TessFromFlorida

Last summer, we did a Med cruise out of Rome and spent a couple of days there pre-cruise and it was perfect. We did a tour similar to the one you are talking about (I think, there are several similar options)- small group Positano, Sorrento, and Pompeii. It was fabulous! We hit Positano first, and it was perfect- spent the morning before crowds hit. Checked out some shops and had a leisurely breakfast. Then we spent an afternoon in Sorrento, which included a lunch with our tour group. We then spent the early evening in Pompeii. Our guide and driver were knowledgeable and personable. We are going back next summer and will do Capri then.

If it's a Mediterranean cruise out of Rome, I enjoyed our sunset starboard sailaways from each port.

I couldn't imagine doing that hike in the summer heat

Great experiences with Tours by Locals, but they did not include transportation. Viator, Airbnb Experiences, and Get Your Guide are my go-to companies for booking shore and regular ground excursions.

I love Moxy, but for 8 you are looking at 4 rooms unless you can book the coveted family rooms. I cannot speak from experience yet, but I booked room2 Southampton Hometel.

In Venice, we are staying in an Airbnb off the main way but close to the action. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43652666?source_impression_id=p3_1715307457_Bw6QKn%2B5h4tqOGAx Last summer while in Rome, we also stayed in an Airbnb near Vatican City and I would not hesitate to stay there again- it was perfect for my family of 3. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4848224?source_impression_id=p3_1677197712_DtSiKRbJxoTmR0zo

I am traveling just three weeks later on Allure, same itinerary I managed to talk my sister and her family into joining us, so we will be a group of 9. It will be their first time in Europe as well. I can't wait to follow along as you and your friends and family plan out your port days- I may steal an idea or three

I bought my two teens $25 in arcade credits each through the cruise planner during a sale... saved maybe $10. Glad I got a bit of a discount, because they didn't spend it. Some games were broken/down, and there wasn't much selection. This was on Odyssey. I would advise against pre purchasing credits for this reason

Absolutely!

Guilty. After experiencing a phone meltdown in Phoenix while in line for a Diamondbacks game (literally, the phone was melting ), I now ALWAYS print critical passes.

These audio tours are fantastic. We have used them throught Europe. Very easy to follow.

I wouldn't pay for an official excursion in Nassau, personally. I would suggest booking through Viator or Get Your Guide. It is very easy to get around and RCI charges through the nose. This was a fun day, but no beach. We live on the water so beach days are not our thing. If it is yours, I would suggest a taxi. https://www.viator.com/tours/Nassau/Nassau-Food-and-History-Bus-Tour/d420-18374P1

I can only speak from my own experience, but I find that when I book in advance I pay more than if I book in the hour leading up to when we need to leave.

I truly feel sorry for the people traveling with the OP, having been subjected to these rants. I can imagine they are reconsidering any future family vacation- I know I would. And who doesn't research how to get from point A to point B while in port? There is a public bus in Victoria right outside the port that will get you downtown for like $1.

@lindathepooh I also have trouble finding times that work in the app with my time dining- the available options are very late. You can go to the MDR soon after boarding with a list of preferred dining times for each night, 6:45pm or later in my experience, and they will do their best to accommodate.

The pies caught my eye too! I love the British MDR options on our sailing out of Southampton.

I also use www.insuremytrip.com

I booked through Get Your Guide, Viator, and Airbnb Experiences. We also downloaded a couple of Rick Steves walking tours. I was traveling with my two teens and we worked through a food scavenger hunt while in Italy and Greece.

We had an awesome time renting jet skis at CocoCay this past March

Not worth it, IMHO. I am a former Disney cast member, lived in Orlando for 10 years and my park visits number in the thousands. Last visit was 3 days ago. I share this not to brag but to keep it real. You will have 3 hours of park time if you try to visit during a port stop. If you end up booking you have no other option that to pay for Genie + if you want to get on more than 1 or 2 rides. Best bet is to visit before or after a cruise

Specialty allow 2 hours, as other have said

Ughhhhh.... yes, this is a cruise out of Southampton (we live in Florida). Thanks for the warning... I will reach out yet again.

Sorry you are still dealing with the Black Friday mess- same on this end! A $159.18 charge that I just can't settle no matter how much I try Shows in the app, not the desktop/website CP. The last person I spoke with pushed it out to our sailing date so I no longer have to keep paying it over and over only to be refunded days later. I do hope you can get a discount/refund for the days you must purchase once onboard.

I think it is fun, and have brought some onboard myself, but the last cruise we were on I found ducks that could easily choke a child. Not everyone hides regular or even the mini bathtub style ducks, now people are leaving these plastic ducks the size of a dime in places where small children can reach them

Yes, bring the marriage license