Senga

1 hour ago, macmax said:

Where do you board the National Express coach at Heathrow T5? Is it the arrivals or departures level?

Check out the National Express website; they have a map with all the directions you would need.  What airline are you flying?  Air Canada arrives at T2.

Gunwharf Executive Travel, which has EXCELLENT reviews, quoted us 140GBP for a transfer LHR to Southampton.  

We had uncommonly warm weather when we sailed on Grand Princess in May 2022.  That being said, the air, when the ship was moving, was SO cold that it was unbearable in the dining area and guests and servers were wearing jackets.

We stayed at a small hotel right on the Grand Canal.  Definitely the most expensive hotel ever for us but we felt it was worth every euro.  They had a terrace where a sumptuous breakfast was served but you could use the terrace all day long and it was beautiful.  Our room was right on the canal and we didn't have any issues with noise.  We call these types of trips SKI trips; spending the kids inheritance.  Splurge, you won't regret it.

1 hour ago, CruiserBruce said:

Wow...that is a lot of money. If I am in Europe for 3 weeks, 2100 euros cash? Really?

My opinion.  We use cash for everything except hotels and high priced souvenirs.

I'm in a similar situation; use a cane for long "standing" periods.  I don't consider myself mobility challenged and I'm sure you can disregard that designation.

I recommend 100 euros a day and always purchase foreign currency at home before leaving on a trip.  Don't want to waste travel time once we arrive.

I recommend taking a bus to Piazza Michelangelo for the incredible view.  The scenery if you hike isn't anything special and it is tiring.  Reservations would be required for Sostanza where we had an incredible meal.

We definitely want to pre book our airport-pier transportation for September.  That was our only bad experience on our first trip to Greece; getting ripped off by a taxi driver.  Just knowing that the rate is fixed is worth the little extra for pre booking rather than chancing a taxi at the airport.

Can you take a taxi to the top of the hill?

Have you checked the Roll Call for your cruise?  On ours we've booked small group tours for Iceland.

@TracieABDThanks for posting that you are wearing masks.  We will definitely be in the minority on the Sky in May but we'll continue to mask regardless.

Lots of recommendations provided in the second post from the top.  Also, TripAdvisor.

Milkshakes are included.  I also get a cone at Coffee & Cones and get a bartender to blend it with a little strawberry daiquiri.

When checking, it says to allow 4 hours for check in at LHR.

11 hours ago, MissP22 said:

It seemed OK to me although they did eliminate a lot of flavors. 

i.e.- coffee, rum raisin, butter pecan, etc.

Asked and answered.

Neither of us drink alcohol and the internet on the Alaska cruise was beyond dismal.  We had the Plus package but have opted for standard for our upcoming Norway/Iceland and Mediterranean cruises.  We have prepaid our gratuities and have purchased the soda packages and 1 coffee package so that I can have unlimited hot chocolate and my husband will use the 15 specialty coffees or, IF THEY LET US, have a brewed coffee in place of the "specialty".  The only thing I will miss is the milkshakes at Coffee & Cones so I'm hoping I'll be able to purchase that individually.  It was nice to have the Plus and not even THINK about anything but, with no alcohol, crappy internet, it just doesn't make sense for us.

21 hours ago, millybess said:

As I said above, we are trying to use up our credits before they go out of business.

You did say this.

19 hours ago, millybess said:

we are trying to use up our credits before they go out of business.

Where did you hear there was even a threat of AT going out of business?

@hallasmThank you so much for the valuable information.  Much appreciated.

@hallasm

We will be visiting Skjolden May 16^th, arriving at 7 am, Olden May 17^th, arriving at 9 am and Alesund May 18^th, arriving at 7 am.  What time would you recommend we be up on deck to ensure we enjoy the beauty as we cruise into these ports?  I know Alesund is at the START of a fjord but you did say it has lovely scenery too.

We are hoping to do the Loen skylift while visiting Olden if it’s a nice day.  At that time of year, do you think morning or afternoon would find the sun in the best position for optimal photo opportunities?  It's quite expensive so I'd like to get the timing right.

Thanks.

20 hours ago, Deniseiam1 said:

We got front cabin seats in row 5. 

Is that the first row AFTER Club Class?  There is a curtain between the first row economy and the last row Club.  We had the last row in Club Class and the people behind us kept opening the curtain saying it was too hot.

Check TripAdvisor. 

We LOVE Air Transat because of the Club Class option.  Air Canada has frequent flights which is important in case of travel disruptions.  TAP doesn't even get good reviews from Portugal residents.

Don't miss a trip to Zaans Schans and a canal cruise.  Everyone says Amsterdam is a walking city but the cobblestones played havoc with my feet/knees so we were more than happy to buy  a transit pass.  Reasonably priced and convenient.