Adventures ahead

Yes, that is where I meant to post. Thanks to both of you for your responses. I had a wonderful boss for 12 years from Alexandria, family still there. Sadly, both he and his wife passed away. When I'd submit a vacation request, he'd ask me which cruise we were going on now. : )

Have a cruise booked on NCL Viva October 2025. It overnights in Alexandria. From there, the hope is to see the pyramids. I don't mind a long day, especially when the ship is staying in port. Current government travel advisories caution about travel to Egypt except for the tourist areas. Anyone done this recently or have insights to share?

Fortunately, I've spent three days in Istanbul. As mentioned, I probably have 1.5 days total this trip, possibly my last. On my full day, I'd want to meet up with my friends by 5pm at our hotel. Thanks for these suggestions. I neglected to mention Topkapi Palace as a must-see that I have visited before. I see Dolmabahce Palace is on a top-10 list. When time is short, I'd rather be outdoors than indoors, choose architectural sites over artifacts, and views/viewpoints over museums. Visited Galata Tower. I'm settling into a Bosphorous cruise, possibly the tram #5 (and Telerifik if worth it?) and something else like re-visiting the markets. Maybe a walking tour. If on my own, maybe I should actually consider a tour that would include most of what I'm looking for. Although early 70's, I haven't completely lost my nerve to do some things solo lol! Appreciate your posts! With yours and Hank's, I know I can rely on them to point me in the right direction.

True, and last month I did so for some Med ports where I happily repeated things I'd done before and also did completely different things meeting up onboard. However, I prefer not to re-visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Cisterns that would be must-sees for them. I'd be navigating on my own when they visit or going in another direction entirely. Thanks for your other comments. Helpful!

What date next year? We're scheduled for Santorini in October 2025, no changes yet.

Google was my friend.

Have visited Istanbul twice on cruises in 2013 and 2014 with my DH. Once was an overnight and the other a full port day. Both times we did DIY. I will be in Istanbul again Oct 2025 for two nights pre-cruise to the Greek Isles. With travel time and jet lag, it may be 1.5 days for sightseeing. 1 - Perhaps a silly question (10 years later) now widowed, and travelling with a several lady friends visiting for the first time who will want to visit the must-sees, I may want to explore on my own. What is the current advice on going around on my own without my DH? The new tramline #5 along the Golden Horn with a stop for the teleferik or ferry to the Princes Islands sound interesting. 2 - A Turkish friend provided us with TL so we could easily buy tram tokens when we disembarked. Do these kiosks accept tap and pay? I understand that credit cards are widely accepted and what exceptions there may be. Wondering if it's necessary to arrive with TL? Unsure if it's worthwhile buying a tram pass.

Maybe dfficult, but not impossible (considering post #23), and if you talk to a good rep. Have been satisfied with NCL flight arrangements. A price drop could cancel out the extra paid when booking your own flights to Europe. So, save on the flights or save on the cruise fare. Crystal balls not forthcoming lol! julig22 and Elllis1138, thanks for your comments.

For a price amendment/drop before final payment, does it matter if your invoice includes NCL Air, or does that disqualify you for comparison purposes?

Thanks

Different promos or likely to be extended? Or anyone's guess?

We noticed our pier was changed to Pier 57 when we printed our eDocs 21 days prior to sailing on the Escape. Does NCL still run a shuttle to Pier 57 from the 'city' pier where lots of passengers booked their hotels?

We, two couples, enjoyed a celebratory bottle of wine on a gondola in 2017. Unaware if it was a problem. Didn't know if it wasn't permitted. Not big drinkers, it was the first alcohol to touch our lips that day. Enjoying the review. Thanks for your time and commentary.

Although Trans Canada Highways often take you through wooded areas for miles, it appears that you had a chance to see a little more of Nova Scotia than you bargained for. Wondering if trip interruption would cover your expenses. The Port Agent won't be nominated for Mr. Congeniality! Tainted our friendly reputation! NCL won't win an award for communication either. Regardless of being Canadians in Canada, surprising treatment from NCL for your well being. Glad you were able to catch up with the ship as well as you did. Hope you enjoyed Halifax!

We sail on the Escape next month. Our tender port, Cannes, was recently changed to Villefranche. Did you have Cannes cancelled?

Vacation really starts for me when the plane is taking off! With the planning and packing behind me, I'm then flying by the seat of my pants on my next great adventure! I worked at a university and August was the best time for us to cruise. Hot? Yes! Sea breezes helped. On shore we donned our 'sun'brellas that, from the looks on other people's faces, were coveted... hmmmm, reading their minds, "Why didn't WE think of that?"!!! Edited to add, August in Europe!

Have lived in Nova Scotia all my life, most of it in Halifax. Sadly, have yet to see Northern Lights. There was an extremely unusual display earlier this summer that reached parts of Nova Scotia but not as far as Halifax. Unusual in two ways: typically only seen farther north and in winter. I think I need to book a cruise to Norway when the Lights are 'on', but I don't like to be cold! Hope you enjoy Halifax! You dock downtown and the waterfront is charming!

So, "repriced several times" for the same cruise? Or "the one time price adjustment" per cruise is all that is allowed?

Thank you. What might the taxi be back to the ship from Soller?

We have a tight schedule because we dock at noon on Sat Oct 19. Will take the train to Soller (and a quick RT tram ride/visit to the Port) so may want to get a taxi from Soller back to the ship. Might you easily know the approximate cost for the taxi? I'd want to be back onboard not later than 6:30pm.

We used One Day in Tenerife oditen@gmail.com. They were the provider for Spain Day Tours that is highly regarded amongst cruise passengers. Excellent! Need to book ahead.

Yes, they do. You can also seek out other participants on your roll call.

Your tour descriptions are helpful and much appreciated! Thanks!

Thanks again!

I see we are not on the same page. : ) As mentioned #638, we dock at noon until 8pm. Thanks for your patience in trying to help me figure out if we can DIY to Port de Soller and experience the tram (or even just Soller for a train ride) with such a late arrival.