happier

we have an 'enclosed balcony-rom8538-ayinehave an idea what that space looks like?-sailing next Friday-the 27thtanks

we are in 8538-says enclosed balcony-anyone have a picture odf an enclosed balcony?-sailing this Friday-boston-bermuda

leaving on Jewell May 17th from Seattle

wondering what clothes to pack for excursions?

should we pack for winter?

such happy news!

congratulations!

cruisemom42

many thanks for the extensive directions for public transportation to and from the herculaneum and archeological museum in Naples

very much appreciated!

Sue

hello!

will you take another request for your notes? we are on NCL cruise on Sunday, September 23rd-hoping both or one are open and that there is public transportation on Sundays in Npoles...

have been to Pompeii and this time want to go the the archeological museum and herculaneum

we plan to take public transportation to both-does this make sense as a 'do-able'day'?

thanks

Sue

wallaces@maine.rr.com

By now was getting used to waking up early even when didn't need to!

 

The sea day was also a good way to relax before the next intensive round of touring in Italy.

 

We found our preferred spot for breakfast was the covered outdoor area Aft outside Raffles buffet-much more peaceful than inside.

 

I decided to go for my favourite sun spot on deck 13 however it was very windy-in fact the staff later roped off the forward section as it was difficult to keep your feet.

 

I found a slightly more sheltered location to the side of the ship but only lasted about an hour.Any reserved lounge chairs that didn't have a body to sit in it were going to lose their towels overboard!

 

10-30 I decided to join 6 for the staff presentation "how to run a floating hotel" where the captain,engineer hotel and cruise director had a question and answer session.This was held in galaxy of the stars furthest forward and the movement of the ship was pretty apparant-several people were sea sick that day.

 

It was an informative session with some unintentionally hilarious questions

"can you stop the ship wobbling?"

 

"why do I have to wait for an elevator?"[possibly because there are 2000 other guests on board!]

 

Our balcony was well used on this cruise despite the intensive itinery.Whereas the main decks were very windy the balcony was sheltered and it was relaxing sitting out there and listening to the sound of the waves.

 

After lunch we went along to the towel animal folding demonstration by the cabin stewards-very entertaining and you could buy the dvd if you wanted to impress your friends back home!

 

Another relaxing hour or so on the balcony before it was time for the silver and up lattitudes party-free alcohol!

 

There were only 15-20 people there and an allocation of alcohol for more so the waiters were keen to refill your drinks.

 

got back to the cabin to find the laundry from the "fill bag for $25" earlier in the week had been delivered neatly folded and in a wicker basket folded over with tissue paper-very posh presentation of underwear and t shirts.

 

This was the 2nd dress up or not night so we decided after a few nights at the buffet we would dress up a bit and go back to Windows with our favourite waiter Horace.

 

we retired to Henrys pub where we were soon joined by friends. One couple told us their son had been ill with a fever and had been confined to his cabin by the medical staff.Another friend said his wife was ill with a migraine and would be unable to go on their planned trip to isle of Capri the next day .It was decided that as mum wanted to keep an eye on her son then dad would take the vacant place on the tour the next day.Cruise critic tour sharing continues!

 

 

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loving your blog!

can't wait to hear what's next!

we are doing the reverse tour on the Spirit in September so am picking up tips for our excursions.

btw-think you mentioned the wine pkge; how does one go about getting it?--is the wine then brought to your cabin? Do you have to be Latitudes members?

enough questions-keep writing!!!

Sue

I just booked the 30 Euro package with St. John. They pick you up at your ship and you have your own beach chair and use of their gym, sauna and pools. It looks beautiful!! My question is about beach access- do they have a private beach? They responded to my request for a shore excursion form immediately and were just as quick confirming my purchase. For anyone interested, their web address is: http://www.saint john.gr and email is info@saint john.gr

 

We will be in Mykonos on August 26th on the Ruby Princess. Please, anyone who has done this excursion write a few lines about your experience! Thanks!

how was the resort?

we will be there this September and wonder if they still have the package

thanks

We sure like it:) Hugo's is great, Fore Street is also great, and Duckfat might be my favorite;)

on a nice day, you can eat outside at almost all the restaurants-our very favorite is outside at the Regency on Milk Street. From there you can walk in the Old Port and also up to the Eastern Prom via Munjoy Hill and do the Portland Observatory on the way(no reservations needed and it's quite historic)

the Duck tour is lots of fun-you'll see the historic sites and the amphibious vehicle even takes you into the water!

Portland has many beautiful old homes and gardens on "Munjoy Hill"to see while on the tour, or just take a walk around. The terminal is in the historic district-go left as you leave the ship and you're there! The area is called"the Old Port" and is packed with local shops,local jewelers, pubs and restaurants. Or go straight up the hill on India Street to Congress St-turn right to Munjoy Hill-you will see the Portland Observatory-it gives you great views of the islands and the bay.

Also on upper Congress street,there is a new Jewish Museum, an ancient cemetery,sweet local shops and bakeries,antique shops and great award winning restaurants(Portland is a "foodie" town)

The I.M.Pei designed Portland Museum of Art has a renowned collection-Winslow Homers, Wyeths, impressionists, photography,sculpture and a delightful cafe-see the web site-

Located near the Victoria Mansion (wonderful guided tours) and the Art Museum in the 'downtown' area are the Irish Heritage Society, the Maine College of Art, the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House, the Maine Historical Society, the Neil Dow House and many galleries, more local and ethnic restaurants-all located in walking distance no more than 15 minutes from the ship!

I live in Portland and never tire of this small city.

silly question ,but-is there a railing around the wall(I hate heights)

can we walk to town from the port or must we take the ship's tour?

what is the weather in November there?

is the pharmacy easy to find?

can't wait to see Dubrovnik!:)