bocatraveler09

I just received my refund! I, too, was told 90 day. However, I received the money in half that time. Am impressed with O’s efficiency under such trying circumstances. 

I agree that the new format is ridiculous .  Showing the newest posts first makes the roll call a valuable tool.  The way it is now, makes it less useful and more unpleasant.  

I stayed at the Amba Charing Cross last June and will return this summer, before a cruise. The hotel and it's services are excellent with, for European hotels, a nicely-sized room. Pleasant bar and good restaurant, too.

But, most important is the location! It couldn't be better. An easy stroll to Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Big Ben, etc. Next to Charing Cross train station and near the tube. The Thames is down the street and there is a HoHo bus stop nearby. You are no more than a couple of blocks from the West End theaters. If, however, you want a neighborhood with tons of upscale shopping, don't stay here.

We were in Santiago in January and were very well pleased with the Marriott Renaissance. It was quiet, yet walking distance to some good restaurants and shopping. We had a guide for three days who showed us around the city and surrounding areas, then drove us to Valparaiso on embarkation day.

Hi,

We just booked the Renaissance for a pre-cruise stay in Santiago. Would love to know who you used as your guide and driver.

Woops..........Just read the thread to the bottom and see you did mention the guide's name!!!

My TA advised taking a land taxi from the airport to the ship. Quicker and less expensive, though not as scenic. We are paying 50 euro for 2 people. I reserved it through Venice Group Services.

Try this:

http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-fiumicino

Hope this isn't too late! Enjoy.

We are doing an Italian cruise in June, along with a week in Portugal, to celebrate our 50th. However, we've traveled all around Italy many times and, though we are cruising this time, I'd recommend a land trip. You see SO much more.

Congrats to you! Not many of us make it together for so long. :D

Hoping to hear from Harriet or anyone who has recently returned from Cappadocia. We are looking for a tour company to set up a pre-cruise trip.

We used Byzas Tours to arrange our time in Istanbul and Cappadocia. They provided all airport transfers, one day of touring in Istanbul (we spent the other days there on our own), flight to Cappadocia, two days of tours there and our choice of hotels in both locations. Everything was seamless and our guides were excellent. Definitely choose a cave hotel in Cappadocia!

I'm not surprised at having to go through customs, that's what we've done in FLL in the past. As for Miami, we'll be disembarking in December and going to a nearby Avis pickup place. Does anyone know if there will be an Avis shuttle bus that we can grab, or would a cab be easier and more comfortable?

The Avis shuttles (as well as all major rental and hotel shuttles) circle the airport continuously. A taxi driver would probably be upset if you hopped in for a ride that's just a few blocks!

I believe that the mattresses are made in Italy and imported by Global Resources Registry, which is a distributor in Miami.

Sweet Dreams!

Is there a list anywhere on the Oceania site of the wines available to purchase by the bottle for in-cabin consumption? We like to taste some of the wines before boarding if they are unfamiliar to us. Also, can you purchase bottles of liquor onboard for cabin use?

The O site has no search feature :confused:

I've always been advised never to buy trip insurance from the company with whom you are traveling. Suppose something happened to them? Years ago, Renaissance Cruises went out of business with no notice and we know people who were stranded in Europe because they had R insurance.

My TA swears by TravelEx insurance. If you purchase the insurance within 21 days of making your deposit, all pre-existing conditions are covered. You can also increase it later on to cover air or other non-refundable expenses as well. If you cancel or change, you can move the coverage to a new trip.

My 2 cents :p

I am not sure, but I thought I remember reading a review about another line that had bikes for loan on this itinerary but I don't remember which one.

AMA has bikes on all of its ships. They offer organized bike tours in many ports.

I'm going on the Holland America - out of Copenhagen on June 24th. Thanks

Hi Maggiemag,

You should join the roll call for the June 24th Eurodam cruise. We have a good group!

For some reason, CC will not allow posting of the weblink for Lair Bear's Tallinn walking tour.

here is the address:

www dot brent jes (this is one word...there is no space between brent & jes) dot com/tallinnwalk dot html

You should work for the CIA :) Great way to get around the prohibition and provide the link to us.