mjkStirling

22 hours ago, Travelanni said:

 

Hi,

You may like to visit one of the several towns in the vicinity and then finish off the day in Warnemünde which is only 5 mins from your ship.

Rostock - 25 mins by train and tram.  Bad Doberan - about 45 mins by train or bus.  Wismar - about 90 mins by train.  Schwerin - about 90 mins by train.  Stralsund - about 90 mins by train.  With a bit of planning it is possible to combine Rostock with Bad Doberan, Rostock with Schwerin, Wismar with Bad Doberan ,  Wismar with Schwerin or Stralsund with Rostock.   They are all covered by the Mecklenburg Day Ticket.

These towns are flat, compact and very easy to DIY, perfect to explore on foot.

For details on how to get there and a description of each please see my web site.

Whatever you do make sure you leave some time to spend in Warnemünde.  It is a little gem! 

Happy planning and cruising,

Anni.

www.travelanni.webs.com 

Thanks Anni. Will be sure to look at your site.

Thank you for your post. Have booked with CMV and in the port at the end of July. What do you recommend for a couple who are aged 50 and love to explore on foot?

Hi

We had another port of call in Costa Rica, Punterenas. Lovely family port with dark sand beaches. We were there on the Sunday and it was very,very busy; 38 degrees. Stalls,cafes,shops etc in area open. A local museum and the local cathedral were very interesting and as a Catholic I attended Mass.

Sorry still suffering from jet lag!

We were supposed to be sailing on March 31st and were sailing the opposite way.... That sailing was cancelled in December and we had to reschedule a date and sailing very quickly. After a 30 hour journey home I am lucky i know my name, only my second long haul.

We travelled through the canal from Colon (Caribbean  Sea) to Panama (Atlantic Ocean). Full transit. However if partial only option from Colon would be the best as you get to see Gatun Lock and Lake which was excellent.

Local taxis at the port do offer alternatives but we were advised by a guest speaker and seasoned traveller not to go out in Colon unaccompanied. So ship or taxi excursion advisable or the Spa! (Just returned on Tuesday.)

Just sailed Panama Canal experience, let me know your ports of call. Nicaragua was cancelled on Sunday the 20th of January under guidance from the British Tourist/Foreign Office due to political unrest and our safety if ashore. Not sure how long that will be in place or when you sail.

Just returned and would verify stay in the port, or, take a taxi from inside the port to somewhere identified on the tourist board where prices are all clearly stated. Small shopping area, restaurant, hotel etc. seasoned speaker on board advised no one to leave the port without an organised excursion. 

Having just returned from a cruise round the fjords I was unaware of the public bus. This is significantly cheaper than the excursion price from the ship and the Glacier bus that is run by the tourist information office from the port. We decided to just explore Olden as I unfortunately was recovering from an operation on this cruise (unexpected but required before I sailed) and therefore was anxious to travel too far from the ports. Great to hear of alternatives at reasonable prices as we found Norway expensive - though we knew it would be....

Thanks. She was on a waiting list for the shuttle bus to La Rochelle and has managed to secure a place. Some people watching will be good as she wants to get off the ship and it will break up the walking.

My mum and dad are visiting these French ports in October. They are both in their 70's and my mum has limited mobility. Any information on the ports and what to do would be greatly appreciated. Some of the ship's excursions require too much walking for them. Thanks.

My mum and dad sailing on Black Watch from Edinburgh on October 4th. Looking for information on excursions and what is good to do if you are elderly with limited mobility in the ports of Rouen, La Rochelle and Lorient. Thanks.

COZUMELMEXICO – A taxi for 4, total cost $12 dollars each way, took us to Tortuga (will check spelling)a small inexpensive beach front place for the day. Recommended by the tourist information at the port we found ourselves at a beach front bar; for $20 each we got full use of facilities, snorkel equipment, loungers etc, a Mexican lunch, one free locally produced drink, a 5-minute massage and wi-fi.We stayed all day and yes there are the obligatory 3 stalls trying to sell you local gifts, medicines and extras but there is no obligation to purchase anything, just say no thanks. It wasn’t 5 stars but it was relaxed, friendly and great for snorkelling for us beginners. They feed the fish to bring them in and offer a group guided snorkel to take you further out if desired. Small sandy beach and easy access into the water. Beautiful setting when sitting on the wooden walkway or at the front tables looking out over the ocean.

JAMAICA –Dunn’s Falls – Easy to jump on a small tourist bus from the port and arrange a pick-up time for your return journey, all prices discussed before you go on.They get you the ticket for entry which is a standard 20 dollars for tourists,cheaper for Jamaicans. In hindsight, we should have got off the ship slightly earlier as 3 hours from drop off to collection was pushing it for us to do our own thing. We didn’t realise you can actually walk the falls yourself, without a guide. We wasted half an hour in the queue waiting on a guide which meant we didn’t get to view more of the park itself and they look for a tip. This is as usual significantly cheaper than the same excursion organised by the ship, theywere behind us in the queue! Worth doing and bus then on collection took us with them to collect others from the beach giving us small tour on the way. Stopped at restaurant of Bolt for photo opportunity and gift shops etc if you want. Very informative and helpful.

CAYMANISLANDS – Seven Mile Beach- Local tourist buses at the port offering you really good rates for all excursions that ship offers. We opted for the public bus to take us to the beach for $2.50 for a single ticket, as you can then stay as long as you want and easy topick up a return bus at your leisure. No need for bus stops, they peep the horn and if you want the ride you stick your hand out and they stop! (We started to walk as people had said not far, I love walking but even this for me was too far in the heat and when time isn't on your side, take the bus). Beach was beautiful and lots on offer. We opted to snorkel with our own equipment and bought a drink at Calico Jacks, it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. Not great for snorkelling as too sandy and busy but great to chill out on and watch the world go by.

MSC DIVINA – 1st July 2017

First timewith MSC and I was not disappointed. Cabin with a balcony was great, staff were friendly and plenty to see and do onboard. Enjoyed the food on offer, though getting a seat in the afternoon can be challenging at the buffet restaurant,but it is to be expected with over 4000 guests on the ship. Felt the cruise was good value for money as I had booked early and did not have to pay a supplement for a balcony cabin (my first time at this level). Did not take a drinks package, opted for one non-alcoholic 18 voucher booklet which served my friend and I’s needs. Only worth taking if you are drinking non-alcoholic cocktails as canned juice and some coffee etc can be purchased for equivalent price, no real saving; depending on taste the buffet restaurant can provide options of thesefor free.

If registering a debit card on embarkation be aware that if you do not spend the amount registered then you receive the difference in American Dollars, cash. Otherships I have sailed with only debit the account if there is a bill and for that amount of money only. I was left with a $100 note on the day before I left from Miami, thankfully I had some purchases to make in Miami but it was not what Ihad expected.

JAMAICA –Dunn’s Falls – Easy to jump on a small tourist bus from the port and arrange a pick-up time for your return journey, all prices discussed before you go on.They get you the ticket for entry which is a standard 20 dollars for tourists,cheaper for Jamaicans. In hindsight, we should have got off the ship slightly earlier as 3 hours from drop off to collection was pushing it for us to do our own thing. We didn’t realise you can actually walk the falls yourself, withouta guide. We wasted half an hour in the queue waiting on a guide which meant we didn’t get to view more of the park itself and they look for a tip. This is as usual significantly cheaper than the same excursion organised by the ship, they were behind us in the queue!

CAYMANISLANDS – Seven Mile Beach- Local tourist buses at the port offering you really good rates for all excursions. We opted for the public bus to take us there for$2.50 for a single ticket, as you can then stay as long as you want and easy to pick up a return bus at your leisure. No need for bus stops, they peep the horn and if you want the ride you stick your hand out and they stop! Don’t try that in Scotland it doesn’t work, they drive past you. Beach was beautiful and lots on offer. We opted to snorkel with our own equipment and bought a drink at Calico Jacks, it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. Not great for snorkelling as too sandy and busy but great to chill out on and watch the world go by.

COZUMELMEXICO – A taxi for 4, $12 dollars each way, took us to a small inexpensive place beside the water for the day. Recommended by the tourist information at the port we found ourselves at a beach front bar Tortuga; for $20 each we got full use of facilities, snorkel equipment, loungers etc, a Mexican lunch, one free locally produced drink, a 5-minute massage and wi-fi.We stayed all day and yes there are the obligatory stalls trying to sell you local gifts, medicines and extras but there is no obligation to purchase anything, just say no thanks. It wasn’t 5 stars but it was relaxed, friendly and great for snorkelling.

NASSAUBAHAMAS- We did the horse and cart ride, advertised at $15 per adult, we haggled to $10 as there were 4 of us, 2 adults in each. It is not the longest ride or the most informative but we did it and the fact we got stuck in a traffic jam made the journey probably twice as long. After a wander along theshops we found the public beach to cool down at and swim. Didn’t snorkel but others were so can’t comment. Lockers, toilets, food, bars etc available and not far from the port.

Disembarkation was easy enough, much smoother than getting on. Uber appears to be cheaper than a taxi and is a popular choice for getting from port to hotel or airport etc. Can recommend Miami Marriott Hotel Biscayne Bay for an overnight stay or longer; close to port and facilities and staff were excellent.

Early disembarkation on the 8th of July in Miami was from 6.30a.m.

Thanks. I sail in 2 weeks so won't get the discount this time however great to know for the future. First time with MSC and hope that I enjoy it so much I will want to sail with them again. Have always sailed on smaller ships from Thomson and years ago on Ocean Village. Any other tips on sailing with MSC greatly appreciated!

Can you confirm what country you have to be employed in to receive a discount? I am unsure if being a teacher in Scotland would entitle me to a discount.

Thank you. Will have a look and possibly book a taxi to get us to the Falls as recommended if it is within an easy commute.

First time in Jamaica and want to do the Falls. Have seen a tour that suggests Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville when finished at the falls. Has anyone been? Have noticed the recommendations suggest not doing things on your own at Ocho Rios which is what I am more used to. :)

I have just returned from my cruise where the 2nd last day was Kotor. We decided to do Kotor on our own and walked up the 1200 steps to the panoramic view point. Easily achievable in 1 and a half hours. A stroll around the port, within the walls and local area can be done in under 2 hours.Guides, taxis, boat excursions are easily accessed on the day and will take you further afield. All are competing for business and offer variations at reasonable rates. We were quoted 60 euro for 3 hours sightseeing in a taxi and local boat was only 15 euro per person. The sail in/out is super. Enjoy. :)

Thank you. Will stay in Rovinj. :)

Sailing on Thomson Celebration in July. Visiting the two ports and unsure of best way to spend our time, any suggestions?

Thanks.

Sailing on Thomson Celebration in July. Would like to hire a bicycle when in Corinth to see local sites and the canal, if possible. Anyone any idea if this is possible, if not what would you recommend? Would like to go to Delphi from Itea and believe there is a public bus service and the travel time is only 30 minutes. Any advice appreciated. Finally Corfu, open to suggestions.

:)

Thanks. Will look into that too.:)