting with some good local history, orkney is stunning with white beaches turquoise seas and you can see houses that are thousands of years old! The trip advisor links are of the town of Kirkwall, the Islands are very small and there's much more to see than just in the town.

 

Are we on the same CB cruise next month? :)

After reading this reply, I might choose Kirkwall over Liverpool. I love scenery and the white beaches with turquoise seas sounds fabulous! I guess it just depends on what you would prefer. Small town with gorgeous scenery or happening city with great Museum and history. Our day in Liverpool was made even more special with fireworks right off our ship (on a barge) that night. We stayed longer in Liverpool to enjoy these "just for our Cruise ship" fireworks. I had a front row view of them right off our balcony while Hubby slept in bed :-)

We did the British Isles Cruise last May and had Liverpool on our itinerary. It was one of my favorite ports (although EVERY port was awesome). There is enough to do right where the cruise ship docks including a wonderful FREE Museum. Liverpool is home to MANY recording artists, not just the Beatles. I would highly recommend the Liverpool stop.

I spent a few days solo in Vancouver a few years ago and then took the Amtrak from there to Portland, OR. The train is a great option as flying out of Seattle is cheaper than out of Vancouver. I recommend at least 3 days in Vancouver (more if you can). Stanley Park is absolutely gorgeous as are other smaller ones (Queen Elizabeth). All easily accessible via the subway system. I did the hop on hop off bus tour in Vancouver and visited Granville this way. LOVE this place. I would say that having a day or 2 in Seattle would be nice as well. You can't do and see everything in either city in 5 days but you can get a good taste, or sampling of them in a few. The ferry system in BC is fabulous. I took the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver (via a bus) and that was a highlight of my trip. Whatever you decide, it will be fantastic! Enjoy!

I'm going to give specific information for Totem Bight. :) The regular bus fare is $1 each way, reduced senior rates. The bus leaves downtown closest to dock 2 and 3, from the corner of Dock and Front Street. From the cruise docks- you have to cross the street, - Silver bus line. Only 1 bus per hour, leaving 25 after the hour. During mid day, busy timeframes- they WILL deny boarding a full bus. No they don't send another one. IF you see lines of people milling around, then walk over to an earlier stop at the City Museum- former Library which is near Creek St. There is a bus shelter out front.

 

I recommend the real early day visitors print out and take a Totem guide sheet with them. I have greatly enjoyed taking the 6:25a bus, with those early port times. I recommend allowing 3 hours for the round trip.

 

Consider taking a look next door at Potlatch Park, during "business" hours, may be an opportunity for a look at some totem carvers. The shed is out back.

 

The return bus leaves at 13 after the hour.

Thanks for this specific info on the city bus. Its exactly what I was looking for!

We are booked on our first Alaska cruise on the Ruby Princess, cabin B753. It is a balcony at the very back of the ship (Aft) and states "Partial Obstruction -- Beam". Anybody with info on how BAD the obstruction is? Thanks!

Today was our Loch Ness tour with Jacobite. I had read nothing but GREAT reviews of them and we were excited for the day! We walked off the ship and were greeted with the sounds of bagpipes! The local volunteers pointed us in the right direction to catch the local bus into Inverness. We walked to the left, around the parking lot and saw the bus stop. There were a couple of other people from our ship waiting already. It was about 10 minutes before the bus came and we paid the driver (I think it was just under 2 pounds each—one way) and climbed aboard. There were a bunch of school kids on the bus with us. That was a lot of fun. The boys were about 10 to 13 years old and really enjoyed our “American” accents. We had some lively conversation with them as we enjoyed the hour ride into town (we were NOT on the express bus).

We arrived at the Bus Terminal about 30 minutes before we needed to be there. I went inside and checked in at the Jacobite counter (just to the right as you walk in the door—large Jacobite sign on it). The young lady checked our name off the list and gave us our 2 tickets for the Sensation Tour. This tour included a boat ride on the Loch, a tour of the Castle, bus ride to the Loch Ness Expedition Center with Interactive Tour, and then drive back to the Inverness Bus Terminal. It was a total of 4 hours. We went outside and waited the 15 minutes or so for our coach to arrive. It was a smaller coach and very comfortable. Our Driver was also our Guide and she was fabulous. So much history, information and pride for her country and the region. The drive to the Loch was very scenic and we enjoyed seeing all the countryside in its Green Glory! The boat was very comfortable, had nice bathrooms, snack bar with food and drink for purchase, and free wifi aboard. The lower level was covered and warm and the upper level was open. I spent a little time below and then went above for the majority of the ride. You definitely want to be upstairs as you approach the Castle in order to get the best pictures. Once there, we had about an hour to wander the grounds and do our sightseeing at our leisure. It was enough time to see the grounds and take lots of pictures. I did not go inside the Castle so I would have more time for leisurely strolling and picture taking. There is a visitor center, gift shop and snack bar just up the hill from the castle and we were to meet our driver and bus at the bus loading area here. We then went to the Loch Ness Exhibition Center where we were given tickets to see the exhibit. It was very interesting and was a walk through attraction. We had a little bit of time to browse and shop in the store at the end.

The drive back to Inverness was very relaxing and beautiful. Passed a lovely dairy farm right away and got a little lesson on the famous, local cows. We got back to the bus station about 2 pm and went right over to the bus lane for Invergorden and boarded the express bus back. This bus takes about 45 minutes to get back to Invergordon. Once there, we got off the bus a couple stops before the actual port so we could walk in the town and enjoy the streets and lovely scenery. It was a wonderful day and I highly recommend the Jacobite Tour Company.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.495878113889152.1073741838.219749854835314&type=3

We completely fell head over heels in LOVE with everything Scotland and have definitive plans to go back. Besides the absolute stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, the beauty of the people and their pride for their country leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. When people ask me what my favorite port was, I can’t just pick one. I seriously LOVED them all. Today I will share on our first Scotland Port:

Edinburgh. We actually docked in South Queensferry, a lovely little town with shops, restaurants, restrooms, and views galore. I could have easily just wandered around the port area for a few hours and been satisfied. However, after reading Delorean Girls review and her comments on Edinburgh, I knew I HAD to go to this city. I originally was going to take the train but after research and discussion with the lovely local volunteers that greet you, I opted to take the local public bus round trip. I think it was about 3 pounds RT. I am all about saving every penny and so the round trip bus was the best choice FOR ME. I usually like to mix up my modes and routes and contemplated taking the bus into Edinburgh and the Train back, but settled on all bus. It was raining as I walked to the station (about a 10 minute walk, right down the street and near the Police Station) but I had my poncho on and my waterproof camera. So, no worries! There were a couple of locals and other cruise passengers at the bus stop waiting with me. Once on the bus, I sat in the very back (my favorite place to sit on buses) and chatted with the young couple next to me. They were from Montreal, Canada and touring the Country by themselves—on land—joined by some other family members. I love taking public transportation versus cruise line offered shuttles for this reason. The variety of people you meet, from locals to other travelers, is much more diverse. Also, the obvious reason and #1 benefit is the low cost.

It was about a 45 minute ride into the heart of Edinburgh and when I got off the bus, I literally stopped breathing. The high cliff/hill with the Castle on top was just too beautiful to be real. Only it WAS real! It was still kind of gray out but the rain had stopped. I stopped in a local coffee shop to get my bearings, review my map, and decide what I really wanted to see in my few hours. I was on foot and wanted to soak up as much of the streets scenes and parks and not waste precious time inside museums. I definitely want to go back and spend time seeing them, I just didn’t want to rush through them on my first trip.

I walked down a couple streets and then headed up the hill to the Castle. It started pouring and I threw the hood over my head and kept on going. I kind of enjoyed the downpour, it added to the mysterious charm of the city. The rain eventually stopped and I was able to get some nice pics without rain in them! I passed the Train Station as I walked back to the Bus Stop and saw how centrally located it was (I made a mental note of it for next time). An older gentleman was playing a bagpipe at the corner of the park and I stopped to listen and then chat with him a bit. I told him he looked like he could be George Clooneys brother. He laughed and said his Mom would be proud. We had a few minutes of fun chat and when I told him I was from Texas, he played a tune for me. It was a wonderful ending to a truly magical day. I did not want to go back to the ship but that is where my Hubby was so I didn’t have much choice-haha! I knew we would come back and that we would plan at least a week here. There are several Museums, Castles, Parks, and restaurants and we would not be bored. I could spend an entire week just sitting in the park below the Castle and staring at the views around me. Edinburgh is a definite MUST SEE!

Here is the link to my Facebook photo album of this day:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.490726374404326.1073741837.219749854835314&type=3&uploaded=126

;)

Sorry, looks like my post about the review not getting started was removed. I meant no harm.

 

I agree that it's unfortunate cruise lines lead passengers to believe Le Havre is Paris. The best way to see Paris with this itinerary is to begin your vacation by flying to Paris and spending a few days there. When the cruise begins, just take the two hour Eurostar train from Paris to London, before making the transfer to Southampton. Sorry to hear about your tour and hope you get to Paris and get into the Notre Dame, but also enjoy the city at night, take an elevator up the Eiffel Tower, see the Louvre, the Orsay, Montmartre, cruise on the Seine, see the Opera building, and even get to Versailles.

 

The Princess British Isles itinerary is decent, but not as a means to see Paris. Also, I believed the best port was Edinburgh and that deserves more than the few hours you get with this itinerary. They could dump Cobh and Inverness and spend days elsewhere. We still enjoyed the cruise. There is plenty to see on it. I also believe that these cruises give you a taste or just a glimpse of these cities and ports and leave it up to you to decide whether to invest more time on a future land trip. It sounds like you are excited from your trip and enjoyed it. We leave in a week for the St Petersburg and Baltic itinerary. My lesson learned from British Isles is that these port intensive longer Princess itineraries have hits and misses. I'm hoping for more Edinburghs and less Cobhs and Invernesses.

 

Oh, I hoped you liked the Ruby. It's our favorite Princess ship.

 

Looking forward to more of your review.

No worries! Just to be funny (cuz I always think of the best comeback a day late)--I said "detailed" review---NOT fast and timely review--haha! Detailed is quite the opposite and more my style. Anyway, we move on now and no hard feelings around the table.:cool:

I completely agree with your take on all the ports. Edinburgh was my favorite and Hubby wasn't feeling too great that day so he stayed on the ship. I went in via the local city bus alone and when I stepped off in the heart of the city, I felt like I had been transported to a Disney Movie where all the Princesses live! It was beyond stunning---like I was actually breathless AND speechless! I definitely plan to go back and hang out in that fabulous city for at least a week. I can't wait to share on that (pictures).

The Ruby is our favorite Princess ship too. We were on the Emerald for the Transatlantic from Venice in Oct 08 and fell in love with it AND the great 5 days at Sea after a 9 day port intensive stretch. We both LOVE our sea days. We have sailed on the Ruby the past few years, doing the same Eastern Caribbean Itinerary (that we love). It feels like coming home now when we step on her :-)

Hubby and I definitely plan to go back to London and spend at least a week and just taking the train to Paris for a day or two (with our own agenda). I do want to be there at night to really capture the essence of the Eiffel Tower. Plus, I would love to see all the Museums and Galleries. He has the "been there, done that" attitude about Paris but loved London and Scotland enough to want to go back.

I look at itineraries like this as a sampler plate. Appetizers (or as I say "Appeteaser") just to get your mouth watering and wanting more! Its a great way to see and sample a LOT of cities in a short time. Cruising is the BEST way to maximize this (with the whole unpack only once and wake up somewhere new each day). It gives us an opportunity to see where we want to go back and spend more time.

I am envious of your St Petersburg/Baltic trip!!! Every single person we talked to said that was their favorite of ALL their cruises. I never even had it on my list and now it is at the top! Have a SUPER TRIP and let us all know how it was when you get back home!

Thanks for all your great suggestions here. I appreciate the time it takes to not only write these comments, but the research (and memory retrieval) involved:D

Question: You had to go back to the airport to get your Princess Cruise Transfer? Were they not able to pick you up at your hotel?

The Princess Transfer to the ship is from the Airport only--NO hotel pick up. It would be very inconvenient and time consuming for the coaches to provide door to door hotel pick up. It really isn't a big deal (to me) to just get back to the airport and get the transport there. We used the HOPPA bus service from the Marriott (basically an airport shuttle) that runs consistently and you wait no more than 15 minutes. It was 4 british pounds each and they dropped us right at the terminal where we just walked in and met the Princess Rep.