Strenz

All depends where. I remember a service in Valencia, Spain. Happy Sailing.

Thank you all. I did write as stated before a that " thought " was not good enough I guess after that email WS fixed it. I also heard last night pharmacies in Italy were numerous and easy. I am waiting for a confirmation from the hotel we are staying in and will let all know what they say about the pharmacies as well. I also think it would be nice to have the convenience to have it done by WS and we can choose to pay that rate, that is what I would do in a minute. I think the more info we have the better off we will be. Thanks Susanne

I did call WS, Telehealth according to the agent said he " thought " were not accepted, I do not consider " thought " good enough. I wrote to the CEO and said it would have been better if WS offered the tests at the pier and we had to pay for them believe me I would pay for the convenience. I also asked for a clarification on " thought " are they accepted or not. I am waiting for an answer. I also googled pharmacies in the town I will be in 3 days before, there are 4-5 of them, I wrote to the hotel and asked about them if they gave tests and for them to make an appointment for me etc. According to what I have been reading the pharmacies give the tests in Italy. I will write again here when I know more and will appreciate anything info other discover. Susanne

If anyone can help with this problem we would appreciate all help. We leave for the Sicilian Splendeur Cruise 10/6, we will be going first to Sweden and arrive in Italy October 3 we are staying in Tarquinia about 50 km from Civitevecchia Port. We will need a test. We have heard that pharmacies in Italy give the test. Anyone with experience? I will be writing to the hotel. It states on the Civitavecchia.portmobility.it to have a test there must be a doctor order and insurance card. I am going to ask WS if the Telehealth sites will work according to my pharmacist that is considered a home test which WS said they would not recognize. I will be back with info that I get, I think we all need each other on this one. Three times booked wouldn't you know?! Happy Sailing Susanne

Hi, We did the first cruise back on the Spirit in Tahiti, we crossed with her and continued the cruise. I can not tell the difference in food between the sailing ships and the motor yachts because, as you have probably read we love the sailing ships and have only done one motor yacht before the ships were refurbished. That being said, and reading this thread, we enjoy the WS food we have always found it varied, creative, healthy and very good. It was great on the pre refurbished Breeze as it has always been on the sailing ships. I especially love the lamb dishes. As for Tahiti I had always wanted to go to Tahiti and for a while we were seriously thinking of going on Paul Gauguin and at that time the CEO had worked for WS. When WS decided to go back to Tahiti and we saw the crossing and cruise was with the Spirit, we did not even think, it was an instant reservation. The crossing was like sailing on ice all 19 days. When we entered the lagoon the first day of the cruise we saw 2 motor ships the Paul Gauguin and a small Princess ship and we were so happy we were on the sailing ship. The beauty of the lagoon, the refections of the sails bouncing off the hills into the water were glorious. It was a thrilling experience for our senses magnified visually. Again, I must preface it or I get criticized, we love sailing, we love sails, we love being so close to the water, we love the roominess of the decks, we know we would have been disappointed if we had been on a motor yacht and had seen the sailing yacht. I hope this helps and I wish you a great trip. Tahiti was extraordinary. We said then 19 days at sea was greater than 15 hours flying ( approx time from Boston).

Mr. Milepig, My reply did not pertain to you. I was sympathizing with Patty1955 and her seasickness on crossing the Pacific and how grim seasickness can be then commented on " salt" and my knowledge of chemistry and cooking because on another post she also mentioned not enough salt. I try not to be negative especially when it comes to WS. This brand fits us to a T, if I have a gripe, which is never about the ship experience, for we truly appreciate all the efforts and good will onboard, I will write a private letter. We have never sent back a meal, my mention of buffets is my issue and I always preface that, not a breakfast eater, think the choices for lunch and dinner are varied, healthy choices, creative and well done. Unfortunately, great cookies at 4 daily, my weakness. We are always happy ship board customers therefore our loyalty since 1999. Happy Sailing to you.

Nothing worse than being seasick. For some like myself, a life long sailor I have been seasick it is grim. Glad it did not last the entire trans Pacific for you. We did the trans Pacific as well on the Spirit, we lucked out smooth as glass for all 19 days. I am also a very competent cook, organic but not nutty about it, but what really ruins great food is over salting and the type of salt used. It is better to under salt and folks can add their own amounts. Salt for example, is a major part of the chemistry of cooking properly, too much salt adds to taste of salt not the way food should taste. I am a 225+ day cruiser ( I think they count by days now) on WS and I have always thought the quality, the choices and the preparation of the food to be nearly perfect. One of the reasons we like WS so much. Happy Cruising

Hi, I am not a tour person, if I do a tour it is usually one on my own. However, I have taken some WS tours and they have been excellent. On this trip as I recall we did a lot of walking. We did not go to Palma, I recall in Cartagena we walked to the Roman Amphitheater, lots of boats, the small museum ( I am a museum person and I love small town museums), lovely town we docked in the center. Almeria, the Alcazaba was fascinating, nice beaches. We did not go to the Alhambra, too long a bus trip. I did all the Picasso sites in Malaga. I love art my #2 passion, number 1 Italian opera. Gilbralter went up to the top, took a cab to the lift, do not walk down to the caves, all monkey doo, caves are touristy, we followed Rick Steves, slipping and sliding on monkey doo all the way down. now we laugh, then not so. Monkeys are wild and interesting and lots of them, views are tremendous. When you go to Cadiz, we did not, it would be hard not to go to Seville. Seville is fabulous, great art, national museum the room of all Zuberon and his whites ( the way he painted white ), so much to see, Cathedral where Columbus is buried, Alcazar amazing architecture. Fabulous tapa bars. We adore Barcelona, as well as Lisbon. I am sorry not so much of a help with tours. We are more Flâneurs, wanderers. I am originally from Manchester-by-the -Sea ( next town Gloucester ) about 30 miles north of Boston. We have lived and studied in Europe, but for 47 years Cape Cod has been our home. My husband was born in Québec, we adore traveling there but can't get that salt out of our blood. Orleans remains pretty with cold water on the ocean side we swim everyday in the summer at high tide on the bay side. Know Dennis well. Any questions ask ahead. Hope you have the greatest sail. Susanne

Hi, You are off on a great cruise. We have done that trip. The Surf can go up to 12 knots under sail. Normally the sails are always up because it helps stabilize the ship and it is beautiful. They normally cut the engines when the weather is good, the wind conditions and wind direction are correct and when time is not a factor. Make sure you go to the bridge and talk to them about your hope. This is a great trip, the Straits of Gibraltar is beautiful seeing the 2 continents on a clear day. Leaving Barcelona and coming into Lisbon beautiful. Sail Away is lovey with the 1492 Music playing always as the sails unfurl, we like to be at the Compass Rose, very dramatic and Barcelona is a beautiful harbor to leave from. We are on deck for every single Sail Away. Then again we are easy because we like it all. I have sailed my entire life and grew up north of Boston on the sea, I live on Cape Cod now. As for packing no time is to early! My suitcase is out, we leave for our Wind Surf trip Rome/ Malta, 10/6, third time trying due to the pandemic. Fingers Crossed. Have a glorious time, write a review so we all know how you enjoyed yourself. Happy Sailing.

Happy for you it was wonderful. We are on her 10/6, third time trying, can't wait. Thanks.

Correction: The Golden Rule, Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them do Unto You. Sorry I was in a mad rush this am. Happy Sailing

What great pictures thank you, it brought on my great memories of sailing out of Venice. Perhaps now since the huge ships are not allowed the pier has changed. Happy Sailing

People need to live their lives with the Golden Rule a universal ethic that crosses all religions and those with no religion. Do unto others as you would do unto them. Masking is simple and it protects everyone. If more people had followed that common sense rule more people would be alive, more people would be having a wonderful cruise! It is not about living in fear it is about doing what is right, very simple. Happy Sailing