amypmom23

When we booked our excursions, the only thing RC had in Florence was the Pisa/Florence tour, which we booked even though we didn't want to go to Pisa, because we really wanted to go to Florence. But when I looked just now, they have a bunch of things that are JUST Florence, so we switched to the Historical Florence & Accademia Museum (where you get to see Michelangelo's statue of David & other Renaissance art) instead.

Did anyone get a cabin with a virtual balcony? While some reviewers really haven't liked them, we had one on Harmony before and loved it- way cheaper than an ocean view cabin that time, with full length view rather than just a porthole, and you could see out but didn't have to worry about anyone seeing in, in port or whatever- but on this cruise, the cost difference was too much and it wasn't on the "bid to upgrade" list.

I own a ghost tour, so I always try to book directly with a company rather than through Viator or a cruise line if possible, so a third party isn't taking a huge cut. We're doing the following excursions: Azores/Portugal: half day 4x4 jeep tour that includes to the top of the volcano where you can see both lakes, 1 green and 1 blue side by side through Azores Trails of Nature. Malaga: RC's Discover Malaga by Land & Sea Cartagena: 3 Tapas Cartagena Tour, which I repeatedly tried to book through the provider with no success so I gave up and booked through Viator Spezia: RC's Best of Florence & Pisa Rome: Amalfi Coast, Positano & Pompeii full day tour through City Wonders. Vatican Scavi & Necropolis Tour, where you actually get to see the tomb of St Peter! So excited about this one. The tomb was only discovered last century, announced in 1968, and it is only under the current Pope that this opened to the public. You HAVE to get the tickets through the Vatican Excavation office (this is different from other necropolis tours you'll see). They only allow 250 people per day in groups of just 12 (which sounds like a lot but consider 19,000- 30,000 people per DAY visit the Vatican), so we had to request this way in advance. If you look for it, search for "Scavi tour". Vatican Museum and Basilica Tour, booked through the Vatican's website (way cheaper than some of the tour companies). Colosseum Underground (where the dungeons, trapdoors & elevators are), Arena, Forum & Palantine Hill Tour through Touriks. Curious- what airlines are you all flying home on? We are flying on Turkish Air. See you all soon! -Amy

Our arrival time is 1pm. Will there be any free reservations for NorthStar or iFly left by then, do you think?

From Vacations to Go page on this cruise: Change to °C/Centimeters Temperature (°F) Precipitation Port Date Avg High Low (Inches) Humidity Fort Lauderdale, FL Sunday, April 21 74 83 65 4 - Ponta Delgada, Portugal Sunday, April 28 58 61 54 2 76 Malaga, Spain Wednesday, May 1 65 74 56 - 78 Cartagena, Spain Thursday, May 2 64 73 55 1 - La Spezia, Italy Saturday, May 4 52 57 46 2 - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Sunday, May 5 63 71 54 2 85 So maybe a little chilly for swimming some places. Also if you are doing any excursions involving church visits, particularly the Vatican, they have strict rules about clothing- long pants or skirts below the knee, and shoulders must be covered (no shorts, tank tops, or midriffs).

Because the day we dock in Rome is first Sunday/free day for almost everything, you will not be able to make reservations for much of anything, and lines will be huge. Wondering if we will be able to make it to St Peters Square in time for the Pope's noon Sunday Angelus (blessing). Unlike a papal audience, no tickets required, and it only lasts about 15 minutes.