Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

guinnesshalfpint

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    115

  • Joined

 Content Type 

Posts posted by guinnesshalfpint

    Disembarking in Civitavecchia

    in Italy Ports

    Posted

    Our ship (HAL Koningsdam) docked at 7am and we had Expedited Disembarkation, so we were called at 7.15, and sitting in the car provided by Stefano's RomeCabs by 7.45.

     

    We were at FCO terminal 3 by 9am. It was a Sunday morning (May holiday sunday) and there was very little traffic.

     

     

    Thank you! That will our scenario next April and you just saved me a lot of time and energy researching this.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    My List of Ships with Single Occupancy Cabins

    in Solo Cruisers

    Posted

    I booked an ME covered minisuite on Crown Princess, as a solo, for less than the price of a solo balcony! Even my TA was shocked. Maybe a fluke, but I'm happy. :D

     

     

    Go-Bucks, do you happen to live in Ohio? I live in Columbus and would like to talk offline about your experiences with Travel Agencies. I generally book directly with the cruise lines and plan to book future solo trips, but wondering if that is the best approach. My email is guinnesshalfpint at gmail.

     

    - Susan

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Any older solos?

    in Solo Cruisers

    Posted

    Thank you for the information and review. What a great opportunity to spend time with your children! I have watched many vlogs on the different cruises, so I completely understand your comments on the older ships. If you are traveling solo, Quark's Ocean Endeavour has 'reasonable' single (inside) cabins as well as share options. It's been completely remodeled and looks like a lovely ship with spacious lounges and fine dining. Check out photos here. http://www.polarcruises.com/antarctica/ships/expedition-ships/ocean-endeavour I am in my 40s and saving up for a December 2017 cruise, I'm hoping to have funds for the NYE cruise, which has a super moon on 1/1/18. Can you imagine what it would be like to camp on the ice that day, take the polar plunge or to celebrate the new year in such an exotic place? [emoji322]

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    My List of Ships with Single Occupancy Cabins

    in Solo Cruisers

    Posted · Edited by guinnesshalfpint

    You can add The Ocean Endeavour from Quark Expeditions. They specialize in polar cruising. While it is not cheap, it is the cheapest way you can see Antarctica! Deep discounts (50% off) are sometimes available for last minute cruises, and they have early booking specials for 3000 off a solo (inside) Cabin. They also have a share programs for twin and triple cabins for the brave of heart!

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Any older solos?

    in Solo Cruisers

    Posted

    I'm so glad to hear about everyone's experiences. I'm thinking about taking a solo cruise in 2017/2018 to Antarctica on Quark Expeditions. I'm not sure how that will be on a smaller ship (200 passengers). Their site states they cater to a lot of solo travelers because they don't have a single supplement. I hope that makes it easier to make friends. But at the same time I would like to share all of those wonderful experiences with somebody, so I'm a bit unsure.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Horse riding and rays on Half Moon Cay

    in Holland America Line

    Posted · Edited by guinnesshalfpint

    I have done this excursion several times and it is an amazing experience. I wore some quick drying hiking shorts (think Rei/Columbia/North Face) while on land and in water. I didn't see anyone in jeans - I think that would make it rather hot. Most people had capris or khakis, long enough to prevent chafing but light enough to prevent sweating and later changed into bathing suits. There are changing rooms, lockers and an outdoor shower. If you don't have water shoes, they have some you can borrower, and Lysol (for use on the helmets too). They also had soft drinks for after the ride, but the water was the first to go.

     

    The horses sometimes 'go' in the water, but I never really thought about it. The horses swim quickly and it is such a unique ride that poo was the last thing on my mind.

     

    On one ride a women fell off her horse and a guide was there quickly to help her. You might be surprised how hard it is to ride without stirrups in water. Another time the guide asked if anyone wanted to stay in shallow water. On another occasion some people stayed on the beach to watch.

     

    Also The guides will take your photo if you ask, although on my last trip there was a ship photog.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    HAL On-Line Check-in comments

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    YES! I log in, then have to copy my reservation number to then enter it again to do the check in.

     

     

    I haven't logged in in a few days, but I find This happens to me when I'm on a mobile device. When I click on desktop site or login from a pic, I don't have any issues. I seems to be be a browser based issue?

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Embarkation Day Must Do List

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    First stop is always the Lobby/Atrium Bar for a welcome aboard drink to calm down and start the decompression of the transportation to the terminal, lines, boarding, waiting, etc.

     

     

     

    Carry that drink to the room - grab all the papers sitting on the bed/desk, open the sliding door and sit on the balcony and read until the drink is gone.

     

     

     

    Muster drill and sail-away (Drink of the day) then back to the room to unpack/ freshen up / dress for dinner, before dinner drink.... (pattern developing)

     

     

     

    NOW I am ready for the Cruise...

     

     

    I like your style! [emoji485]

     

    For cruises that depart late (11pm for my T/A) what time is the muster drill, in your experience?

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

×
×
  • Create New...