ROLL CALL: Celebrity Equinox 10/18/2010 Pied Piper

[Bayotter]

Hi all,

 

I just purchased my first shore excursion! I decided, since I may not be back in Israel for a long time, to book the "Dead Sea & Massada Overland" tour. It seems unreasonably high priced, but since it would cost me more to go back to Israel to see the same sights, I decided to just go for it. I've been to Egypt before and seen most of the sights, so I may just book a tour of Alexandria, since I wasn't there previously. For those who haven't been to Egypt before, consider the overnight trip to Luxor. You won't regret it! It may sell out in advance.

 

Has anyone else booked anything yet? What tours are you considering?

 

Jamie

[vivavino]

I was looking at some of those tours; they really are terrific, and terrificly expensive.

 

Pied Piper usually publishes a list of suggested tours for their trips, so look for that sometime in early summer. If you choose one of those, you'll be traveling with the host and all the PP folks will be together on the same bus. So, if you've always wanted to be part of a gang of gay men wandering through Egypt, this may be your chance. LOL

 

I'm getting ready for Italy, and the Windstar cruise - my first. So, I'll get serious about excursions when I'm back in a couple weeks.

[Bayotter]

Pied Piper usually publishes a list of suggested tours for their trips, so look for that sometime in early summer. If you choose one of those, you'll be traveling with the host and all the PP folks will be together on the same bus.

 

That's good to point out for first-timers with Pied Piper to know. I will be waiting for the Pied Piper list to come out for all the other ports of call. The Israel tour was the only one I am booking this far in advance to make sure I got and, in fact, after I booked the "single occupancy" choice, it is no longer available, though the "double occupancy" still is. They must have limited the singles, probably due to hotel room allotment.

 

For those who don't know, you can save money booking shore excursions directly with local suppliers. Ship booked shore excursions are almost always more costly than booking on your own. But a word of caution: if you book on your own, and anything goes wrong, Celebrity will not step in to protect you. If you are in an accident, you are on your own. If you are running late, the ship will not wait for you. So some look at the extra cost of booking with Celebrity as a sort of insurance should something go wrong. And things can and do go wrong, though not often. I have used outside tour companies in the past, without any problems, but I am very selective, and generally I stick with the ship-offered tours.

[BriSquared]

Thanks for the hint on booking Egypt early. I do want to book the overnight tour with the ship with the comfort that they will wait for us if we get lost....just was not too keen on pre-paying so early. Looks like it may be better to book sooner rather than later.

[Bayotter]

The most extensive shore excursions tend to sell out very early: dogsledding in Alaska, day trips to Moscow from St. Petersberg, and the overnight trip to Luxor are the types of shore excursions that sell out long before the cruise. If you find one that is sold out, try to get on a wait list. There are almost always cancellations.

[BriSquared]

Oops...I am looking at the Cairo Overland that spends over night in Cairo rather than Luxor. I see the Luxor now too. Looks good but I am not so keen on the flight part. The Cairo Overland goes to Memphis which also should be nice. It is not Luxor but should still be interesting. Not sure if that has the same dangers of selling out but may not be worth taking the chance.

[Bayotter]

It's been awhile since we had any posts here, so I thought I would bump up the thread. Will anyone be arriving early in Rome?

 

I will be in Rome for 4 nights before the cruise. If anyone would like to meet up for pre-cruise coffee or drinks, let me know. I will be staying at the Montecarlo Hotel in Rome. I will be in London for 2 nights after the cruise staying at the London Bridge Hotel.

 

Only 3 months until sailing now!

 

Jamie

[johhnnyt]

It's been awhile since we had any posts here, so I thought I would bump up the thread. Will anyone be arriving early in Rome?

 

I will be in Rome for 4 nights before the cruise. If anyone would like to meet up for pre-cruise coffee or drinks, let me know. I will be staying at the Montecarlo Hotel in Rome. I will be in London for 2 nights after the cruise staying at the London Bridge Hotel.

 

Only 3 months until sailing now!

 

Jamie

 

I'm doing kind of the opposite, as I'm staying in London a few days before the cruise (14-17th) and then arriving in Rome on the 17th. A good friend has apartments to let in West Kensington, so figured I would stay there and visit with him for a few days prior to sailing. Looked at the Montecarlo hotel info, looks like a nice place, maybe I'll book there for the night of the 17th, and we can grab coffee or dinner or something.

[Bayotter]

Hey JohnnyT, that would be great. Let me know if you end up staying at the Montecarlo.

 

Counting down the days!

[will_greek]

Hey Guys

 

I look forward to connecting with you guys pre cruise and on the ship.

 

Welcome to this trip.

 

You guys have certainly done more cruises than anyone I know.

 

Qstn: were all those cruises done via Pied Piper (or Atlantis/RSVP) or just mainstreaming ?

 

Cheers,

 

William,

 

Toronto, Canada.

[will_greek]

Hi Jamie, Johnny, Guys (remember I am the Pied Piper 'virgin') (but have been 'Atlantisized')

 

It is good to re-connect online. I havent been on here for several months. In the midst of a move to a fab new condo in downtown Toronto (Village). Working with a Designer, supplier delays, so the usual drama.

 

I was also wandering if anyone was staying the 17th overnight in Rome. Derek told me there is a cruise package at another hotel and they took you to the port. I checked, it is a crappy hotel and not worth the price.

 

I would love to book the Montecarlo as well and at least meet 2 of my fellow travelers pre-cruise. I hope that is cool.

 

I have not booked my flight (!), but it looks like I get a good deal flying roundtrip Toronto-Rome on Alitalia.

 

I am in A1 class on Panorama Deck outside suite #91nn, room share assigned.

 

Derek told me, as confirmed by Vivavino and Jamie, that the Pied Piper list of Excursions will be sent in August. I want a tribal experience for my excursions if possible.

 

But now I am hearing about: booking private tours (pros/cons), regular tour excursions (pro/con) and don't know what to do ????

 

BTW, where are these tour excursions on the web ?

 

I have not visited either country, so want excursions in both. Classic Christian tour (those 2 churches, etc.) in Israel and classic Egypt/Sphinx/Pyramid tour.

 

Not sure about Alexandria vs. Luxor. Flight may be taxing.

 

I am now exploring if any of you guys are trying to form a private local tour group. I would certainly look at that, cant guarantee it, but am curious.

 

Want Pied Piper tours. Also want mainstream tours.

 

So not sure where to begin.

 

With your valuable posts (thanks to all you guys!!!), now I am worried I am not booking early enough on mainstream tours. But PP list is not out yet. Do they allocate a certain number for the mainstream tours, for eg. (ship says tour sold out, but PP has a limited allocation guaranteed ???)

 

I WOULD APPRECIATE ALL THE INPUT FROM YOU ALUMNI GUYS !

 

I wasnt thinking about this tour until now. It was just so busy year to date.

 

Best wishes all,

 

William (Bill).

 

Toronto, Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been awhile since we had any posts here, so I thought I would bump up the thread. Will anyone be arriving early in Rome?

 

I will be in Rome for 4 nights before the cruise. If anyone would like to meet up for pre-cruise coffee or drinks, let me know. I will be staying at the Montecarlo Hotel in Rome. I will be in London for 2 nights after the cruise staying at the London Bridge Hotel.

 

Only 3 months until sailing now!

 

Jamie

[vivavino]

Greetings -

I did hear from PP (in fact - got my final invoice this week, so it must be real!). They're working on the shore ex planning.

 

The easiest way to see the most current cruiseline list is to visit the Celebrity website and set up an account. Then you can add your reservation (using the reservation number and date) and THEN you can see what's for sale. I have attached a file that might help. It's actually a ZIP file, so you'll have to change the file extension to ZIP when you save it on your computer.

 

For those who are new - if you buy the excursion now, you will pay now, but they will refund that without hassle, as long as you cancel before the cutoff date onboard. So, if you had to cancel the trip before departure, you'd get all that back. I've had to do that once, so I know it works.

 

I did book the Cairo Overland. As mentioned earlier, the overland in Israel was booked for single occupancy. PP is unlikely to recommend the overlands - they tend not to suggest the really expensive things. They are more likely to stay mid-range. I still haven't seen any excursions offered online for our third day in Israel.... I wonder what's up with that.

 

I took the one night pre-cruise in Rome at the Crowne Plaza. Transfers and hotels in Rome are CRAZY expensive - I paid $300/night recently for the equivalent of a Comfort Inn in a good location, and transfers were another $250 or more.... So for $327, I have a room to myself, and the transportation. For those doing independent things, I had an absolutely wonderful experience with these guys: http://www.romelimousines.com/rates.html

They were always early, perfect service, and in Rome - most important - calm, competent drivers.

 

Well, it's approaching 100 degrees here today... time to get the errands done, and then retire back to the AC today. :)

 

David.

HolyLand ShoreExcusionsZIP.pdf

[will_greek]

Hi David

 

Thanks for the new information. And especially for the zip/pdf file. I really appreciate it. As a newbie, Derek today recommended I wait for his list. I am definitely not doing single supplements on land overnights. The Atlantis HAL shore excursions to the Baltic last year were absolutely ridiculously designed and priced. Since I am spending so much on my condo and its design, i may need to go the mid PP route - as you mentioned.

 

I have traveled throughout Italy (second only to Greece). The only major region I havent visited is Sicily. So it will be a thrill to go there. With Greek roots, I am interested in its original Greek heritage ruins, amongst other things.

I will stay on ship in Naples as I have done the whole Amalfi Coast on land extensively. A bit of spa'ing would be good for the senses. And to take in the ship, which might get ignored a bit with such a destination centric cruise.

 

Cheers,

Bill.

 

 

 

 

Greetings -

I did hear from PP (in fact - got my final invoice this week, so it must be real!). They're working on the shore ex planning.

 

The easiest way to see the most current cruiseline list is to visit the Celebrity website and set up an account. Then you can add your reservation (using the reservation number and date) and THEN you can see what's for sale. I have attached a file that might help. It's actually a ZIP file, so you'll have to change the file extension to ZIP when you save it on your computer.

 

For those who are new - if you buy the excursion now, you will pay now, but they will refund that without hassle, as long as you cancel before the cutoff date onboard. So, if you had to cancel the trip before departure, you'd get all that back. I've had to do that once, so I know it works.

 

I did book the Cairo Overland. As mentioned earlier, the overland in Israel was booked for single occupancy. PP is unlikely to recommend the overlands - they tend not to suggest the really expensive things. They are more likely to stay mid-range. I still haven't seen any excursions offered online for our third day in Israel.... I wonder what's up with that.

 

I took the one night pre-cruise in Rome at the Crowne Plaza. Transfers and hotels in Rome are CRAZY expensive - I paid $300/night recently for the equivalent of a Comfort Inn in a good location, and transfers were another $250 or more.... So for $327, I have a room to myself, and the transportation. For those doing independent things, I had an absolutely wonderful experience with these guys: http://www.romelimousines.com/rates.html

They were always early, perfect service, and in Rome - most important - calm, competent drivers.

 

Well, it's approaching 100 degrees here today... time to get the errands done, and then retire back to the AC today. :)

 

David.

[Bayotter]

Hi all,

 

Hey Bill, I have been to central Italy many times, and I will probably stay on board in Naples too. But for anyone of you who have not been there yet, the Amalfi Coast is magnificent and well worth seeing. But I am looking forward to Sicily as it will be my first time there. I'll wait to see if there is a Pied Piper group tour offered there.

 

Having extensively toured Egypt prior (with a gay group, no less!), I will probably do something quick just to see Alexandria and then hang out on board there too. Besides, since I sunk what would have been almost an entire cruises shore excursion budget into that 2 day Israel overland trip ($1300 :eek:), I need to draw the line somewhere! (But hopefully not in the martini bar. :rolleyes:)

 

I have sometimes booked non-cruise sponsored shore excursions, but wasn't planning to this time around. There are some great recommendations here on Cruise Critic. Look under Ports of Call, or something like that.

 

Happy planning!

 

Jamie

[will_greek]

Hi Jamie

 

Thanks for the information.

 

I will tell you and JohnnyT when I book The Montecarlo in Rome for the night of the 17th.

 

Cheers,

 

Bill.

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

Hey Bill, I have been to central Italy many times, and I will probably stay on board in Naples too. But for anyone of you who have not been there yet, the Amalfi Coast is magnificent and well worth seeing. But I am looking forward to Sicily as it will be my first time there. I'll wait to see if there is a Pied Piper group tour offered there.

 

Having extensively toured Egypt prior (with a gay group, no less!), I will probably do something quick just to see Alexandria and then hang out on board there too. Besides, since I sunk what would have been almost an entire cruises shore excursion budget into that 2 day Israel overland trip ($1300 :eek:), I need to draw the line somewhere! (But hopefully not in the martini bar. :rolleyes:)

 

I have sometimes booked non-cruise sponsored shore excursions, but wasn't planning to this time around. There are some great recommendations here on Cruise Critic. Look under Ports of Call, or something like that.

 

Happy planning!

 

Jamie

[will_greek]

Hi Guys

I will keep you posted on my initial thoughts on excursions to book once I get the PP list in August.

I hope you can also share your excursions - booked and may cancel PLUS yet to book and waiting for List as well.

It would be nice to have a bus of us PP guys doing some great treks together !

Cheers,

Bill.

[BriSquared]

Will

Sorry for the delayed response. We were away on the Wind Surf (great experience) and are pleased to see the flurry of e-mails on the post....looks like a great crowd.
In response to your question, this is our first Pied Piper cruise and we have not been Atlantasized...as you say :)
So we may be the true PP virgins...
We are also travelling with some friends who are not PP so we are likely bouncing everywhere.
We are staying beforehand in Rome...arriving on the 16th. Just flew back from Rome Sundaay and cannot say we are looking forward to the flight...delays.....cocktails....missed connections....cocktails...all a trade off!
Looking forward to a great cruise! :D

[johhnnyt]

I think I probably will book the Montecarlo hotel for the 17th. From their website, looks like a nice spot for the night. Maybe have dinner with some of you guys then.
I used a car service when I was in Rome a few years back, so going to contact them about transit up to the ship. I pulled up the old email and in 2007 it was 110 Euros for the trip up there. If I remember right it was about 2 hours from Rome.
Haven't booked any excursions yet as waiting for the PP list. Also have a friend who's a high ranking diplomat thats real well connected in Egypt. I had contacted him about tours in Egypt, and he suggested I contact his office right at the end of September, and he would make some calls. He's a good guy to know, when we visited Jordan a few years ago thanks to him no customs, no immigration, royal court escort everywhere we went. I don't expect that in Egypt, but do know he knows how to open doors in that part of the world.
Now if I could just find a good business class airfare to Rome, I would be happy (well maybe).

[will_greek]

Thanks for sharing your initial plans and thanks for info on hotel in Rome to Port.

I look forward to at least the three of us at the Montecarlo. Relaxing dinner...la dolce vita ! It would be great to share the 110Euro cost of the trip from our hotel to the port.
Looking forward to see, like me, what is on the PP excursion list.

Best regards,
William.



[quote name='johhnnyt']I think I probably will book the Montecarlo hotel for the 17th. From their website, looks like a nice spot for the night. Maybe have dinner with some of you guys then.
I used a car service when I was in Rome a few years back, so going to contact them about transit up to the ship. I pulled up the old email and in 2007 it was 110 Euros for the trip up there. If I remember right it was about 2 hours from Rome.
Haven't booked any excursions yet as waiting for the PP list. Also have a friend who's a high ranking diplomat thats real well connected in Egypt. I had contacted him about tours in Egypt, and he suggested I contact his office right at the end of September, and he would make some calls. He's a good guy to know, when we visited Jordan a few years ago thanks to him no customs, no immigration, royal court escort everywhere we went. I don't expect that in Egypt, but do know he knows how to open doors in that part of the world.
Now if I could just find a good business class airfare to Rome, I would be happy (well maybe).[/quote]

[Bayotter]

Hi William, JohnnyT and fellow Travelers,

I will be arriving in Rome on October 14, so I will be 4 nights at the Montecarlo. I would be happy to share a transfer, but I don't think anyone else is arriving that early? Although I wanted to spend a few nights in Rome, the date was determined by business class award availability with British Airways. The things I do for a comfortable flight! -lol

[johhnnyt]

I do hope BA runs a sale before the trip as I love there new business class pods. I know on their flights from NY they actually set up a full buffet before you get on the plane.
I did get a quote back from the car service I used before (3 years ago) and prices were up about 30%, so I think I'll check around and see what some others will charge.
October 17th FCO drive to Montecarlo hotel in Rome : 70E
October 18th Montecarlo Hotel to Civitavecchia port: 160E
October 31st Civitavecchia port to FCO airport: 160E
Like William said, be nice to have dinner together pre-cruise

[Bayotter]

I am traveling with my parents, so not really able to offer shared transfers to the ship as we will be transported by a sedan that only allows up to 3 people plus luggage. Otherwise, I would certainly have suggested a share to split the cost. On the return, I think we will be just using the ship transfers. Our flight to London is not until about 3 in the afternoon, but I still would rather not risk a car and driver not showing up on time. (It has happened before!)

Dinner definitely the night before departure, but just us guys (and any others in the group that would like to meet us at the Montecarlo.) My folks will be fine on their own that night.

Any of you traveling with any straight friends, sisters, brothers, parents etc? This is my parents third Pied Piper cruise, but I have been on many more, with a few guests bringing along non-LGBT friends and family.

Jamie

[BriSquared]

For transfers or tours in Rome, Naples, Florence, etc., I very highly recommed [URL="http://www.romelimostours.com"]www.romelimostours.com[/URL]
You can email them at [EMAIL="romelimostours@romelimostours.com"]romelimostours@romelimostours.com[/EMAIL]
Anna will respond and you can tell her Brian sent you.

It is a family owned and operated business and Anna is the one who will do the booking and likely Maurtizio or Daniel will do the driving or one of their other drivers.

I have used them in the past for several transfers and tours and they are the most prompt, courteous and reliable service I have experienced. I used them last year and 8 days ago again and have them booked for my transfer from the airport to my hotel in Rome, then from my hotel to the cruise and back from the cruise to Rome again. If you have extra nights in Rome and want a wonderful experience they offer a night tour to Castel Gandolfo where they can recommend the most wonderful restaurant. The vehicles are wonderful and I wouldn't consider any one else for my transfers.

As noted the 110 Euro rate is gone but they are very competitive and reliable. They are much less than the ship transfers and are private rather than by the busload. Just my little input ;)

[johhnnyt]

I'll give them (romelimotours) a try and compare, thanks for the suggestion. I'm probably coming back the same day of that the cruise ends, since I'll be spending a few days in London, prior to the cruise.
I know the CEO of celebrity a bit and last year he was nice enough to allow me to bring about 15 people up on the bridge for a sail away from one of the ports, where the captain and the pilot explained what was going on. I contacted him recently on an unrelated matter, and think can get a few perks again this trip.
Starting to get excited only about two months to go.

[nnjcruiseguys]

Hey all - so I JUST discovered that the cruise my husband and I booked (a year ago) is listed with Pied Piper. I'm going to see if we can contact PP and be able to join in on some of your fun. There are 5 of us traveling. (3 men and 2 women.) We can't wait for this trip. We've arriving in Rome on Friday morning the 15th (staying at [url]www.hotelteatropace.com[/url]) and we've booked all our excursions as well.

Did the Baltic Sea cruise last year for two weeks and chose this one at that time. It looks like an amazing cruise. (And we did go ahead and book the over night in Cairo as well.) I hope we get to run into you all on board! (It's always great to find other gays who are traveling on otherwise 'straight' cruises - and we're not the types to go on the all gay cruises.)