Dakota Traveler

25 nights!!

has anyone docked at the Kai Tak dock in Hong Kong? this is at the old airport. questions: what kind of shuttles were there and what did they cost? were taxis plentiful and what did it cost to go to nearest MTR station or star ferry terminal? thank you so much.

To get on the Volendam on March 31, 2016 we took a taxi from our hotel to Kia Tak at a cost of 100 Hong Kong $$. Our hotel was near the star ferry terminal.

DT

Our longest to date has been from South Dakota to Venice, Italy. However, in less than 2 months we will top that with a trip to Hong Kong and the Volendam. We return from Tokyo, leaving at 5 pm on Monday and will arrive home at 4 pm on the same Monday -- fast trip as we go back in time :D

DT

We have found a half day sail from the Santorini Old Port that will take us out for a swim and drop us at Amoudi / Oia docks. I wonder if the hike up to Oia is as exhausting as to Fira from below ... Has anyone arrived at Oia by boat and found any transport up to Oia township ? The dodgy knees would struggle with the walk up.

We spent a week in Oia last year. We walked down to Amoudi one evening for a meal. We were told that if the walk back up appeared to be more than we could handle that we could get a taxi back. If none were waiting at the port we were told to ask one of the staff at a restaurant to call for a taxi. However, we chose to walk back up. Our mid-60 bodies did manage OK with a number of rest stops along the way. Yes, I would say it very much like the walk up at Fira. Also, you could ride a donkey if your backside can handle that:).

DT

We did the road to Hana on our last trip. Used Roberts and we had a great time - one of the best tours we have taken in Hawaii. It was a full day with lunch in Hana furnished by Roberts - sandwich with sides at a spot along the beach. Great driver/tour guide which made the trip even more enjoyable.

DT

Hi, I'm thinking of booking AmaWaterway's Europe's Rivers & Castles Itinerary for my first river cruise (ports listed below) and wanted some feedback on the Main river ports (bolded) on the itinerary (also if you've done this particular cruise, comments on that would be wonderful).

 

How close to town does the ship dock?

 

What did you like/dislike about the port?

 

Thank you very much! Itinerary (doing cruise only):

 

Nuremberg

Bamberg

Schweinfurt

Kitzingen

Würzburg

Wertheim

Mainz

Rüdesheim

Koblenz

Cochem

Zell

Trier

Luxembourg

Check this link : http://www.thepreismans.com/amalegro.htm - Great information.

DT

We attended the dinner a few years back and had a great time. Lots of singing and dancing - not to mention the meal was excellent. We also enjoyed the local wine during the dinner and show. It was very enjoyable - think you would enjoy:)

DT

Great review - We plan to do Hong Kong to Tokyo next year so reading your review has added to my excitement. We did Paris to Prague a few years back and I must have read your review of a similar trip over and over in preparing for that trip. Really great help. Thanks

DT

We have enjoyed lunch at Cronies in downtown Hilo at couple of times. It's a sports bar and grill. Not sure how their mai tai's are as I'm a beer guy.

Took a look at this post because I will be on the Volendam next year in Asia and was hoping to see some of the ship. Happy that I did as your pictures are great! May be moving a trip to Alaska up on my "Bucket list". :)

DT

Hi stelladoro no we are sailing 31st March 2016 from hong kong.

Hi Beagle - Also on this sailing - looked at this room, but got more adventurous and went to the bottom of the ship with a guarantee Cat. FF. First cruise without a balcony, but with the time of year felt we wouldn't miss the balcony. Also our first trip to Asia and looking forward to it.

Have you joined the Roll Call yet!!

DT

Pride of America - 2009

Thank you so much everyone. How can I find out if our hotel is inside the 'inner ring?'

 

I know it is reasonably near to the acropolis.

If you are near the Acropolis chances are its in the inner ring, however, I'm not sure how to determine the inner ring area. We just confirmed the price of the taxi with the driver before the ride. You can also check this site out for some estimates of taxi charges http://www.athensairporttaxi.com/en/athens_taxifares_en.htm

DT

There are signs posted at the taxi pick-up at the airport saying it was a flat rate of 35 euro to Athens. However, the actual charge was 38. Have the cash needed, not sure they can/will make change. Used the taxi several times when there in May with no problems.

DT

Approximately what time do either of these tours pick up, and how long does this tour last?

For the Robert's tour I think they pick us up between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and we got back around 5 p.m. - long day but very much worth the time.

We used Robert's in January. Had a great time. The driver/tour guide was fantastic. Robert's provided a picnic type lunch which we enjoyed in Hana by the beach. Robert's used a small bus for the tour. We returned from Hana looping around the south end of the island. One of the best tour's we have taken in Hawaii.

DT

We just returned from a week stay on Santorini, loved it! We used the local buses to get around the island. We found them to work well for us, however, they were always full, many times people had to stand. Since you will have the full day I think you can see both Akrotiri and Oia using the local buses, however, I would recommend renting a car for the day.

We were in 7522 a few years ago. We did hear the music from the Mardi Gras Lounge some nights. Not too bad, however, if your a light sleeper it may be enough to hinder your sleeping. We travel with a noise maker which helps. We will be in 7540 the week after next, so I guess the noise didn't trouble us much last trip.:)

DT

Went whale watching twice, both from Maalaea early February. Enjoyed the day both times, lots of whales. Plan to do the same thing at the end of next month, wife's birthday gift.

DT

Great photos and Happy New Year!

DT

We will be taking our third cruise on the POA at the end of January. We find the cruise is a good way to see the islands. Port side seems to be the most recommended side and we have stayed on this side each time. This gives you the better view of the Na Pali coast however, can't think of any other advantage. If the volcano is active of the big island with lava flow then the starboard side offers a better view. Some balconies forward are larger and more enclosed, however, I would try to stay away from the ones directly over the Mardi Gras Lounge as the music at night maybe slightly heard in these rooms.

DT

We love Jan/Feb timeframe. For us it's a good time to leave winter weather behind for a few weeks and go whale watching.

DT

Just wondering what the least is I can expect? Just upgraded from an inside to a Balcony GTY.

 

ANY balcony is better than an inside. Just wondering if there is ANY bad balcony cabins on this ship?

There is one location that I'm award of that could be a little noisy at night. If you are forward Deck 7 over the Mardi Gras Lounge & Nightclub you may hear the evenings music. This was our experience in room 7522. Not so bad that it prevented us from a good nights sleep, but for a very light sleeper it may.

DT

We were in 7662 a few years back and I don't recall a noise problem. You should be fine.

DT

Here are a few of my favorites:

DT