roothy123

Hi. I'm the person who wrote the initial "Tips" post. While it's flattering (and a but amusing) to see that people are still using it, I never intended it to be an ask any question type of post that would continue on forever.  I no longer read many of the posts, plus I only cruise on Viking maybe every third or fourth cruise. There's are no doubt many things in there that are no longer true. Also, it seems many people have gravitated to Facebook pages hosted by travel agents to get information from readers of those posts. So for all these reasons I'm thinking maybe I should try to delete or close the posts to comments, assuming that's possible without asking an admin to do it. Thanks to people who have posted, however, and carry on, especially Peregrina!

3 hours ago, bennybear said:

Thanks for the update!   Doesn’t sound good, as most cruise are only there for two or three days. 

Yes, and to embark, even if you embark somewhere else, not in Israel, Israel requires that proof of a  negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old must be presented when you embark the cruise. So basically, if you're visiting Israel on a cruise ship, look at the link provided above by Mystictraveler.  Requirements may be different from those of the cruise line or airline.  

Cruise ships are now allowed in the Israeli ports of Ashdod and Haifa.  However, I've heard from passengers on two of the ships which visited in April so far that passengers didn't get off the ships until almost 3 PM due to administration of PCR tests.  If you've traveled on a cruise ship in April (Silversea, NCL, Oceania, Viking, MSC or possibly others) could you please let me know what your experience was, including if you were the only cruise ship in port that day and about how many passengers were on board?   I need to juggle some things if our ship experiences such a delay so I'm trying to get an idea of when we'll likely be free to go off the ship.   

Cruise ships have reported that everyone on the ship must undergo Israeli-supervised PCR testing when they arrive the first day.  So far I've heard, but can't confirm as I wasn't on any of the ships, that 2 ships were held up in releasing passengers until 3 PM, and one ship was able to let people off at noon. I think all 3 ships were in Ashdod on the same day.  

In any case, yes, the Ashdod and Haifa ports are open to cruises.  But you may loose a day's touring due to PCR testing. You may want to plan with that possibility in mind.   

I can't help with specifics, as I have not yet been to Haifa.  However, I wanted to alert you that you may not be allowed to go off the ship in Ashdod or Haifa if that is your first cruise stop in Israel, and if you're not flying in to Israel to board the ship.  I have seen reports of two of the first ships to visit Ashdod (and later visit Haifa) being delayed at the port because of testing required by Israel when people enter the country.  I'm trying to get more information, but I just wanted to let you know that is a possibility.  I don't know anyone on any of the ships that have gone there in April (Oceania, Viking, Norwegian and (I believe) Silver Sea.)  But Viking and Oceania passengers both reported getting off at almost 3 PM after arriving 6 AM.  I read that Norwegian passengers got off at noon.  But I believe all 3 of these ships were in Ashdod came at once, which might have been one reason 2 of the three were so delayed. And Viking PCR tests every day, so it seems likely that Israel wants their own testers on the ship, with no exceptions to be made.  Both lines cancelled all -day excursions that day; I'm not sure what people experienced if they had planned non-ship excursions. 

If any locals have more information on this, I'd love to hear it.  I could try to call a port agent, but I'm guessing they wouldn't respond to me.   

7 hours ago, steamboats said:

BTW, this is the latest decreto valid since Oct 26th til Dec 15th. It does not mention cruises but there are a couple of older decretos which are still valid. So I don´t know whether the one mentioning cruises is still valid or not.

 

steamboats

Thanks for posting this.  I'm having trouble getting a translation (more recent document - maybe actual decretos are in pdf form?), but will try again later.  I can live with some changes to how I travel, but like to know as much as I can find out before doing so!  And while something that expires in December doesn't affect me, we all know that those things can be extended.

10 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

If you are unable to verify the text of these laws, do you plan to demand the right to go on shore independently?  The cruise lines are not in some vast conspiracy to sell more excursions – these regulations are real.  And they are being enforced very strictly.  Just go with the flow.

I'm not planning anything, and I know there are restrictions in various places, and I do (and did) go with the flow.  There was a lot of anxiety on a Facebook group over what Iceland was doing in July and August.  What's a little difficult for me is that even if you research as much as I normally do, you can't find any actual rules that are applied to cruises/cruisers/particular ports.  Maybe a country has some internal documents, but many people want to know things in advance, and get upset if they pay a lot of money for a cruise and then can't see what they want to see.  My spouse and I decided it didn't matter what happened, even if we ended up quarantined in our room for most of the cruise.  We cruised in Iceland 8 days and everything was perfect.  But I DO like a lot of information, so I AM curious about the basis for a country's decisions.  

Thankyou.  I'll try to reply in one post. 

Yes, I was considering trying to see the salt pans near Trapani, although it doesn't sound (from what I've read so far, not just this post)  they're nothing special.  But if it's too much of a hassle, I will likely just give it a pass.  However, there are apparently 2 different locations near Trapani where you can see them, similar setup, so it's a little hard to tell which one is better, if there is such a thing. 

As for Erice, I found a webcam (Skyline Webcams) and so far, it looks like it's a very foggy place, at least right now.  But of course, Erice IS up high, so that doesn't surprise me.  The pictures Jazz posted in the blog (thanks!) make it look quite worthwhile, though.  And I looked at the Malta pictures, since I'm going there, too.  And wow, Jazz, you sure were tested a lot!  I hope by May that Europe is in better shape, and trusts cruisers more so some of restrictions are gone.  We're supposed to visit Turkey (including Bozcaada) and then Greece on Oceania, and I'm wondering if that will work out OK.

I guess I shouldn't get my hopes up too much for stopping at Trapani (sigh!)  But I've cruised enough to know that you need to roll with the tide. 

Thanks for the input, and I welcome more!

I seldom need more space.  But if I do, I use the shelf in the closet for clothing, put stuff I seldom need under the bed in my suitcase, and/or move the coffee maker to make extra room.  And I guess if those things aren't enough, I would put things in the drawers in the bathroom, or ask for more hangers so I could hang up clothes I would normally put in a drawer.   

We will (hopefully, anyway) visit Trapani, Sicily next spring.  We missed it on a cruise we took a couple years ago, so I'm hoping all goes well this time.  My questions are a little oddball but I thought I'd try asking them here anyway:  

-Has anyone traveled down towards Marsala to see the salt pans?  Can you tell me anything about them?  Worthwhile? Hard to get to?  What's actual name?

-Has anyone visited the church in Trapani that has the large Misteri statues that are used by the locals once a year in a parade?

-Is Erice worthwhile?  

-Did anyone miss Trapani due to weather (or other reason)?

Thanks. 

I would love to read the actual language of the Italian law that requires cruise passengers to (only) use ship excursions for touring.  I tried to pull up the law and waded through some of it, but couldn't get to the pertinent part, or if I did, it was in Italian and I couldn't get it to translate. 

What exactly is Italy requiring?  

Also, does anyone know of any law/ruling/policy of Greece which specifies that if a cruise ship has stopped in Turkish ports other than Istanbul or Kusadasi, they will not be allowed to visit Greek ports?  Someone on Facebook has posted that Viking received that information from Greece and had to bypass a Turkish port that was on a recent itinerary.  

On 10/13/2021 at 8:01 AM, tring said:

 

Thanks for that information.  I can add to the thread that P&O's Brittania (sailing from the UK) was refused docking in Italy both for a previous cruise and one taking place now.  The company said at one stage that Italy would not take ships which were not home ported there, but that obviously does not bear out.  The company have not clearly said what the problem was for the current cruise, though apparently there are unvaccinated children on board, which may be the problem, as other ships seem to be insisting on fully vaccinated passengers only from what I understand.

 

 

Viking Ocean visited Venice (well, docked in Fusina) a few weeks ago, but the passengers had to stay in Viking excursion bubbles there, with no independent touring - and apparently no time for shopping of any kind, which upset some people.  

8 hours ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

My opinion:

 

Mykonos is great (and easy) for wandering, taking pictures, finding a nice place for lunch waterside

 

Rhodes easy to do a lot of stuff independently if you're into that (I am).  If it's your first visit, I'd just wander. Google Tom's Port Guide Rhodes for a good introduction.

 

Crete - haven't been there but hopefully will go in May.  We dock in Souda Bay, near for Chania, and there's a shuttle to Chania.  Ships also go to Heraklion.  I plan to wander the older part of the city, visiting the pretty harbor area with lighthouse, also the market, etc.Heraklion has a pretty harbor area, too, I've read.

 

Santorini is a favorite.  Rented a three wheeler there once and went to places few cruisers go, plus beautiful Oia.  But three wheeling or renting a car is not for everyone.  Don't just take a simple excursion there.  Oia is beautiful, probably best done by an excursion, not a bus.  And Fira, where you'll end up after tendering and taking transportation up the hill/mountain, is nice too.

 

Athens is a ways from the port location.  If you have a full day there (not just arrive back there at end of cruise) you can DIY Athens by taking public transportation, but it's a little difficult for less adventuresome types. An excursion might be best there.  I'd go for an early one, as traffic can be bad in Athens.

 

Please ignore my comments about Chania.  I was thinking you were docking in Reythmnon, which isn't terribly far from Chania.  But your cruise apparently goes to Heraklion, which may be too far for a trip to Chania.

It's out of date and old, and not as comprehensive as I'd like.  However, you may want to google Tom's Port Guide Rhodes to get an introduction to Rhodes. Tom's guides (no longer issuing them, but old ones are available if you search for them) are geared towards cruisers, so very helpful.

Editing mostly so I can "follow topic."  Also, if you want to go see a place or two that most cruisers don't go, I can probably dig up info on at least one.  It requires a car or taxi ride from Fira, however. 

Not for everyone, but you can also rent a quad (or whatever you call it!)  -- slower, less comfortable for back passenger, but DOES get you everywhere on the island.  You may see them in Fira or if not, I can post info on a place to rent them. 

https://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/patmos/ is a good starter for researching Patmos.  Before our cruise was cancelled, I was planning to go to the monastery (St. John) and then walk up to and wander the white city up top. 

I love doing independent stuff, and I loved going into the city center of sorts of Funchal.  There are a whole lot of painted doors, so if you like artsty stuff, it might be worth giving it a look.  My "door" photos are here: https://pbase.com/roothy123/doors_of_funchals_old_town and the rest of my Funchal pictures here: https://pbase.com/roothy123/iberian_sojourn__more_&page=all  (Madeira is toward the bottom of gallery).

We also looked at, but didn't take, the tobbogan rides from Monte - crazy stuff.  And yes, after reading Tom's Port Guides, I decided I wasn't going to take a chance at ruining my vacation. 

We did a short taxi tour in the AM (my photos may say which vendor) and I explored on my own in the afternoon.  Great stop; loved it!

I never use the coffee in the stateroom because it's really strong (for me, anyway).  I also don't own a pod coffee maker (just not interested).  So I'm clueless:   Are all pods the same in size/shape, for use in all types of pod coffee makers?  In other words, if I WANTED to use the machine in my stateroom, could I bring some pods from home or would I have to get some for the Neopresso machine?  It's no big deal to walk to the living room, or order room service, but it might be nice to have a cup of coffee in the room right after I get up one day. 

We liked Alla a lot. We chose the "comfort" (slightly reduced effort) tour but saw a lot - more than those doing ship tours.  Of course, it wasn't possible to customize a tour.  Large van, no individual visa needed.  Line up to get off ship earlier than you think you'll need to, though - just about everyone gets off the ship in SP, and lines are lots longer than usual for an O ship.

I can't believe I fell asleep during this program, although I DID get up at 5:30 AM yesterday, so I WAS tired.  I thought it was a pretty good episode, from what I saw.  I'm always bored when the program spends too much time in the spa or restaurants. I love seeing the ports I might want to go to, or the ones I've been to, and I love mention of the operational issues - like having to get permission to pass from a sub!!  

Anyway, I fell asleep during the Belfast visit, and I've been trying to find where I can view the episode.  The link above stops after a minute - just a teaser.  I don't know if I can get Demand with our service.  We DO get Smithsonian Channel, an excellent channel, so I'm assuming it will repeat at some time - but not today, apparently.  It's mostly Air Disasters and Above America day, it seems. 

So if anyone knows how I can view the whole hour's program on YouTube or TV, please let me know.  I really wanted to see this, as we took a similar UK cruise on Marina in 2013.

Thanks, clo, for alerting people it was on last night.  I knew about it before that, but I'm sure others did not - and probably enjoyed it!   Yes, the producers like to pump up each ship, but that's no reason for me to not watch an episode, from Royal Caribbean to Europa 2!

This is not for everyone, but:  We were there on a Sunday and the train schedule to Berlin was not ideal.  Therefore, we rented a car in Warnemunde, very close to where the ship docks.  It was a great car and easy rental, and turned out to be a fun day.  We drove down to the outskirts of Berlin, took the subway/metro to a few places in Berlin, and then went back to Warnemunde.  I explored the beach and boardwalk there before going back to the ship. 

We loved Madeira.  We took a taxi tour, but my desktop computer is down, so I can't look up the name of the man who did the tour. But it was a half day tour, which allowed time in the afternoon to see Funchal, take the cable car up to Monte, see the painted doors of Funchal downtown, and visit (very quickly) the big market in Funchal.  If you're interested, some of my photos from Madeira are here: 

https://pbase.com/roothy123/iberian_sojourn__portugal_spain_gib&page=12

Haven't been to the Azores. 

I know nobody's cruising now, but I'm dreaming of next fall.  Anybody know of shuttle availability in these Greek ports:

Militini (Lesbos), Rhodes, Patmos, Mykonos, Agios Nikolaos (Crete)? 

Or these Turkish ports: Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Alanya, Antalya?

Paphos, Cyprus?

I know the Piraeus (for Athens) situation!  

Thanks.

I have never pursued using a member of the O Connoisseurs Club TA, but just wanted to mention that there are other TAs who will offer you added shipboard credit and/or other goodies, including sometimes a small thank you rebate once your cruise is over.   We're not allowed to mention names or I would recommend the company I use. But don't be shy about contacting a few companies and asking them what they can offer.

It sounds like you're going to go for the penthouse suite, but if you don't, keep in mind that it's always possible that closer to sail time, Oceania may have an  extra penthouse suite available, and if so, may call (or TA may call) to ask you if you'd like to upgrade to one. In our experience (though we've never booked a penthouse suite, just lower categories), the price they want is tempting, but not overly so. But I always listen....  

Hope you get to sail.  We're thinking of booking on a late July sailing on Riviera. At least Oceania has extended its Travelers Assurance Program through the end of September.  That makes me feel a little bit more confident in making a booking.