elaine5

any new info from recent cruisers?

another question--if we get onboard and have been assigned late dining, can we switch to Open at that time? Late dining will not work for us.

thanks. it's the carnival pride--so good to know that's a decent option for us. exactly the info I wanted.

We tendered in Portofino and walked/bused to Santa Margherita Ligure. It might be easier to just take a train there. Its a lovely area where you can walk up and down the coast to nearby towns (or hop on the local bus--be sure to prepurchase a ticket from machine and validate). Portofino is very small. you can also get the bus (or taxi) to/from Portofino from Santa M. It runs every 30 minutes or so all day.

We prefer Celebrity, Disney, Princess for the Caribbean, and sometimes RCCL (Europe). Carnival has a European itinerary we are interested in. Haven't been on Carnival in 15+ years-we sailed on a brand new ship in Europe (great experience-similar to Celeb/Princess). This would be older ship. We are in our early 60s, active, enjoy wine/food, things like "fake" Beatles/rock stars concerts onboard, but not crazy, loud entertainment, belly flop contests, etc. We sailed on the oldest RCCL ship in Europe in an OV cabin this summer and it was fine, though we did eat in the buffet for dinner a few nights based upon MDR offerings. We are fine to lower our expectations for Europe, where the ports are the main focus and we're off the ship most days. We'd not have been as happy (on that older RCCL ship) if that was a Carib. trip with lots of sea days. For those who prefer Celebrity and have done Carnival in Europe, how did it compare?

thanks--only GTY available. We're not unhappy with location--just wondering if that cabin assignment could keep shifting.

We booked OV GTY yesterday and got our cabin # today (50 days out). Wondering, once we have room assignment, does it change?

thanks. we have a reservation for 6:15 each night. So, we'd have the option of joining a group table or ask for our own table, and that could vary depending on our preference that night?

Hi, Wondering if Celebrity Anytime dining offers group tables? We did this on Princess and joined group tables of 6-10 other anytime diners. We enjoyed meeting different people each evening (and no wait for a table).

At Open, do they make up "group" tables or you are seated only for the number in party (such as 2 can join a table with other Open diners that holds 8 vs. only getting a table for 2)? That worked well for us on Princess--we met lots of nice people and there was little to no wait vs. longer waiting for table for 2.

thank you. Is one able to select pre-arranged dining times (before getting onboard) if Open is chosen?

This is our first time on Cunard this summer. Our TA requested early dining on our behalf. I see it is listed as "register preference--not confirmed until onboard." Both late and open are available. We definitely do not want late seating. Should we opt for Open now? If so, would we typically be waiting in line each night to eat? We'd be fine to be there right at 5:30 or as late as 7pm. Does Cunard do open seating table where couples show up each night and are group together to make up tables for 6, 8, 10, in addition to the option of waiting for a table for 2? If so, Open would be fine with us. We have an assigned cabin that we chose, so I do not think this is early saver rate--but it is a special rate from TA. Thanks, Elaine

Just stayed at Hotel Indigo (IHG). Excellent location. Very good buffet breakfast 12 euros/pp. We walked everywhere. I'd stay there again.

Gijon? looking for interesting things to do? We are active young 60s. Anyone recommend Cervigón hiking trail? other things? We're fine to DIY, hop on a bus, etc.

Hi. I'm booking an OB view balcony deck 8 mid-ship. It seems smoking is on aft terraces? I want to confirm that there's no smoking (and no one has encountered any smoking) below them on deck 7 (mid-ship). Thanks, Elaine

thanks to all. I think we'll just do the longer tour and if it swaps stops and goes back to ship, call it a day.

It says RT from Athinios-- looks like the description shows. I guess we could decide on the fly to get down on our own if we wanted to stay.

End of August! in port 7am to 8 pm. Excursion is 7:45 am (5 1.2 hours). 3 ships with 12,500 passengers arriving 7am 1 ship with 2,500 at 9am. 7,500 leaving at 7pm 7,500 at 8 (us) I'm guessing long lines at 4pm onwards? So, maybe we just get back on ship at 2pm?

how does getting back to ship work? can we stay in Fira and eat lunch?

which is better? Oia and Fira town: 4.15 hours Oia: Discover traditional Cycladic cave houses, awe-inspiring seascapes and more while leisurely exploring one of Greece’s most postcard-worthy villages. Fira: Visit Santorini island’s beautiful capital village surrounded by panoramic vistas. Roundtrip transfers: Your tour includes motor coach transportation. or Island of Santorini and Fira town: 5.30 hour Oia: Meander along winding cobblestone paths perched high above the volcanic caldera, peeking in art galleries and artisan shops. Santorini: Drink in the island's world-famous wines with a tasting of three varietals accompanied by locally produced cheese, olives and tomatoes. Fira: Enjoy free time to explore this buzzing cityscape, shop, dine on Greek cuisine, or snap selfies with the caldera.

It is extremely easy to fly into Zurich, train to many options in Switzerland and then train to Italy to catch a cruise. We did it with 3 kids and 70 yr old Mum, visiting Lucerne, Bern, and an overnight in a small town before training to Italy. We could have also easily added Lugano on our way to Rome. Another option is to fly into Milan, day trip via an escorted tour and then continue to your port, Rome or Venice. There are many day trips from Milan, which has excellent train connections to both Rome and Venice. Here's an example: https://www.viator.com/tours/Milan/Swiss-Alps-Bernina-Express-Rail-Tour-from-Milan/d512-2872ZV15 The excursion you referenced might have been from Venice, fairly close to Italian lakes. Border crossing used to be just agent checking PP while on train.

we are experienced snorkelers with fins and vest. We have swam to a reef from shore and back, etc. Is there a swift current at Eden Rock that makes it more dangerous, or just deeper water as opposed to puttering around DCL/RCI swimming area?

If I add princess plus package now (for 2024 cruise), can I take it off before final payment if I decide I do not want it?

can one take a mat and just sit on the beach at Coral resort if chairs are already booked up?

so, if one makes their own arrangements, say flying from USA to AU or Europe 5 days early, would Princess insurance cover other incidents, such as illness, etc. before the day of the cruise? I understand they won't cover hotels, delays, etc. if we make the cruise.