filmfestgirl

I’ve sailed solo on Celebrity, RCL, NCL, HAL, Carnival and Princess. IME most cruise lines have one lunch or solo meetup during cruise sea day but not much more unless NCL. NCL has solo studios (inside and usually higher priced than inside or oceanview). If you sail solo you can participate in activities and lounge happy hours and shared dinner table  even if not staying in studio cabins. I’ve sailed NCL transatlantic so lots of folks solo and things to do. I met new friends on NCL.

As for food, I have food allergies so all lines catered to that. 

I sailed Celebrity Edge which has solo verandah rooms and loved newer ship. There was one lunch meetup but otherwise I was on my own. Joined a few tours but folks weren’t keen on chatting. I love Celebrity bc more luxury touches but less activities than others. 

 i write philatravelgirl blog which has some solo posts 

hope this helps 

Hmmn. Could you quantify and source your claim that Eurostar "often" has issues like the one you unfortunately suffered? Yes, when there is a problem the geography can make it a bit of a nightmare, but I wouldn't discourage anyone from traveling on that basis. Just be aware.

 

Liverpool is about the same time on a train from London as Paris and also a potential for problems there. I wouldn't regard one as an "easy day out" and suggest someone not to do the other, to be honest. And I never understand the logic of not going somewhere for a day because there's so much to see!

 

OP - go for it, have fun. You can do a lot in 8 or 9 hours in Paris. Yes, do your planning, decide what you really want to do and don't forget your Euros!

 

 

 

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of course be aware of train issues - I had to fly from Paris to London to make appt in time when trains canceled. another Eurostar trip was delayed. I've been in Paris during taxi strikes as well. if OP has just one day then be aware of potential for unexpected issues bc you don't want to miss flight home or to cruise.

as for train times yes similar but Liverpool IMO is easier than Eurostar bc no time change to deal with, no passport control and no waiting time at terminal.

Paris in one day - sure it can be done on HopOn Hop Off bus and boat to pass by highlights. Eiffel Tower with new security checks is at least 2hrs+ based on my last visit in sept. OP would need to decide what they are keen to do there and plan it out.

as for one day in city visits, I've done many around the world but between Liverpool and Paris in one day IMO I'd go with Liverpool

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just returned from Alaska cruise - inside was very air conditioned so I always had a cardigan and layers while others had shorts, flip flops, etc

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To: Filmfestgirl & 138 East, have you or anyone you know stayed at any of the mentioned properties. Also, is Trinity Reservations reliable?

 

 

 

TY

I live in Philly and stayed at Sheraton before but not at this Aloft (others which I liked) - I've toured the property and knew the sales manager from local biz travel events

Ive not heard of Trinity Reservations as I prefer to book direct for my points

for parking at PHL, I use the Winner Valet and choose the extra feature to get my car at airport (driver meets you curbside and you leave him there and drive home - no busses to wait on) - I also usually have them do oil change, light maintenance and detailing as needed. they work with auto mall dealers as appropriate.

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Train London to Paris factor in one hour time changes. Paris in one day is not a good idea especially as Eurostar often has issues like when there was a strike on the lines at the Chunnel entrance and all trains canceled plus no road crossings. I had to book same day flight from Paris to London (not cheap!)

other issue is Paris "highlights" needs at min a weekend if you do the drive by version (seine cruise with views of Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, etc, VIP tour Louvre, private guide tour Musee D'Orsay and other quick entry as the lines/waits/security are always issue) Eiffel Tower security is now at least 2hrs min with group ticket.

I've been visiting Paris and London for over 20yrs and still haven't done it justice so one day will never be enough for me ( I have written many Paris and London posts on PhilaTravelGirl blog including my last visit in Sept w/75 yo mom first trip)

as for Liverpool that's an easy day out of London plus walks.com has Beatles theme tours as do others in UK

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yes - just returned from Alaska cruise and Ketchikan has a tour office building with operators/tours in one place, Juneau and Sitka also had people in port selling excursions

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in philly Aloft offers a park and stay as does the Sheraton on same property

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I'd ask hotel concierge to suggest their preferred transit vendors. there is an AirTran now but I'm not sure of timing, pricing and such

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I've done many cruises solo - best to find what destinations are of interest to you and go from there based on budget (downside is 200% pricing) and cruise line.

Alaska is a nice first time cruise in my opinion leaving from Seattle or Vancouver. I also like Med cruises because Venice and other cities are favs.

NCL has solo cabins with a solo lounge / usually lots of families and entry level cruisers

Cruise lines to look at that in my opinion have older guests are Princess, Holland America, Oceania, Azamara and then the luxury ship brands

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what is meant by this?

throughout the cruise we asked for X and were told no. for example, could we have cookies as dessert "no" so we found those in the casino high roller food area. my friend asked for prime rib that was medium rare was twice was given well done and told by the manager to eat it. in fact he argued with her in the pub in front of us - we had never seen such a thing. we were all experienced passengers with various cruise lines and this was first time we all had examples of no for easy asks.

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I'm a TA also and have had a few offers for clients prior to sailing - last one was HAL

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I'd go to Herculaeum as it was a fantastic surprise - local train to Ercolano and short walk to site. I think it's better and less crowded than Pompeii

I've written about things to do in Naples on PhilaTravelGirl website

if staying in Naples - the underground tour is interesting if you can do steps (there are a lot of steps) or Bike Napoli to see the city (ask for Achilles he's awesome and very patient)

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I'm lactose free and have never had lactose free milk on any cruise line - they've made me great foods but I've had to skip cereal in morning. I'd ask if you can bring on as carryon similar to water/wine options

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I've always done Australia on my own finding private guides and small groups online or via hotel concierge. I'm not sure where your cruise leaves from (I've written many posts about Australia on PhilaTravelGirl blog)

Sydney - you can book tour of opera house online, take local ferry to Manly beach to get Harbour views on way to/from, BridgeClimb requires advanced booking (twilight is great time), the Hunter Valley is wine country and The Blue Mountains with Taronga Wildlife Park both has various vendors check out TripAdvisor or ask hotel concierge. Bondi Beach you can do hop on/hop off bus or local transit. Dinner at Park Hyatt has great views at night of Opera House.

if Melbourne, let me know or check out blog posts for a list of what to do/see

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I did this sailing two years ago on Epic - it was like adult day camp with alcohol - I brought books (never read them) and had grand plans to spa/relax but was so busy each day I never made the spa

I met so many great people on that cruise at daily trivia, martini tasting, etc - I wasn't a fan of EPIC staff who kept saying "no" but we looked past that given price. we (my friend and I) went to solo lounge each night and met travelers from 23-83 with great stories.

in Barcelona book a Devour Barcelona food tour (a highlight I wrote about on PhilaTravelGirl blog)

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Question regarding Edinburgh Castle. On Trip Advisor they advertise a "Skip the Line" tour. Is this what I want, or does it really matter? Or should I be buying my tickets directly from the castle website?

I bought ticket from website and walked right in and rented audio guide for self tour - I guess depends on the day/time of visit and if you want guided tour or not -

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my family enjoyed the boatyard while my original option of the Concorde Museum was canceled so I enjoyed my 1/2 day catamaran excursion with El Tigre to swim/snorkel

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hmm I've spent time in all of those cities as the Amalfi coast is a favorite. I have a private tour guide/driver Marcello at See Sorrento if you wanted a day drive along the Amalfi Drive.

with the kids - I might lean toward Capri which is a favorite as it involves ferry ride, a funicular ride to the top. there are ice cream shops, lemon groves and gardens with views of the Fraglioni Rocks.

my favorite to do but not sure age requirements is Anacapri for the Blue Grotto (boat ride in the blue water cave) and the Chair Lift ride to viewpoint. take taxi option as local orange busses get packed and only 8 seats hard with kids

I have a review of each of these on my travel blog PhilaTravelGirl

Naples is chaotic in a crazy Italian way but there is a park for kids near port and then stairs to climb to get to the waterfront area quickly - then it's a lovely stroll with the fortress nearby if you want to just chill

Pompeii is lots of uneven surfaces, no shade and lots of people and your groups - it's too much IMO for young kids

Hope this helps

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I've sailed many cruise lines (Princess, Royal, Celebrity, Carnival, NCL) and all but NCL (due to freestyle dining and not having set dinner time) were great. I'm on HAL (first time) to Alaska in July

I put allergy in reservation but you need to see Maitre D when boarding to be very specific. each night the server will give you the menu for next night to order food. on celebrity I didn't like options and said I was skipping sit down dinner - they asked me what I wanted and I said I normally eat this at home and they made that for me! celebrity also went above and beyond at the crepe restaurant by crafting a dairy free version the next day for me.

I've been impressed by most cruise lines great attention to food allergies. Disney only had gluten free cookies from room service not advertised - had to ask.

at the buffet tell the host and usually a chef will walk you around to tell you what you can/can't eat

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I've stayed at Airbnb flats in the city - each with canal views - one near San Marco, one in Dorsoduro and one near Fenice Opera

I took the airport boat to the city (cheapest option albeit it a bit long)

as for hotels I loved the Westin also with canal views. depends on your budget. I have lodging reviews on travel blog PhilaTravelGirl and if first time Airbnb user there's a discount code in posts to use

I love Venice and it's totally worth it to get into the city even for one night

I did however store my luggage at the airport and take only overnight bad to make life easier - best money spent!

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SPB was amazing bc we tailored our days for the 7 of us (late group formed on CC) for 2 day tour

differences -

ship tour big bus and uses headsets with guide up front at attractions

ship tour doesn't do canal tour or stop in subway station to view decor (no photos sadly we took subway one stop)

ship tour has set itinerary - small tour you can create (we said no shopping, long lunches and wanted only local cafes for food)

one thing that annoyed me with Princess is scare tactics "if you miss ship, don't use local operator and only ship tours leave first" - we ignored that and got off pretty quickly to get thru security check

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depends on day IMO as I've been stuck in traffic to SEA a few times. that said you could do a quick visit to the market and the original Starbucks, stop at Frans for chocolates and then get a taxi or light rail from there if you get off by 8am. you won't have time for underground tour or Chihuly

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personalized door magnet - I got a few for family on Etsy and it was such a highlight

reusable water bottles and a travel journal

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I loved LOVED Pratik Bakery Hotel (not for gluten free folks) - it's a cab ride but a fantastic location and I'd suggest a Devour Barcelona food tour as well. I have detailed reviews on my travel blog PhilaTravelGirl

the cruise terminal was a long walk so def need a cab from most locations

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definitely go to the solo lounge event each night - you can meet others and sign up for shared dinners and events listed on the board.

when I sailed EPIC the solo lounge ranged from 21-80's - it was a great mix of folks

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