kazganymede

On 4/28/2024 at 10:40 AM, Ellis1138 said:

 

We're coming in via cruise ship and the first port is Akureyri, but we have a cruise ship excursion right after docking. I don't know when I'll be able to get Isk coins. The pay toilet thing frightens me the most about this trip. (I have some gastrointestinal issues and bladder problems.)

Our first port is also Akyreyri and I sympathise with you about the anxiety you are suffering from not knowing where the nearest toilet lies. My problems have improved with probiotics.  The pay toilet thing makes the situation even more stressful if you don't have any coins!

Thanks Nitemare, but we don't have a credit card and strongly favour cash. At least with cash you know how much you are spending, whereas with a card you are never aware of all the extra charges which can be considerable. The Wise card is very useful and allows you to purchase other currencies, but unfortunately they do not sell ISK. Looks like we'll be copping fees on every tiny transaction.

We've already purchased DKK, NOK and other currencies on our Wise card, but cannot purchased ISK from Australia. Can anyone from Aus suggest a card where we can purchase ISK so we won't be hit with fees every time we buy something? I've heard that cash is not really a viable alternative as many vendors don't use it and can't give change. However. we'll still exchange some cash for kroner.

25 minutes ago, fruitmachine said:

I've never been myself, but looking on Google Street View, going to Midhope involves passing  a "Private Road - No Entry" sign on the Hopeton Estate.  Their web page indicates that you must park and walk the last bit.  https://hopetoun.co.uk/house-and-grounds/visit-the-house-and-grounds/outlander-at-hopetoun/  That page also says you must have a ticket (I assume to Hopetoun House itself) to access Midhope.  As Midhope Castle is in the opposite direction to Edinburgh, you're going to more than double the distance for a taxi, and then add any waiting time charge. 

 

The rest of your plan is perfectly doable.  Once you've visited Edinburgh Castle, everything is downhill! 

 

The Scotch Whisky Experience is right at the top of The Royal Mile, just below the Castle. 

 

Mary King's Close is only a little walk further down, opposite St Giles Cathedral (which is free and also worth a visit, especially to the Thistle Chapel).  Because of your mobility issues, and the fact that it is underground, check their access guide here: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/plan-your-visit/access-for-all/

Thanks Fruitmachine for those links. I think we could manage the underground steps.  From what you said, I now think we'll go into Edinburgh by the X22 and do the other activities before returning to the port from where we can do the Midhope castle later in the day.

4 minutes ago, fruitmachine said:

The HOHO is very good, and the main start/stop point is about a 7 minute walk from the X99 drop-off.  It has a stop a little closer to the Castle than the city bus stop at the top of The Mound, but still most of that more gentle uphill walk has to be done.  Only a taxi could get you all the way to the Castle entrance point (if a passenger has difficulty walking, they are allowed through an otherwise closed road and can take you right onto the Esplanade).

Thanks fruitmachine, great info!  Before looking at the logistics of transport, I was thinking about taking a taxi from the port to Midhope castle for a short stop and then continue towards the castle. From there we'd walk the Golden Mile, stopping at the Whiskey experience and doing an underground tour. Afterwards we'd return to the ship by the X99. Perhaps this is too ambitious.

6 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

Sorry, no buses or trams go to the castle so only a taxi would take you close to but not onto the castle esplanade. You could take the bus for its full run  and take a taxi from the x99 terminus in the city centre.

Thanks for your quick response. Edinburgh has so much to see with so little time! Maybe we should book a panorama tour or HOHO.

Some interesting information here!

From what I can see with the bus routes, there is no bus which goes from the port of Queensferry directly to Edinburgh castle. 

We have mobility issues and find it difficult to walk uphill, although walking on flat surfaces is OK.

Is there any form of transport which goes from the port to the castle, or do we have to catch a taxi?

Thanks, we booked a Blue rentals car. Hopefully all goes well when we arrive in R.

I've heard that Denmark, Norway and Iceland are mainly cashless which means people with smaller currencies like the AUD get bad conversion rates whenever they buy anything.

I have cash euros and USD from previous holidays which I would like to convert into kroner, but now I'm wondering if people will take cash in these countries. In fact, I'd much prefer to use these currencies than a card.

Is it worth getting euros and USD on a card, whereby we'll be hit with 2 conversion fees if buying in Australian dollars or just using our usual debit card and copping the cost of every transaction? I've never visited cashless countries. I find the process daunting.

Can anyone recommend Wise to use for kroner in these countries?

Thanks for the info.

https://www.getyourguide.com/akureyri-l2028/godafoss-waterfall-tour-from-akureyri-port-t520204/?ranking_uuid=df1b76af-abc8-4db7-98f1-3a0725ffc371

Thanks all for the great advice. I've booked a 2 hour tour to the waterfall which can be cancelled if something better comes along.

We are seniors who are finding it very difficult to get a cc as our income is limited.

We'd love to rent a car in Reykjavik, but I think they all require a valid cc.

Any ideas if this is possible?

Our cruise arrives at 12 and leaves at 6.  That certainly doesn't give us time to do the large loop with the lake.

I saw a post somewhere that there are tour operators at the port with cheaper trips to the waterfall.

Can anyone verify that, or should I book a 2-4 hour tour in advance so that we don't miss out?

I've looked at the timetables, but it just seems to be a HOHO without any time to visit Skara Brae or the other megaliths. I found the website quite confusing. However, some of the posters claimed they had time in these places. Can someone enlighten me pls?

Hi Jackie,

We had a great time but cruising is all about managing expectations. This was our 7th cruise in a short time. We have been on MSC mega ships, Norwegian and Carnival. All were great in their own way. The lirica is very similar to the Opera that is fairly compact. It is spotless and although we had an inside our friends had a balcony which was by far the biggest I have seen on all other ships.

The food is 7 courses but Mediterranean so plenty of fish. The courses are a choice of 2 starters followed by a salad. Then 2 soups one clear,one a broth,next either a pasta dish or risotto then a choice of 4 mains and then dessert. My children are 13 and 15 but are well travelled and will try most things like cuttle fish, lobster etc. we enjoyed the food and the waiter on table 30 was brilliant and derived an extra tip. There are no burger etc options but there is bolognaise,chicken and steak dishes available every day as a substitute.

For us it is always the itinary we go for and we had a fabulous time everything we did was DIY.

We arrived from Birmingham early in Dubai and was on board for around 10. Back Onboard time was 5:30. There are loads of taxis within easy walking and they are all tour guides. The taxis in Dubai are really cheap but there is a 20 dirhams charge for port exit which is about a couple of miles. we used a7 seater for our party which again there was plenty. There is a wifi free zone here.

The taxis have rates for 6 hours 500 dirhams or 300 for 3 hours which was the same in Abu Dhabi.

We had prebooked the At top Burj Khalifi online which saved us a small fortune on our party for 2;00. We negotiated a rate with our taxi driver and he took us to the Deira Souk, the working Dhows on the Creek and a couple of themed hotels. He then took us to the Flamingos and the palace before dropping us at the incredible Dubai Mall. At the top of Khalifi it was fantastic, the views! The Dubai mall is the largest in the world. Got a taxi back for 50 dirhams for 7 seater.

 

Abu Dhabi, again took taxi tour went to the Mosque, the Palace, the Marina by the F1, the F1 track and Hotel then a look round Ferrari world. 300 aed all in back at 2:30.

 

Day at sea then khor al fakkan. This resort is small. I researched prior and there is a 4 star hotel called the oceanic that does day pass. Free shuttle bus out of port. Walk 3 mins to taxi rank and take the free courtesy bus to the Oceanic. Day pass for our party was 65 AED please note cash only. For this we got full use of sauna,pools, beach including towels sun lounger and a fantastic lunch. A brilliant family day! Returned on 3:30 courtesy bus.

 

 

Oman please not here currency is Omani Rial or Euro. 1rial is 2 euros. As it was Christmas Day we walked to the fish market and the souk in Muttrah port which is in the old part of Muscat. Courtesy bus out of port provided free. Again if you research the area there are loads of taxis willing to negotiate a price to show you around. We enjoyed bartering in the Souks for fancy dress costumes for New Year.

Khasab we had a fantastic Dhow trip into the fjords. We chose Khourshem Tours from Trip Advisor and was glad we did. Full day,including a simple cooked lunch,snorkelling and equipment,towels 32 euros per person!!! Not too full compared to MSC who pack them in. We saw Dolphins close up too. On way back I looked around the Dhow and all 17 passengers we lying on cushions, legs over the edge in the sun eyes closed totally chilled! Favourite day.

 

Back in Dubai went to Wild Wadi in the Jumeirah beach hotel overlooking the Burj Al Arab. Bought some buy 1 get 1 free entertainer tickets off Ebay. If didn't have the kids would have gone for high tea at Burj and booked direct online.

 

Phew!! Hope this helps!!!!

Thanks for that review. We are doing the same cruise on Jan 11, but there is no-one in my roll call.

Our plans

1 Abu Dhabi- booked Falcon hospital online and will catch taxi to mosque.

2. Kor - thinking of doing ship tour around the countryside as there aren't any private trips.

3. Muscat- private 4 hour tour

Khasab - private full day dhow private tour.

6 days in Dubai with high tea at Burj, tickets to Burj Khalifa and general sightseeing.

Thanks everyone for your excellent tips.

I have been in communication with Best Shore Tours who offer similar, if not identical tours and prices.

In Abu Dhabi I'm thinking of doing both the mosque and Falcon hospital which is expensive ($50 pp for falcon hospital) by taxi as I've read on TA forums that taxis are cheap and plentiful there.

If anyone can comment on the falcon hospital and whether it is worth the hefty fee, I'd be grateful.

OK; whilst I have a bit of time in the office....This is a good (-ish) place to buy gifts and souvenirs at Muttrah Souqu (don't pay attention to the spelling. You will see the place names spelled 3 different ways on 3 signs).As you walk into the souqu from the harbour front / street side, there is a quite large shop on the right of the entrance with windows facing the street. They have a decent selection of everything "Omani". Many shops inside the market will have the same or similar things, but I find the guys at that shop easy to deal with. Less BS than at other shops. Of course - and that applies to shopping everywhere - do not walk around with your cruise line tour sticker on your shirt and leave the cruise line bag / umbrella / cap / t-shirt at home. The vendors see that from miles away. If they quote a price you find high, tell them that you are not a tourist. Say your husband works for Oman Air or some bank (HSBC is good) or at the Grand Hyatt or is a doctor at Starcare Hospital. Plenty of Canadians / Westerners at these places. And you are shopping for presents from Oman to send home....Nice things to get small ornaments / trinkets, even Christmas decorations with Arabic motives, small "silver" things, small lamps, frankincense burners and such things. A speciality and REALLY Omai are ornamental daggers (called Khanjar) that is a main part of the Omani men's National dress. Prices for these range from around OMR 5 to THOUSANDS. The daggers at the touristy places are usually welded shut and you cannot pull out the blade. In cases where they DO come apart, the knife itself is so blunt, you cannot even slice thru a strawberry. Many places also have the khanjar mounted in nice box-frames. The stuff is not heavy and it will be wrapped very well and securely. They will always tell you how "antique" things are. Don't believe them. The vast majority of other items at the market comes from India. Pakistan etc and is not really Arabic, despite the look of things. Unless you really know how to spot a REAL Pashmina - which of course is made (at least to a high percentage) from Kashmiri wool - you are likely to be ripped off. Anything that comes wrapped in those cellophane bags is a sure fake. :-)Pay no more than 5 OMR for a really nice and BIG size "pashmina". A word of caution: There is no clean Western style bathroom inside the market. Bathrooms at the small restaurants (if you find one) are OK, but also not too clean. Think of USA truck-stop toilets. Whereas Oman is very safe and it is extremely unlikely that you run into ANY sort of trouble or will be mugged, it is still better not to "flaunt" your wallet or camera etc. Dress reasonably moderate. Nothing "sexy" or tight. You are unlikely to get "in trouble", but people will stare at you or give you dirty looks.

Great info. Since you are also from Sydney, can you tell me if there are any problems getting frankinscense and mounted daggers through Aussie customs.

Thanks.

Looking for private tours for 3 which are more economical than the ship tours.

The HOHO tours seem quite expensive, much more than in Europe.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.;)

How did you get the cab for Athens? Did you book one ahead of time? Or find one after you got off the ship? Where? Thanks.

There are dozens of cabs as you exit the terminal. Most will negotiate and 20 euro is OK although it can be cheaper if the meter is used. But be careful because there are day and night meters, so I'd suggest you negotiate before you get in.

One driver quoted us 140 euro for the trip, so be careful as they'll rip you off if you don't know what to expect.

I had planned to catch the bus and train but am glad we didn't bother because after a day climbing the acropolis, visiting the Acropolis museum and walking around I was totally exhausted. And as a bonus, we arrived on a Sunday and it was free to get into the acropolis which saved a bundle.

We have decided to rent a car in Olympia, we can both drive stick so they shouldn't sell out in a hurry. Catching the train into Athens-1 post was great on how to get there etc!! Limassol, maybe a taxi service or something? and Rhodes-I assume the old town is close to the port??

Thanks for all the advice though :)

We booked a car in advance in Katakolon and the drive to Olympia was very easy. Hint, if you dock at 1pm like we did, go straight to the museum because it shuts at 3 in winter and you'll miss out.

Athens was much easier by cab. About 15-20 euros to the Acropolis and saves all the walking needed to catch the bus and train. Also you'll get there early, before the thousands of hordes climb the acropolis and ruin the photos.

Rhodes- lovely town just walk around. If you go on Monday the Palace of the Grand Masters is closed, but there is plenty to just see and enjoy. Ship is docked opposite old town.

Costa Pacifica Dec 2009.

We only had 5 hours in Limassol and had booked with Christours, and confirmed it, but he wasn't there and sounded like he was still asleep when I called. He was getting ready to send someone when we found Nicholas with his 6 seater taxi who took us for the 5 hours, covering Kourion (just see the mosaics and ampitheatre- about 20 minutes, Apollo sanctuary (lovely, about 30 minutes) Aphrodite's birth place and Paphos where we had lunch on the lovely boardwalk by the port. By then it was time to get back to Limassol and for e150 our family of 5 saw quite a bit of Cyprus.

There are plenty of taxis outside the port.

Can anyone recommend a larger taxi which might pick us up at the ship for a trip to the acropolis and how much should it be?