Kiwi Kid

Appreciate all the suggestions with links and the like. We would love to be in a position to take a private tour but at around the 500 Euro mark, it's beyond our means.

All is very helpful - rather than reinventing the wheel, I will run with someone elses and adjust the costs accordingly. We know that the heat is going to be an issue - where feasible we will take a cab and ensure we take plenty of rests out of it.

And to all the well-wishers - thank you. Up until Thursday we were unsure this trip was going to happen for my DH (I was always going, regardless). We have lived with his illness for 12 years so for there to be light at the end of the tunnel (even if it's a little scary), is a blessing.

I am guessing that someone, somewhere has done a detailed "how to tour Rome for a day from Civitavecchia" or similar but I can't find it! There must be a "best" way to use the trains/metro to see all the sites - and to minimise walking. Upon our return from vacation my hubby has a kidney transplant scheduled for September so we can't afford to overdo things - nor does he have the energy! I have found a map that I am using as a guide:-

http://cruiseportwiki.com/Civitavecchia

We aren't pushed for time per say in that our cruise finishes in Civitavecchia and we are dropping our luggage at a hotel there. We would like to see the Vatican (not necessary to go inside) and do a tour of the Colosseum, plus the other touristy things. We may opt to stay and have dinner somewhere, but realistically I think DH will be exhausted with the walking and heat (July visit).

Appreciate any input and a push in the right direction. Safe travels.

If it's the same as NZ, then the simple answer is no. But what do you lose if you cancel now and book with a USA agent? Have done so successfully on 5 occasions without issue. Upcoming cruise in July I have changed about 6 times as better offers became available. We are in Concierge Class, on a 1,2,3 deal, great position for less than we were originally paying on an Opaque fare.

Good luck

Dear Kiwi Kid,

As a long time vegetarian( no meat or fish), and having been fortunate to have taken more than a few Celebrity Cruises, it will be no problem to have lovely meals.

 

In Tuscan Grille, you can have the risotto made with vegetable broth base, a great eggplant dish, antipasto, tomato and mozzarella, primavera, lots of veggies, salads and great desserts.

 

In Murano's the selection will be again be a risotto, vegetables, a wonderful goat cheese appetizer, salads, and dessert soufflés.

 

In Silk Harvest, almost all of the dishes can be made with tofu, or a veggie stir fry, dumplings, vegetable spring rolls and the like. I also like Silk Harvest but they can add quite a bit of spice to the food if you like it that way.

 

For the money, Murano's is more elegant, and Tuscan Grille more relaxed and a very pleasant way to spend the evening. A lot of our group really likes the beef dishes in Tuscan Grille, and the portions are very large.

 

We were just on Constellation for the suite restaurant Luminae, and plenty of options for breakfast, brunch and lunch. For dinner, it was seriously lacking in protein choices for the main, unless you wanted cheese and a lack of appetizers and salads that I could eat. The vegetarian salads were added before our cruise ended, I am sure that as it adjusts the menus, it will be also wonderful for a vegetarian main meal.

 

If your daughter likes curry dishes, you can also ask the restaurant manager to make some wonderful vegetarian ones, with some spice to them as an option.

 

I always put in my reservation my dining preference, and confirm it upon arrival with the dining room manager once onboard so that I enjoy all of the wonderful food while on the ship.

 

Never lost a pound while cruising, and always having to take off a couple at the end of each cruise.

Have a wonderful vacation.

KK99 - thank you for your comprehensive reply. I am thinking Tuscan Grille is the right choice for us. And the mention of great desserts is a deal breaker for both females in our party.

Thank you all for your input. We are going with Tuscan Grill and will be sure to discuss our requirements with the staff a couple of days prior. Doesn't help that hubby needs low sodium everything, so this could be an interesting cruise!

Thank you for your input. We might wait till we are on board and check out the respective menus to see what appeals. Daughter will eat eggs & dairy so that is easier.

Daughter who is vegetarian is celebrating her birthday whilst on board. We would like to go to a specialty restaurant but was wondering if anyone had recommendations based on vegetarian offerings? Are the specialty restaurant menus available anywhere to look at pre-cruise perhaps and do they change?

Appreciate any input.

Thanks Vulcan - yes it was agent not relaying all the info to Celebrity. So she now has a package - only requirement is we sign a waiver for her once on board.

Not looking to debate merits of under 21's drinking (daughter is from New Zealand and has been drinking since 18). She will not be 21 on our Med cruise in July. Tried to get beverage package for her & I as part of perks, but agents says no. Can you purchase once on board? I am aware pricing is increasing so wanted to get sorted before 19 April, but doesn't look like that's feasible.

Appreciate any input.

I'm confused -- you mention going to Corfu from Salerno, but Corfu is a Greek isle not anywhere near.....

 

By chance did you mean Capri?

Apologies for the confusion - yes I did mean Capri - appreciate any input :D

We are in port in July from 7am - 6.30pm and wanted to do something memorable for daughters birthday. Would a day spent in Corfu be "different?Am guessing she at 19 will be a little over historical buildings & history unless it has a real point of difference. We'd love a meal somewhere special but she is vegetarian and a little fussy, but perhaps someone could recommend an amazing location with stunning views?

Appreciate anyone's input - and if there's something you think we should do that I haven't covered, then fire away! Cheers.