jjk9946

We have been to Maui almost annually for the last 30 years. Once even on a cruise. I agree with everyone who said rent a car. Buy "The Ultimate Maui Guidebook" by Andrew Doughty. (I recommend the book version, not the e verson".). This will make the drive wonderful with a lot of unusual stops not accessible on tours.

The road is actually an easy drive when compared to years ago when much of it was a single lane with creeks running over it. The T-shirt made a lot more sense back then. You will be driving a lot of switchbacks, but you're on a two-lane paved road.

I've done the road all the way around and in all honesty it was one of the most stupid things I've ever done. It's a long, long drive. Much of the road is gravel single lane with a sheer drop into the ocean. It was not relaxing in the slightest.

Aloha!

Judy

Judy,

Those are great lines, but also on the high end for price.

4774 Papa,

Yes I know they are on the higher end of things. We've had friends do a couple of the less expensive lines. They felt that when all was said and done, they had spent so much that they might as well have booked with a higher end company.

Judy

Very interesting thread. I am also researching for our first river cruise which will be in 2018. First thing I did was read Berlitz River Cruising in Europe. It's a great way to become familiar with the whole concept as well as the various companies and rivers.

We have pretty much decided on a 15-day Amsterdam to Budapest. The same as you? I've narrowed the companies down to AMA, Uniworld and Tauck. AMA is probably at the top of our list with Tauck in second place. Tauck stays on the list because it is all inclusive and the excursions are the ones most lines charge extra for if they offer them at all. Downside with Tauck is their docking locations. They are a small company so they don't get the best. Uniworld is third because while we enjoyed Versailles I'm not a fan of all the fou-fou.

I will watch this thread to see all the various inputs.

Judy

Years ago I figured out that I was allergic to the soap they use on board. We had some post cruise days planned and I was miserable. It wasn't until after I got home that I figured it out. Since then I've not sent anything of mine out. I take a small bottle of Tide (maybe six inches tall) in a Ziplock bag everywhere I go. I've even hand washed jeans in the bathroom sink, with a shower rinse. You can buy a cord that uses Command type suction or sticky cups to adhere to the wall. That wil hold a couple of items in your shower.

Judy

With just paying the difference between $13 and whatever the difference is, we enjoy some wonderful wines, 20-year old Port or an 18 year single malt. These are things we never do in a restaurant as it is just too cost prohibitive.

Enjoy,

Judy

The GOES Pass also works domestically..

Recommendation for all travelers: Get the TSA Precheck pass. If they still offer the GOES (works going through U.S. customs from some countries) get that. It will be one of the best $100 you'll ever spend.

You can Google it and start the process. Overall it took a couple of months for my husband and I. If the airport has it offered, you skip the long line into a much shorter one. No taking off your shoes, belts or jackets any more. Coming in from certain countries, e.g. Great Britain, same thing. Special kiosks that read your card and fingerprint, print a receipt type thing and you go right up to a customs officer while those poor other people wait in a line that seems to go on forever.

Once you get your card, put it on all your plane tickets. There is usually a spot for it. If not call the airline and have them put it on file. Then it prints right on your boarding pass.

We used Paddywagon for both Irish countries. Enjoyed it very much.

In Liverpool we used Boutique Tours of North Wales. They get top ratings everywhere. This was our favorite we've ever done. Absolutely amazing!

We used WOW tours in Scotland.

Enjoy!

Judy

You will LOVE Rome. We can't recommend Rome in Limo enough.

You have to decide what is important for you to see. We spent five days and never stopped. For me seeing the Vatican for the beauty, history and influence was at the top of our list. We opted for a private tour through RIL. Money well spent and we saw much more than a group tour. We walked around a ton. With our hotel across from the US Embassy we were close to the Spanish Steps and Trivoli (?) Fountain which was amazing at night. We ate at local hole-in-the-wall places and never had a bad meal.

Whatever you decide to do, pre book and avoid wasting time in line. We also used RIL for all our transportation and many other tours throughout and underneath the city. We were joined by people on our roll call for everything but our Vatican tour which kept the cost down.

Judy

Here's another vote for Limo in Rome. Amazing company. We used them for transportation and tours. Had no problems filling either within our roll call. Also used them hotel to airport. Amazing company.

Note: wouldn't suggest the Rome at night tour. At night Rome is fairly dark. Then again I live in Las Vegas. Here nights are beautiful!

Judy

I agree with Tunaman2011. Get your Global Entry TSA card. Best money you'll ever spend. Google it. The application is online. Once there the directions are easy to follow.

We got ours on advise of our TA. Last time we entered the country the line was literally hours long. Start to finish it took us about ten minutes.

I'm sure we've all started to see the abuses being made by some in the name of "service animals". Just yesterday we saw a matted, dirty "service" dog in Costco with a service cover that was at least two sizes too small. What's worse, that dog wasn't even leash trained.

On the other hand there are many, many emotional support dogs serving our service men and women. I would welcome these teams anytime, anywhere.

Welcome to cruising. You'll love Celebrity. Be sure to log onto the roll call for your cruise. It's always fun to get to know others you'll be traveling with.

Judy

I found the same thing when I put a hold on a stateroom the first day for Canada/New England. When I took it to my TA the next day, she called it in and booked it as "best" with no problem.

Love not having to deal with these systems.

I forget why we bought our first Premium package, but it must have been a very good deal. We are not big drinkers, but enjoy a good glass of wine. Turned out it was a great deal. When you start adding up the specialty coffees, upgraded bottled water with all meals, great wine, and the ability to try top shelf scotch, rum and anything else you want... We're still not big drinkers, but the package really pays for itself.

Judy

I was finally able to see and do a hold yesterday at about 1:00 p.m. PST. Last year or maybe it was the year before when I did this I could "see" the schedules the night before. It was really a hassle, but we're all set. I'll go into my TA today and finalize it. Yeah!

Judy

The name of the book is Maui Revealed. There is one for each of the islands. Absolutely the best guides for the islands. They are updated each year.

I know there is a Budget along the highway. Googlle car rentals in Lahinina Town.

Judy

I second Mama's Fishhouse. Go for lunch. Amazing setting great food.

Also would not do Haleakala on a bus. Well worth the trip, but do it yourself in a car or with a small group. Do the mountain in the morning, have a wonderful lunch at Mamas and drive back and explore Lahinina Town on your own. Many places along Front St have a brochure that will put you on a great historical walk.

Enjoy, Aloha

Judy

I too recommend you book your own hotel. We stayed at the Meridian La Rambla. Loved the location. You are close to so much. While Las Ramblas is very busy, it is also fun and beautiful at the same time.

The HoHo was great. If you've never been, it's a great way to get a feel for the city. Rick Steves will have a book on Barcelona. Any thing by him is worth the read. The taxi to the ship was under ten euros for two of us. I pre booked a driver from the airport, but have no memory of the cost.

Big fan of Trip Advisor.

Barcelona is one of our favorite cities. You will love it.

Judy

We've been to two. First had about ten people, the second at least twenty. Enjoy!

We've cruised out of Bayonne before. We found that staying at a hotel in NJ and taking the train into NY worked very well and saved hundreds. Just make sure that your hotel offers shuttle service to the train station. Get off at Penn Station and you are right in the heart of things. The train is very inexpensive and very easy to navigate. We had a car take us to the port. Happy sailing!

Judy

i agree with Rob the Cruiser. Don't stay in Oakland.

Judy

we used to live in the Bay Area. Loved the City. Went back two years ago. It broke my heart. Men were riding bikes and walking around sans clothing, not a stitch! We saw some women smoking Crack on a center median. The homeless have always been there, but now it's not as clean as before. Would love to go back, but not until they change their leadership. Sanctuary cities have got to go. It's not just because of illegals everywhere, but the drugs and everything else.

They still have the BEST Irish coffee ever!

Judy

We always do our own air. Our first time to the Caribbean we used their hotel because because transfers were included. The hotel was very nice and the location beautiful, however it was quite a distance to the dock. Later doing research (after I found CC) showed we could have gotten the same hotel for half the cost, with breakfast included. Now I book all transportation and hotels.

Judy

About time you guys came over to cruise Australia, you can borrow a car too.

 

Love

Bruce and Tania

Hey guys,

How are you in the land of OZ? We actually had a cruise planned but had to cancel due to health reasons.

Send me an email and we'll catch up.

Judy