elaine5

thanks to all. I think we'll just do the longer tour and if it swaps stops and goes back to ship, call it a day.

It says RT from Athinios-- looks like the description shows. I guess we could decide on the fly to get down on our own if we wanted to stay.

End of August! in port 7am to 8 pm. Excursion is 7:45 am (5 1.2 hours). 3 ships with 12,500 passengers arriving 7am 1 ship with 2,500 at 9am. 7,500 leaving at 7pm 7,500 at 8 (us) I'm guessing long lines at 4pm onwards? So, maybe we just get back on ship at 2pm?

how does getting back to ship work? can we stay in Fira and eat lunch?

which is better? Oia and Fira town: 4.15 hours Oia: Discover traditional Cycladic cave houses, awe-inspiring seascapes and more while leisurely exploring one of Greece’s most postcard-worthy villages. Fira: Visit Santorini island’s beautiful capital village surrounded by panoramic vistas. Roundtrip transfers: Your tour includes motor coach transportation. or Island of Santorini and Fira town: 5.30 hour Oia: Meander along winding cobblestone paths perched high above the volcanic caldera, peeking in art galleries and artisan shops. Santorini: Drink in the island's world-famous wines with a tasting of three varietals accompanied by locally produced cheese, olives and tomatoes. Fira: Enjoy free time to explore this buzzing cityscape, shop, dine on Greek cuisine, or snap selfies with the caldera.

It is extremely easy to fly into Zurich, train to many options in Switzerland and then train to Italy to catch a cruise. We did it with 3 kids and 70 yr old Mum, visiting Lucerne, Bern, and an overnight in a small town before training to Italy. We could have also easily added Lugano on our way to Rome. Another option is to fly into Milan, day trip via an escorted tour and then continue to your port, Rome or Venice. There are many day trips from Milan, which has excellent train connections to both Rome and Venice. Here's an example: https://www.viator.com/tours/Milan/Swiss-Alps-Bernina-Express-Rail-Tour-from-Milan/d512-2872ZV15 The excursion you referenced might have been from Venice, fairly close to Italian lakes. Border crossing used to be just agent checking PP while on train.

we are experienced snorkelers with fins and vest. We have swam to a reef from shore and back, etc. Is there a swift current at Eden Rock that makes it more dangerous, or just deeper water as opposed to puttering around DCL/RCI swimming area?

If I add princess plus package now (for 2024 cruise), can I take it off before final payment if I decide I do not want it?

can one take a mat and just sit on the beach at Coral resort if chairs are already booked up?

so, if one makes their own arrangements, say flying from USA to AU or Europe 5 days early, would Princess insurance cover other incidents, such as illness, etc. before the day of the cruise? I understand they won't cover hotels, delays, etc. if we make the cruise.

how do I find out the themes for gala nights? such as Aug 6 and Aug 13, 2023 QV cruises? Is it typically Black and White and Roaring 20s for 7 days?

We're not concerned with baggage allowance, but do have to self-carry traveling afterwards on trains, metro, etc.

would husband be fine with dark suit on formal nights? Will there be other men in dark suits or 90%+ tuxes?

How formal is dining for summer Norway fjords cruise on Queen Elizabeth? Would we feel out of place if husband wore sports jacket with buttondown shirt/tie/slacks for formal nights and I wore simple dress, skirt/blouse, dressy silky capris/silk blouse? And, do we need to dress in costumes for themed balls? What percentage do (not) dress up for those events? And what would be attire for the other nights? We are used to Princess/Celebrity dress codes. Not a lot of luggage space for a tux or long gowns.

no luck Delta Amex.

Rotterdam: if we are in an OV room one floor above the casino, near the front elevator/stairs, would we smell smoke in the hallway/elevator area drifting up from the floor below? I am somewhat sensitive to smoke/asthma. But, don't want to overreact if its not an issue. There are very few rooms left and there is a good one in that location.

We just did Nice via train. It's a 15 minute easy walk to the ocean/old city in Nice. There is also a tram that runs to there. Ask tourist office outside of Nice train station for a map and where to walk (down the main shopping street that has Galleries Lafayette, etc.) The tram also runs along this route. Buy a ticket from machine--not on the tram. Also, it'd be good to buy your TER train ticket in advance at sncf.com. It should be good for any TER train that day. There was a long queue after ship arrived and many had to wait 30 minutes for the next train b/c of long queue to buy tickets. Yes, you could go to Monaco and then back via a stop in Nice, but it'd be a long day. I would not add Cannes.

Anthem shows only 1 major show? Am I missing something? Anthem--what are the shows currently? And, can I make reservations for them on the APP on 1st day?

Hi. Are Europe MDR menus the same across the ships? Such as Anthem (UK) and Vision (BCN) would have same menus? Same days?

thank so much! We were heavily leaning towards O, but it's significantly more. I assumed there'd be great entertainment all over the ship. I think we might stick with Explorer. We were on Navigator Easter break (max capacity) in 2016 and it was fine. We went on NCL Epic out of BCN and the pool deck was jammed and DH said never again.

Italy/Spain/France would have the sites that we'd be interested in seeing - would be nice to see some historic sites & views. [good choice] My HS boy (and girl) liked iconic ruins/places studied school--Rome (Colo), Naples (Pompeii). He did not enjoy "walking around looking at old buildings and churches" as much, so we mixed active days like kayaking/hiking, Fat Tire bike tour in Barcelona (great), with a few slower days. Both love climbing towers (Pisa, hill towns by Florence). For that age, I'd suggest a larger ship with lots to do--NCL newer ships, and most RCCL ships (not the oldest ones). We left from Rome and added on days in Rome. You can also fly into Venice and see Venice and Florence on the way to Rome via train. We've also flown to Switzerland, hiked, and then trained to Milan, Florence, Rome.

Thank you for the wonderful review! We are debating RCCL Explorer or Odyssey next year for similar cruise. 3 couples. For the 2 other couples, it's possibly their only trip to Europe/Greek Isles. One couple has done a few Carib cruises and the other none for 30+ years. All late 50s. After your review, I'm wondering if the Explorer would be better, as less crowded for ship experience and also getting on/off at ports, esp. Santorini. We've been on Navigator and thought it was fine, but likely not as many entertainment venues, dining options, new/fanciness of Odyssey. Which would you recommend?

Thanks, not D+.

is there a 1st night discount for specialty dining--and if anyone has specifics for Europe (on older ships)? also if we prepaid for 1 night dining, say on day 5, can it be cancelled onboard for refund if more than 48 hours?

We'll be at the end of a long trip and have a port day in Civitavecchia (7am-6pm). We've been to Rome a few times, so looking for something lower key and less travel time. Any suggestions for scenic Civitavecchia DIY option (not Rome) using public transit. Otherwise, we might just stay on the ship. Thanks, Elaine