chloe kitty

Does anyone know if there is a kibbutz (excuse my spelling) near Haifa? We would love to see one.

Thank you

Take the train (they run often between the port of Haifa and Tel Aviv) and spend the day in my time.

 

Gimme a few minutes to read my mail and I will post both the train schedule and the municipality tourist advice site.

Thank you for your info. We have not even thought about doing that, but it does sound like a good idea. Since neither of us is religious, we don't speak any Hebrew. Do you think we would have a problem getting around on the trains, and in Tel Aviv? Are the trains a safe way to travel in Isreal? Have there been any incidences on the trains lately?

My husband thought that since we don't speak the language, and are not familiar with the customs, that a tour would be better for us.

If we should consider the train, what station in Haifa would be use (close to the port), and what station would put us in the heart of things in Tel Aviv?

Thanks again.

Hi Ruth,

My husband and I are on the Mariner in July. We have a tour planned in Jerusealum, but can't decide what to do in Haifa. While in the Haifa area, we would like to see a Kibbutz as part of our touring. We are open to suggestions. We thought about a Jewish tour, but we don't see many that interest us. We did see a tour that included both Haifa and Tel Aviv. Do you think that is practical? Since we are not religious, we don't want to spend the day at a lot of religious sites.

Please help!

shalom

We did the opposite trip, from Beijing South Station to Tanggu. We intend to do the same thing from Tanggu to Beijing South on our next cruise. The ride was very smooth and very nice. We had 4 pieces of luggage on spinner wheels. The only problem that we had, was trying to communicate with the taxi driver in Tanggu. We finally got our point across. So, if you are going to do this, have someone on the ship write the name of the station on a piece of paper for you.

chloe kitty

Does anyone know how obstructed the view is on the Diamond in room e633.

Also, I was on the Star in E708. It did not have tenders outside, it had a platform. Pretty good view. I would book that cabin again.

chloe kitty

Taxi, about $10.

Thank you!!!

I asked this question on a site, but I'm not sure which one, so I'm sorry if I am asking this again. We are arriving at Ballentyne pier and leaving from Canada Place pier. What is the best way to transfer between the two?

Thank you,

chloe kitty

Error

Hi Ellen, it depends on the time of year you go; admission rates are at http://www.butchartgardens.com/planning-your-visit/admission-hours-and-rates/admission-rates.html

 

For the bus, you want Route 75 from downtown; schedules are at: http://www.bctransit.com/regions/vic/schedules/map.cfm?p=side.txt&line=75&

There's a M-F schedule and a weekend schedule. It was only $2.25 each way, but be sure to ask the first bus driver (from the pier to downtown) for a transfer slip.

 

The first bus driver was SO friendly and very helpful with info; the driver coming back, not at all. So it's good to do a little research online first, especially about the schedules. Not all Route 75 buses seem to swing by the Gardens; the site will explain that, and I also asked the bus driver about the return schedule. I think it was every half hour, not sure though. It will also be posted at the bus stop at the Gardens.

 

Oh, and also, I think you had to have exact change. You can get Canadian currency at the little gift shop right at the pier. From there, it's less than a 5 minute walk to the first bus stop.

 

When you return from BG on Bus 75, you'll be downtown; be sure to allow enough time to wait for one of the buses going back to the ship. (Although you can take a taxi or the ship's shuttle for additional $.) If you use your transfer slip, of course, it's free to take the bus back, if you're willing to wait at the bus stop a while.

 

We have also walked from downtown back to the ship; it's not that far, maybe half an hour. And if you have time, explore downtown Victoria; it's a lovely city, very walkable, with great little shops and cafes.

 

Taking the bus out there was VERY easy, once I'd done a little online research, and saved quite a bit of $. I highly recommend it over a tour bus.

 

Have a great time at the Gardens! They are really fantastic. I must have taken several hundred photos!

 

Jan

Jan,

Thank you for all the info. I checked all the website you mentioned and it is all clear to me now. I think we will take the bus. We are thinking of using a "Day Pass" and possibly just touring once we leave the gardens.

Do you have to use canadian dollars, or do they accept us.

Thanks again,

Ellen

I don't know if it is spelled correctly, but our YVR to LAX cruise stops both in Nanaimo and Victoria. What is there to do in Nanaimo?

Thank you.

chloe kitty

Last spring, I did what ScottBee described. I took the local bus downtown and asked the driver to let me off where I could transfer to the bus to Butchart Gardens. He was very friendly; gave me the transfer I needed and even pointed out the bus to take.

 

It was over a 30 min. ride to the gardens, but there weren't many stops. Before leaving the bus, I asked about the last bus timetable going back to town.

 

Bought a ticket at the BG main gate and after walking through all the various sections, exited at the same gate and caught a bus back to town. (There's a shaded bus stop with benches just outside the gardens.)

 

Again, asked for a transfer and caught a bus in town, back to the ship.

 

Very easy, and very economical. Plus I could see the gardens at my leisure and not have to meet up with a group or wait for latecomers.

 

Jan

Hi Jan,

So, the ride from the ship to the gardens were only 30 minutes +. Were the connections frequent? You mentioned that it was economical, does that mean under a few dollars each way or what? Do you remember what the entry to the gardens cost? This is my first trip to Victoria. We would like to see the gardens, and are trying to decide between a tour and the local bus.

Thank you,

Ellen

Sorry, it is 1am here, and I guess I didn't pay attention to my spelling. It should be Falklands.[

quote=chloe kitty;19207963]We were in the Fauklins in March and went to Volunteer point. There is no doubt that it is the best place to see the Penguins, however it does take at least 2 hours to get there and 2 hours back. That doesn't really leave much time to mingle with the King Penguins. It could be done, but really rushed!!

Since this is a tender port, it makes time that much shorter.

Good luck and enjoy the Fauklins.

We were in the Fauklins in March and went to Volunteer point. There is no doubt that it is the best place to see the Penguins, however it does take at least 2 hours to get there and 2 hours back. That doesn't really leave much time to mingle with the King Penguins. It could be done, but really rushed!!

Since this is a tender port, it makes time that much shorter.

Good luck and enjoy the Fauklins.

Samantha,

I read something in one of these threads about walking thru Penguin poo.

Do you think it would be adviseable to wear rubber boots? I know this is a strange question, but I am in the process of putting clothes together to pack.

Thank you,

Ellen

Hi Samantha,

It seems as if some of the posts have just disappeared. We would love to meet you and meet your Gixer. We are arriving on the Star Princess. We are taking the tour with Patrick to Volunteer point. We would love to fit some time in with you.

Ellen

Gixer/Samantha -

 

I cannot thank you enough for the wealth of information you have provided for all of us curious cruisers! Bless you for taking the time out of your busy life!

 

I will be visiting the Falklands on the Star Princess on January 21st with my family and after reading your postings and seeing your pictures, I can't wait to see your fair island!

 

I am the proud mother of 2 ragdoll cats - one sealpoint mitted and one blue lynx mitted (named Legolas, nicknamed Leggy - add that to my profession of opera singer and you get my user name). Aren't they the best cats ever?! I'm curious - is there a ragdoll breeder there in Stanley or did you have to import your Gixer?

 

All the best,

Amy

Hi Samantha and Amy,

I have 7 cats. One day when I was doing my volunteer work at a no kill shelter, a beautiful Ragdoll came in. I just couldn't take another cat, but I put her on hold for my girlfriend. The cat is just wonderful. She is smart, beautiful, and a real lover. So, I understand how you feel about this breed.'

My husband and I have a Bengal, Munchkin (in case you haven't heard of them, mine is seal point coloring, and very short legs), a snowshoe, a Himalayan, and the rest are just lovables.

Take care of those beauties!

Ellen

Hello,

We will be in Stanley on March 23, Star Princess. We have been invited to join a penguin tour to North Point. Is it a good viewing point? Are there usually quite a few penguins and babies at that time of year? We are not wilderness people, but are animal lovers and are very interested in having a good viewing of the Penguins. Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you