Vegasys

HA!  No, we were not on a tour bus, but it does look like it serves tourists.  There is a bar visible on the right side, so there must be some sort of retail service going on here.  And I'm not sure that Domino's can sell mixed drinks, ha! 

On our recent trip to Aruba and driving around the island, I captured this shot.  Does anyone know what this place is?  It looks like a bar maybe? 

Yes, it is very easy. Hope this helps.

 

http://www.livornonow.com/travelling...n_from_livorno

 

Travelling from Livorno to Florence by Train

Travelling independently from Livorno to Florence is usually cheaper than taking an organised tour, and you get to spend a few hours in Florence. If you are on a cruise docked in the Port of Livorno, you can get to the railway station either by using local transport or by catching a taxi from the port. You may find that you end up having to get a taxi back to the ship from the station on your return, if you are running late. This obviously adds to the cost of any DIY tour.

Many cruise lines offer a "Florence on your own" excursion, which is usually just a transfer into the city and back. It may be worth considering this option which, although more expensive, may be worth it for the anxious traveller in terms of peace of mind.

 

But if you are an independent spirit, you will probably still want to go it alone, so here's how to 'master' using public transport from Livorno to Florence (it's really not that difficult!):

 

If your cruise ship docks in the industrial port of Livorno, as most of the big ships do, there will be a shuttle service which takes you into Via Cogorano (Piazza del Municipio) in the centre of Livorno. There is generally a charge for this service which in 2015 was 5 euros return.

(Please note that some ships are now offering a bus transfer directly from the ship to Livorno Centrale railway station - check with your cruise line.) It is also possible to get a taxi from the ship to the station - try sharing with other passengers to keep the cost down (about 25 euros from Livorno port to the train station). There are two local taxi companies: Consorzio Tassisti Labronici +39 0586 882020 and Consorzio Taxi Livorno +39 0586 883377 or +39 330 633474 (mobile)

 

To use the local bus service to get to the train station from Livorno city centre, first buy your tickets from one of the tobacconists in the vicinity ("tabacchi", displaying the big white T on a black or blue background). The nearest one is in Via Cogorano, the street where the shuttle bus will drop you. The tickets cost €1.20 and are valid for 70 minutes from the time you validate them on board the bus (by inserting into the validating machine at the front entrance of the bus). You may as well buy a couple of tickets per person in the morning so you are equipped for the journey back.

 

You can catch a no. 1 bus (the most direct - about 10-15 minute ride) to Livorno Centrale train station at the bus stop in Via Grande (outside the H&M store), which is the main shopping street leading off each end of Piazza Grande. If you are facing the cathedral, you need to head up Via Grande to the left. H&M and the bus stop are just a few metres along the street on the right hand side.

 

Don't forget to validate your ticket at the yellow machines when you get on board!

 

The trains to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the name of the station) run every hour - 08.12, 09.12, 10.12 (not Sundays), 11.12 etc. and the journey from Livorno takes about 1 hour 20m. On Sundays there is no 10.12 train to Florence, so you should aim to get one of the earlier ones (there is a train at 10.00 but you have to change in Pisa, getting into Florence at 12.00). There is also a daily 'fast' regional service (no supplement) leaving Livorno at 0852, arriving Florence at 10am.

 

NB: Please check these train times before you travel as I cannot accept responsibility for unforeseen changes to the above timetable. Click here to go to the Trenitalia Italian railways site

 

The second class train fare from Livorno to Florence is 19.20 euros per person return (fare updated Jan 2016). This is the cost for the Regional trains, not the Intercity or Freccia Rossa services which have to be pre-booked and carry a supplement. In any case, the regular direct service between Livorno and Florence is operated by Regional trains only and all tickets are second class.

 

Again, make sure you validate your tickets BEFORE you get on the train, and before you make the return journey too. Small validating machines are located on the walls all over the stations.

 

The main station in Florence is called Firenze Santa Maria Novella. It's the last stop. Don't get off at the earlier suburban station of Firenze Rifredi, or you'll be faced with a long walk or bus ride into town!

 

RETURN: Trains from Florence to Livorno depart every hour at 28 minutes past the hour, but there is also a fast regional train at 15.00 that gets back to Livorno at 16.12. The train that leaves Florence at 15.28 (arriving Livorno 16.48) is probably the latest you can get if you have to reboard a cruise ship. There are also trains at 16.28 (arr Livorno 17.48), and at 17.28 (arr Livorno 18.48). There is a 'fast' regional train (no supplement) at 5pm, arriving in Livorno Centrale at 18.08.

 

On the way back you could save time by getting a taxi from Livorno Centrale station directly to the ship (make a note of the dock name). See above for local Livorno taxi company phone numbers.

 

If there are lots of passengers from your cruise ship doing Florence by train from Livorno, there might be a queue at the ticket office. It is also possible to buy tickets from automatic ticket machines located around the main station ticket hall, and online from the Trenitalia website. Online tickets do not need to be validated.

How thorough, THANK you sir, we will follow this on Oct. 2!

Scratch that pic, too small!

The view from Ivan's

After my Painkillers at Soggy Dollar, which started at 10 a.m.? And after a walk to Ivan's Stress Free for MORE drinks later, and the killer view? Let's just say that I reached my libation limit BEFORE 3 p.m.!

We usually "roll our own" excursions, to avoid crowds, lines, and such. We took a cab right at 7 a.m. to the West End ferry port, $20 or so. We then got round trip tickets for I believe $25 each, and we not only arrived earlier than the Rebel yell folks by maybe an hour, we were able to leave later as well. MAXIMIZE your day I always say! I don't know what the cost for that excursion is but we spent $100 for the both of us.

I have a 9 year old and a 4 year old coming...done by 11 or 12 is concerning! Although they do like to sleep with a fan on for white noise, perhaps I'll just bring a portable fan with us...

 

Thanks for the info! Our first cruise and we're looking forward to it!

Glad to help, enjoy!

We have this cabin booked for a sailing in 2 weeks, how was the noise level?

In this cabin, the bed is next to the balcony door, and the couch is central. It is over the Mojito Lounge, which had live music every night, but it was always done by 11 or 12 at the very latest I believe, so, not a problem for me. There seems to be an air duct in the wall that would whistle if the balcony door was opened some, which is how my wife likes to sleep. No good for me, I had that side, ha! And sometimes I heard light knocking noises from it as well. The key? Always bring your earplugs on a cruise! :D

Enjoy your cruise, we had a great time.

...AND RESERVATIONS WERE ALMOST NOT EVEN NECCESARY. Without one, we waited 5 minutes.

We sailed the Getaway last February, and it was great, never one meal in the main dining room! But I understand the policy has changed and there is a meal # limit of 4 per guest? We're sailing March 19, and willl need to confirm with NCL.

KansCocoa, Thanks - What a great recounting of your Ma Doudou visit, I am in LOVE with the banana-vanilla in A BIG WAY! Great clear pix too, I tried to go there last year, but a very slow lunch in Marigot cancelled my mission, so now I know what it all looks like! A friend just brought me back not 1 or 3, but 12 bottles! :cool:

How was the noise level in 9230? We booked that cabin and leave this Saturday. THANKS!

We are booked for the same cabin and leave this Saturday. How was the noise level for you? Thanks!

Thanks everyone for this information. The UDP is such a great deal that we have just booked today for last-minute cruise on Jan. 5, very excited about going on the Getaway!

How was the noise level for you? We have booked the same cabin and leave this Saturday. Thanks!