gottacruisemore

Hi Robin,

I don't know how realistic changing your flights are at this point, but from the itinerary you have outlined definitely cancel that excursion.

As others have stated you're taking a chance with flying in day of, and with connections, any delay would make catching your tour problematic. Then once you get there customs and baggage claim pretty much make that improbable.

I would seriously consider taking something, try Zyquil if you don't want a prescription. That's a long trip to not get any sleep and once you land there's a lot to get through including the boarding process.

I know you were just asking about jet lag suggestions, but I hope you really heed what others are saying.

toni

When I pick the "Norwegian Rate" it's promo free and I get to pick my room.

The last time we did this, departure from Civitavecchia was at 7pm, but the muster drill for newly embarked guests was at 4:30pm. I don't know what your e-docs will say. Usually the check-in deadline is two hours before sailaway, but if you wait until 5pm to check in, you'll miss the drill. (But in that case maybe they would just let you do it when the ship reaches Barcelona and picks up the next batch of embarking guests.)

Thanks Hawkeye. My plan was to treat it like a regular sailing, maybe getting there just a little later so my rooms would be ready.

I board the Epic in Civitavecchia in September and the muster drill is the one thing I couldn't wrap my head around. Would those of us embarking that day need to be onboard earlier than the all aboard time to do muster? Or could I technically check-in at say 5 p.m. for a 7 p.m. sail away?

Your travel agent is wrong. Each person was charged a beverage service charge and maybe a service charge for the dining package (although I've never purchased that so I am not sure). You will still need to prepay your gratuities.

And personally I would question why your agent didn't know the difference.

thanks cruisemom.

I think it's fine. You can take the 9 AM ferry from Molo Beverello (adjacent to the cruise port) and be in Sorrento 45 minutes later.

 

When you're ready to head to Pompei or Herculeneum just hop on the Circumvesuviana train.

 

When you get back to Naples if you get off the train at the penultimate stop (Garibaldi) you can get the line 1 metro to Municipio, across the street from the cruise port.

thanks euro cruiser.

i had planned on hiring a driver, but i will look into what you have suggested.

toni

I will be in Naples on Oct. 3, 2017 (Tuesday) and from research I know that the Naples National Archaeological Museum is closed, as well as Capello Sanservo. So I was thinking of doing Sorrento and Herculaneum or Pompeii (still haven't decided, but leaning towards Herculaneum). Most suggestions are to get to the ruins early, but other than the heat is it a mistake to got to Sorrento first? My thinking is start farther out and work my way back to the ship.

Any insight is appreciated.

Yes, the jet skiers were at fault. The rules of the road state that when a vessel that is not limited by its draft crosses a demarked navigation channel, it must be done at right angles and as quickly as possible. But, then again, as with most operators of jet skis, these most likely don't have the slightest idea of the rules of the road. As for penalties, there won't be any, it just falls on good people like the Sheriff's deputy to save the idiots from themselves.

 

Yes, things were not as close as it seemed, as the Sheriff's boat was not tossed away by a bow wake from the ship, and the jet ski would also have been tossed aside.

 

While the deputy was definitely doing a fine job in making the rescue, the girls were really in no mortal danger. Since the pilot on the Magic was aware of them, and most likely had a better view than the person taking the video, if the girls hadn't made it into the boat he would have stopped the propellers, and the girls would have been bounced along the side of the ship, but not sucked under by the props.

thanks for the clarification.

Just curious, if the jet skiers are at fault (don't know if that was stated/made official or not) is there any type of punishment? I have no nautical experience and was just wondering what the rules or penalties are, if any.

Also, I know things seem close because of the angle we are seeing, but i wonder if they got that jet ski back (i believe that was it upside down on the side of the Sheriff's boat).

When I was five I was on a transatlantic in steerage with my dad. People joke about steerage but we really were. Our cabin had several bunk beds and we shared it with strangers. No bathroom in the room.

So my dad was sick in bed the whole way and he let me roam unattended. He wasn't very attentive of a parent under the best of circumstances : ) There was no kid's camp so I was just alone. So I made friends with an older child who delighted in taunting me with threatening to sink the ship by turning one of the large valves on deck. I didn't know any better, lol

This was in 1965.

Everything about that story freaked me out.😱

this is the one i use and it's perfect every time.

Hi GCM

 

What time were you able to get off the ship in Skagway? I want to take a excursion with a pick up time of 7:30 It's the Chilkoot Train and Bus one . On Sept 28th they don't have the afternoon ones.

 

TIA

Unfortunately I don't remember as we had the noon trip. If you booked directly thru the company it should be fine, they know how long it takes, and they pick you up literally steps from the ship. You could always give them a call.

From what I understand there is a solo get together and dining can be arranged from there should you wish. I know someone talked about it earlier. Hopefully someone its experience will chime in.

I have done a number of solo cruises over the years and I enjoyed them very much. Then the trend for open dining came and it was uncomfortable for me. I had always had an assigned table and I enjoyed being free as a bird all day, but then coming together with my table mates at night.

For those of you who have booked the NCL Studios, is it already arranged to dine with other solos or is this by request? Thanks.

Thanks Marc.

I have done about 35 cruises, of which 30 have been solo.

 

My advice would be to ignore MSC. Did a transat with them about 15 years ago and was very disappointed in the poor service, food and daily activities. You get what you pay for.

 

Haven't ever tried NCL, so no advice there.

 

And my last Cunard was 30 years ago, so it would be pointless for me to comment on them.

 

Best of luck, and don't be worried or nervous about cruising solo. You will meet lots of nice people!

 

Marc

I wish the Europe Ports of Call section had trip report stickies like the Alaska board.

I realize we're talking a state compared to a continent, but it would be helpful.

That said, it seems like there aren't as many trip reports for European cruises as there are for Alaskan.

Anyway, that's my observation.

Thanks for the added feedback cruisercl, robinola, and crilski. That's what I love (and sometimes hate) about this forum, getting multiple opinions. I appreciate reading different perspectives and am a true believer in "different strokes for different folks." Also, you never know til you try, right?

I will definitely write a review when I get back. Hopefully it's good (the quality of the review, as I have no doubts about the trip).

Do take into account the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

I'd be claustrophobic in those studios. I spend time in the cabin, don't just sleep there.

I am a little worried about that, as I'm used to hanging out on my balcony. But I really didn't want to pay $3,000 for a balcony. Plus this is a port intensive cruise with a lot of touring so I think it will be fine. I'll get a spa pass with the money I saved from the great deal on airfare I got. :D

I got RT to ORD to FCO for my Sept cruise for $437 on AA. But the sale seems to be over.

There were quite a few flight deals yesterday and today. Check google flights, United, and Delta. Roundtrip to Europe as low as $400.

I booked a studio on Epic!

Thanks for all the feedback.

Thanks for the feedback.

Since I've cruised with NCL before I have decided to go with the studio. While I've never done Epic I'm familiar with the NCL product. I feel I have enough unknowns in store with this trip.

Time to start the hardcore obsessive planning.

Finally ready to book my first solo and first Mediterranean cruise.

So many options to consider, but I think I have it narrowed to three ships.

1. MSC - 7 nt Venice roundtrip

a. Musica - Sept 3 - balcony - $2000

b. Sinfonia- Sept 30 - balcony - $1700

2. Cunard - 7 nt

a. QV - Sept 16 - Rome roundtrip - balcony - $2600

b. QV - Oct 21 - Venice to Rome - balcony - $2300

3. NCL - 7 nt Rome roundtrip

a. Epic - Sept 27 - studio - $1400

b. Epic - Sept 27 - balcony - $3000

I'm most nervous about the studio, I like balconies or at least a window, but the price is good. I don't know anything about MSC, so I'm researching it more now.

Are there other things I should consider?

While I cannot comment on the damage caused by cruise ships, I have been hearing that cruising into Venice was on the endangered species list. I had hoped to go in the off season preferably on a smaller ship before that happened. Reading the article it seemed they had banned ships and then reversed the decision within months.

What I found interesting and/or more relatable was the pricing out of the residents. This is the reality of many urban tourist areas. I live in Chicago and Airbnb rentals have gone crazy. Every time a unit is for sale it's snapped up by some one that wants to rent it out not live in it. And I know they are working on a ban (it may be active) and there is an opt out for condo associations if you don't want Airbnb in your building.

That's my 2 cents

What can you or anyone tell me about Footwear at Mendenhall glacier? Just regular shoes or boots required?

i didn't got there, but i would think a hiking/athletic type shoe.