ajtraveler66

I'm asking this question specifically of Cannes, but my question applies to Mediterranean ports of call, in general. (We'll be in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and Albania).

When we are in Cannes, we will have just toured Italy/Sicily for four days, and we will probably just want to stroll around Cannes for the day and take things a bit slowly...doing things on our own and not doing the ship's excursions.

So, my question is this?  Do most restaurants in Cannes take recognized credit cards?  If so, which cards?  If not, how do we go about obtaining our euro's?

53 minutes ago, hrhdhd said:

Taormina is also quite high, just to note. I took an excursion there a few days ago, and the bus had difficulty with the numerous switchbacks. Treacherous? Probably not, but looking out the window and seeing a steep incline could be stomach churning.

Did you go all the way up to Castelmola or are you talking about the roads to Taormina here?

We are planning our time at port in Catania, Sicily.  At present an excursion to Taormina is looking like a strong possibility for us.  But it appears that another tour option includes Castelmola along with Taormina.  This tour would also include a seafood lunch at Ristorante Baronessa in Taormina.

We were content with the half-day "Taormina On Your Own" excursion.  But this other one might be one to consider as long as Castelmola is worth the time and effort.

Also...heights are an issue for two in our group.  Castemola looks like it's 'way up there'.  So we would not want to venture up that high if roads were treacherous and winding, etc., etc.

Look forward to hearing from you.  

I've already posed the question of doing Taormina as a tour versus 'on your own'.  But I've never really inquired as to whether we miss out on any great offerings of Catania itself if we opt to do the Taormina excursion.  From what I've seen and heard from some of you already, I'm leaning VERY heavily toward Taormina.  (I'm the research guy for our party of four, and they are depending on me to provide the best info possible.  LOL)

We will be at port in Catania from 8a.m. to 5p.m.

I was on a Mediterranean cruise in 2010 (We were with an alumni group and things had been planned for us in advance).  When at Naples our excursion consisted of Pompeii, time in Sorrento, and a drive along the Amalfi Coast up to Positano where they arranged for us to have lunch in a local restaurant.  It was great.

I will be returning to the area in April 2023 on an NCL Star cruise.  We are trying to decide what to do.  Right now we are talking Pompeii and Amalfi Coast.  I am thrilled about seeig the Amalfi Coast once again.  Quite frankly, I can take or leave "Pompeii" but two in our group have not seen it, and they are probably going to want to. (I haven't seen a ship excursion that includes Pompeii, Sorrento, and Amalfi)

Were it me, I'd go with the Sorrento/Amalfi excursion.  I really liked Sorrento.  Can't explain what it was...but that was back in 2010.  Maybe it was the gelato that I had (LOL).  

Just be sure to include Amalfi.  And I wouldn't rule out a non-cruise excursion.  Evidently that's what I had back in 2010 ... and it was great.  (But if you can find the perfect excursion through your ship, then go fo it.  That way you don't have to sweat beating the clock to get back to the boat ... everyone tells me I need to get over that 'fear of getting back to the ship in time'.  LOL again)

2 hours ago, slidergirl said:

i'm being a little wary here, but - does the cruise excursion actually mention going into the Accademia to see the statue of David?  They may try pawning the statue of David in the Piazza della Signorina (the replica but in the original spot as the original David before it was moved) on the unsuspecting.  

I say this only because when I was in Florence the end of July, i did see plenty of tour groups in  the Piazza when i was walking through the Piazza.  

I'm pretty sure the one that I'm zooming in on says Accademia.  The price would suggest that as well.  Also they did have one that I saw, and I'm thinking it's what you are referring to.

All readers.  She's telling the truth.  So be careful what you sign up for.  Accademia is the key word if you want to see the authentic "David".

1 hour ago, marazul said:

How many hours in port?

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  (Of course you have to be on board before 7. ... I forget the rule... It's NCL).

29 minutes ago, marazul said:

Here is the Accademia website.  Buy your tickets there, not from a "skip the line" vendor.

https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/

 

I suspect the OP and friends will not be comfortable taking the train.  However, a private excursion would be worth a splurge and it might not cost more pp than the ship's guided excursion.  Firstly, the transportation will be faster than the excursion bus because there is no waiting for it to load and unload, and to organize a bunch of people walking through the city.  That means you have more time in Florence to see something other than the statue. 

 

If you choose the "on your own" ship's excursion,  you have to find your way to the Accademia and that could be stressful for you.  The buses park a few blocks away and you have to find your own way in. 

 

On a private tour, the guide will work out a walking tour that takes you past some of the many wonders of Florence on the way to the Accademia and save enough time for a light meal or snack. And they will get you back on time!  

 

How long are you in port? 

We are only at port in Livorno for a day....and it is a Sunday.  That might make a difference too.

Just now, ajtraveler66 said:

Man.... I hate to hear that.  We hope to return to Bermuda and were looking to go back there.  I remember there was a restaurant there at the beach.  Mickey's or something like that.  Hopefully it didn't go under as well.  DANG COVID.

 

Maybe when we return, someone will have that place 'up and running' again.  I was never in the hotel.  We just took advantage of their beach day package.

IT WAS IN 2016  ... SORRY, I LEFT THAT OUT.

16 hours ago, njhorseman said:

When? The hotel has been closed since early 2020.

Man.... I hate to hear that.  We hope to return to Bermuda and were looking to go back there.  I remember there was a restaurant there at the beach.  Mickey's or something like that.  Hopefully it didn't go under as well.  DANG COVID.

Maybe when we return, someone will have that place 'up and running' again.  I was never in the hotel.  We just took advantage of their beach day package.

Our ship has an excursion that enables us to see both the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Statue of David.  However, it is quite costly.  And as a splurge we can probably afford it.  HOWEVER ... it's a guided tour and we are 'at their mercy' for the entire day. (Even though I know that that has its advantages as well).

There is a ship excursion that is basically "Pisa and Florence: On Your Own".  I like the freedom of that idea.  HOWEVER, we definitely want to see the "Statue of David" and I know that ticket-purchasing and lines can be quite an issue.

Can tickets be purchased online in advance for "David", and if so do you have to specify a time?  If so, do they honor your ticket if your tour runs late?  I look forward to your thoughts.  Again...we are willing to do the ship excursion that includes both Pisa and David if that appears to be our best guarantee of making sure we see both.

Appreciate your input for those who have been there.

We did a day pass at the Elbow Beach.  It was a wonderful day!

I'm not going to read all of the posts here.  I am just going to say this.  When our group of 4 was there in 2016, we did high tea at "Sweet Pea" at the Perfumory.  It was a tremendous experience and one of my most cherished memories of Bermuda.

Hopefully it is still in operation.  I do know that there were only certain days that they were open...so check to make sure it matches your cruise itinerary. 

8 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

IMO, Taormina is the best option from this port, if you haven't been there before.  It is a charming place.

 

Given the information you've shared in your others posts (e.g., being a bit nervous about not using ship tours; not wanting strenuous full-day tours in these ports), I would suggest you go with the ship's "on your own" tour.  

 

Two hours is about the minimum time to get an appreciation of Taormina. It is not a large place. In addition to appreciating the views, strolling and having a coffee and cannoli, I would also suggest that you visit the Greek theatre (which is likely included in the guided tour) as it is well preserved and beautifully set at the edge of the town.  

 

 

The guided tour sounds wonderful.  But it appears you would miss out on the coffee/cannoli experience.  We'll just do our research and do the best that we can.  Thanks for the info.  Taormina looks like a 'must do'.  .... Wondering if this ship excursion could be made a day prior to the event.  Asking this...because weather can be such a factor.  As wonderful as this place looks with the videos and pictures that I've seen ... I'm not so sure that I would want to venture out on a rainy day.  (Our actual date to be there is April 20, 2023).

I'm hearing great things about Taormina.  

We'll be on the NCL Star in April 2023 with a port of call in Catania (Sicily).  I see that the ship has excursions to Taormina:  One is a guided tour ... the other is an "On Your Own" offering... suggesting that we would only be in the city for about 2 hours.  I really think that two hours would be enough time to get a good view of Mt. Aetna, to stroll around for a bit, and to enjoy time for coffee/pastry, etc.

Is there a better way to get there?  Are we better off just staying in Catania?  If we opt to go to Taormina (on our own) what highlights would you suggest for us?

4 hours ago, wineoclock said:

Of those ports I’ve been to Sicily & Zadar. Both interesting. One of my kids is going to party in Ibiza next week. That alone would make me stay on the ship.

 

Sailing into Kotor is one of my cruise highlights. Do it another time if you can. 

Thanks for the tip on Ibiza.  Yesterday I read some articles that police were dealing with NOISE issues even during the day.  I'm sure your son is a good kid, but I was a good kid once myself, and I loved all that loud stuff. 😊.  I think we'll stay in for at leasst MOST of that day. 😊

46 minutes ago, GreenFamily said:

Ibiza, Spain, unless you like to hang out at loud and crowded beaches. Don’t skip Seville.

When you say don't skip Seville....do you mean Seville the city or Cadiz within the Seville area.

The city of Seville looks awesome, but I've seen comments that you don't get much time there because of the time needed for travel back and forth.  

I'm hearing great things about CADIZ ... that city itself.

I guess it's really a no-brainer.  When you port at Cadiz (Seville) ... just be sure TO GET OFF THE BOAT!  LOL!  🙂

Thanks for the advice, Hank.  From my research, Cadiz and Portimao were looking like 'winners'.  I, too, love sardines, and I had already read that grilled ones are exceptional.

I think we'll definitely have to venture out while in Cadiz and Portimao.

Now I look forward to hearing about Zadar, Sarande, Ibiza, and Motril. (Disappointed that Kotor, and Corfu were not included in the itinerary....but there is no perfect itinerary as we cruisers well know.)  That entry into Kotor looks absolutely incredible!

Our group of four senior citizens will be on a 15-Day Mediterranean Cruise on the NCL Star in April of 2023.

We are trying to decide how to divide our time.  We've already made big decisions for several of our ports of call.  But there are a few ports that we are not all that familiar with. 

Since we know that we would like to devote perhaps 2 or 3 different days to mostly 'rest time on the ship' (reading, lounging, etc.) we are trying to decide which days those should be.

We enjoy the usual stuff:  scenery, arts, architecture, good food.  So we are willing to venture out a little bit at each port, if it's something we definitely should do.

Here are the ports of call that are 'in the running' for 'spending the day on the ship':  Zadar, Croatia (we plan to go to Split); Saranda, Albania; Catania (Sicily), Italy; Ibiza, Spain; Motril, Spain; Cadiz, Spain; Portimao, Portugal.

If you've been to any of these places, let us know which ones you think are good candidates for "staying-on-the-ship" days?  And why?  {And we realize that weather may be a factor in determining what those days will be}.  Also if there are any that you think we must NOT avoid, let us know...and why? 

Thank you all so much.

We are really looking forward to a 15-Day Mediterranean cruise on the NCL Star in April of 2023.

Make no doubt about it, we plan to do it up right while in Venice, Naples, Rome, and Florence.  We'll probably also want to spend a lot of onshore time while in Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Split, Croatia.

The following ports remain:  Zadar, Croatia; Sarande, Albania; Catania (Sicily), Italy; Ibiza, Spain; Motril, Spain; Cadiz (Seville), Spain; and Portimao, Portugal.

Our group of four senior citizens will probably need about 2-3 rest days--days in which we spend most of the time 'taking it easy' on the ship.  Some of you know the places in the above paragraph better than I do.  Which ones should we consider as 'stay-on-the-ship' days .... and which ones should we be sure to get out and see things, if only for a half day or so.

When it comes to travel, we like scenery, art, architecture, lay-back restaurants.  We're not too keen on the shopping.  So we are open to your suggestions on Zadar, Sarande, Catania, Ibiza, Motril, Cadiz, and Portimao.  {And I realize that some decisions will be made based on the 'weather of the day'}.

I cruised the Mediterranean with an alumni group in 2012.  The university had arranged all of our shore excursions through some travel agent.  There were probably about 25 of us and we traveled that day in a bus.

I remember our excursion out of Naples included Pompeii, quality time in wonderful Sorrento, and a tremendous lunch in Positano.  It was -- without question -- the very best day of our cruise (which included Rome and Florence, and a few other ports).

I plan to be on the NCL Star in April of 2023.  And would love to relive that experience, if at all possible.  Oh, I know it cannot ever be precisely the same--but the plan of the day can be.  I have looked at the NCL offerings...and I cannot find anything that includes the itinerary mentioned in the title.  Quality time in Sorrento seems to be missing if you want to include the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii.  

I, personally, could do without another dose of Pompeii, but two in the group have not seen it...and they need to.  And we definitely want to spend this day together.

Any suggestions would be welcome.  We will be a party of four -- all of us in our 60's to early 70's.  As always, having the assurance of knowing we will get back to the boat in time is of extreme importance to us...so we would want to go with a reputable tour company.

Thanks for the advice here.  Sounds like there is plenty to see in Cadiz.  I think we will take advantage of this fact and just stay put.

I checked out a few You-Tube videos, helping me to further concur.

I've gathered some new info on possibilities for tours while we are in Cadiz(Seville), Spain.  

It has been suggested to me that we should go to the actual city of Seville instead of 'hanging around the port' in Cadiz.  I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.  I see that NCL offers about 3 different types of excursions that go to Seville.  One includes 'Seville On Your Own'.  That obviously was the cheapest of the offerings.

However, some of these cathedrals may require a ticket to get into them, and I'm wondering if we would be better off with a tour that has purchased the tickets in advance.

I'm also willing to consider using a reliable tour company (other than NCL) as long as we have assurance in feeling that we would get back to the ship in time.

Thanks for your input.

10 hours ago, steamboats said:

Just to mention... The Gem did not use the ship´s tender boats. The boats getting the passengers ashore were local boats (larger than the regular tender boats).

 

steamboats

Curious ... should you see this.  Did NCL Gem offer shore excursions that included St. Mark's Basilica and possibly a gondola ride to go with it?  I'm thinking that maybe a ship excursion would be adviseable in a tender situation.  (We'll be on NCL Star).

We hope to be on the NCL Star with a stop in Ibiza in April of 2023.  The boat is only there from 7am to 3pm, so we will not have a lot of time.  And obviously it will be too cool to consider serious beaching.

Any ideas for an early leisurely lunch?  Someplace near the port?   If it has a great beach view that would be perfect, but certainly not necessary.  I suppose we would be looking for tapas or possibly a paella (to provide local flair). 

Or it could be that we just take a stroll in the port area and just partake of our 'free' NCL food.

Thanks.