HMWCambridge

On 5/13/2022 at 11:16 PM, casofilia said:

With Putin's latest threat, to "deploy nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles" to Kaliningrad, I wonder how long it will be before ALL cruising in the Baltic will be cancelled.

 

I don't know that I would be happy going anywhere near there this Northern summer!!

We have a Baltic cruise booked with P&O in July and I really wish that they would cancel all cruises in the Baltic this summer.  We have paid and would lose the full payment now, but if I were in the situation where payment was due I definitely would not be going.

2 hours ago, casofilia said:

@sverigecruiser

 

Finland and Sweden have not applied to join NATO, yet. Hopefully they will soon.

 

According to the latest news I see here in New Zealand, there is no chance of joining as Turkey will issue the "black ball"

They may have no chance of joining, but from Putin's point of view it will be them declaring an intent to join that may cause a Russian reaction.

4 hours ago, insidecabin said:

Prices on those went up and in the UK the free at sea has doubled.

They have also closed deck 5.

 

Waiting for my upgrade offer to be accepted, a lot of cabins available last time I looked.

 

 

Sorry  to sound naive but what do you mean by an 'upgrade offer?'

Is Barcelona doable on your own (with a good guide book and map) or is a private tour better?

 

Thank you,

 

Mary

We were in Barcelona last week and used the hop on hop off buses - 27 euros each. Commentary provided on the bus. Bus stop very close to the cruise port. It helps if you plan which places you wish to visit before you go. If you plan to visit the Sagrada Familla, do book the tickets on line to avoid the queues.

Definitely more fun to set your own programme, rather than a tour here.

Have a great time!

PS Secure your belongings, many pickpockets in Barcelona

Phoned my TA and they got in touch with the Thomson visa dept and they confirmed visas WILL be required if flying in to Turkey and this from UK gov site:

Entry requirements

 

Visas

 

British nationals need a visa to enter Turkey, except for cruise ship passengers with ‘British Citizen’ passports entering the country for a day trip, remaining in the port of embarkation and returning to the ship the same day.

British Citizens can get a multiple entry visitor visa, valid for 90 days, on arrival at any port of entry on payment of £10 in cash (Scottish currency is not accepted). You can also get an e-visa in advance online (if you’re visiting as a tourist or on business) or from the Turkish Consulate in London.

From 10 April 2014, it will not be possible to get a visa on arrival. If you’re arriving in Turkey after that date, you will need to get an e-visa online before you travel. Cruise ship passengers with ‘British Citizen’ passports entering the country for a day trip, remaining in the port of embarkation and returning to the ship the same day will continue to be able to enter Turkey without a visa or e-visa.

Has anyone been on a cruise where you stay overnight on board the ship in port, thus having two days? Are you still OK without an visa/EVisa?

Hi Jennifer

One suggestion is to splash out on Florence (Pisa as well would be a stretch) and do it yourself for Pompeii. On our first cruise (not RC) we booked a tour to Pompeii - but it also included a trip to a cameo jewellery factory and a tacky souvenir shop. The actual tour of Pompeii was good, but far too short.

Trains in Italy are really cheap and an interesting experience, you can walk to Naples station and Pompeii is a very short train ride - the ruins are directly outside the station. We paid a few euros for a registered guide when we got in there, he took a group of 10-15 and was great. If you do this, you can also visit Herculaneum which is also stunning, (Erclano) and often missed - they also have tour guides onsite. You just walk straight down from the station about 1/4 of a mile and you are there.

I hope that you have a great time and enjoy both Florence & Pompeii.

Helen

We travelled as four adults from the port to Rome last summer - but it was at the end of the cruise. However, I would be comfortable to do it both ways now.

It is a straightforward walk from the port entrance to the train station takes about 20 mins (about half a mile). If you do go by train make sure that you get the express it takes about 45 minutes, slower trains are about 1 hour 20 mins. I think that we paid about 7 euros 50c each way. Further details are on http://www.civitavecchiaport.org/how-to-get-there

There are also lots of taxis at the port entrance offering day trips to Rome, my parents took that option when they visited and had a great day

Have a great time

We bought a three day pass last year, 16.50 euros. We used it on the buses more than the metro, as it gave great views of Rome as we travelled around. Bus 66 went to many of the main attractions - however, it is known as the 'pick pocket express.' We had no problems though, but did take precautions, not taking too much out with us and I kept my zip up handbag secured with a safety pin as well! It was easy to figure out which bus to catch where and was good fun.

Another alternative is that you can hire bikes on the street and travel around. My son found these great - not something I would personally contemplate.

Have a great time!

Many thanks for your advice everyone. We have purchased the soda packages and a wine package. Only 6 more sleeps!!:D

Looking at buying the soda package for our cruise later this month? It states that you are given a tumbler to use. Do you have to carry it and use at all times or can you just show your sea pass and get sodas without it?

We are travelling on the Indy out of Southampton at end of June, usually go with Celebrity and a bit anxious about this one having read some of the reviews. Would love to hear some positive feedback. :):)