trvlcouple

In Palermo, we went on a street food tour found through online searches for the cost of a donation (15 euro recommended) plus food purchased (about 7 euro total). This was three hours of six of us walking through the city with two enthusiastic, erudite, foodie, locals and trying out an amazing array of street food. In three months of traveling (we tripped through other parts of europe before and after the cruise), this was the favorite single thing that we did.

Susan

Susan: If you have the website/email for the Palermo food tour, please email me califkmac at comcast dot net. I did a foodie walk in Boston that was amazing. We have done "free" walks (for tips or suggested donations) in Iceland, Melbourne, Sydney and other cities. When in Boston, do the free guided tour with a park ranger. There are freebies (mostly walks) out there if you do your research. And check the local TI when in port.

We just did a cruise New England to Canada and rented a car with another cruise critic couple in 4 ports. We could get to far away sites and it was way cheaper that ship's excursions. Also, take public transportation. Took the bus to Montmorency Falls in Quebec City -$7.50 CAD for an all day pass - could stay as long as we wanted - no cruise tour bus to get back on with 50 other people. We also walk EVERYWHERE when in towns. Download Tom's Port Guides (they are free) and he has great info on many ports. We don't buy ANYTHING on the ship (except the wine card). No reason I see to pay for the specialty restaurants. We don't even have our photos taken, kindly decline. We cruise Princess and they have self service laundromats. So at the 7 day mark, do wash. (Most of our cruises are over 10 days and we usually pair with a condo/time share for a land portion). I take a baggie with quarters, detergent pods, dryer sheets, a few clothes pins. Also, I keep a plastic bin at home to house all my cruise "goodies" and toiletries. Helps me not to forget anything! And we both have extensive spreadsheets of what we need to take. We bring insulated mugs for our tea. And use the free exercise classes and the gym.

Bottom line: we do not do much different than we do in our regular life. We travel a lot and have learned to live with just what can fit in a roll aboard for sometimes 3 weeks. It's amazing what you do not need when you are hauling it half way across the world! We travel to experience other places and cultures and don't need souvenirs or stuff. Just MHO...

K

We were there last August and arranged an 8 per taxi van through ronystaxis.com. Had no problem finding 6 other people from CC. 50 euros for 8 each way. The van was at the gate when we docked with our name on a placard and then picked us up on time in town at the prearranged spot (in fact, he was 10 minutes early as we were!), Wonderful service and felt this was the best option to maximize our visit with the cost. Hope this helps. Also, we did Rick Steve's walking tour and were able to secure a canal boat before the rest of the cruise passengers got there on shore excursions. Had the town to ourselves until then!

K

Amazing! We are putting the final touches on our DIY city tours with help from Rick Steve's Baltic Port Guide book, Tom's Guides and threads like this. Thanks for the info

K

They are usually over by the kitchen gadgets. If not there, ask the store clerk. I have been to Dollar Trees in different states and things can be on different aisles. Going past mine tomorrow and will pop in to check.

 

K

Went to my Dollar Tree today and there are 6 magnetic clips in a package on the kitchen gadget aisle.

K

Does the company have email or did you have phone them to book?

 

Thanks

Lyn

Lyn:

Go to the link in post #93 and all the info is there. Yes, you can contact them by email.

K

You're more than welcome, enjoy your stay in Belgium!

 

For the others looking for taxi services. Open the link and you will find a lot of information... . (POZ stands for Port of Zeebrugge).

 

http://www.poz.be/sites/all/files/fl..._website_0.pdf

We booked a taxi company off this site for our trip this August. It's a mini van for 8. I was in Bruges in 1999 with my mother on a land based trip. Glad to be going back with DH. It's a do not miss spot! If you are on a CC roll call, you should have no trouble finding other like minded indie travelers to join you!

Just looked for them today at Dollar Tree and I couldn't find them. What did you find them by? I've still got a couple of months to go so there's still hope. :)

They are usually over by the kitchen gadgets. If not there, ask the store clerk. I have been to Dollar Trees in different states and things can be on different aisles. Going past mine tomorrow and will pop in to check.

K

Thanks all, think I've decided on May, seems the best time. Really like avoiding heat and crowds. Wish Princess had more choices of ships and ports. The Royal looks so huge, last year we went on the Pacific and it was perfect, small with not alot of people running around. Looking forward to the Scandinavian ports and Russia.

We went on the Pacific to the Black Sea in November. Great trip. Will be on the Crown in late August 2013 for the Baltic. Love everyone's tips. Thanks!

K

Laundry on board:

 

Fold together a dryer sheet and a dishcloth into a ziplock bag, then pour in one load worth of detergent (go light, the washers on board are small). On board, toss them into the wash with your laundry. I slip a couple into a larger baggie. If you need to pre-treat a stain, just rub the cloth onto the spot.

 

You'll have pre-measured detergent, with less risk of leaks or spills. The dryer sheet might lose a little of the softener, but it'll still have plenty for the dry-cycle.

I take the dryer sheets but usually take the travel packets of Tide I get at Walmart or Target...it's good for 2 loads. Put it with my liquids in a heavy duty zip bag...never had a leak yet. Also 4-6 clothespins. Great for wet suits.

K:)

Love Dollar Tree. That's where I get any greeting cards I need. Best tip and find there are the magnetic clips. Since the cabin walls are magnetic, all those papers can "hang" instead of taking up prime desk top real estate.

Kathy