wcook

Of all the places in this world I’ve been, this is the one I least expected to turn up on Cruise Critic.

An excuse to sing Abba songs. That alone makes it worthwhile.

Sorry folks, the Louvre’s closed. Le Moose out front should have told you.

Ironically, I want to see it because it’s the most overrated attraction in the world.

I’ve done December. On ship we mostly stayed indoors. Keep in mind the newer MSC ships generally have a nice indoor pool area. In port, we put on light jackets and had a great time. Earlier sunsets? Honestly didn’t notice or think anything of it.

Excellent. Enjoy.

Just my 2 cents, with slightly different opinions than many of the other posters: If one of your favorite pastimes is laying in the sun, July is the better month. Perfect weather for that. Of course, it’s lousy weather for exploring old ruins, it’s crowded, and flights are their most expensive. The only cruise lines I know that offer topless sunbathing on the ship are German lines. AIDA for instance has a special, isolated adults only area just for that. While July more crowded than April, the big sights (Rome, Venice) are jam packed crowded in April too. To put things in Caribbean terms, the Nassau/San Juan/St Thomas route is Barcelona/Rome/etc. Of course, Rome is about a million times more interesting than St Thomas (IMO) but it’s still packed with people wearing cruise tour stickers and guides holding up paddles. Also, know that many of the most famous European ports, like Rome, are no where near where the ships dock. If you want more off the beaten crowd, the Adriatic/Ionian is a great choice. Including much better beaches (IMO) But you are talking older, smaller ships usually. MSC has a lot of good options. And will likely be cheapest. But while the ship has everything in English (and other languages) most of your fellow passengers will not be native English speakers. Another factor with Mediterranean cruises is they have more port days and fewer sea days. If not every port appeals to you, take a ship-in-port day or two.

Awesome report. Thanks. I’ve wondered what Yacht Club people think about the ships where the restaurant is on the other side of the ship. Is it good to force people outside the bubble now and then, or does that defeat the whole purpose. Anyway, give yourself an extra gold star for spelling out all those Norwegian place names.

CruiseCritics’ unofficial motto is “my line is better than your line.” But while we are loath to admit it, the mainstream lines have much more in common than they are different. I’d focus more on time of year (ie when kids are in school) and which part of the ship you hang out in.

Hope you enjoy Florence! One other option would have been to rent a car and drive to Lucca. When we did this it was super easy as the rental company had cars ready right off the ship.

I’m curious what interests you in Milan? This is just me, but I find Genoa at least as interesting, if not more so.

It is just another seaside city on the French Rivera! Beautiful place to stroll around for a few hours, have lunch and enjoy “la belle vie.” Note than Cannes is usually a tinder port, so you have even less time than you think.

Just my opinion, but Paris is special. If you’ve never been, it’s worth jumping through hoops and long bus rides, even for just four hours. Though if it were me, I’d take the metro from the Eiffel Tower to Norte Dame and walk back along the Sine. That may be pushing it time wise depending on how leisurely you walk. You can always cab the last bit if necessary.

The ride out to Harvard on the T is easy enough. Also note that Harvard has some fantastic museums itself. Me? I love the MFA and the nearby Gardner. Slightly trickier by public transit, which won’t matter if you take Uber.

Awesome post. But people should take this as examples of the wines and prices they might offer, not a guarantee of what any particular bar would have.

I like to walk around saying, “Bah Habah is wonderful. I’m really glad to be in Bah Habah. Look at all these shops in Bah Habah. Do you think there’s a Starbucks in Bah Habah? Etc.” It never gets old (narrator: it gets old. Fast.)

Much, much simpler than traditional cruising. It’s a normal day on the ship, you just have to leave. They do a nice gesture that I’ll leave as a surprise. Assuming no issues with your luggage, should be a piece of cake to catch a 10:00 train.

The Saudi’s are dipping their toe in the mass market tourism business for the first time, and only half heartedly at that. Information out of SA can be contradictory and seems to be ever changing. Unfortunately, even though MSC is an official partner, they are doing nothing to make things easy or clear for their passengers. I hope you pioneers who are among the first to go have a great time. Me? Too many other great places to go to put up with this. Maybe when things settle down in a few years.

Cruise contracts: they have the right to alter the deal. You have the right to pray they don’t alter it any further.

Never sailed X before, but am close to booking because of a screaming bargain on a solo cruise, inside guarantee cabin from Vancouver to Seward. I probably would have booked already, but I’ve got this weird feeling I’m missing something. I just am not used to seeing a Celebrity cruise coming up hundreds cheaper than the next cheapest option. 1) Am I missing something? 2) I’m not picky about room location, so guarantee is fine. But are there some horrible cabins I can be stuck with booking guarantee? 3) For an extra $350 over the cheapo rate I can get the always included package (basic drinks, tips and WiFi). I should book this at a minimum, correct? 4) For an extra $150 over the always included package I can upgrade to premium drinks and a $150 excursion credit. Assuming I’m ok paying at least $150 on excursions, I’d be getting the upgrade to premium drinks for free, right? I know these might fall into the dumb question category, but I keep feeling like there’s a catch I’m missing. Great ship, great line, super cheap???? If you guys could ease my paranoia, that would be sweet.