geopuzzle

My family is scheduled on the Virtuosa March 23-30, 2024 out of Dubai, visiting Abu Dhabi (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Damman (Saudi Arabia) and Sir Bani Yas (UAE). That falls during the middle of Ramadan. We have never been to that part of the world before and have some questions: 1) Will everything be open when we're in port in the various places? Excursions and the usual places tourists go? 2) Will we be able to eat at restaurants in port? If not for ourselves, then our children? 3) What will the dress of most guests be on the ship at the pools? I know that MSC attracts a lot of local customers, so I'm wondering if bathing suits, swimming protocols would be any different than a cruise sailing eg the Mediterranean or Caribbean?

We are considering a Mediterranean cruise on the Orchestra summer 2024 and the only option coming up is the Bella Experience unless I want to pay considerably more for drinks and wifi to also be included. We don't drink alcohol or soda, so we won't choose the more expensive option. We would just buy wifi separately. We would be traveling with kids and it is important to us to get the early dining time. With Bella, we can give our preference of either 6:30pm or 8:30pm. I have read that MSC has 50%(?) locals on board, so the later dining time should be more popular right? I am trying to gauge our chances of getting the early dining time. Anyone know which of early or late dining is more popular on their Mediterranean routes?

Thank you!

I can't seem to figure out what the official site is for the Ephesus ruins. Does anyone know it? I would like to be able to buy tickets beforehand, so that we don't have to wait in line. I have younger kids, so am not interested in a tour. (My plan is to listen/read the Rick Steves audio guide at our own pace). I am also trying to figure out opening time - I have found conflicting times online, so would love an official site. Our cruise arrives in Kusadasi at 6:30am, which is probably way before Ephesus opens(?). Thanks

If I have understood correctly, I will be able to purchase a timed entry ticket to the Vatican Museums 60 days in advance (for Sistine Chapel, Rafael rooms, etc on the official ticket site https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en.html), and the line should move quickly because I have a timed ticket(?). However, St Peter's Basilica, is free and there are no tickets, so the line is very long (?). a)Would it be best to see the Basilica first thing in the morning when the line is shorter, and have tickets to the Vatican Museums later on? This might risk timing it wrong, and wishing I had allocated more or less time at the Basilica. b)Or is it best to have a reserved time slot for the Vatican Museums first thing in the morning and then head to the Basilica afterwards, so that I avoid timing it wrong? With this option, I risk a horrible late morning/early afternoon line for the basilica. How long is the walk from Vatican Museums to St Peter's Basilica? THANKS! We're touring Rome and Venice before our Venice-Athens cruise.

That link says "NORWEGIAN GETAWAY CRUISE SHIP DECK PLAN HAS 2008 STATEROOMS FOR UP TO 4819 PASSENGERS SERVED BY 1640 CREW" (when double occupancy is exceeded)

Where do you have info that Getaway has a max of 4266 passengers when it exceeds double occupancy? The NCL Escape has a max of 4266 passengers at double occupancy.

The capacity of 3963 is with double occupancy in the rooms. When cabins have lots of children (like during winter break when there is no school), the posted double occupancy capacity can be exceeded.

Oh no! Sorry to hear this. We are going on the Getaway this summer, and I really hope there aren't 5900 people on board.... Does anyone know if European cruises during summer break are less crowded than ones starting in the U.S.? Nothing against kids, since I am bringing 3 of them, but a ship at 150% capacity sounds miserable.

The itinerary I had my heart set on didn't have free 3rd and 4th passengers. All 3 kids were $499 each.

OK thanks. My son is too young/irresponsible to carry around a cabin card anyway.

This summer my family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids) will all stay in one O5 cabin. My parents will be staying in the room next to us, also an O5 cabin, though they are only 2 people. The rooms are on separate reservations. My parents have offered multiple times to have my son sleep in their cabin on the convertible couch. Is this allowed? Can we ask for bedding to put on their couch?

We're staying in an O5 room on the Getaway. I believe the Escape also has O5 rooms. Anyway, this video was really helpful to me - just skip the first 30 seconds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m8B36PscBI

We will be 5 people in one room. If the kids' beds aren't tucked away during the day, especially the pull-down one from the ceiling, then we will be prevented from actively using half the room during the day. And NCL wants $900 in gratuities from us for a 9 day cruise - 1 stateroom. If that is what our bed/room situation will be, we will be reducing our DSC.

Even if it is only 1/3 of them, the line would still be hours long. I appreciate that Santorini has capped the number of daily visitors-- I just wish they would enforce widely varied departure and arrival times. Santorini just seems like a headache, albeit a beautiful one. We'll plan on walking down. I think my 72 yr old mother will manage.