thestokes

Just returned from the Norwegian Sky cruise. Air quality was fine in Havana. There was a consistent breeze and it wasn't very hot or humid.

Many thanks, CTCruiser001, for your posts. We are on the 5/8 sailing and this is extremely helpful. Have fun!

Karen

Hi xtreat! Our family of 3 will be on the same cruise to Cuba! And we live in Roseville. Did you visit the Roll Call? I posted an itinerary for a tour we are taking with Fertours. Let me know if you would like to join us. All the details are on the Roll Call. Let's keep in touch!

Karen

Thanks for your prompt reply!

Hello. We will be in Malaga on Oct 3-5. Thank you for all the great info. We of course want to visit the Alhambra. What is the best way to do that? We're open to any method including a private excursion from our hotel, renting a car or taking a bus. Any help is most appreciated!

We used Thi at Smile Tours for Saigon and Hanoi/Halong Bay. She was a wonderful and very caring tour guide. We were able to see so much of the beautiful country. I would recommend going to Hanoi on the first day if you have an overnight then spend the second day on Halong Bay.

We just did that itinerary in early December 2014 and the weather was wonderful in each location.

If you can afford the splurge and the weather is good, consider a float plane ride in Ketchikan. We did not reserve ahead. When it turned out to be a sunny day upon arrival, we arranged the ride at the dock. It was amazing. We landed on the water near land and saw grizzly bears. So memorable! Enjoy!

We were at that port in December for 2 days and went to Bangkok. It was great seeing the city and the 2nd day we went to see the ruins at Ayuthaya. We stayed overnight in Bangkok. The traffic is horrific so with one day I would not take a chance on going to Bangkok. I can recommend Thai Tour Guide if you want to explore options for your one day visit. Enjoy!

We ended up not getting any custom clothing. The tailor on board was too expensive and in port we decided not to take the time. However, if we would have done it, HK seemed to be a far better choice with more options.

We were in Halong Bay in December and booked a private junk tour in advance with Smile Tours. The full day tour was fantastic. We visited a fishing village where locals took us out on small boats to less visited parts of the bay. The food provided on board was a true feast. Enjoy this beautiful part of Vietnam!

We did similar tours as Sandy999 in December. They were great! Used Thai Tour Guide and stayed at Easton Sathorn Hotel which was fabulous but a little more expensive. They had an amazing breakfast buffet included. Definitely stay overnight as Bangkok traffic is horrific. Enjoy!

We just sailed on Millennium in Dec and sailed HAL to Alaska a few years ago, but I would definitely not choose Celebrity. The food quality has really declined on Celebrity since we were on Constellation and Solstice in the past. The salads were wilted, the broccoli was yellow and the only fresh fruit that tasted good was watermelon. The desserts at the buffet were not good at all and the coffee was bad too. Service in the MDR was slow. I'm not a picky eater at all and mainly cruise for the itinerary but I'm sorry to say, the food was truly disappointing on Millie.

Definitely go to mass at St. Marks! It was wonderful and even though I don't speak Italian I was able to follow along. Be aware that large backpacks are not allowed inside. Small/medium purses are ok. Enjoy Venizia!

I just returned from those same ports. Here are a few things I bought. Singapore: Fashions for my daughter. You can find less expensive items for the younger crowd. Sizes run small. Thailand: Embroidered small purses, elephant pants for lounging, silk tie. Saigon: t-shirts and other good quality clothing for cheap prices at market, hats, silk scarf, placemats. Halong Bay: small handpainted pictures, sapphire necklace. Hong Kong: hanging lanterns, bamboo coasters, tea. Nothing heavy or breakable!

Thank you all for the helpful input. Sounds like the quality and pricing is no longer what it once was.

Keith...I appreciate the info!

Might I suggest a Vespa tour? We did this and it was so much fun. They will customize a tour for you and show you around places you would never discover on your own. Check it out! http://www.napolinvespa.it/en/index.html

We are interested in getting custom made clothing. Which location is better to do that? Can they deliver finished product to the ship? If you have any recommended tailors, please share! Thanks for any input. We leave on Millennium 12/7.

You definitely are not posting too much! Keep going! I have a question about the weather. I've been monitoring it for all our destinations and it looks very rainy. Is it constant steady rain or intermitent showers? I guess I'm wondering how wet I should plan to get and whether to wear sandals or sneakers. Thanks for any insight you can provide!

Jenna...That info is very helpful for my planning in HK.

Tinywingz...Yes, I was on the roll call for our cruise. Can't wait to board the ship!

I am enjoying your posts. We are on the Millennium beginning 12/7 from Singapore to HK. Can you please tell me where the cruise terminal is located in HK? Thanks and enjoy the rest of your trip!

GaryfmCol...We are consider the SE Asia Millenium cruise. What excursions do you recommend?

We went for a Vespa tour last October in Naples. It was so much fun riding on the back of the Vespa with an experienced driver. We really felt like Neopolitans for the day. Here's the link: http://www.napolinvespa.it/en/index.html

Ciao!

We did that tour in October and loved it! Prior to going, we did a marathon viewing of the movies. Enjoy!