shinycruiser

We are booked to go to Tenerife on the Dream in February. We were wondering about the temperatures. Does it go cold at night? Do we need to take warm clothing?

We are going on a Caribbean cruise in March 19 on the Explorer. We haven't been to the Caribbean before but have cruised around the Mediterranean a few times. I'm seeing a lot of posts about trips and beaches you pay to go to. When we went to the Mediterranean there were at least a few places we could get off the ship and walk around or walk to the beach. I'm realising that in the Caribbean you either go on an excursion or pay to go on a beach which means charges for every port. Is this right or am I getting the wrong impression?

We went on a 14 day cruise and visited Rome twice. The first week we paid for a walking tour with a guide. She took us around Rome and gave us information as we walked. I would recommend it. She was very good. The 2nd week we paid for 'Rome on your own and back' with the excursions desk. It was the coach there and back and we made our own way around. As it was booked as a Thomson excursion they would have had to wait for us if the coach was late. I would not sort the transport myself in case I was late back. If you go in the Vatican buy an express entry ticket from a kiosk outside St Paul's Basilica. It cost about 16 euros each which is a bit more expensive than the normal entry but they take you to the front of the queue and you don't have a very long wait. Some people had to queue for 3 hours. It is worth the extra cost.

Do Thomson do deals if I book a cruise nearer the sail date?

I've read a few of your comments mention on board credit given to you by your TA or by booking direct. I've never been offered this. How do you get it?

I was on the Celebration in August. Thomson provided a free shuttle bus to the town. It isn't far, but we were warned not to walk as there isn't a footpath. We walked around the sea front to Little Venice where we sat in a cafe next to the sea. We walked to the windmills and then back to the bus stop. It was a lovely day. Mykanos is a beautiful place.

Plans show there is a launderette on deck 2

Hi.

I also went on the SS Uganda in 1976. I remember metal lockers for wardrobes that banged on the side of the bars on the bunks when the sea was rough. I also remember the edges of the tables in the canteen turned up, so that plates could not slide off. We were woken up by music every morning and lights were dimmed at night time. Ports of call were Venice, Korcula, Haifa and we visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives. It was great and its all flooding back to me now.

Does anyone know the dress code to go into the mosques in Istanbul? I know I have to cover my head, and trousers or a skirt below the knees. I am not sure if I have to cover all of my arms, or just above the elbow. Thanks

I agree that the half day excursion for Mary's House and Ephesus is the best option. We went on a half day excursion. We had a great guide and saw everything. I don't know what more you would do in a day long tour.

I have heard that it is a beautiful sight if you are on deck when the ship sails into Istanbul. My itinerary says the ship docks at 7.00 a.m. What time would be the best time to be on deck?

Can anyone tell me if there is a fridge in the cabins on deck 3 on the celebration?

I am visiting Santorini again this year and will use the excursion with the coach, then the cable car. I too am a bit scared of the cable car, but everyone else uses it and they seem fine afterwards.

Please do not walk down the steps which have the donkeys on. I did this 2 years ago. We had to walk through a lot of donkeys. The steps were steep and slippy. I did slip although not badly hurt, but very embarrassed.

I've just read that other cruisers had mentioned supplements for some drinks. I had forgotten that and yes, that was true. However, I found it was a good list to choose from that didn't need a supplement. The cocktails were great.

I had an all inclusive package on the Majesty. I had a card that was the size of a credit card with my room number on. It was used like a credit card every time I had a drink. When I was in the restaurant it was used just the same. At the end of the holiday I had a long bill that showed the drinks I'd had and the charge had been recorded as £0.00. I didn't have to pay for any drinks anywhere. I am all inclusive again this year. I would recommend it.

It is normally 90 days before your cruise.

I have been to Athens once, as part of a Thomson excursion during a Thomson Majesty cruise. I was advised to go it alone but decided not to. I would recommend the excursion just for the convenience and the fact that it takes away the worry of getting back to the ship on time.

Thank you. Lots of helpful information there.:)

Can anyone tell me any information about Bourgas port? How long will it take to walk from the port to the town? Is it safe to walk about the port area? Would anyone who has been to Bourgas suggest going out on your own or is it better to take an excursion to Nessebar?:confused: