Jolimont

Hello cruisers,

I haven't been around for a while, but preparing for our upcoming Liberty cruise, so of course I'm back on CC :-)

Our flights home don't leave until 7pm, can we pay to stay on the ship longer? I think they offered that on Norwegian. Pay an extra $100 pp and debark at 3pm or something.

I guess we could also do a post-cruise excursion, but that would only kill a couple of hours. We debark in Newark btw.

Suggestions? Thanks!

Why Marseille is a fine place to stop on a cruise, where you should go and what not to miss. Historical background too. This is a podcast which is radio on-demand, you can listen on the website or download form iTunes. http://joinusinfrance.com/episode-37-marseille/

You could take the TGV train to Reims and visit Champagne houses, all by yourself. This travel podcast tells you how: http://joinusinfrance.com/13/

Ajaccio is Napoleon's home town, he's not my favorite French ruler, but he had a big impact on history.

The museum devoted to Napoleon in Ajaccio is pretty good, not really big, you can spend an hour there. It closes over lunch time BTW.

Another thing to do in Ajaccio is to visit the cathedral: Notre Dame de l'Assomption.

I love that modern stained glass:

Honestly, Ajaccio is one of those towns that almost anyone can visit on their own, and you can even get back to the ship for lunch it's so close! Have fun!

And this is the view from the deck of the ship. You can see how close the town is.

The beach is right near the ship too in Ajaccio:

In Ajaccio the ship will most likely dock right in the city. I was there on the Adventure of the Seas and it was really nice to get off the ship right next to small boats within 5mn walk to the old town. A very easy walk and a pleasant town. I didn't feel the need for an excursion, there was plenty to do on our own just looking around and taking pictures. We speak French so maybe that was easier for us, but I think it's a town where you can take it easy. :D

If you're considering renting a car on one of your stops in France but you're not sure if it's a good idea or not, check out this audio podcast http://joinusinfrance.com/16/

Lots of tips and explanations and encouragement too. Renting a car in port is not for everyone, but if you're travelling in a small group you fill the car and you can save you a lot of money on excursions.

I've rented cars in strange places while on a cruise stop somewhere and it's always been a good experience, but quite intimidating. I'm not sure I would have done it before the GPS, but technology solved that for us. Now we can go where WE want to go :D

You know how French people have this reputation of being rude? :( Is there any truth to that? How can you get around it? There's a travel podcast that answers these questions: http://joinusinfrance.com/9/

And have you heard stories about tourists who show up in France and they can't use their credit card? :eek: What about those store hours? Do they EVER open? Yes they do, you just need to learn when: http://joinusinfrance.com/10/

Happy cruising!

City buses are equipped to take on a wheelchair. I know for a fact that they do in Paris. I have no idea if port shuttles do or not. It's possible it'll depend on the shuttle that pulls up??? Travel podcast for great general information about France and Paris: http://joinusinfrance.com/

Travel podcast about Paris and France in general: http://joinusinfrance.com/

Good information about general things to know about France and places to visit.

I appreciate the info everyone! I'm thinking Antibes or Nice would make a great day. We're going to have our relaxing day in Palma (maybe - it's so hard to not want to do it all!).

Nice is not that different from Cannes. You might as well stay put. And for the most part in Cannes I walk along the beach and look at people and stop at cafés. It's not a happenin' place other than when the Festival is on.

You took biscuits and chocolate milk for your diabetic husband?

If you're a nurse you've heard of hypoglycemia? :confused:

Having lived in Marseille for a year, I became very fond of this city.

Take bus 83 from the Old Port which travels along the Corniche Kennedy which has beautiful views. Go as far as the beach with the Statue of David. Get off the bus and have a drink at the beach bar. On the way back you may want to get off at "Vallon des Auffes" and walk down the steps to the little inlet for small boats. These are the same steps that show up in the opening scene in the "French Connection". Have a pizza at the pizzeria or splurge at the Chez Fon Fon with bouillabaisse. Marseille is a vibrant and fascinating city in Provence. If I were to spend any time traveling pout of the city, it would be to Cassis.

I'll second that recommendation. Public transportation to the Vieux Port (by city bus or port shuttle), walk around the Vieux Port and the small streets nearby. Get a public bus (or tourist train) up to the Cathedral (interesting church and a nice view from up there). Have some bouillabaisse at a local restaurant (can't recommend one, didn't write down the name). And go back to your ship happy.

The part of Marseilles tourists go to is really lovely and if it's your first time there, stay there and enjoy it. You can rush off to other lovely cities in Provence some other time.

If your credit card doesn't have a chip in it (in other words is a typical US card used by swiping) you will not be able to use it to pay for gas at self-serve gas stations with no attendant--90% of them in France today. And you won't be able to pay your toll with that card either. Make sure you pull up to the boot with an attendant (again, not many of those around).

Lots of views but nobody is saying anything. Did you try it? Did you like it?

Use the elevators. Most able-bodied folks will use the elevator also because climbing up that hill on a hot day doesn't sound like fun to most people.

This site is really good in helping prepare self-tours in Paris: http://joinusinfrance.com/ it's a free audio show (podcast for those in the know). Very nice I think. You can listen on the site or in iTunes.

Really good information that makes it possible to DIY shore excursions in France. Mostly Paris for now, but they say they'll branch out. I found it in iTunes (search for Join Us in France in the podcast category) or listen on their website http://joinusinfrance.com/

:)

Great review, thank you, I look forward to the pictures!

Thank you for the review and pictures, good stuff, I very much look forward to the Epic!

In late October, does anyone know if a reservation needs to be made for chez fonfon!

Marseilles is still the third most populated city in France in late October, so probably yes.

It's a European thing. At a restaurant in France you can ask for a carafe (tap water, sometimes from the fridge, always free) but most people ask for a specific brand of bottled water. We're tap water people, it's never a problem asking for a carafe. In Italy they look at you funny if you ask for tap water, it's the sure sign of a cheap skate there. We don't care, I still ask for tap water. If I'm in the mood to pay for a beverage I'll ask for a diet coke or wine or something!

If you pay using your credit card (NOT debit card) via Paypal, and they don't show up, you will get your money back. I don't see a big risk here if it's a reputable company.

Very good point! If the guide is the flake (which happens I'm sure) customers can get their refund back. I should tell my friend this tidbit to see if it encourages her to ask for the deposit in the first place. As far as I know she still doesn't, but in her years of experience she's only had one no-show. One too many in my book! In my business I will not put up with flaky customers, so why should she?

A good friend is a tour guide and once in a while she gets people who book her for the whole day and never show up. I told her she needs to ask for a deposit of at least 25% via PayPal. That way if somehow they don't show--I don't really care why--she gets some compensation for reserving the day on those flakes.