Lovecruise247

57 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

The best way is to simply ask your cruise line (they may or may not give you the info).  Another method is to look online for the web site of the port (the official site if it exists) where the Port may publish their port schedule including docking locations (if known).  Another method, which is not always reliable, is to look us the port schedule on a 3rd party site such as Cruisemapper.com

 

Even if you try all available methods, you still might not know until the day before (or sometimes the actual day) you arrive at a port.  There are lots of factors which can impact docking locations and the port authorities do have the ability to make last minute changes.

 

Hank

 

Hank

On this particular cruise, some of the ports were difficult!  Amsterdam was an easy walk into town; but others were just difficult.  For example, Hamburg.  Le Verdon wasn’t all that easy, unless you were doing an excursion.  Le Havre turned out to be a pleasant surprise, there was a shuttle for $7, which included a day pass for local buses within town.  In Bilbao, there were taxis available right outside the port building, that worked very well.  It was difficult to get any information beforehand; you got into port, then you got to find out how easy or difficult things would be.

On 9/21/2023 at 7:23 PM, Lovecruise247 said:

Good thinking!  That’s what we will probably end up doing.  Soulac won’t be very pleasant in October.  The distance is what’s keeping us in Le Havre & Honfleur; instead of going to Paris.  A cruise is still a cruise, I’m sure it will fun.

We decided to sit it out, finally.  There was an excursion available, to tour the wineries.  We don’t drink much, so that didn’t make sense to us.  People who did go, had a great time.  

11 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Soulac was actually quite lovely. Small beach town with some shops and lovely beach with water, although if you're goin in October may be too chilly for a beach day. They did have some Bordeaux trips, but it will be a long day. It's about a 2hr ride there each way, so 4 hours of your 7 hour tour will be spent sitting on a bus. If you think that's worth it, keep an eye out for them. For us, we said we would skip Bordeaux proper until we're there on a river cruise or land trip.

Good thinking!  That’s what we will probably end up doing.  Soulac won’t be very pleasant in October.  The distance is what’s keeping us in Le Havre & Honfleur; instead of going to Paris.  A cruise is still a cruise, I’m sure it will fun.

On 9/17/2023 at 8:29 AM, Lovecruise247 said:

I think it would be a good idea to email the tour company.  They would know.

On 3/22/2023 at 9:26 PM, Coral said:

On our cruise in November, Princess offered a free shuttle to Soulac Sur Mer.

 

There is absolutely nothing to do in Le Verdon. And if I remember correctly - they don't want you walking around the port area.

 

I did take a tour into Bordeaux. I am not into wine. It was a long trip in and back but I really did like Bordeaux. I did a trip which included the wine museum and time on our own. The Museum was pretty darn cool even for this non-wine drinker. It sort of reminded me of a kids interactive museum but for adults. The architecture in Bordeaux is stunning. There is also a food market near the wine museum which had amazing food. I did enjoy my day - just wish the time to Bordeaux wasn't such a far way.

We are going to Le Verdon in early October.  I know that the ship (Norwegian Getaway) offers a shuttle ($15pp), to Soulac.   Not too interested in that.  Apart from that, there don’t seem to be too many options.  I did hear on a YouTube video, that NCL also offered a shuttle to Bordeaux.  $25 We are only interested in walking around Bordeaux, mostly the city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  I hear its stunning.  Does anyone know if NCL offers a shuttle/bus to Bordeaux & back.   If that is offered, I would jump at it.  Are there any other ideas.  I would love to hear from someone who has been to Le Verdon recently (2023).  Thank you!

On 11/28/2021 at 2:06 PM, MsTabbyKats said:

OK....so this is why it went nowhere (unless you LOVE Port Canaveral)

 

We got on the ship and I looked at the "excursion list".  What? No Charleston??  Now, it's not that Charleston is on my bucket list, but I've never been there and I was looking forward to the city tour and new (jewelry) stores to explore.  No explanation given was ever given.

 

Instead of Charleston, we now had an overnight in Port Canaveral.  Been there, done that too many times.  The day we arrived (the day we should have been in Charleston) it was cold and windy...not nice walking around weather...or sailing down the Banana River weather either.  On Day 2...our scheduled day, we had an excursion planned (a repeat for us) but they changed the time to "too early".  And it was cold anyway.

 

The next day was Great Stirrup Cay day.  It doesn't take a psychic to guess what happened.

 

The result....we never stepped foot on land.  

 

I know due to Covid these are uncertain times.  I'm also aware that NCL is not responsible for the weather.  But...we are grown-ups.  We deserved to know why we skipped Charleston and had 2 days in Port Canaveral.  I can't think of a worse port to stay overnight that Port Canaveral.  There's nothing to do there.  The view from the ship is industrial.  In just about any other port you could look out and see the sea, or something picturesque.  Why not another island in the Bahamas...or Key West...or Fort Lauderdale....or even an additional sea day.  This is especially true because they knew it wouldn't be good tendaring water for Great Stirrup Cay!!!

 

I love cruising and I had a good time.  I booked this cruise 5 days in advance, threw some clothes into a carry-on and took a cab to the dock.  If I had been a first timer....or flew into NYC "from somewhere"....I would have been very disappointed.

 

I am very disappointed with NCL's lack of communication. 

I am so sorry to hear that Charleston got skipped!  I think that’s the main reason I selected this itinerary.  We are leaving on Sunday, I sure hope it will not get dropped again.  But during Covid times, anything can happen.  We were on the Epic in December, & a port got dropped, we got an extra sea day.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

On 6/10/2021 at 10:23 AM, spanishguy1970 said:

I don't know you tell me that

On 7/27/2021 at 1:23 PM, Sue Do-Over said:

This is our situation, too.  We get PLENTY to drink in the casino.  Sure wish we could trade the drink package for a couple more dining credits, tho!

There was a time when they used to let you “double up”.  So, if you didn’t want the drink package, you could double up your shore excursion package.  I thought that was very fair.  But they don’t do that anymore.

On 7/28/2021 at 4:34 PM, Trimone said:

Never refused, always try to drink the ship dry….we did on a Asia cruise 

I still can’t believe it that we are declining the drinks package.  My problem is, I would still only drink an alcoholic drink occasionally; but then, I would drink a soda here, a virgin drink there, & before you know it you’ve taken in a thousand extra calories!

On 6/7/2021 at 7:13 PM, Jamesatgsu said:

If not taking advantage of the offer, seems like you'd do the cheaper bare bones rate or book Carnival/MSC/RCL.

I got the FAS balcony because with this promotion, we got 3x points.  Just couldn’t resist!

On 6/7/2021 at 7:13 PM, Jamesatgsu said:

If not taking advantage of the offer, seems like you'd do the cheaper bare bones rate or book Carnival/MSC/RCL.

I would have done the barebones rate, but the offer of triple latitudes points was too attractive!  I did ask if I can get the extra points if I get the Guarantee Rate, I was told no.  We drink maybe one or two drinks a day, & not even that much on some days.  We do buy bottled water, & if that’s included, I would consider adding the drinks package back on; otherwise, its not worth it to us.

On 6/6/2021 at 6:06 PM, boatseller said:

Keep in mind, you don't have to buy alcohol.  It covers anything they can make/mix/serve at the bar.  The coffee situation is it but muddy, depending on the ship but it should be included as well.

This is something I hadn’t considered when I declined the drinks package.  We usually buy bottled water while on board, is water included in the drinks package?

On 6/6/2021 at 12:01 PM, Derbie said:

Thanks everyone!  I do see where someone else posted a similar idea a little after this post of mine was loaded up. We had the package removed, and I think next time we will do the Sailaway rate and call it a day. Thanks again

 

We usually opt for the Sailaway rate, because we don’t really drink much.  For my next booking, though, I opted for the Free At Sea rate, because triple points are not offered on the Sailaway rate.  Then, we went ahead & declined the drinks package; didn’t want to pay nearly $200 in tips for maybe, 3-4 drinks, max.

That’s half the fun of cruising; all that planning, & all that daydreaming!!  😂😂😂

On 12/15/2016 at 4:24 PM, jc3443 said:

Wow...Just reading through all of this stuff makes me tired! I'm more a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants guy. I figure if I make it on board the ship with surf trunks, flips flops and a credit card I will still have a great time! In fact, as long as I have the credit card I can track down everything else I need pretty easily, although a few people might object to me wandering naked down the decks with my credit card in hand! :eek:

 

More power to you all for your extensive thought on all these things!

 

JC

Congratulations on your upcoming wedoing!  Just relax, & get ready to enjoy your honeymoon!  On practically every cruise we’ve been on, there are always honeymooners, & people celebrating all kinds of milestones!

You are getting some really good advice here, so I will try not to repeat anything, if possible!  

I would say, be prepared!  Try to see all the dining options available on the ship, & decide what you like.  Then, I would say, go ahead & make your reservations as soon as they let you!  Cagney’s, for example, offers a free bottle of wine on the day of sailing!  But if that’s not important, or if you are not sure you would want to eat a big meal on the very first day, then try for another, preferably sea day, at the time you prefer to dine.  Believe me, I see a lot of red dots for all the “good “ times!  Also, you may want to eat a light meal on Day 2, because for me, that’s the most difficult day.  I’m too tired from the stress of packing, planning.

Carry a medical kit with Dramamine, Sea bands, etc.  Also some Pepto, & other simple meds.  Also carry magnets to keep your room organized, carry lanyards for your sea cards.

 The reason I am saying all this is, when you start planning details; then you forget to worry about all the what if’s!!  You start thinking about all the fun stuff you will be doing!!  When you do all the planning together, you will start dreaming of all the good things to come!  An added benefit:  your cruise will be even more enjoyable!!

On 6/21/2019 at 4:42 PM, Vancan123 said:

I just got back from Seward to Vancouver on the Jewel and it was amazing. You will have a great time regardless of which ship you take, but personally I'd go with the Jewel trip any time.

 

Check out the itinerary route maps for each voyage on NCL's website. The Bliss goes up and back on the outside of Vancouver Island, so practically 'out at sea' for almost half the trip, and you will only spend four days, out of seven getting a taste of Alaska. Leaving from Vancouver, the Jewel takes the scenic Inside Passage, plus in addition to seeing Glacier Bay, you also go to the much bigger Hubbard Glacier. 

 

Obviously the downside will be that you will need to travel further, either at the end, or the beginning of your trip. If you have time, many people prefer to get the long flight out of the way first, and fly to Anchorage or Fairbanks, maybe take a tour on Denali, and then relax on the cruise at the end of the trip, and have a shorter flight home.

 

You mentioned your family, not sure if that means kids or teens...but you can weigh these factors into your decision. There are kids and teen's clubs /arcade/sport courts/swimming pools etc on the Jewel, but on the Bliss there are  extras such as a go kart track, waterslides, laser tag. 

 

 

Well said!  I wish I had read your post earlier, when I was trying to decide which one to choose.  The thing that kept me confused was the logistics of Seward, Anchorage, etc.  Flights were better priced when booking a RT.  So I got around that hurdle by booking a b2b, Vancouver-Seward-Vancouver.  I would add, when NCL offers free or reduced airfare, jump on it, because then you don’t have to worry about having to find the best flights, etc.  I will do that next time.  For now, b2b is the way to go for me.

5 hours ago, graphicguy said:

However....things are looking up!!!!!.....

I discovered your posts just a few minutes ago, long after the ship had sailed, with you on board!!  But I was on pins & needles!  It was like reading a suspense novel, & I refused to look at the last page, haha!!  Glad you made it!  We were on the Escape last December, loved it!  I am still marveling at the deal you got!  Wow!

On 6/18/2019 at 9:56 AM, graphicguy said:

Jamie...good to hear.  How nice to sail with family.

 

Don’t have a cabin assignment yet.  But, my TA said they still had Spa and Minis still left, and she thought I might have a good shot at one of those.  Won’t matter.  Price was so good for the GTY, and the fact there are no obstructed views on the Escape, I’ll be happy wherever they put me.

 

Once again, I got OBC of $200 from AMEX for using their card to book, and $150 from my TA.  So, $350 OBC (if not in a Spa Cabin, I may just buy a week pass with it).  Plus, got all the perks with the GTY (drinks, dining, internet, excursion credit).  Get some free laundry and some sparkling wine because of being Platinum.  Got a couple of specialty dinners, in addition to the 3DP that already came with the cabin.

 

Looks like I won’t be eating in the MDRs at all.

I have never heard of such a bounty (of OBC)!!  I have to know who is your TA!  $200 for using your Amex card?  $150 from your TA?  Perks with GTY!  Wow!

36 minutes ago, tetleytea said:

No, Toursaver.

Tell me more about Toursaver.  Did you buy the coupon book?  Did you feel you will be able to get your money’s worth out of it?  I still haven’t booked any excursions, & I need to decide pretty quick!  Our cruise leaves on July 1st. from Vancouver.  We want to go on the Mount Roberts Tram, & either Whale watching or a combo tour.  I was wondering what would be the best way to do this.  TIA.

We just returned from Italy.  In Venice, we decided to stay just outside Venice, in Venice Mestre.  It was a quick bus ride into Venice, & from the bus stop in Venice, we could take the Vaporetto to any point in Venice, Murano, Burano, etc.  The  bus stops right in front of the hotel where we stayed.  Hilton Garden Inn.  It’s very modern, very clean.  In that respect it does not meet your criterion of something vintage, but we were happy with our decision.  Also, the airport is just a 15 minute ride.  Just an alternative to consider............

On 4/30/2019 at 9:24 PM, aaalynn1 said:

I have a few questions as well. Although this post has helped me some, Im still not sure where to stay.  We disembark in the morning and are staying in Venice for two days.  I think I will take your advice and stay somewhere in Venice that is on a canal and the atmosphere is traditional or vintage. Would the hotel be able to hold our luggage while we explore during the day? Do most hotels provide a water taxi to the airport?

We think we will do our own thing and just get lost in the city. Walking, taking gondola rides, getting gelato, searching for the best coffee and finding a romantic dinner place. Not wanting to spend a fortune, but hope to find something priced around 150-180. 

Enjoy your trip, it’s going to be lovely!  Ask for Maximo; he’s the best!  And Beatrice was so easy to understand.

When we went on a tour of the Vatican ( with another company),  we could barely understand the guide!  That tour was also very well done, but the guide did everything mechanically, & spoke too fast. That’s when we realized how lucky we were to have Maximo & Beatrice in Florence!

1 hour ago, nlark80 said:

Fantastic. Thanks again for the information. I went ahead and updated my tour and added the "skip the line" tickets.

 

 

We were very lucky with the traffic, so yes, we were completely satisfied with the amount of time we spent at Academia.  We did not feel rushed at all.  Academia is fabulous, there’s a lot to see.  We could have easily spent another hour or so there, but we were famished, & a little tired from so much walking.

There wasn’t a wait for Academia.  We had paid $20 for Skip the line tickets, & we just walked right in.  Otherwise, the lines were very, very long.  We would have wanted to see the Duomo, & a few of the other sights if we had a few more days.  The lines were very long everywhere.

One other point to highlight.  We were picked up right near the Cruise Ship, the driver was waiting for us as we got off.  We went straight to Pisa , & then to Florence.  There was hardly any traffic.  Pisa was spectacular.  Hardly any crowds that early in the morning, & the driver, Maximo, parked the van right outside the gate.   So no time, or energy, wasted on walking to the tower.

It was all very well thought out & executed.

42 minutes ago, nlark80 said:

Thanks for the information. I was trying to figure out if we would still see much of Florence if we also did the Accademia tour. It sounds like you were able to do both. Two questions. Did you spend much time in the Accademia or did you just see David? I thought I read somewhere that they were only able to see David and not the other art/statues. Also, How long was the wait in the line?

 

Thanks,

We just got back from a wonderful tour of Italy.  In Florence, we chose Italy Tours for a guided tour of Pisa & Florence with Skip the line tour of Academia.  We were 7 of us; along with our  English speaking driver Maximo, & our expert tour guide, Beatrice, who joined the tour in Florence.  We are so glad that we chose Italy Tours for our day in Florence!

Maximo is the best.  We started our tour at the port of Livorno.  Maximo was waiting for us right as we got off the ship. He drove us straight to Pisa; he drove the van right up to the gates of the complex.  As a result we didn’t have to walk much at all!  We heard from others who had taken the other tours, that they had to walk a lot, not us! Thanks to strategic planning on the part of the tour company, we wasted no time throughout the day. Maximo is polite, kind & considerate.  He is very knowledgeable, & shares his knowledge.  He is a very safe & skillful driver.  And even more positive accolades!  He made our trip very enjoyable!  I hope when we are in Florence next time, we will be assigned the same driver.

And, now about our tour guide, Beatrice or B.  She was great!  She spoke perfect English, she was very easy to understand.  She was personable, charming, & knowledgeable.  We met up with her in Florence, & she took us on a walking tour of Florence, ending up at Academia.  She kept our group engaged, & interested.  She told us lots of stories about Florence.  It was amazing, the amount we covered in one day!  If I could change one thing about our day, I would say we should have gone to Academia & David soon after we reached Florence, & not towards the end of the day; because we were tired & famished by the time we reached Academia.  Though David did not disappoint, he was spectacular!  We are so glad we got to see the original, as well as two copies.  Every step in Florence, we turned around & saw something interesting, something unforgettable!  We shopped for leather bags, we tried amazing  street food, we talked to the locals.  We packed in so much into a fun filled day that will not soon be forgotten.  Big shout out to ItalyTours, Maximo & Beatrice!

I would recommend ItalyTours without any hesitation at all.  I hope to contact them on my next trip!  Five Stars!!

Hanging on to every word!  When I booked the cruise, I was thinking itinerary.  After reading Nate’s review, I can hardly wait to experience Jade for myself!