Jkaczano

first hand report from a NH couple on the ferry https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-couple-bahamas-ferry-sinking/45865912#

You’re actually lucky. May 2023 Holy Land cruise changed ports after we sailed. Ashdod was cancelled the night before we were to dock and although we docked in Haifa (and went through immigration), the ship departed 3 hour later due to danger. Replacement ports were decided while “on the move”. We, like you, paid a premium for a “Holy Land” cruise. At least you have the opportunity to decide if you still want to sail.

We did Odyssey 5/6/23 sailing out of Rome (Civi) stopping at Ephesus. We did not require visas.

We did Oia on your own in May. There is a long hill of stairs from where the busses park to the town of Oia. You will be walking both up and down them. It would be completely impossible in a wheelchair (and the busses are not equipped) Honestly, I would not recommend doing the tour unless you can do at least 3 to 4 flights of stairs both up and down A link to my blog with a description of the day is below

Here is a link to my blog on boarding Odyssey in Civi in May. It includes timing on leaving Rome, arriving at the terminal, and boarding

My experience on May 6th Odyssey disembarking May 18th

May 6th Odyssey Holy Land cancelled the 3 days in Israel which was the first sailing after the transatlantic.

On the 5/6 Odyssey sailing, the initial itinerary was Ashdod followed by Haifa. Cruise director announced that 500 passengers were getting off in 1 port and not returning until the 2nd. They asked anyone doing so to please let them know. We ended up skipping Israel due to the political unrest.

Advanced requires you to already have your blue (advanced) band. Self assist is the opportunity for people to attempt stand up. current policy (Anthem in March and Odyssey in May) is to load yourself and ride in control for 10 seconds to get a blue band. Definition of “in control” did vary though. I agree that the best way to learn stand up is a lesson.

You’re not in the states. It’s a cruise ship. My 15 year old has become very adroit at ordering drinks especially virgin strawberry daiquiris at the cruise bars using his diamond vouchers without an adult. Even knows how to add a tip and sign his name. If the bars were not designed for children, there would be big signs saying 21+ only. It is perfectly “normal” for children to be in bars here in New Hampshire as many also serve food. The message I send to my kids is to be polite and well behaved no matter where they are.

Flowrider time is broken up into 4 times - boogie board, mixed wave, assisted stand up, and advanced. To try stand up, you must have previous stand up or surfing type experience. You then must “show” boogie board ability by loading and then going back and forth on wave. Stand up can be tried during mixed or assisted stand up times. Policy is that staff may NOT help you load. You will be given 2-3 tries (depends on ship and staff) and then either you won’t be able to try again all cruise, all day, all session, or for 1 hour (depends on ship and staff).

My FIL is also on this sailing. He has done this ship/itinerary several times and he also said this one has not been up to usual standards.

This morning - we had key so I arranged our private pickup (romecabs) for 7:30. Had a quick breakfast at Windjammer at 6:45 and people were just starting to get off the ship. We went back to the room and were off the ship about 7:15. No line to get out. Driver was waiting and has us to Fimicino in just about an hour. Had to show passports just to get into bag drop line and then again when dropped bags. I purchased Fast Track to get through security faster but it was a complete waste. Security said you could only use fast track if you were first or business class and part of your ticket. I told her it was supposed to be for security too and she FINALLY tried it where it worked. Definitely not worth the money, caused aggravation, and probably took longer than if we just used regular line. Made it to the gate just about 9. flight times - making a 10:30 flight time would have been possible this morning but would have been tight even with key departure, private transfer, no traffic, and fast track.

Wednesday (yesterday) was our last port day in Naples. I had booked the private Pompeii shore excursion through LivItaly. Pickup was scheduled for 8 but Roberto was there 7:45 when we exited the ship. Since we weren’t meeting the guide until just before 9 at Pompeii, he brought us to see the cathedral in the new town of Pompeii. It was amazing inside. Met our tour guide Annalise just outside the ruins. Her tour was absolutely amazing and she was extremely knowledgeable. I’m sure there was much more to see as the site is very extensive, but we got a great overview. After the tour was over, Roberto was supposed to bring us to an authentic lunch but after 2 weeks, we suggested plan 3 - back to the ship. He then suggested plan 4 - his favorite to go. We thought this was a great plan. He brought us to pizzeria da carmine in Pompeii right next to the amphitheater gate. They had small pizzas and calzones - each 2.50 euro - which we ate on the way back to the ship. Both the kids and adults really enjoyed it. spent the afternoon on Northstar, flowrider, and bumper cars. Last night was packing and a make up show of Effectors. The 8:30 show the previous night stopped 3! Times for technical issues before they decided to just do the show again.