Just returned from Constellation - Venice to Athens; Any Questions

[redwings1958]

2 hours ago, May B said:

Ah, that makes sense. So you stayed one night in Venice (or Mestre?) and got yourself back to the airport for Celebrity’s transfer?

YEP that is correct; Stayed in Venice by San Marco Square

[Ozzmund]

6 hours ago, redwings1958 said:

Private tour arranged by another cruise member of the FB roll call;  11 persons, lunch and an A/C bus for $80 pp 6hr tour

Thanks.

[Stockjock]

Even though I wasn't asked, and haven't actually done the tour, we will be in Venice soon.  We are staying there 3 days, and this is a long 9 hour tour.  It includes a gondola ride, boat ride and tour of Murano and Burano, 

It's called Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano, not to be confused with Venice in a Day, which is 3 hours shorter & doesn't include a visit to the islands.  For those w/time, it's worth considering.  I thought the price was fair, given how long it is and how much is packed into 9 hours.  Average rating 5 stars out of 5 (157 reviews).  This probably makes the most sense for those with time pre-cruise or post-cruise, due to Venice's distance from Ravenna.

What you get with this tour

Skip-the-line guided tour of St. Mark’s & Doge's Palace

30-minute gondola ride

Free time for lunch

Round-trip transportation to Murano/Burano

Glassblowing demonstration in Murano

Lacemaking demonstration in Murano

Free time to explore both islands

Maximum group size of 20

A fun, local guide

Edited August 1, 2023 by Stockjock

[Steve H]

Have there been any refurbishment to the rooms lately. Have seen some u tube videos that look like they have. Possibly going in March on a TA.

[redwings1958]

4 hours ago, Steve H said:

Have there been any refurbishment to the rooms lately. Have seen some u tube videos that look like they have. Possibly going in March on a TA.

Probably have;  We had an inside room deck 7 Mid ship, and it was roomy, clean, with lots of storage space for clothes.  The water coming out of the sink as well as the temp in the mini fridge is not "cold", but rather cool.  A/C works great

[Sam13010]

We have a group of 50 going from Venice to the Ravenna Port in May 2024 that I cannot seem to find the answers. We will have been in Venice for 3 days so we would like to get on the ship before lunch.

1. I understand Celebrity has bus service from the Venice Tronchetto transportation hub. Is that correct?

2. What is the One way cost of the bus? I have read on a blog $48 but asking.

3. What time do the buses leave. I have heard 9, 11, and 1.

[hcat]

On 7/31/2023 at 6:17 AM, redwings1958 said:

NOTES:

• Lobster tail is $20 for extra tail
• tender service is WELL ORGANIZED
• Cold towels and water at the ports is such a blessing
• Pastries at Al Bacio are free so is water; Coffee is NOT
• Debarkation process - smoothest yet; found bags within 2 minutes
• Casino only takes dollars; $5 minimum before 6pm
• Showers have nice pressure and temp controls
• Only Butter; forget about finding margarine [ live a little!]
• A/C in room works well; safe in room too
• Ample time given between evening activities
• Dinner service is PROMPT - no 2 hour dinners
• Shows were NEVER crowded; ample seating; ditto for solarium and Pool Chairs
• There are (4) omelet stations in the Oceanview cafe; no queues
• Water in the drinking fountains is COLD

I'm sure I'll think of more; but this is it for now

nice format..short and to the point!

All good info..we may try Connie from Tampa..

[May B]

1 hour ago, hcat said:

nice format..short and to the point!

All good info..we may try Connie from Tampa..

My family of three just booked the cruise on Dec. 22nd. We love having the Connie four miles away from us!

[redwings1958]

2 hours ago, Sam13010 said:

We have a group of 50 going from Venice to the Ravenna Port in May 2024 that I cannot seem to find the answers. We will have been in Venice for 3 days so we would like to get on the ship before lunch.

1. I understand Celebrity has bus service from the Venice Tronchetto transportation hub. Is that correct?

2. What is the One way cost of the bus? I have read on a blog $48 but asking.

3. What time do the buses leave. I have heard 9, 11, and 1.

1. Yes that is correct:  or you can get the shuttle from the airport

2. $45pp; but the cost might have gone up

3.  depends on where you pick it up from;  We had the shuttle from the airport and it leaves every 1.5 hours starting at 9a.  Last shuttle is 330p

[hcat]

1 hour ago, May B said:

My family of three just booked the cruise on Dec. 22nd. We love having the Connie four miles away from us!

that is very convenient.. we are in south in Venice Fl.. We want to plan around Tampa  and then enjoy a cruise.  We have been on Connie several times but not recently...was always a nice ship!

[Schnauzergirl9]

On 8/1/2023 at 10:32 AM, Stockjock said:

Even though I wasn't asked, and haven't actually done the tour, we will be in Venice soon.  We are staying there 3 days, and this is a long 9 hour tour.  It includes a gondola ride, boat ride and tour of Murano and Burano, 

It's called Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano, not to be confused with Venice in a Day, which is 3 hours shorter & doesn't include a visit to the islands.  For those w/time, it's worth considering.  I thought the price was fair, given how long it is and how much is packed into 9 hours.  Average rating 5 stars out of 5 (157 reviews).  This probably makes the most sense for those with time pre-cruise or post-cruise, due to Venice's distance from Ravenna.

What you get with this tour

Skip-the-line guided tour of St. Mark’s & Doge's Palace

30-minute gondola ride

Free time for lunch

Round-trip transportation to Murano/Burano

Glassblowing demonstration in Murano

Lacemaking demonstration in Murano

Free time to explore both islands

Maximum group size of 20

A fun, local guide

Sounds like a great tour - who does this tour?   Name of company would help and cost.   Thank you. 

[Stockjock]

57 minutes ago, Schnauzergirl9 said:

Sounds like a great tour - who does this tour?   Name of company would help and cost.   Thank you. 

I think I'm allowed to share a link.  I have no affiliation with the tour company.  I have booked this but haven't yet done the tour, but the reviews are good.

https://thetourguy.com/tours/venice/hidden-venice-express-st-mark-rialto-gondola

[Schnauzergirl9]

4 hours ago, Stockjock said:

I think I'm allowed to share a link.  I have no affiliation with the tour company.  I have booked this but haven't yet done the tour, but the reviews are good.

https://thetourguy.com/tours/venice/hidden-venice-express-st-mark-rialto-gondola

 

[Schnauzergirl9]

Just now, Schnauzergirl9 said:

 

Thank you - will certainly have to consider this tour.   I have been & done all these places years ago but my sister has not so will share with her if interested.

[redwings1958]

On 8/5/2023 at 12:59 AM, Schnauzergirl9 said:

 

We booked ALL of our shore excursions thru PRIVATE tour companies;  They were better, cheaper and WAY less crowded than the Celeb offerings;  Forget about the threat about missing the ship.  ALL tours have backup plans, cell phones, and standby transportation.  They also know that with social media, I missed trip or bad review will SINK a business.  Too much competition

[travellerin1984]

On 7/31/2023 at 6:45 PM, Stockjock said:

Thanks, and again, let me know if you have any other tips that are not ship-specific.  Almost the identical itinerary, but we go go Nafplio rather than Mykonos.

We went to Nafplion on Infinity couple of weeks ago. It is very hot so get off the ship early! We climbed the stairs up to the castle round 8 am and it was ok-experience. Then we went to the beach, nice walk by the sea! After 11 AM it becomes incredibly hot (we had over 35 degrees) so be prepared with a lot of water and enjoy!

[redwings1958]

MORE NOTES:

• Solarium rules are strictly followed: A man had a bottle of beer in the pool and was told to leave
• Fitness center is WELL EQUIPPED
• Pursers office can exchange euro to dollars and reverse
• ATMs dispense DOLLARS
• Afternoon trivia is crowded, while morning trivia is NOT;  NO prizes though; just for fun 15 questions
• Eat breakfast in the MDR at least once;  Food is made to order and a lot better
• Never had to wait in line or search for pool chairs
• In the OV café, the waffles are all the way in the back as well as the French toast and pancakes

[si_boy]

33 minutes ago, redwings1958 said:

MORE NOTES:

• Solarium rules are strictly followed: A man had a bottle of beer in the pool and was told to leave.

Not the case in June, guests in the Solarium pool and hot tubs had drinks from the pool bar.

[May B]

55 minutes ago, si_boy said:

Not the case in June, guests in the Solarium pool and hot tubs had drinks from the pool bar.

I believe a drink from the pool bar is a plastic cup. Not the same as a glass bottle.

[redwings1958]

2 hours ago, May B said:

I believe a drink from the pool bar is a plastic cup. Not the same as a glass bottle.

Yep that is 100% true;  They are in a plastic cup.  This guy had a BOTTLE of CORONA

[D. B.]

On 8/4/2023 at 9:40 AM, hcat said:

that is very convenient.. we are in south in Venice Fl.. We want to plan around Tampa  and then enjoy a cruise.  We have been on Connie several times but not recently...was always a nice ship!

I was on Connie last May for the first time and even though it has not been Revolutionized like sister ships Millie and Summit it was still being kept spotless and the Crew were great.

   The only thing I missed from the other 2 ships was the upgraded TV's in the cabin and the ability to check my account.

 I will be on Connie again for a TA from Tampa to Barcelona in March 2024 as the ship will be dry docked at the end of that cruise for maintenance and Some upgrades. I ask and was told that the TV upgrade would be part of the program.

 Connie may never get the full Revolution make over as X is spending big on New E class ships to reposition itself for  the Next generation of cruisers.

 If X keeps the less crowded M class ships for another 10 years that should cover my needs.

 

 

[durhamdeb]

On 7/31/2023 at 6:17 AM, redwings1958 said:

NOTES:

• Lobster tail is $20 for extra tail
• tender service is WELL ORGANIZED
• Cold towels and water at the ports is such a blessing
• Pastries at Al Bacio are free so is water; Coffee is NOT
• Debarkation process - smoothest yet; found bags within 2 minutes
• Casino only takes dollars; $5 minimum before 6pm
• Showers have nice pressure and temp controls
• Only Butter; forget about finding margarine [ live a little!]
• A/C in room works well; safe in room too
• Ample time given between evening activities
• Dinner service is PROMPT - no 2 hour dinners
• Shows were NEVER crowded; ample seating; ditto for solarium and Pool Chairs
• There are (4) omelet stations in the Oceanview cafe; no queues
• Water in the drinking fountains is COLD

I'm sure I'll think of more; but this is it for now

thank you so much for this, really appreciate you taking the time to do this.

Quick question regarding Casino, can you use your OBC in the casino?

thanks

[durhamdeb]

On 8/1/2023 at 9:20 AM, redwings1958 said:

YEP that is correct; Stayed in Venice by San Marco Square

If you dont mind me asking, how did you travel from airport to hotel and then back to the airport to catch the cruise transfer and the costs?

thanks

[redwings1958]

20 hours ago, durhamdeb said:

If you dont mind me asking, how did you travel from airport to hotel and then back to the airport to catch the cruise transfer and the costs?

thanks

In Venice, the Alliguana[sp?] or Water Bus is the easiest way to get from airport to hotel and back;  Costs 30e for a roundtrip ticket, and it is about 1 hr in duration;  Very simple to use.  There are 3 different lines, so depending on where your hotel is determines which line to use

[Stockjock]

4 hours ago, redwings1958 said:

In Venice, the Alliguana[sp?] or Water Bus is the easiest way to get from airport to hotel and back;  Costs 30e for a roundtrip ticket, and it is about 1 hr in duration;  Very simple to use.  There are 3 different lines, so depending on where your hotel is determines which line to use

I'm not sure if we made the right decision or not, as we fly to Venice shortly, but we don't travel light and for us, it will definitely be easier to get a water taxi from the airport straight to the dock of the hotel. 

It's not cheap, normally about $130-$150 for two, and we're paying even more due to the Venice Film Festival demand.  I booked this through Expedia.  I found that I could book it for perhaps $50 less by going directly through the company, but I know it's going to be crazy busy during the Film Festival and I liked having Expedia there to back us up if something went wrong.

Thought I'd throw this in as an option.  Yes, more money, but it's a private water taxi that will drop us off at the hotel's dock, as long as it's not high tide.  I really don't want to be dragging baggage around over bridges and cobblestone streets if I don't have to, and I'll pay up to avoid that to the extent possible.