CruisingGs

We have always left messages on cabin phones. We tried Walkie-Talkies and they didn't work so well. But I think we are all going to try to iconcierge this next time. It's easier to have instant messages.

Need some cruise help?

We are taking a NCL cruise in December. They don't offer scuba diving for any excursions. Has anyone experienced scuba diving with a local dive master (or dive company) at Tortola? If so, was it a boat dive? And whom did you use?

Thanks!

Need some cruise help?

I would usually suggest to people coming into Rome before a cruise that it makes more sense to stay in Rome than in Civitavecchia, given the hour commute each way -- why not maximize your time in Rome? Also, Rome is very pleasant at night. It's great to eat dinner, then walk around and enjoy (along with everyone else) the fountains, piazzas and buildings, most of which are lit up nicely.

 

 

 

Have you considered doing this?

 

 

 

 

 

Re: the train stations, I don't know of any map but:

 

 

 

Colosseum and Forum: Ostiense train station, then transfer to metro (next door to train station) for two stops and you will be right AT the Colosseum.

 

 

 

St. Peter's Basilica/Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel: San Pietro train station, then walk the several blocks. The Basilica is closer; if you are going to the museum entrance, it is probably a half-hour walk.

 

 

 

Spanish Steps/Pantheon/Trevi Fountain: Termini Station, then take metro to Spanish Steps (Piazza Spagna) stop, and walk the well-worn tourist path from the Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon and finishing at Piazza Navona. You take in some of the iconic central Rome sites this way.

This is very helpful, thank you!

As far as staying in Rome, my husband doesn't want to. He wants to be as close to the port as possible. He doesn't give much input into travel, so I stick to the little input he does put in lol

Btw, what we are planning to do is go down there a day early before our ship leaves, check into the hotel, and then head into Rome.

Is there a map somewhere of what stops to get off at to see different attractions?

When we did our cruise out of Venice last year, we stayed in Mestre. It is just before the bridge to Venice. We hopped on the bus to Venice to go explore. My parents took the bus to the port before we boarded, too. We drove our car to park at the port. It saved us money staying there. I am all about saving money ;)

Has anyone attempted to go to Rome via the train from the port? How easy is it?

Was it easy to find the main attractions from the train station?

Thanks!

~J

Thank you to everyone that has given helpful suggestions!

I am even more excited for our cruise on the 24th!! It is the same itinerary.

Are they taking away the room service fee, too? Or just allowing food to be taken back to the rooms?

I think the people are complaining (as myself) about the rules *siiiiiiiiigh* have already PAID for their cruise. and these new' for profit rules' were put in place AFTER NCL recieved payment in full. So the smart thing as you say, is not an option for us. So as an "outsider', i hope you get it. Because im not shutting up, I will voice my fustration, i dont care who likes it or not. ( well at least NOT until this sunday cruise day when i get my drink on and all will be well with the universe and I wont remember how FDR and company tried to bend my booty over):D

I completely agree! We paid for our cruise before they implemented this new fee. I am frustrated, too. The past two times we used them we were not charged. I don't feel it is fair to charge it to those of us who have already paid. We can't back down from using NCL without paying a cancellation fee.

I emailed NCL about this. I just got a generic call saying sorry you are displeased, but there is nothing we can do put pass on my compliant. She said they have been getting many complaints, and maybe with enough complaints they may consider changing it back. It's irritating.

Are you all driving to the port or flying in?

We are going this October. Do you mind me asking how many children were on your sailing? We're just curious how many to expect for our kids.

 

 

 

Thanks!

When we did this one last year, there were lots of kids. All three of mine 9, 13, and 16 at the time, all found friends. It was great.

NCL "offers"(or demands??) a $12 pp shuttle to the train station. Then you can take the train, about 15 minute ride and about 4 euros pp to Pisa. It is a great walk to the tower, so beautiful. It was one of our favorite places, especially if you are the first people there and have the whole town to yourself before all the hundreds of people get there on the tour buses. It is really easy to do and a lot cheaper than taking a ship excursion. Have a fun time!

Excellent! Thanks for the tip

What can we do on our own as a family of 5? Can we go to the Leaning a Tower on our own?

What is there to do on our own in Cannes? What are the must sees/do?

Thanks!

We just walked around the city, as well. Very beautiful!

I thought it would be easier to get advice from someone who has done this route with NCL to give their personal advice. They would know the timing and if the excursions would end up being cheaper or more worth the organization.

Looking for some ideas on exploring the ports from someone that has recently cruised on the Epic. We don't typically use the NCL excursions too much because of the prices. Anyone have any great suggestions on what to do?

Last year we went on the Jade and used the hop on hop off bus in Athens. And used a bus the get to dubrovnik. We love saving money but still enjoying :-)

Sorry, we did the same cruise but on the 14th of June last year.

I think this is the same cruise I wrote a review on last year :) we had an amazing time!!

Oh, when we were at Dubrovnik, we did have to take a bus or taxi to the old town. We opted for the bus, it was only €2 round trip per person :)

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This may seem like an odd thing to add, but I am going to anyways. If you have any PTSD from deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan, please know that one of our friends was triggered in Turkey. He was fine until the Prayer Call went off. He was shopping in the market. He wanted to get straight back on the ship. He said it brought back too many memories. The two other that have deployed to both places were fine.

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Lovely pictures and report Really like all the happiness

Thank you. We are a pretty easy family to please, but with NCL we are defiantly very happy. We have decided to not switch cruise lines anymore because we have been disappointed too many times. The only the only other cruise line I will use is Disney.

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