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We stayed at the Hotel Arpeador in Ipanema. Not fancy but in excellent location close to transportation, restaurants, bars and a gorgeous beach. Hotels in Rio are expensive or at least they were a couple of years ago.

Sorry, the correct spelling is Hotel Aropoador.

We stayed at the Hotel Arpeador in Ipanema. Not fancy but in excellent location close to transportation, restaurants, bars and a gorgeous beach. Hotels in Rio are expensive or at least they were a couple of years ago.

FYI, apparently things can be changed as we have now succeeded in upgrading! Why didn't they just do this in the first place? If you are in the same situation, keep trying and good luck. Also before everyone suggests that I probably hassled them, I did not, but my TA who was unhappy with the outcome yesterday did call Princess again this morning and spoke with someone different.

Thanks for sharing your story. It proves that you have to keep on calling them to get what you want. They are not consistent.

Add me to the list of your followers/admirers/green with jealousy types. Bon voyage.

I've received an upsell offer twice from an OV to a balcony and from a balcony to Mini. In both instances I was able to chose the cabin in an excellent location and my favorite deck (Caribe and Emerald.)

I'm hoping that an enterprising shuttle company will offer affordable transportation between San Antonio and Santiago. Let's share the information once it's available.

Grab it immediately!

Only once there was damage, i.e. tiny holes in the cotton tank top. I just tossed it. Didn't know you can get compensated for the damage.

We're in Cabo as we speak. Arrived on 8/19, leaving tomorrow. We're staying at the Hilton. Did a sunset dinner cruise, took the public bus to San Jose del Cabo, meandered all over the place. Didn't see any bandidos with or without a mustache. I just can't imagine not getting off the ship and exploring the port.

I would not risk it. We either take a mid afternoon flight or stay overnight in FLL. Once we had a 10:30 flight and barely made it. This type of stress is easily avoidable.

Hi,

I just looked again at my copy of the reservation with them and there is this statement on it:

 

Stay at Hotel San Giorgio Civitavecchia for the 2017 The rate includes: - Breakfast buffet served in our breakfast room - Free Wi-Fi - VAT 10% - Shuttle service from the Hotel San Giorgio to the Cruise Terminal in Civitavecchia The rate does not include the city tax of € 2,00 per day per person for a maximum of 3 nights. The Payment of the city tax is required at check out

Yes, we booked the hotel through a third party (got an incredible deal) so we had to pay for the shuttle. There was no way I was going to have an 83 year old who recently had a total joint replacement on the public bus dragging a suitcase and negotiating high steps.

Hi, we have a reservation with them as well and will be there in about two weeks. I hope we will enjoy our stay there as much as you did.

What time the shuttle start taken guests to the ship ?

The shuttle picked us up at 11:00 am. They charged us €10 pp. Excellent door to door service. The port is huge. You can take the bus to the port entrance and then a shuttle to your ship but IMO not worth the hassle.

I, too, enjoyed Civitavecchia.

We stayed at Hotel San Giorgio last month prior to a cruise. I would highly recommend it. It exceeded my expectations based on the price point. Breakfast was very good and the staff very attentive. Would stay there again.

You're welcome, and thanks![emoji846]

 

 

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Cindy,

Stunning photos, Cindy. You captured the true essence of Venice. Thanks for sharing.

Do yourself a favor and take a taxi. I took the X80 bus. Packed like sardines. Traffic was awful and took at least 45 minutes. Not worth it. Wasted a lot of precious time.

Venice is beautiful. It's a feast for your eyes. Mestre is ugly, unattractive. Don't you want to surround yourself with beauty albeit a bit more expensive? Enjoy your trip. You can be practical and pragmatic at home. When you're old and no longer able to travel you'll regret being miserly with yourself.

We were in Santorini last week. Three cruise ships in port. I walked up the donkey path (588 steps) and tried to take the bus to Oia. A free for all. No room on the 11:00 am bus. They run every 30 minutes. Decided to share a taxi with another lady, €10 each. Happy, happy. Oia is wonderful but it was a zoo, packed with people. On the way back I shared a van with 11 others, €5 each. Very happy. The driver took some shortcuts and we ended at the cable car. Lines were huge so I decided to take the donkey path back down. It was easier to climb up since the path is worn out and my sneakers were worn out, too. Had to be extra careful walking down. Didn't want to end in the donkey poo. While in Fira I rewarded myself with a caipirinha and a huge baklava that could have fed 3 people. The weather was perfect. We were also rewarded with one of those fiery red sunsets. There is something about Greece.....

We were in Kotor last week from 7:00 until 1:00 pm. Not enough time! What a stunning place! Definitely need to return for at least 4 - 5 days to do it justice. The locals were very friendly and helpful and the whole town is a bargain. The weather was glorious, too. What a gem! Terry, thanks for your original post.

I'm not fond of the bus. We were in Athens on May 25th. Took the bus X80 "sardine express". The traffic was awful getting into Athens. I missed my "Free Walking Tour" because this bus took forever. On the way back it was much faster. Of course, we had 5 ships in port on that day. Had I known this, I would have walked to the metro, which is exactly what we did several years ago. The weather was gorgeous and the jacarandas were in full bloom.

Have you used these trains by yourself? How comfortable they are? 3.45 hrs is a long way, I hope to be able to take a good nap, especially in the morning one;) Do they have their site in English to book tickets in advance? Or Italian only?

Sure, I have done this trip several times. I love trains so it's a treat for me. Venice is magical. I first visited with my Mom when I was 11 years old and keep returning and returning, whenever I'm close enough. I've been back to Venice at least a dozen times since then.

Trenitalia.com in English is easy to navigate.

I am going in 2 weeks . Hope to answer some questions after.;p

I sure hope you'll post your impression of the Musica after your cruise. We're scheduled to board her in 4 weeks so your input and advice will be very much appreciated. Have a great trip.

Oh, thank you! I expect it to be a very long day but I'm ready, I believe it is worth time spended. I'm in love with Venice:hearteyes:

 

Is it the fastest train to Venice?

Those are high speed Frecciarosa trains, 3.45 hrs and you are in Venice. Very reasonably priced if you purchase tickets in advance.

Hi everyone! If I have two days in Rome is it reasonable to spend one day for a trip to Venice? How long does the road take? I mean the fastest way to get back and forth. Venice is my big dream but we don't have it in our cruise itinerary, only Rome and Florence this time..

It's doable. You can catch the 6:50 train in Rome Termini and arrive in Venice St. Lucia at 10:35. Spend the day in Venice meandering all over and return to Rome, leaving Venice at 7:25 pm arriving at 11:10 pm. A very long day. I would do it but then again I'm a Venice fanatic.

The bus mentioned by lamchops is the Katakolon Express.

Price (transportation only) is now €20 pp - still best value for two, but limited to a 4-hour trip which gives I guess around 2hrs 30+ at Olympia.

https://www.katakolon-express.com/katakolontours.htm

 

JB :)

JB, thanks so much for the above website. We just booked an excursion in Santorini and Athens. Perfect timing.<3

So I can't seem to get the web check in to work, and there is little to no information on their website about that except to call your TA or us... I don't have a TA and I'm currently in Egypt and cannot call the number from my mobile phone...

 

I cruise on Saturday, I was only emailed that my documents were ready (provided I can web check in) on March 26.... I am kind of starting to freak out.

 

I have my original document showing I paid in full, but they have since changed my cabin to a different one....

 

Do you think I will be okay if I bring that paper only?

Go to their website and click on "Contact". It will allow you to send them en email. Should title it as "Urgent". Good luck.