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Ontariotrekker

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Posts posted by Ontariotrekker

    Voyages to Antiquity

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    Cynthia - glad that things are going okay and sorry about the food. It was sometimes less than stellar last year too but when in doubt, have the pizza.

     

     

    Are you in a solo on Belvedere? Glad to hear that the noise is not a problem. I think Oliver is the only repeat on the shorex team. Last year's team leader probably ran for cover and didn't re-enlist so to speak.

     

     

    Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    You're welcome and I hope you have a lovely trip. I've done the same area in bits and pieces with VTA and I enjoyed everyone of the ports. If you're lucky your Dubrovnik port guide might take you the back way. It's far less crowded and it's fun to see the back streets with little shops and cafe's and the locals just living their life.

     

    Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    As always it's weather related for speed and availability but overall it's not too bad. I can always manage to get in touch with folks to let them know things are okay at least once in a 12 hour period. On good days I've seen pax playing games on the desktops in the computer room.

    As for price, I don't know this year's charges but I've found them to be the cheapest of any line I've travelled with and no initialization cost. I'd be interested in seeing if they've changed that one.

     

    Hot spots - lounge area near desk, top deck lounge and the smoking area ( that really not too many people use so it should be clear.) and lots of central cabins.

     

    Full disclosure - I do get free WiFi now after over 100 days on board.

     

    Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    There is a Captain's thing for everyone then assorted parties/ receptions etc for other groups. I generally avoid them but I do go to the first one since all of the officers are introduced.

     

    As I said, unless they hold it outside around the pool ( and that's a small area too ), you'll be packed in there so a fancy top or bling should do it.

     

    All in all my best advice to you is take comfortable shoes - some of the tours - walking on cobbles, steps or sometimes dirt - are more in keeping with a Gap tour. I'm biased though - older, very heavy and bad knee.

     

    Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    The Captain's cocktail party is usually the only time very fancy stuff comes out - sparkles & bling. After all of my cruises on her though I've found that you really can't see anyone's outfit because there is such a crush in the Ambassador lounge. So, lightweight dress and a nice necklace will do. I also travel with lightweight black slacks and a couple of tops that I can jazz up with fancy but cheap earrings.

    BTW - the night of the cocktail party, the dining room is packed so forego the 2nd glass of wine and head downstairs early - by 7:00 very few tables left.

     

    Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    The Belvedere is a busy deck with the office, hair salon and the computer room. The good news is you should be able to pick up the wifi in your cabin. If not, there is a small lounge area by the desk that is very wifi accessible. I'll be back in a cave cabin (512 ) and I think the only problem might be noise from the Ambassador Lounge directly above as well as the ceiling air con unit.

     

    Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    Laundry is available but has always been more expensive than what I have experienced on Holland America for example and they do not have a self service area. I was last on her in June.

    Jackets are not required but most men do wear one. The dining room area is much dressier but the Lido Terrace, my favourite, is very casual.

    ** I always add this too - the AC runs full blast so take a wrap or a sweater.

     

    Shar

    Cruising alone

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted · Edited by Ontariotrekker
    flyng wizard.

    I travel on Voyages to Antiquity and get a good solo deal. I'm also checking out airlines that have fly/cruise deals that often give a solo traveller a very good rate. I'm Canadian so ouch when it comes to paying in $USD but I got a Cuba cruise deal of flights/ 7 day cruise with free drinks, tips paid and 4 excursions for $1600. CDN.

     

    River cruises often have solo deals but not for balcony cabins.

     

    Be wary of 'solo' cabins on some ships - I've gotten a better deal on HAL for a regular window cabin than a solo one. Solo cabins are often not well located.

     

     

    Good Luck and calm seas - Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity Solo Cabin Deck 5

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    Thanks. I have been on her many times and the ship is somewhere between the best and the worst review.

     

    The AO is a small ship with issues. My last time on her we missed several ports on the Scottish coast due to weather conditions where her size was part of the issue.. On another, we lost air con for 4 days in Indonesia. Service from wait staff and stewads is great as it should be.

     

    As for cabins, in my opinion stay off deck 4. Try to get one with at least a double bed or one where the twin beds are not against the wall.

     

    Having said all that, I'm on her starting Feb.2019 for 60 days. The price can't be beat even as a solo.

     

     

    Shar

    Voyages to Antiquity Solo Cabin Deck 5

    in Other Cruise Lines

    Posted

    Hi Cynthia - I was hoping you'd see this. This may post twice since I replied to my email alert.

    I'm taking the long cruise starting in February - Sri Lanka to Malaga. It's 60 days and it will be my last long one since I don't want to be away from hubby that long anymore.

     

    I opted for the cheapest cabin and since I'm now Emerald class ++ I hope for an upgrade or something.

     

    Where are you going?

     

    Shar

    Need recommendations on Western Caribbean excursions

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

     

    I heartily agree especially since you have the kids with you. It might be a good idea to have a discussion about how poorer countries live though. We passed some very poor run down places and the guides are often very honest about the poverty level. It shook a few of the adults who had never ventured further than a beach in the Caribbean.

     

     

    Shar

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