Anyislandwilldo

On the Magic, there is a non smoking casino on deck 4.  Never have a problem getting a drink in there.  Hardly anyone in that casino.

23 hours ago, mamiamjo said:

After seeing all these B2B cruises her on CC, I've started thinking that maybe we should try that for ourselves. Question: Can I just book both cruises online myself or do you need to go through a PVP or anything special?

I tend to be a little pro-active on things.  We always knew we were going to cruise in Feb.  As soon as the cruises were released, we would book the same room for the B2B cruise.  It sure makes it a lot easier on turn around day.  You may get lucky and be able to book the same room for the both legs but I find it was more successful to book as soon as the rooms are released.  

I had a terrible turn around on my last cruise out of Miami.  We were walked through customs and proceeded down the hall towards the ship when some macho security guard decided to strut his stuff.  He told us to stop and we stood there for close to 30 minutes.  There were 48 of us and an elderly lady in the group.  Someone had to go get a chair for her to sit down on. They were letting diamonds and platinums on before us.  Then once back on the ship we had to the do the muster drill all over again.  I'm sure some maritime laws changed in those 8 days I was at sea.  

Going to Perissa while in Santorini.  Would like to go down to the beach area in Perissa but not sure where we should go.  4 senior ladies looking for some lounge chairs, with shade on the beach near a restaurant so we can grab some lunch.  We would like to get in a quick swim as well.  Which area would you go to and why?  Thanks!!

I just want to confirm that with purchasing the WIFI package on the ship, I can load this to my tablet.  Correct?   Will I be able to log in to the hub app on both my phone and tablet?  But just us WIFI on the tablet.  Thanks!

I've done quite a few B2B's.  sadly not every port is consistent.  Some ports you will get off the ship, go through customs and then escorted back on the ship.  Some ports, you will sit in a lounge, they scan your old sign and said card to remove you off the ship and then give you your new S&S card and you're on your way.  Some ships used to take a photo of you and your mimosa.  Not anymore.  I guess you get a coupon for a free drink now.  

I do have Venmo.  will need to check with the other ladies.  great idea!  But we all will need data in Europe in order to do this....correct??

We are 4 ladies, all from different families and when we go out to eat in Italy or Greece, looking for advice on how to pay our share of the bill.  We really don't want everyone to bring along cash or have to ask the server to write 4 separate checks.  Has anyone else any experience with this situation?  TIA

Going on the Venezia in November for 20 days!!  No launderettes on this ship.  I am platinum but afraid to send my laundry out.  At home I wash everything in cold water so I'm afraid they will shrink my clothes.  For those that send out laundry, do you normally wash at home in hot water?  I'm ok with sending out underwear and socks but not shirts or pants.

Thanks everyone!!  Good to know I won't be wasting my time looking for a stamp.  

Going on a Mediterranean cruise.  Does anyone know if the Greece ports have a place to get your passport stamped?  Santorini, Athens, Turkey

Do any of the islands have a spot where you can get your passport stamped?  TIA

I found an awesome jersey type shirt that says Half Moon Cay on it.  So glad I did some shopping here!!

6 hours ago, rg123 said:

Good luck! Hope your airport experience goes well for you. Safe travels!

Thank you rg123.

Thanks everyone for your valuable input.  I have absorbed it all and hopefully I'm able to make the right decisions when I get to the airport. 

On 10/25/2023 at 2:06 PM, rg123 said:

 

Hoping that our experience at FCO will help others. We were a little nervous about our 11 am flight out having read so many things about such a tight time frame from leaving the port and getting to the airport. But it worked fine for us and we had plenty of time!!

 

We were booked on flight from Rome to IAD on Sun Oct 15. We took our luggage and disembarked at 6:45 am. Our 7 am pickup with CabRoma was already waiting for us. We got to the airport around 8:15 (?) and used the kiosks to print our boarding passes/luggage tags.
 

Went to the United desk to check our bags and the woman asked if we would like to volunteer to give up our seats. (We were originally booked for 11 am to Newark with an arrival time of 9 pm). She said we could be on a Lufthansa flight leaving at 10:15 am and get home at 4:30 pm but we would have to walk about 7 min to another terminal. She assured us we could make the flight. They offered hefty compensation travel vouchers as well so we said yes! Win-win!
 

Walked to the other terminal, checked in with Lufthansa and then used our fast track pass for security (we had a printed copy with a QR code). It was a breeze and we were still at our gate by 9:15 am. Great day and we got back 4+ hours than originally planned. 

 

Excellent!!  Thank you for sharing this!!

F.Y.I.  Found the answer on Tripadivsor.  There are restrooms and showers available on the beach. 

Anyone been down to Perissa beach in Santorini?  Wondering if there is an area to change into your suit.  Yes I have posted this on the Greek ports page.

We are planning on going down to Perrisa and spending some time on the beach.  Hopefully get some swimming in as well.  Is there any place to change into our suits?  Thanks.

Thank you everybody!!

Found this on one of my searches.    Going to check this out when we get to Athens.

Resteraunt Scholario

 Address: Tripondon 14 Str, Plaka.

Highly recommend  on trip advisor

Good food, good prices

B2B in Miami was a joke.  Some security guy wanted to use his power and stopped the group of 47 people in the hallway back to the ship.  They had to go get a chair because an elderly lady had trouble standing.  Diamond and Platinum were back on the ship before us B2Bers.  Terrible!!

23 hours ago, klfrodo said:

My only question is are all legs of travel on Turkish Airlines? If so, then your baggage with be checked thru to Rome and all is well.

If your onward travels from IST is on another airline, then check to ensure they have an interline agreement. If not, which happened to me, then your adventure may begin sooner that you planned.

Yes, all legs are on Turkish Airlines.

Now I'm not so sure if I want to book with this airline.  I just read the reviews and TripAdvisor.  Yikes!!

Looking to book from Chicago to Rome.  There is a layover of 2 hrs and 5 min in Istanbul.  Will we have enough time to get through customs?  Will I need to get my luggage and go through customs?  Thanks.