bonsai3s

Exactly.

Let me be clear. All my suggestions have been FROM the ship. I am NOT suggesting/implying that folks staying in accomodations in Civi (withluggage) should also NOT take the free shuttle from the entrance TO the ship for embarkation...take the free shuttle if that's what you want to do. * YOU can do what you want. * What I am telling you, (or anyone who wants to listen) is this: The free shuttle drop-off is no where near the "entrance".

Hi LB, The free shuttles now drops off passengers at "Infopoint Varco port mobility" area...see attached google map. Numerous passengers who chose the free shuttles, especially those with luggages, were extremely angry because of this added distance. Frustrated passengers and first-timers to Civitavecchia, ended up taking taxis to the train station. Yes, Port Link (red) & Cruise Mobility (white), both pick up passengers quayside/shipside...very convenient. * Walk left as you exit the terminal; corner of the building.

FionaMG...if I may... aditional information: * We are back onboard the Odyssey. For those doing b2b's, you'll have 2 options. 1. Meet with other b2b passengers (last week it was at the Seaplex, this morning it was at the Schooner bar) to be processed and get your new seapass cards. Most decided to remain onboard. 2. Disembark early, skip the meeting, and have to check-in as a new passenger when you come back. * We have done the DIY by train to Rome and decided to do it again last week...and again this morning. We chose option 2. * DIY to Rome from Civitavecchia is not as easy as it used to be...for a number of reasons. We were able to disembark quickly, was outside the terminal by 6:30 am. After politely asking, we found the free shuttle to the gate. And forgive me if I repeat this: DO NOT take the free shuttle to the gate. Last week, with 14 passengers, (some with luggages), the shuttle finally left the cruise terminal at 7am. The drop-off area was new to us and was at least 3/4 of a mile from the "old" gate we remembered. We had to navigate around cyclone fences and literally a maze just to reach the main road in Civitavecchia. (I will find a terminal map and confirm this drop-off spot later) * Able to make the 7:57 train to Rome. Our memorable few hours in Rome will have to be written for another day. Took the 12:02 train from San Pietro back to Civitavecchia. We wanted to make sure we made it back on time. * We were told to be back no later than 3:00 pm, to bring all our documents (passports, vax cards, and SetSail pass) because we will be checking in as if we were new passengers. No "In-Transit" card were given to b2b passengers who chose to disembark early. * We (along with many other new passengers) had to again navigate our way back to the free shuttle bus...and made it back inside the cruise terminal at 2:35 pm. * The first statement to us was "We need to see your Covid Test". We said "We are back to back". She again said "We need your Covid Test". We said "We are consecutive cruisers..we were told we didn't need the test". This went on and on and on...supervisors got involved...we were thinking "Oh No, they are not letting us back onboard!" * Fortunately for us, a Royal Caribbean Genie, that we knew from another cruise,...understood the problem, and helped us get back onboard. (YES, we sat down and discussed all the "holes" and flaws to this process...he promi6sed to correct the problems.) * Again, we highly discourage anyone from using the free shuttle. * For those doing DIY by train to Rome, the better option is to take the buses (2 types, Port Link & Cruise Mobility) from the cruise terminal...stops directly across the street from the train station. 3Euros/person/each way. We also highly encourage passengers to take this bus back from the train station to the ship.

FionaMG...Safe travels.

Oh my lord! we went to listen and left... Attended the "Cheers with an Officer" lunch. Lively crowd today. Menu Tuna Tartar Goat cheese salad Pepper corn, bacon something? (had too much wine by this time) Surf & Turf (filet mignon and shrimp) Grilled Chicken Creamy Truffle Risotto Carrot Cake Chocolate Cake (Free flowing red & white wine...and champagne.)

No worries... Suites and Pinnacles had a letter from Christopher (Chris, Suite Concierge) delivered in our cabins the night before Santorini. Those wanting to use the tenders met at Boleros and Chris escorted everyone down to the gangway and into the tender. First tender was at 7:15am...and Chris continued to escort passengers every 15 minutes thereafter.

A couple more shots from outside the ship.

CK menu. * I attended Morning Star Elementary School in San Francico (early 60's), located 2 blocks from Japan Town. 75% of my classmates were Japanese...and when visiting their homes, the parents taught me about sushi and sashimi...tuna and salmon. But the Japanese moms introduced me to a much better fish called Hamachi. Tonight's menu had Hamachi (see photo) for an appetizer...simple, superb, and exquisitely sublime...a hint of sweetness, just practically melting in my mouth...brought back wonderful childhood memories.

Rhodes.. Friday the 13th...Day 7, another beautiful sunny day, 70+ degrees. For first-time visitors to Rhodes, this is perhaps one of the easiest and most convenient ports of call. * As you exit the port area, walk to the right and cross the street when you see the entrance to the wall. * Enjoy a leisurely walk along ruins, churches, shops, and restaurants. * For the more adventurous, walk back outside the wall and walk along the sea promenade. * With an easy 20-minute walk, you will reach the former site of the Colossus of Rhodes (1 of the ancient Wonders of the World.) See attached photos...the entrance of the harbor flanked by 2 tall columns. Imagine the 110 foot statue of the Greek god of Helios, straddling the entrance with one foot on each side of the harbor. * Irony: As you can see by the pictures, it is now used to anchor/dock multi-million dollar yachts. * Just another 2-minute walk past this site is a glorious "pebble beach"...hundreds of sun bathers, a few bold swimmers and divers...clothing optional. * The Odyssey will still be visible...just turn around and walk back...either along the pronenade or inside the ancient wall. Another lovely day.

We'll be walking in Rhodes tomorrow...I use a "white and red" walking stick. Please say hello if you see me.

Menu at Coastal Kitchen. We had the Brazino and Filet Mignon. The filet was cooked to absolute perfection...tender as butter.

Hors d'oeuvres served earlier this evening in tbe Suite Lounge: Crispy chicken wings, shrimp gyoza, fried mozzarella cheese sticks, and fried vegetable spring rolls. Assorted desserts and canapes.

The first tender left at approximately 7:15am...took 10 minutes to reach the port...50 meters to the cable cars and takes 8 minutes to reach the top...Fira.

Yes, we bought the tickets that same morning. (Tickets purchased at 8:30am for the 9:30 departure. Queue/line for the ferry announced and formed at 9:15am.) Facing the town, the Capri ferry is literally next door, about a 1 minute walk to the left of the 2-story cruise terminal. * Odyssey, Regal Princess, and Oceania were docked in Naples the same day...and it was a Sunday (many Italians joined the cruise passengers.)

Mykonos, another beautiful day, sunny, cool breeze, about 71 degrees. * Light breakfast as usual at Cafe 270. Off the ship by 8:50am. Took the "Sea Bus" (2Euros/person/each way. Located just a few steps from the ship.) Humor: Travel time is actually only about 10 minutes...but loading and unloading of passengers took another 10 mi utes...thus 20 minutes. * Walked through the winding and narrow streets...enjiyed and embraced getting lost. Ultimate goal was to see the famous windmills of Mykonos. * We were told that Mykonos streets and alleys "were designed to confuse pirates"........now it's cruise passengers. For directions to the windmills...head south. Keep the sun to your left and the ocean to your right...you'll eventually find it. Travel time: 8 minutes from the dock. 30 minutes if you stop at shops and get lost.

Hi LB! 9:30am departure and 1:40pm return. * breathtaking views when you exit the funicular.

You are correct...we'll have to let FionaMG respond to that.

FionaMG...I apologize for backtracking to Naples. Just wanted to share few random information: * Onboard Guest Services exchange rate - $1.17 for 1 Euro. * Ticket price for the ferry to the island of Capri - 20.45 Euros/person/one-way. Travel time - approx. 1 hour each way. * You can walk up the central square or take a funicular - 2Euros each way. * The ferry to Capri is literally next door to the cruise terminal. * Early morning tickets for Capri sells out fast...most of the early tickets were purchased by tour groups or ships.

Dani...the tender drop-off is only about 50 meters from the cable cars.

Yes, can confirm there's a huge difference. For example, during the transatlantic (just a bit over 2000 passengers), the Solarium always had available loungers, chairs, and one can even find empty jacuzzis...not this sailing. Note: The Solarium Bistro is open now...it wasn't during the TA.

Santorini...beautiful day...around 70, sunny with a cool breeze. * 7:15 am down to the No.1 tender. I heard 75 onboard...took about 10 minutes to reach the Old Port. * Took 8 minutes up the cable car to Fira. 6Euros/person one-way. You'll have to buy tickets again going down. * Option to walk up or ride the donkey (sorry, I didn't get the price for the donkey ride.) Walkers will go up approximately 500 big steps, winding up the hill and navigate around donkey dung. * We walked straight to the bus station. A leisurely10 minute walk; follow the yellow line on the sidewalk...or ask. * We took the 8:30 am bus to Oia (eeh-yah)...sight of the world famous and highly photographed "Blue Dones". 1.60Euros/person one-way. People huddled around waiting...then a very courteous gentleman started announcing "bus to Oia!"...a line formed and the bus soon arrived. Note: The man turned out to be the conductor. He firmly stopped those trying to cut the line. The bus was full with a few allowed to stand. The conductor collected the money and loudly announced each stop. (Best to have small bills or the exact change) * I believe there were 5 stops, but the bus driver only stopped twice...most of the passengers werr going to Oia. * Fira to Oia was less than 30 minutes...but the spectacular scenery along the way will want you wishing the ride was longer. * Oia...simply breathtaking. A short 5 minute walk will take you the Blue Domes...(yup, I took the time and kissed my beautiful wife.) * We shared that iconic spot with a few others...all of us mesmerized...then the crowds came. * We took the 10am bus (left at 10:15) back to Fira. This time the bus had plenty of seats...and no stops. Took only about 20 minutes to get back to Fira. * Walked around Fira and took in more wonderful views...be careful, lots of steps. Personally, the views were magnified and enhanced by the incredible aroma coming from all the restaurants. * Back down the cable car...on to the tender...and back on the Odyssey...1pm. What a beautiful day.

Yes, we were on the TA...we were told there were approximately 500 consecutive cruisers. Thanks...I'll chip in when possible .

FionaMG...hope we cross paths...onboard as well.