nursinadream

Thank you kindly. Interesting calendar. Lots of cruisers enjoying Rome.🇮🇹!

@euro cruiserI have read your posts about train travel to and from Civi/Rome. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I studied the webpage for Civi Express: https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/civitavecchia-express.html. I plan to use this route on Sept 23, Friday. There are 5 ships in port that day. Is that a busy day? We are from O Nautica. The return back to port arrives at 1720. I intend to take Portlink bus from station to port then shuttle back to dock. Is that enough time to get back for 1900 departure? Deb

Thanks for your advice @IgKhand the link. Deb

@IgKhThanks for your good info re transfers. We're going TO Haifa port from Tel Aviv Embassy Hotel (near the beach). Is the train suitable for this journey? Travelling Sunday Sept 4 Thanks Deb

Thanks for this. I checked it out, looks great. Deb

I'd like to add to @jonthomasquestion about hotel stay in BCN. Our cruise ends there near end of September. We will stay for 3 nights to tour a little and do some relaxing. We were there 20+ years ago the day our cruise began so just got a little taste of the city. What location do you suggest for access to tours, local food and sights? We often use VRBO or other to schedule several nights stay like the grandkids mentioned above - but not sure about "location". Deb in Naples

Thanks for your responsed pdm. I'm going to email Dimitris about a car rental for the day. Deb in Naples

I see this in the shore excursion descriptions occasionally. The locals welcome you into their homes for a meal, or observe them work, visit a farm, watch the crafters work. Maybe some singing or dancing, wearing their local attire. Looking at Croatia and Split at the moment. Meeting and joining with locals is a wonderful thing about travel. In fact I prefer it to church after church or a house that might be where the Virgin Mary lived. Anyone do these types of shore experiences? Next up: Sept 4-26 Israel to Barcelona Thanks Deb

We had a wonderful Alaskan cruise, our first. BY FAR our favorite ship excursion was in Juneau called Photo Safari. A boat to view whales and bonus seals and otters, then a nature hike about 1 hour with lots of stops that ended in a lovely view of the Mendenhall glacier. The young man who guided us, Nick, was pleasant and easy going and knew his stuff. He gave some photo tips on the short bus ride with a Power point no less. He also included tips for using smart phones and assured us that they are certainly adequate or even superb photo taking devices. A nice snack in a paper bag was served on the coach ride including bottled water, energy granola type bar etc. And care was taken to keep food wrappers in the BUS, away from the woods where a bear might be attracted. We also enjoyed Butchart Gardens. Nice coach ride and ticket price provided. Two hours at this destination was perfect. Early July the plants were very beautiful. We did a Jet boat tour in Prince Rupert that was quite unique. Very rural body of water, undeveloped and wild. Salmon was prepared on grill and sides included for a nice meal. Coach transfer was kinda long, overy an hour. We did a short nature walk here too - but after a walk with Nick in Juneau nothing much to learn about the plants, birds, glacier carving, foresting, etc. We booked another cruise while on board, we are fans. For those who may not know the "Captain's Cocktail Reception" is held in several venues. He and his team only visited one I believe. But the drinks are FREE and not limited to a short menu which surprised us. We were expecting a few mixed drinks, limited choices of wine or beer, etc. But not the case. Only high end whiskys were unavailable. @kibutzerI hope this helps. I was very anxious for information before our Alaskan cruise. The weather was lovely Jun27-Jul8. No rain, mild temperatures. I did 3 wine tastings with the head sommelier, Gabriel. My hubby's not a fan. I met other single ladies to sit with. We had Americanos in Barista's every morning with Jimmy at 7:30. And 2 for 1 cocktails in Horizons with Syrian. Sorry I don't know about the senior stuff you were asking about. Peter was CD. Deb

Thanks, the printed itinerary is hard to read. Do you agree with a taxi rental for Argostoli? And you suggest Myrtos Beach I notice in another post.

Thanks for sharing your success story here. Perhaps since you were renting 2 cars the vendor was extra reasonable? Your day trip sounds great as outlined by SummerInKephalonia. I believe our ship Oceania's Nautica will be at anchor on Sept 20. Do you remember the price? And any problem with language barrier?

We just returned too from the Regatta/Alaska cruise deck four #4022. Directly across from medical center. We had no issue with noise even when the gangway was just around the corner. The bathroom was small! My husband is tall, 6'2". He often used the toilets in the hall areas with no problem. The shower is small but I'm used to that and I'm a plus size woman, I managed fine. I like the layout with lots of room in the bathroom for all my "stuff". Large mirrored storage, storage under sink and a few shelves above the toilet. And so many towels! Could have managed with one less towel rack and maybe one more shelf or cubby for storage. Same here, I'm with @Pearl64won't pay more for a bigger bathroom. We have chosen the deck for our next cruise in September.

I see this in the shore excursion pdf occasionally. The locals welcome you into their homes for a meal, or observe them work, visit a farm, watch the crafters work. Maybe some singing or dancing, wearing their local attire. Looking at Croatia and Split at the moment. Meeting and joining with locals is a wonderful thing about travel. In fact I prefer it to church after church or a house that might be where the Virgin Mary lived. Anyone do these types of shore experiences? Next up: Sept 4-26 Israel to Barcelona Thanks Deb

Don't they have an "app for that"? No way would I attempt an online form that is impossilbe, slow and problematic to use. I think @pinotloveris right, they really don't care. Deb

Thanks all! I've got a plan now. Deb

Should we bring our bathing suits? We'll be on Oceania Regatta (our first O cruise). Going Jun 27-Jul 10. Deb

The real one (or the one that set your standard) is the first. I remember your post - mainly I noticed the plate was beautiful.

Thanks for your input @Ladys Mom. I have not experience with excursion planning at all. Deb

@oskidunker, I have wondered too about the roll calls. A few signed up on my 2 cruises for this year but very few posts. We've got Vikings and Baltics coming up and looking for some to connect with. Deb

@tunaman2011 You boarding Regatta on 6/27, like us? Our first O experience. Deb

DrHemlock, haha, I'm with you. Though only been following these folks for a year and a half (almost daily) now. Wonder who those influencers are? Waiting for someone to raise their hand.🤔

@NavyCruiser That's the smoothest and clearest description I've read about in hotel testing. Thanks for the details. We have some proctored tests coming up. How do you deal with the nerves? No problem for us performing the tests - it's the outcome that unsettles me. Deb

Are you asking about the gondola in Icy Strait Point? If so here's a link to their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/page/131425893534966/search/?q=gondola Deb

Oh nanny this is just awful. Testing is so unreliable as can be plainly seen in your situation. I am so glad you were not sick and that you made the best of cheese, bread, alcohol, and movies.

Good article, no paywall, thanks, Deb in S Florida