Lizard13

Here she is!

Cruisers may wish to consider using Amtrak to return to Baltimore. The station is 1.3 miles away from the cruise terminal in Norfolk

I rode my bike to the pier to see the Legend in port. Beautiful spring day in Norfolk. At 11:30 most people had left on buses, a few waiting for their rental cards. The few passengers I spoke with all had a great cruise and making the best of the situation. Interesting did not see any people with luggage waiting to board. Perhaps a late sail away? Anyway happy cruising to all.

Yes a flight would be available at a higher cost per ticket and require similar time and more effort. It’s about 15 miles by Uber/taxi to airport from cruise port. But I love riding the Amtrak to the DC area so I may relax in my wide seat and watch the world go by. And unwind from what is most likely a very stressful situation.

The drive will be difficult. Maybe some may opt for Amtrak from Norfolk to Baltimore. Much more relaxing, but will need to Uber to parking garage from Penn Station or airport train terminal once in Baltimore. The Norfolk Amtrak station is a 6 min ride or about a 30 minute walk along the riverfront.

Sorry if this has been asked before. I tried the search bar without luck. I was told by a pcc, not mine but someone who answered my call to pcc and told me she could help as mine was occupied, that every time I cruise I have to reapply for military credit. It’s not like my time in the Navy is going to disappear. Has anyone else been told this?

I just booked this cruise October 2025. I am looking forward to seeing different ports and longer port time in Victoria. I’m sure there will be some excursions worthy of using my onboard credit. Military, aarp, stock perks! But mostly I am excited about the scenery and nature. Rain or not I’m going to enjoy the beauty! Oh and the have it all drink package. Thanks Bimmer09 for the heads up.

I will also be visiting Isle of Skye on Holland America in May. I have used Isleofskye.com for an I depth description of the trails including scenery. I used this to plan our walks if weather cooperates.

I did not see any problems with the windows but may have not looked closely. I did enjoy the specialty coffees and a pastry or two though and I can report no issues there

I ended my Eurodam cruise on the 27th. I didn’t see the steel drums, it didn’t appeal to me. I regretted it the next day when heard from other cruisers that it was fabulous, not your typical Caribbean style music but they played all genres of music. Did you listen to the 3 piece combo/piano, bass and guitar, in the Ocean bar? They performed nightly and imho they were better than Lincoln center. We went to many of their shows, each time played a different set. How about BB Blues club? They performed several evenings on our 7 night cruise. And billboard onboard was quite good, very talented performers. I didn’t see the leaking issues you did or out of order signs, maybe we were too rough on the ship, sorry about that.

I was on the Magic within the last few weeks. Like any restaurant I have been to it had hits and misses. The dining room food was quite good at times, other times not to my taste but still fine. Outstanding was short ribs, Indian plate, melting cake. Most soups, salads and apps were good. The Italian restaurant was also outstanding at both lunch and dinner. Guys burgers, fries, and pizza always a winner. The chicken salad sandwich at the deli was good, the fries there not so much. And the chocolate cakes at the chocolate buffet delicious.

In response to the crowd on the Carnival ship, this was an “old and cold” cruise to Canada. Many more middle age and up and families. Not as rowdy as I have seen on Caribbean cruises. Once the final buffet closed down, lights out.

There is an Enterprise car rental downtown that I would guess to be about a 10-15 minute walk with luggage and less than a 10 minute cab ride, primarily due to lights more than distance. It’s actually very close to the cruise parking lot so the shuttle bus may be a benefit to you

Thanks all. Looking forward to our dinner there and definitely Tamarind

We will be on the Eurodam for the first time and plan to eat at Canaletto. My only concern is the location. On the Rotterdam it is in the same space or close to the buffet and seemed like it would be quite noisy. Is this an issue on the Eurodam? Thanks for all the good info I get on this site.

I realize it is only September but I like to plan ahead. We will be on our first Christmas cruise and I was wondering if others brought any decorations for their cabins. Specifically what is easy to pack and doesn’t take up a lot of room in the suitcase and room. Any suggestions?

I’m psyched because I used the Labor Day spa discount code and got 20% off then paid for it with Chase and will get 15% back. Saved me $70.

I have not stayed there but I have attended a wedding and eaten there. Nice hotel, great location to walk to cruise terminal. But if rolling suitcases I would recommend walking on the paved path along Waterside park versus brick path along the river. But either way short lovely walk to cruise!

I will be on the Magic in October. Will the Italian restaurant be free at lunch?

We usually get dropped off at the pagoda next to the Wisconsin. You may also ask to be dropped off at the World Trade Center which is right across the street from the terminal. It has a driveway that circles around so you can park without holding up traffic and then easy for you and those dropping off/picking up

Can gift cards loaded while on the ship for OBC be used in the casino?

The only option I can think of is taxi or Uber. Public transportation is pitiful here. Or you could ride the Tide, a monorail to the end of the line at the Va Beach border and Uber from there.

I can give you a few ideas. If staying downtown close to the pier you could rent an electric bike and ride the 10 mile Elizabeth River trail catching it at the waterfront. It will take you along the Elizabeth river and if you stay on it past a park and through neighborhoods to the Hermitage museum which is a large old home open for self tours. It sits on the river bank and has a nice garden to enjoy. Or take the bike on the paddle boat across the river to Portsmouth and ride along the waterfront there. Not as much to see in Portsmouth but a nice short ride. Another option downtown is Nauticus, a maritime museum that houses the battleship Wisconsin. The ship interior is open for viewing. Or a naval station boat ride tour on the Elizabeth River. There is also the Chrysler museum of art and hot glass studio which offers glass blowing demonstrations daily at noon I believe. It is about a 15 minute walk from downtown thru a historical neighborhood and over a footbridge. There is a restaurant inside that has good food. If you like gardens the Norfolk botanical gardens are lovely; if too hot to walk around there is a hop on and off tram you can take around the garden. That location would require a car or Uber to access. And of course Virginia Beach has a great oceanfront with a boardwalk and bike path.

The closest beach would be Ocean view beach in Norfolk, however not an ocean but the Chesapeake Bay. It is a sandy beach, lifeguards, fishing pier but no bars, restaurants shops to visit from the beach that I can think of except for the fishing pier. There are restaurants etc in Ocean view though From the cruise terminal to the ocean beach in Virginia Beach is probably a 45 minute drive. There you will find a long boardwalk with multiple bars/restaurants and souvenir stores. It will require a car. There are multiple parking lots a block or two from the oceanfront.

If you do like eggs, bacon, hash-browns type breakfast d’egg is also close and also a local fav. If you would like a recommendation for coffee, wine store, book store, she-crab soup restaurant, all independent retailers, I can also help. As you can tell, I ❤️ Norfolk 😎