-
Posts
2,978 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by masonpips
-
-
We're going to plan either the train or the bus to Monaco and do our own thing. I've been researching the times/options and the train is a lot more expensive, but super fast. If I don't pre-book my tickets will we have any trouble getting them that day?
We're on Independence on a Thursday in early June. Per the cruise port info page, we're the only ship in port and our time shows 9:30-6 (with tendering).
Thanks
-
Woo hoo! I booked for our 2 week cruise at the discount so I could be in touch with house and dog sitter and am thrilled to hear it's in!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Ok, thank you! I hate ATMs (we have Capital One and our bank doesn't charge a fee and refunds what other banks charge us) in general but I see the need/reasoning behind using.
I was just hoping to "pad" my account a bit and pull cash on the ship (#3, prepay myself) just to avoid another stop in port! But I will suck it up and deal! LOL
Thanks again
-
We need quite a bit of Euros for one of our tours next month. I don't like to carry a lot of cash while traveling from the US, 2 days in London, then to Southampton and onto the ship, so have debated several options. Looking for info/feedback on the questions below (thanks in advance)
We are US based (dollars), we board in England (pounds) but travel to all other places (Italy, France, Spain and Portugal) using Euros
We have an OBC (from RCCL for booking onbaord) of $150
We have BOA reward points of $450 as OBC
- My understanding is that RCCL will use first the $150 (non refundable), then the BOA points (refundable) against our ship charges. Is this correct?
- If we withdraw money at the casino (charging to our SeaPass card) will it be given in Euros? At the "current" ship exchange rate? This saves us from finding/dealing with ATMs in port (although I realize the exchange rate can suffer)
- If the casino is an option, I can purchase myself some more $ before we travel as OBC, then cash it out on the ship (again realizing the exchange rate is the loss here) OR just take out cash in the casino during the trip and pay via my credit card.
I have more BOA points available and debating submitting these to be used as cash we need during trip versus just finding an ATM and dealing w/taking out amounts.
- My understanding is that RCCL will use first the $150 (non refundable), then the BOA points (refundable) against our ship charges. Is this correct?
-
Exactly. Only possible catch: in the brochure it says: "Prices starting at 39/49/59". This might indicate that for some (and then for more and eventually for all) sailings the prices are higher :(
Agree - but the $75/day just seems SO high, plus that's with the "discount". Crazy!
-
I've been trying to catch up and figure this out. The RCCL brochure shows
Pricing of 39/49/59
My Cruise Planner shows
42/65/75 which "IS" the discount?
This is 14 nights on Indy in June
Makes 0 sense
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Thanks all - I will pull up Google maps some more and do some more research! I like the idea of the taxi one-way to St. Michael's, just for speed and to get us up as quickly as possible, leaving more time to wander on our own.
Will it be fairly easy to get a taxi? It seems in most reviews I read they want to "upsell" you to the complete tour, not just drop you off
-
We arrive on Tuesday, June 7 aboard Independence of the Seas. After 2 sea days we will be itching for physical activity. We are in port from 12-6. We are active 50 year old parents w/17 & 18 year old athlete kids.
Our plan:
1) walk from cruise port to cable car base (see photo) ~30-45 minutes
2) table cable car to top ~30 minutes (with line?)
a) question: pre-buy tickets to cable car and nature reserve is the plan - the online ticket page mentions a free shuttle and fast track (what does this mean) and will the walk put us in a huge line for the cable car?3) Wander the sights (Cave, possible steps, Apes' Den, tunnels, castle) - figure out what we want to see/how much time and see what we can during time we have (~2 hours)
4) Walk downhill, stopping in town on the way to the ship for a snack (possibly Confectionery shop at 228 Main) and/or souveniers ~1 hour
We plan to use most of the 6 hours and will carry a small string-bag/backpack with water and have appropriate walking footwear.
Any thoughts? Also, recommendations for a snack place or restaurant would be great - I found the place on Trip Advisor - not thinking we want a full meal, but a dessert, drink, appetizer type place would work.
Thanks!
-
Agree with clarea. You'll be staged inside the terminal once you check in and boarding begins around 11-1130. They'll call suites and return guests first but it goes very quickly and not many people arrive that early so you should be onboard fast!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
We stayed in Webster last year for spring break at a Holiday Inn Express. Easy 30 minute drive to port and way cheaper than Galveston!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
In all of our RCCL Caribbean cruises the menus have always been Prime Rib first night and Filet on the first formal (2nd night). They have different names (the menus) but that's always been the "main" dish
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
My daughter and I hiked the trail in July of last year. It was so amazing! We went down about 2 miles and would have enjoyed going farther but had an excursion later in the day. I would definitely recommend it!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Yes! Have been there and to it many times. There is also a nail salon in the strip mall. In the event someone needs a last minute fix or pedi (my Dh! Lol).
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice mix in southern Caribbean out of San Juan in February. My husband wore a suit and I wore a cocktail dress (we did a carryon each) and we felt perfectly fine. There were some tuxes, a lot of suits and some more casual
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
And eBay is a fabulous place to find formalwear for kids. I had so much fun when my kids were little and it wasn't super expensive
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
We are on the 1st May TA on Indy,
How many formal nights are on the TA's
Are they enforced.
Based on it being a 13 night sailing, you should have 3 formals. You can choose to go to the buffet to totally dress down, or in my experience, I've seen as little as khakis and a button down plus dress or slacks/pretty top for the other dining options. Specialty restaurants typically don't follow the main dining room dress code either (but are more dressed up than the buffet).
-
I am booked to go on Indy in July can anyone tell me the nights that the formats are on as I'm trying to book speciality restaurants and don't want to book on a formal night thanks in advance its a 14 night cruise
We're on the June 4 - June 18 Indy voyage - will update once back, but that's a long way away! I'm figuring the first formal will be one of the two sea days and the last will be the 2nd to last night (also sea day). Not sure on the 3rd - probably one of the sea days in the middle.
-
.
What type of camera did you use?
So funny. These were all my iPhone 6! Thank you
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice review!
Quick question: I know you went recently but were there many kids on the ship? A friend of mine and I are looking into this cruise for October and trying to get away from kids if possible (I work at a preschool). :) I would think most people would be in school but you never know.
Also what about the Cliental: Many Americans, Europeans, etc.
,
Hardly any kids at all! I think they said less than 70 on board (17 and under?) and we rarely saw them at all! It was exactly what we were looking for as well. Just watch the week in Oct/Nov where NJ schools are all out (it may be election week). Here our kids get fall break (mid October) but it's usually only 2 days so I think most people won't pull them out for a week
We had almost all US and Canadian folks. Maybe a few Europeans but not many
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Wanted to know if you spoke to anyone who took the Scenic Rail & Sail in St Kitts?
Nope, sorry. I don't recall anyone talking about anything they did in St. Kitts, come to think of it. We had our small group that did the sailboat and didn't really hear from anyone else!
-
Yep! Did this on Oasis and we all got to sit in "Suite" waiting and board together!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
So some wore shorts to the dining room? Just wondering for my son
Oh no didn't see any in dining. Just in the bars and at the shows.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Overall thoughts:
Service and crew was outstanding. Captain and staff were highly visible (they all came to the Meet n Mingle) and many participated in the volleyball game – so funny. All crew had smiles on their faces and were super nice and outgoing.
Casino – dh visited 6/7 nights and came out ahead – he likes poker but if there wasn’t a game, he would play blackjack and did well. I pocketed all I could to spend on Indy in June!
Future cruises – we booked for Feb 2018 and then sent a note to friends asking if they wanted in. We went back and booked 5 more couples ($200 deposit per room) so they could get the additional $150 OBC. We also booked NEXT year for us and they had an “extra” sale on that one so we chose the Pick 2 of gratuities and OBC and ended up with $550 of OBC which will pay for that drink package!
Drinks: we had the Classic Package as part of our reservations. Dh upgraded with 5 days left so he paid $50+ for that. This was mainly to try the martinis and better wine here and there. I survived on the Classic (although I would occasionally swap with dh, he’d get a martini and then switch my wine (the Pinot Noir on the classic we both liked).
Dress code: WOW! Totally amazed and happy with our fellow passengers. Evening Chic nights people DRESSED UP! We love it on a cruise and were in cocktail attire both nights. Even on casual nights I was very impressed with the overall dress of everyone. Some people in shorts and tops – their choice, but the majority dressed in slacks or dresses all week!
Overall, I cannot more highly recommend this ship and crew. It was a fantastic week! Dh thanked me several times for handling it all (doing the research for the best room, the perks, etc). Can’t wait 'til next year!
-
Flying home. Had outstanding scenery both ways!
Zoomed in
One of our favorites!!
We had to pay for this! [emoji33]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Do I need to pre-book train tickets out of Villefranche?
in France Ports
Posted
Interesting - every time I try to look at it online it shows about $17 Euro (can't figure if one way or round trip) and won't let me book online. That's why I wanted to make sure I could wait. I like this price WAY better! LOL
We'll plan to head to the station and grab tickets there - thanks so much!