shipgeeks

Oops, I see it came up twice. My mistake! But I also see that a number of other people have posted questions about Rome area hotels, so it might be worth reading through them, as well.

Scott, I have posted your question on the Ports of Call -- Europe -- Italy section of Cruise Critic. Use the link in the first reply, above, and you should see it there. I titled it "Hotels near Ostiense train station" (I think). You should be able to go straight there from now on, and see what replies you get. Good luck!

The washcloth lady should have done her CC reading. Then she would know that washcloths are not a European thing (according to one post I read, they are considered "gross").

Scott, I understand being overwhelmed with Cruise Critic, much less booking things like this! On the Cruise Critic menu, you are currently in Ask a Cruise Question. Further down on the menu page is Ports of Call, with Europe under that, and Italy within that. That will be a good place to post your question(s) (as you did, successfully, here); the best titles are specific, such as "Hotels near x train station?", or any other questions you'd like to ask. That will get you the most knowledgeable responses. Good luck! And please continue to ask, if it still doesn't work.

Somebody who has a negative experience will probably post it. Somebody who, like us, has a wonderful experience, will probably not bother to post anything, just come home and bask in the glow. I seems that the elements that are "different" on MSC are what lead some to see negatives. Service is more European/formal, less friendly/gushy. Some see that as cold and uncaring. Some complain about things like lack of butter. Butter with bread is not a European thing. We did not experience any rude passengers, but maybe not always getting a response to "Hey, how are ya?" is somebody's idea of rude. It is those differences that we enjoy; the feeling of being away rather than somewhere close to home with hundreds of our neighbors (as we feel on RC).

Yeah, that makes me sad. It's one thing for us, as a twosome, to be left alone at a big table, but I hate to see a single, who probably requested a large table, unable to dine with others. So I will repeat: Please, people, if you are not going to dine in the MDR, tell them, so they can reseat people who are alone.

It's a salute.

If you aren't able to change your assignment, and you don't plan to be there, you should let the dining room staff know. We have been at tables where no one else showed up. We would wait to order, in hopes that our tablemates were just a bit late. Other tables had one lonely diner. But none could be combined, even at our request, because the records showed that Mr. and Mrs. X, Y and Z had reservations there.

Years ago, our TA refused to book the cruise we wanted - Regal Empress - because he said he was sure we wouldn't like it. We booked it direct, and loved it.

We had a balcony cabin for our AK cruise, and only used it one time, for an hour or so, during the 10-night cruise. We spent all our waking hours out on the upper decks, or in an observation lounge. If money was no object, we would book an oceanview next time (not a balcony, as it obstructed the view of the water), but an inside would be fine, too.

That ship was SeaBreeze, one of our favorite Premier ships. I remember shedding a few tears when my husband called me at work to report that she had just sunk. We loved all the Premier (BRB) ships. Our first one, StarShip Atlantic, looked huge as we approached the port. All of them had such character, and sometimes remnants of their days as true ocean liners.

Also, you might want to post on the Florida Departures board, too, to reach a wider pool of knowledge.

My understanding has always been that the SAS list IS a complete list. So it was nice of Steve to pass your request along. I haven't used the other, though, so can't comment on that.

Just my opinion, but I'd like to counter some of the above by saying you don't need to buy and pack a lot of Things to have a good cruise, especially a first cruise. As long as each person has the necessary documents, a few changes of clothes, and any needed meds, it's all good. It's not a trip away from civilization. There is a room, food, beverages, and entertainment for each person. Sometimes I wonder if the "50 essential things you need to buy for your cruise" is an Amazon scheme. If anyone had told me all the suggestions I read now I might never have taken my first cruise; it would have been just too overwhelming. Luckily, I booked, I went, I had a great time, and I've done 50 cruises since. I still haven't bought any Things (including travel insurance).

Wow! Thanks for posting. I wish I had been there. When Celebrity had ships sailing in that area, out of Baltimore and Philadelphia, we witnessed a similar - but not as spectacular - visit. We were in the glass lounge on the top deck, on a stormy day. A roar, an appearance by a very close plane, a roar and a disappearance. The entire lounge was quiet, then "Wow!", then cheers. Having witnessed a number of helicopter lifts from ships over the years, I never cease to be amazed by the skill of the pilots and crew. Our most recent one was a year ago, on Enchantment, a procedure that involved two helicopters, two refueling planes, and a long time in the air. It was successful. It's sad, to me, that passengers might have been frightened. Doesn't anyone go to air shows any more?

When we sailed on Seaside, we made all our show reservations at the kiosk where we registered our credit card, shortly after boarding. It was quick and easy.

After rebooking several times, and deadline extending several times, we took a refund (MSC). However, we lost all our airline $, most of our hotel $, and our shuttle $ are being held for future use.

Asking as one who has never had painted nails: Once you decide on a look like the above, do you plan any of your wardrobe around your colors and design? Do you ever avoid a certain outfit because it doesn't go with the nail pattern? Just curious.

I saw a brief mention of a nature trail, but don't see any mention on the map. Is there one, and where is it?

OP, Apart from the dining venue matter, I'm curious whether you are comfortable with the fact that certain bars, theater, and other evening venues might not be open to you without some sort of formal attire.

I guess you know that you will have set dining (Bella, which is what we book on MSC). You cannot opt for anytime dining for evening meals, although you could, of course, eat in the buffet at any time. There are also several specialty restaurants on the ship, for a fee. A great number of the passengers will probably not be Americans, so perhaps a different vibe. We like that because it is more like being "away"; others might find it a negative. Many little things are less American and more European. Service is more formal, less gushy. Things like butter and toast could be missing (but try the croissants, sticky buns, etc.); washcloths in cabin bathrooms are not expected (but can be requested). We loved MSC, and Seaside. Go with an open mind and enjoy.

Cabin telephone/wall phone around the ship. Sticky notes in cabin. Making plans. "We'll meet at the R Bar at 6pm."

I get your reluctance to wear a long dress when climbing stairs is involved. The alternative that I can think of (and what I would probably wear) is slacks. Even if it is hot, linen pants can be very comfortable, and conservative enough for cathedrals.

No judgements from me, Lois! I prefer the look of short, unpainted nails, over long or painted ones.

Lois, Once you have rested and recovered, I'd love to hear more about the hotel.