D-Portman

Whatever anyone tells you, on this forum or anywhere else, it is absolutely forbidden by law for any business to accept EUROS in Cash - only Credit Cards. Period!!!!

You will need Kuna even for an ice cream!!!!

Unless you have a very specific reason to go to Santa Lucia, I always prefer the regular Public Bus with departure from Piazalle Roma - takes you right to Mestre Railway Station. From Santa Lucia, you will have to change trains in Mestre anyway.

Almost ALL cruise ships dock at the Venice Passenger Terminal. The other possible dock is San Basilico but only Silverseas and Seabourn dock there.

The walk to the People Mover from the Passenger Terminal depends on what terminal your cruise ship is docked - the closest terminal is no more than 300 meters away, the farthest can be more around 800 meters. The People Mover Station does have an elevator and it will take you to Piazzale Roma (also with an elevator). From the Piazzale Roma to Santa Lucia the walk is pretty smooth (400 meters) and, YES, you will have to cross a bridge (modern design) BUT this has both smooth steps and also ramps that make it very easy to transport luggage. No idea what other bridges fellow travelers have been crossing.

Taxies CANNOT drive to Santa Lucia - no roads to take you there - but will take you to Piazzale Roma for no less than €20 - ridiculous and not worth it. A taxi to Mestre Railway Station will cost over €50.

Check out the Port REVIEW of Venice that I wrote last September ... you may find some useful/additional info.

I have been going to Santorini for over a decade and find that Syrtaki (on the Skala pier at the bottom of the Cable Car) has, in fact, one of the best Greek salads in the Cyclades - and also very good fresh fish. Yes, it is true that some other places are really just 'convenient' to have a drink - beer, coffee, ouzo, soda ... - BUT for a nice, genuine Greek meal both Syrtaki or Nikolas are very good. Don't be fooled by 'crew' eating in this places ... they are not there for the wi-fi ... it's all about the food.

Anyone expecting Nassau, Junkanoo Beach, or any Caribbean Island to have 'proper' rules and regulations as far as pricing and quality will be an easy prey for the local con artists. Suppose that's why these forums are of interest.

Paying more than US$ 30 for two chairs and one umbrella in Junkanoo is a rip-off. PERIOD. Most beach vendors are not stupid and will ask the 'regular' price but, YES, there are lots of con artists around ... in Nassau like in any touristic destination. Just be AWARE. I've seen many a tourist in Israel buying unreal 2,000-year-old relics such as 'wooden planks' cut by St. Joseph himself ... and in Egypt, saw many buying golden barcelets 'belonging to Nerfatari' (over 3,000 years ago).

So, check out proper, well sourced, and reliable info before cruising ...

FUNNY STORY: Over 20 years ago, working for an American corporation, I landed in Montego Bay - Jamaica - and had been told by the company I worked for to get a Taxi at the Airport and go to Sandals Montego Bay resort. When asked how much the taxi fare would be, my 'experienced' bosses explained that Taxis in Jamaica were very expensive but that expenses would be paid. I did get a Taxi as 'instructed' and paid US$100 (in 1997) for a 15-minute ride - literally around the airport. When reporting this to my company in the US, they told me that this was fare was ok. Now, if I were a Taxi driver in Jamaica, ask US$100 to a tourist for a 15-minute ride and he/she would pay, you can be sure that I - like anyone else - would. After many other trips to Jamaica, I ended up 'discovering' that the regular taxi fare should have been around $US5.00.

Hi IrieMRP;

Didn't realize that I was replying directly and exclusively to you. If you feel info is of interest to others, feel free to share ... and post links if you want to.

For many years that Celebrity docks at Crown Bay. In fact, never, ever seen any Celebrity ship docked at Havensight ... BUT, if that happens, do not be disappointed. Havensight is closer to Charlotte Amalie and a much, much more pleasant walk.

As far as beaches go - I have been in almost all of them, reviewed, photographed many and wrote about most. NOT posting a link as do not want to be admonished by CC.

All beaches are not that far from either Crown's Bay or Havensight - the ones on the North/West coast are closer to Crown's Bay. The ones on the SouthEast coast are closer to Havensight. But, for example, if you want to go to the super famous Magens Bay is irrelevant where you dock - same taxi price. You can find all on the website I write to - signature below.

My favorite beaches close to Crown's Bay: Brewer's Beach, Lindberg Beach or Emerald Beach. North Coast: Hull Bay and Magens Bay. Closer to Havensight: Bluebeards Beach, Bolongo Bay, Coki Beach, Morningstar Beach, Sapphire Beach, Lindquist Beach aka Smith Bay, Secret Harbor, Vessup Bay.

Hope this helpful and above all that you ENJOY the marvelous Caribbean waters.

Just one suggestion: what about going to St. John's ???

Train (using Rossore station) is absolutely the best way to visit both Pisa and Lucca ...

Have written about both ports. BUT, please, do not just go to Piazza dei Miracoli ... walk a little and see the Piazza dei Cavalieri as well. If you have time, both the Museum of Sinopias and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo are wonderful.

Sometime ago, I got a wrist slap for posting a link to a website where I write about cruise ports so ... I will refrain myself.

Here you have some of the best restaurants in St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) that I reviewed.:

Amalia Café, Café Amici, Gladys' Cafe, Green House, Side Street Pub and Bumpa's ...

Totally possible to do visit all. BUT would strongly advise starting with the Fort Fincastle - up the hill and out of the way ... Then walk back to pass by the Straw Market (not as 'attractive' as you may think) and then walk to the beach.

There is a LOT to see in Nassau at walking distance, unfortunately - thanks to a LOT of bad mouthing - and special interests that scare cruise travelers to go on Shorex or just stay onboard ... Many do not venture out.

Here a list of my favorite places to visit (most at walking distance): John Watling's Distillery, Balcony House, Fort Fincastle, Graycliff Hotel, the National Art Gallery, Pompey Museum, Arawak Cay, Queen’s Staircase, Christ Church Cathedral, Garden of Remembrance, Government House, Nassau Public Library and Museum ... Have written about all and have great photos as well on my signature website.

I have walked alone, with expensive Cameras, there and back and around. But I've walked everywhere in the World in way more shady places ... This said I wouldn't recommend any lady to walk alone that far. NOT so much because of the shady characters (most just look shady to those that do not know/understand where these "characters" come from) BUT because the walk from the seafront (Fish Fry) up to the Adastra is very desolate and, yes, if any really bad characters are in the vicinity it can (and probably will) be unpleasant.

Solution: either go on a group or get a taxi.

The British Colonial Day pass is one of the many DAY-PASS available in Nassau.

Many savvy cruisers brag about Sandals (for couples only) and TUI.

Otherwise, the Junkanoo Beach is just a few meters farther than the British ... and very pleasant.

Oh NO! Please do not give away these wonderful "secret" places like Bagni di Lucca. We have not been there in about 10 years (and it was still charming) but will be back in Livorno (port day) in April where we have reserved a rental car. DW and I have been debating where to drive (it will be a quiet Sunday outside of the main tourist season) and Bagni di Lucca is one option (we probably would not make the decision until that day..depending on the weather. As far as we know, the large cruise ship tours have yet to descend on this quiet village area :). If we do drive to that village we shall have to do some homework and find the perfect restaurant to enjoy a quiet Sunday lunch.

 

Hank

Shall keep it 'top-secret'. Surely will not publish on my website. But let me know if go there ... May explore it this summer as well, just for my own personal pleasure.

We've done Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra. It was busy when we were there. Enjoy your cruise.

I'll be waiting for the Corfu publication. We visit there in the future also.

Ooops. Forgot to tell you: Corfu Port Guide has been published already. Still need to add a couple of photos - Paleokastritsa Monastery and a few beaches but most of it is up.

You right Hank: car rental is a better option. Those taxi drivers are a nuisance: the €25 each way almost pay the rental. Shuttle to Piazza Municipio and then bus to train-station takes almost 1 hour ... cheaper but a lot of time on public transportation. By the time I get there you would be having brunch :). Last time I walked the Lover's Walk was 2011 or 12, from La Spezia - time goes by fast. Have you been in Bagni di Lucca? Visited 20 years ago ... No idea how it looks like now.

Ok, at the risk of being flamed we will post some personal thoughts about Livorno! The city is OK and yes, there are a few nice places to walk/explore. But port days (unlike lengthy land trips) are all about making tough choices. We have spent a lot of time in this region of Tuscany and Livorno is far down our list of desirable places to spend a day. In fact, we are soon going to be on a long Med cruise and will again have a day in Livorno which happens to be on a Sunday! Our current thinking is to simply rent a car (delivered at the port by Sifracar) and head towards Cinque Terre (probably Riomaggiore) although we may certainly change our mind depending on the weather and our thoughts at the time (which is why we love rental cars). But of all the options (especially on a Sunday) staying in Livorno might be ranked down about #25! IMHO there are just too many better options in the region.

 

And why we are on the topic of options, we do love the wine road (S222) options booked by midwestchick. That part of Chianti is delightful for wine lovers....and the scenery is very easy on the eye :).

Hank

You are absolutely right Hank! When I was a cruise consultant and had to do presentations about Livorno use to say that the highlights are so low these are difficult to find, Naturally, I got a lot heat from my comments ... #25 is being optimistic. BUT as you know not everyone enjoys the same things and Livorno can be pleasant for some. By the way the drive to Cinque Terre is nice but I used to get on the train - and then explore on foot.

I have a private tour booked in August. We will be visiting Greve in Chianti and Castellina and 2 more very small villages, which will just be brief stops. Off hand I don't recall the names.

Great plan to tour Tuscany! One of my favorite regions in Europe. Just published San Gimignano and Siena (the latter with my best square in the World). If you don't make it on the cruise try to include Siena on the tour. By the way, the Palio is astonishing - check the video on the overview page. BUT you will have to book pretty soon as it gets very, very crowded. Will be off on Saturday for 2 weeks of cruising but should have the rest of Livorno's destinations done pretty soon. Safe sailings and travels.

Thanks d-Portman. Loved your link and anxiously awaiting info on Florence. First time med. need lots of info.

Million thanks for the compliments. Florence, Lucca and Pisa are coming soon!!!! When are you cruising the med? In the meantime, just published San Gimignano and Siena - the latter is a must! Also published Corfu (Greece). I shouldn't be posting links as I got ears pulled by cc ... oh well. But you can post links, if you find useful info on the site. Safe sailings and all the best.

Have you published one of Greve?

Greve is on the plans but not for now. It is a wonderful wine town (Chianti) - did a photo reportage when a travel journalist 2 decades ago and on holidays 2008 (?). If you like to drive it is easy to get there from Livorno, otherwise you'll have to go to Florence and then get on a bus.

I also think you can have an enjoyable day in Livorno.. The surrounding hill towns in Tuscany are lovely but every once in a while we want a less busy day and find Livorno does have some charm. We agree with the suggestion regarding the market. We have been twice, once shopping with our chef, and I do not recall the walk being more than 10 minutes from where we docked. I also enjoyed just wandering around the little ""canals" looking at the colorful fishing boats.

Nice to know there is at least one other cruiser that enjoys walking around Livorno. The "little canals" must be the area known as Quartieri Venezia - it was part of the ideal city. By the way, lovely restaurants there as well ...

Not many go as far as the Teatro Goldoni ... its a great area as well. And the beaches are completely ignored by everyone ... never understood why.

I did check it out. Thank you.

I have a feeling cc might think you're a travel agent because of the FB thing.

Apologies for not replying earlier ... busy with website :).

NOT a travel agent! Been a Onboard Future Consultant and had enough of booking cruises. Just writing and sharing 20 years of experience at sea, ports, destinations. By the way, just finished and published San Gimignano ... might be of interest to you. Will publish Siena before end of the week, hopefully!

I suppose not breaking rules as long as I don't post links. You can copy paste on your browser. Livorno and Volterra are at the bottom of the page:

iqcruising.com

Smooth sailings

roy...is that you? What are you doing now?

 

I looked for you on board when we arrived but have Jennifer as OCA.

 

Of course, we remember you...and you also did Ephesus with us and the rest of the hoards! We had dinner with you one night...lovely evening!

 

did you ever do the website for port info? i remember i told you to add info for people with babies and small children since there is nothing like running out of disposable diapers and not knowing where to go....and you agreed!!!

Indeed, it's I. Didn't realized I left such a good impression. Nice to know.

It was a marvelous cruise and tremendously enjoyed the tours, dinner and all with both of you. Yes, remember well the chat about cruising with children (your daughter past experience, if I well remember).

At the time, I was still toying with the idea of a website and you were very inspiring. Later in 2011, I asked for a 1-year long sabbatical and took off to develop the website. Self-taught HTML, CSS, javascript, PHP ... the all code thing and wrote quite a bit.

Had a few glitches on the way - both personal and technical - and had to put the website on standby for a while. But giving up is not in my vocabulary. Last year I managed to get the 'ideal' of a port description with Livorno (all you can imagine but, not YET, dad knows best section). Added Volterra and realizing how long it would take to get 50 pages on each port, simplified all a bit on a couple of Caribbean ports.

Cutting a long story short, I am know editing, adding and uploading a load of ports descriptions already written and photographed.

Not working full time on ships any longer but still do part-time gigs - allows more free time and pays way better than being stuck onboard for 4 months. Have been on quite a few cruises and ships - 30 in the last 2 years (from The World to Carnival, Disney, HAL and so on).

Very nice to know you're enjoying South America - love Recife-Olinda. Will have a look at the itinerary and will send you a few tips. Let me know if you need any info as I've been almost everywhere, repeatedly.

MY APOLOGIES to ALL in the thread for the long public-personal updating with fellow cruisers.

I may be wrong but it looks like everyone has been everywhere ... and didn't find nothing particularly interesting in Livorno. In a way I agree: Livorno is far from being on par with Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Pisa or Florence. Lost count on how many time I have been in Livorno ... over 100 for sure and been in all places close by and NOT so close.

Unlike many, I always enjoyed my days in Livorno although there isn't much to see-do on a overnight. Lucca and Volterra are my favorite destinations nearby. Off the beaten track Pisa has some charming spots as well. Sienna is WONDERFUL and San Gimignano a MUST see. Florence an eternal pleasure.

For reasons that reason doesn't explain, I got a slap in the wrist for divulging with links a website I developed providing all information about LIVORNO, and other ports. You may all find good and interesting information on this website - it covers absolutely everything and is way better than Fodors, Frommers, LonelyPlanet, and all the guides around (online or paper). And it doesn't have PUBLICITY, ads and all that rubbish. As strange as it may sound I'm not selling anything. So, if you check my profile you will see the website. Feel free to link it yourselves - as I'm not allowed and you can.

Just finished editing Volterra as a destination and, in the next couple of weeks, will be updating Lucca, San Gimignano and all the rest. Hope you enjoy and it is helpful.

Ooooops, forgot to mention ... it has Maps, good ones NOT Google sort of thing!

Are you the Ctrl+Alt+Del inventor???

 

Me?...not so much; Mr. Wonderful?....yep.

 

I am sorry that I didn't recognized both of you straight away ... and asked unnecessary questions. You probably wouldn't recognize my name even if I told you ... but you may recall the days when I was a OCA and we did a few excursions together - Israel, May 2011. Cannot recall if Insignia or Regatta. I was planning to create a website providing port information for cruise passengers. Rings the bell????