erby2283

It's always good to share opinions: positive and negative.  I loved my Barcelona / Montserrat tour.  Our tour guide, Marta, was awesome.  I never thought I would be into architecture until I went to Spain. Bought two books while I was there on Gaudi works.  Guess it depends on your tour guide, weather, etc.  I would give them another chance int he future - it could have just been an off day for them. 

In 2019, we had a 10:25 flight from BCN to Lisbon. We did self-assist and were off the ship by 7am and had plenty of time to spare. I would see how many ships are in port with you that day, when they (and  you) arrive so you know if people will be at the airport before you. 

I'm not the OP but I'm gonna definitely need a shared shuttle....$150 for 2 people?????? That's crazy talk.  lol

I booked a VRBO for Sept 2024 a few months ago. It had all 5-star reviews so I hopefully they don’t cancel or two-night pre-cruise stay. However, I don’t think you get to leave a review if they cancel on you. To be safe, we also reserved a hotel room that allows 48 hour free cancellation. I would like to think the VRBO would not cancel with less notice than that. Since we have three in our party, it’s more difficult for us to find hotel rooms in Rome since they don’t usually cater to more than 2 people. Fingers crossed our VRBO works out. 

Assuming the ship isn't sailing full capacity, wouldn't hurt to ask.

7 minutes ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

Very good comparison but I might disqualify the New York Cruise because many people will have to add-on a Miami airfare if they can drive from the North East. It is very dependent on where you are coming from.

 

Good facts.

Very true - but I live in Charlotte so I pretty much have to fly anywhere to cruise. I paid $350 airfare to FLL and I thought that was high.😄

My friends I am traveling with live in CT so I was looking at cruises all over. We figured go big or go home. Either way, someone was flying. lol

So when I was shopping for our 2024 cruise in Oct 2022, I made a list of ships/itineraries I was looking at and sent it to my TA.  He then came back with group pricing he had.  Now keep in mind, this is for 3 adults and that the NCL pricing includes drinks but as you can see, the Icon pricing was cheaper than Oasis and both NCL cruises at the time.  😲 My point is don't assume you'll never be able to afford what you want - keep checking for group rates and yes, you may possibly have to book far in advance. 

I know you can't see my full spreadsheet the pricing goes 1st passenger, 2nd passenger, 3rd passenger, taxes and port fees, and then for NCL drink package for first two adults, total price. All were ocean view balconies. 

I couldn’t tell from the compass’ that were posted, can someone tell me the hours of the pools and slides? 

Following. Have a wonderful cruise. May I ask how much it cost to Uber to the port? 
 

6 hours ago, zinniagirl said:

This is exactly what I was looking for!  You have been most helpful!!!

You're very lucky - 1) - that you only have one other ship in port and 2) that you're there for 14 hours! Nice! 

19 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I am going to toss out a simple factoid and thought since "Santorini Anxiety" seems to an issue on these boards.  DW and I have been to Santorini (on cruises) at least 20 times.  We always do the island on our own (we do not like group tours) and over the many trips have used taxis, local island buses, and rental cars!  My message is simply that we still hear to tell the tale, still enjoy every visit to Santorini (will be there again this spring), and have never missed our ship :).  

 

Hank

I think what leads to the anxiety is the fear of the unknown.  I have never been to Santorini and with 5 ships in port (September), including two that arrive before us, I thought the Carnival excursion Oia and Fira would be best for our group I'm sure once we get there, if we feel more comfortable with a taxi and want more time in Oia, we would take that route rather than be bussed to Fira. But I also have it in my brain that even though our ship leaves at 5, we'll probably have to head back around 2 to avoid a long wait at the cable car. 

34 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

29 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I agree 100 percent. Cloud 17 is definitely much quieter than Hideaway. I am curious why they made the last minute decision to switch the adult area from Cloud 17 to the Hideaway. I find it interesting how much shade there is on the ship. I assume part of it is due to the sun being lower in the sky this time of year, but every pool has lots of shady areas in close proximity. 

The Hideaway on Icon is nothing like the Solarium on other RCI ships. It’s more of a party atmosphere there than a relaxed, quieter area. I am curious to see what Hideaway on Coco Cay will be like. The only port we are getting off the ship this cruise is at Coco Cay so we can check out Hideway and see if it worth the $50 per person we spent 

Do us other future Icon cruisers a favor and share your displeasure about how loud the Hideaway is on Icon if you get a survey. Perhaps if enough people complain, they’ll make another change. Cloud 17 being the original adults only area was the deciding factor when choosing this ship back in 2022  - now it’s like false advertising. Hopefully first week in May will still have enough quiet areas like @Ozark_Kid experienced. 

Someone on my sailing mentioned getting this email.  Another posted thought it might have referred to the hump cabin being listed as "obstructed" but I wasn't convinced.  Thanks for posting the whole email.

44 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

I just saw a YouTube of Hideaway yesterday with tons of peeps in the pool in front of those expensive beds...who'd want one if there are lots of peeps in your view, not me.  They may have to rethink that.

Exactly - or at least change the description to add/remind potential buyers that this pool is public and may affect their view. I seriously wouldn't want one of those beds if it was free....

9 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

No need to fear.  We are laying out at Cloud 17 again.   I don't recall seeing a kid here yet.  Both Monday and today 

YAY! I don't need it to be perfect - just quiet enough to enjoy my book and take a little nappy in the sun. 🙂

3 hours ago, cruisinghawg said:

Sorry folks for being away for the past 24 hours but had some terrible news that we had to deal with. One of my best friends had a stroke while on board and had to be offloaded to hospital on St Kitts. So we have been tied up with helping all that we could. So I am back now and will download more video later this morning. 

I hope your friend will be ok - keep us updated.  Just another reminder why it's good to have travel insurance - you just never know!

3 hours ago, cruisinghawg said:

Yes the Hideaway is rocking every day. A great place to hang if you like being in the water and socializing or watching the wake. 

That's what I was afraid of when they switched it from Cloud 17. Not so good if you want a quiet area away from kids without the party atmosphere. 

26 minutes ago, CCJack said:

I just made a reservation with them for a September tour via email.     We were not asked DOB and home address.

Ok thank you - so maybe I should do it via email and not online and they won't ask.  Any chance your tour is for 9/9? 😃

2 hours ago, Scubadoobie2 said:

I've sent an email to my contact at Ephesus Shuttle, Fevzi, asking why they need to know date of birth and home address.  He will likely respond within a day, maybe two.  Just to be safe, please post same question in a couple of days to remind me where this question came from.  

Thanks so mich!

On 12/28/2023 at 10:03 AM, Scubadoobie2 said:

When we used Ephesus Shuttle ten years ago -- BTW, we have them booked for another private tour next May when we return to Kusadasi -- we modified the offered private tour to include the Terrace Houses.  Ephesus Shuttle was quite accommodating.  We skipped the rug factory (sales pitch), too. 

Was looking at using them for a tour this September.  Any idea why they need our DOB and home address when making a reservation? I just felt a little uncomfortable giving out that info.

I was stressing too so I just booked a ship excursion (Oia and Thira) and have resigned myself to the fact that even though we don't depart until 5 pm, I'm gonna have to head back to the ship around 2 to avoid a mess at the cable car (and that may even be too late). 

There was a tour offered by Sandra's Tours that offered transport to and from without having to deal with the cable car but the reviewer said portions of the tour were completely unorganized. I'm waiting to see if Sandra's Tours gets their act together before possibly switching to her tour for Sept 2024.

Thank you for taking the time to write that up and share your thoughts with us.  Just made final payment today for May.....so excited. 

Looks like the CHOGS are out in full force on the Hideaway..... More towels in chairs than people....SMH. I'm gonna pretend they're all in the pool but we know they aren't.

Can someone tell me the hours of the pools?  

Kotor, Montengro became my most favorite port to sail into! It is so beautiful. Amazing views for a good couple hours. Pictures don’t do it justice. 

Bon Voyage everyone! Not sure why I had a little tear in my eye. Maybe it was for all the people who worked so hard for this day! 

On 1/24/2024 at 5:07 PM, stpointer said:

We (4 adults) will be spending 3 - 4 nights  pre-cruise in Rome in early June.  Wondering if someone could recommend a rental from VRBO. TIA.

We have one booked for two nights in September.  Can't recommend it because I have stayed there yet but it has wonderful reviews on VRBO.  I was given a bit of advice that I'll share - since VRBO owners can cancel on you last minute, it may be wise to book a hotel that offers free cancelation just in case your VRBO unexpectedly cancels on you.  That way you have a back-up in case it falls through.