Travelling2Some

We took the train (a/k/a the Pickpocket Express) and there were guides for hire at the entrance. The guide formed a group of us and then he bought the tickets for everyone. There was no line for tickets when we were there (October). I had read in a guidebook that all the guides at Pompeii are reliably good (ours sure was) and that this was the standard procedure. Pompeii covers a large area so it takes a good chunk of time to see properly. We preferred to go on our own for that reason. Also, be warned that there is almost no shade. If you are going in summer Capri might be a more comfortable option if you haven't seen either.

Thanks for yet another of your expert posts. Very interesting information, as always. We are on her upcoming 18 day Transatlantic so very interested in the Sun remaining seaworthy (Yikes!).

Don't know if that line was deliberate but it certainly is true that you always get two at once.

This. DH and I have traveled all over the world for over a month at a time with just 1 carry on and 1 backpack/personal item each. I rinse things out that are easy to rinse out and send things to the ship's laundry when we get on board. I also book Air B&B's with a washer/dryer instead of hotels and look in advance to find out where the laundromats are in cities we are going to. All my travel clothes are non-bulky and mix and match and I use a 3 layer system for outerwear - a light zip up fleece, a compressible down "puffer" jacket and a waterproof outer shell/windbreaker. If you put all three on it is the equivalent of a winter coat. I know it is not everyone's style but it works really well if you are fairly low maintenance. Rolling stuff tightly into packing cubes helps too. I've actually come home with a shirt or two I never wore!

I think I got them before they could get me. The current inflation was very predictable so about a year ago I started booking cruises that we are interested in as far out as possible to nail down the price, which I am continuing to do. I can always cancel when its time for final payment and get price adjustments up until then so there is no downside. I've got some good bargains lined up so I'm very happy with this strategy so far.

Just to add a bit of information; Port Canaveral is about an hour from Orlando but there are shuttles that pick up at the Orlando hotels and bring you to the port. I think Mears is the name of one of them. The cost of the shuttle could get to be a factor if you have a larger group. As others have said, if you have no interest in the theme parks then Miami is preferable.

Eventually. But that has nothing to do with NCL or the cruise. I get your point though - on the one had it is a confusing message but on the other hand it might be useful information depending on your plans.

I got the same letter and it is regarding a transatlantic that leaves from New York and ends in Europe. This cruise does not involve entering the United States at all so they are definitely just sending it to everyone and anyone.

We've done both and loved both but I would definitely choose Europe first if you have done neither.

The website was flaking out (again!) today and not allowing me to pick a cabin when I went to book a Viva cruise that is not until February 2024. I've had this same issue two other times lately when trying to choose a cabin on two other NCL ships too. Sometimes the glitch will right itself if you try it later/next day. Just call them and book what you want. I doubt there is any genuine problem.

Just booked the November transatlantic. Love the itinerary. Thanks for drawing it to our attention.

I've seen Sydney, Australia, listed in the middle of a New England/Canada itinerary. Obviously, they meant Sydney, Nova Scotia! Somebody flunked geography for sure, lol.

I've experienced the exact same thing you describe recently trying to book on two different ships. I assumed it was a website glitch. Came back the following day both times and it was "normal" again, giving me the option to choose my cabins just like it has always been.

We rented a car for each island BUT that was before the current rental car shortage, which I have read is particularly acute in Hawaii. Before you make a decision, check to see what the rates are now. We have put off or modified several vacations over the past year due to sky high car rental prices. Also, if you do decide to rent cars then don't wait - book as soon as possible.

We booked Prima early and got a good rate only to have it recently chartered out from under us. Now the fares are through the roof. To add insult to injury, it was part of a side-to-side with another ship in the same port so I had to cancel that one too. Annoying of course, but I did get an even better deal on the Bliss for the Panama Canal instead.

I was puzzled by this place too. I wonder if NCL intended it to appeal to non-American passengers as a touristy sort of thing since diners are classic Americana?

Yes, I was planning to use whatever I bring (Mio drops, powdered Margarita singles or Sodastream syrup) with club soda, lime (and the liquor, of course) from the bar. Best to keep it as simple as possible though. Don't want to look like I'm conducting a science experiment (or spiking my drink with shampoo!!!)

An e-mail to the Food and Beverage Manager would not go amiss. There's one on each ship, of course, but I wonder if there is an appropriate head person at corporate.

I really thought I was asking an oddball question but it seems I have a lot of company! Since NCL won't allow us to bring our own mixers, they really should step it up in the low-cal area. There are so many good (but liquid) sugar-free margarita mixes on the market. I bet they are loosing a good bit of revenue by not stocking one.

Great ideas and information. Thank you everybody. I had no idea that soda stream made a diet tonic syrup!

Thank you. I was thinking that in a pinch I could bring along MIO drops or the individual Crystal Light packets but I would much rather be able to have a gin and tonic.

Do NCL bars stock any sugar free mixers besides diet pepsi and club soda? We are sailing on the Bliss and, ideally hoping they will have diet tonic water available. There won't be much point in my taking the drink package if there's nothing I can drink on a low carb/no sugar diet so I'd like to know in advance. Thanks for any info.

Put the inflatable bathtub on your balcony with a few toys and let him splash there. He can even skinny dip:)

Since you are planning to order continental breakfast, just order however many containers of milk you will need for your son that day and put them in your fridge. Milk and juices are part of the continental breakfast offerings and there is no charge for them.

Thanks very much for the clarification.