Vineyard View

When I inquired about a private water taxi from the airport I was told that there is a dock right there you can walk to to catch one. About 30 min ride vs 1 1/2 hours via public water. Depending on where you are staying, if they have a water dock, the private can drop you right at your hotel. I was told we didn’t need to make a reservation. I would appreciate feedback if this is inaccurate, but the information came from a couple different hotels.

Good to know you like Azamara. We have a couple of theirs catching our eye. Smaller ships is one reason we chose Seabourn on an incredible promotion last year. Per day penciled out less than the others and itinerary drove decision. Viking in the past was good, but their pricing and repeated same itineraries drove us to look elsewhere

Thank you. We will be sailing Quest. Of course we know that this can change. Way better than Charles Lafitte imho

We are paying an additional 4.5 per night and staying 4 nights. All the hotels are charging this. Maybe they always have. Blip on the screen with the nightly cost being charged. Hotel prices in Venice this Spring are over.the.top. I know this ‘new tourist tax’ is something different mostly designed for ‘day trippers’.

Sounds like great memories. Thank you for sharing edinburgher. I am not sure if any ships sail to Seville now but that would be a big bonus. ‘I will come back and post on these threads post cruise. I am not getting much response on other small ports we are visiting, and possibly information on them would be helpful to some.

Thank you!

Might be foreign transaction fees. Some cards/banks do that.

Is it possible to switch out the welcome bottle of Charles Lafitte for something different, even the Montaudon?

This is such great information. Thank you again. You have me rethinking my plans. Time to do a little more research now that I know it’s not winding roads and a worthwhile lovely city. The lake sounds and looks beautiful. I am leaning, if I change directions, in just one and not both on the same day. We are trying Seabourn for the first time because of the itinerary with new ports. Azamara also has an itinerary, mostly focused on Italy next year, that includes a couple you are naming Cruisemom42 that I have on my radar. We haven’t sailed on Azamara. Will absolutely come back here to report what we end up doing. Good suggestion edinburgher. I am finding scarce information on these small ports we are visiting this year. It would be helpful to have more.

We have a full day at this island. Looks lovely and pretty non touristy. I’ve read a good bit on things to do. It seems like the larger number of people enjoy taking boats to various beautiful beaches, caves, and the tunnels from WWII approached by water. I am not so sure that the water will be warm enough end of May, so that would greatly impact a large portion of those excursions - both private and ship. Has anyone been here? Any suggestions? Thank you!

Just looked at Ljubljana. Looks like a very cool place. Lake Bled looks beautiful as well, but long winding bus rides don’t work well for my stomach. Only one of the reasons we DIY or private. I haven’t read of any privates here, but maybe the forum on TA might be of help? If I do come up with any I will report back. You are always so helpful to others, it would be nice to return!

Thank you edinburgher. I sure wasn’t clear on why I asked about stops on the bus. I was thinking in my mind, ‘wonder if there’s anyplace we would want to jump off the bus to explore, then hop back on’, VS a direct route via taxi. I just didn’t transfer that from my mind to writing! I appreciate your further information. I do believe this is what we will plan for Koper.

I am sure that there must be other lines who do not post expected port times in advance on their website. That said, in the lines that I generally peruse for itineraries, Viking stands out as the only one who gives no planned port times. I am just not sure why that continues to be so. I know that this has been a frustration brought up before. It just seem like it would be an automatic for those looking at itineraries before booking. Not just when comparing different lines, but when deciding if that is the amount of time one would like to have to independently explore in addition to a ship excursion, or without one as a DIY or independent. Makes it difficult IMHO. that said, my recollection is that Viking generally provides a good/decent amount of time in ports depending on itinerary.

Totally agree. I am a BIG fan on Bonine. Always take with us along with ginger. Also saltines and green apples help. But Bonine if you get in front of it works really well for me.

We’ve used a number of private tours in various countries. I have always I formed them of ship arrival time and that I will disembark as soon as allowed. It’s never been a problem (I haven’t used Grey Hound). Usually these tour company’s already have docking/arrival information, and even know and understand that sometimes there are delays. I also try to never pay in advance, or just a deposit.

SomomaMountain - you will love New Zealand. We did a land trip there several years back. Spent 3 weeks between the two islands. I would go back again. Incredible country and people. We have an Australian Shepherd. Maybe we can figure something out to meet sometime soon at S.L.

Thank you for that suggestion and further clarification. I was a little confused as my TA said the promo was until 2/28. What we missed was the OBC. Darn. We are looking at Spring next year.

Edinburgher, thank you for this information. Do you recall how long it took via bus, and whether there were a good number of stops along the way? Did you enjoy Piran?

Thank you Nancy

Well darn. I am not entirely sure on the itinerary. Thanks for this though. If I remember correctly, Seabourn offered a suite life promo last summer as well? Is this one that they run from time to time

I was wondering what the FCD was. Thank you. So I can make any dollar amount FCD without making a selection of the itinerary, and that entitles me to 5% discount off a future cruise with a future promotion? Is this correct?

I am not sure how long the suite life promotion will be available. Likely not until we sail late May? That would be my guess, but I could be wrong. As a first time Seabourn cruise, is it correct the the only advantage is a 5% discount on future cruises of booked on board? Is that the ongoing advantage of booking on board? Thank you

Thank you Wesport. I appreciate this additional info!

As you said. Good to have. Some of the descriptions need some clarification on the excursions, but I think that is incredibly common. We rarely take them, but the port of Vis Island might be a smart one to do if we decide to go out on the water, rather than stay on land. Not a lot of DIY options that I am finding.

Thank you. I called the main number and was transferred. This is good info to have!