Ed Kaye Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Any tips for traveling to and boarding a ship in a country whose language I do not speak? We just booked a cruise out of Italy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 7 minutes ago, Ed Kaye said: Any tips for traveling to and boarding a ship in a country whose language I do not speak? We just booked a cruise out of Italy. Welcome to the boards @Ed Kaye! I'm cruising out of Italy as well next year and have been doing some exploratory contact via email with hotels and such and have had no problems with a language barrier. I think more than ever English is a pretty universal language these days and unless you are going to more remote parts of the world, you should have no problems. Welcome and happy cruising! Ed Kaye 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPS Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 English is a very widely taught language throughout Europe. I learned of this while stationed in there during my military years. More than anything, local citizens appreciate when you at least attempt to speak the local language, so maybe look into learning a few phrases. The effort is appreciated and seen as a sign of respect that makes people that do speak English more willing to assist you. Ed Kaye, FManke and Phillo 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Just now, SPS said: maybe look into learning a few phrases Agree with this. Learn a few basics and that goes a long way. Phillo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 3 minutes ago, SPS said: English is a very widely taught language throughout Europe. I learned of this while stationed in there during my military years. More than anything, local citizens appreciate when you at least attempt to speak the local language, so maybe look into learning a few phrases. The effort is appreciated and seen as a sign of respect that makes people that do speak English more willing to assist you. Agreed. I'm going to learn at least "please" "thank-you" and "where's the bathroom" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Kaye Posted September 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Does, "Vino" count as one of those phrases? Ray, Phillo and KristiZ 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PG Cruiser Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 3 minutes ago, FManke said: Agreed. I'm going to learn at least "please" "thank-you" and "where's the bathroom" Please - per favore Thanks - grazie Where's the bathroom - dovè il bagno? DebAtSea, FManke and ChessE4 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 1 minute ago, RatedPG said: Please - per favore Thanks - grazie Where's the bathroom - dovè il bagno? I'm also going to need that in Greek and Croatian/Serbian for Montenegro. Thanks! WAAAYTOOO and FrHoffard 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PG Cruiser Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Just now, FManke said: I'm also going to need that in Greek and Croatian/Serbian for Montenegro. Thanks! Ooops ... I only know a little Biblical Greek. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Kaye Posted September 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Just now, FManke said: I'm also going to need that in Greek and Croatian/Serbian for Montenegro. Thanks! Sounds like the same trip we will be on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PG Cruiser Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 I've seen people communicating through Google Translate on their devices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveinSC Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 15 minutes ago, Matt said: Agree with this. Learn a few basics and that goes a long way. Effort should be made. If you show up, and make zero effort, they wont either. If you make an effort, and they see you struggle, they will come to the rescue (if they can). Ive been on both sides of this....and its just MY experience, and opinion. USCG Teacher 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 2 minutes ago, RatedPG said: I've seen people communicating through Google Translate on their devices. I do this with the lady who cleans for me all the time ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PG Cruiser Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 18 minutes ago, SteveinSC said: Effort should be made. If you show up, and make zero effort, they wont either. If you make an effort, and they see you struggle, they will come to the rescue (if they can). Ive been on both sides of this....and its just MY experience, and opinion. I purchased a program for learning Spanish for my visit to Madrid last year. I liked the instructor's approach to language learning for tourist - "don't get caught up with all the grammar, tenses, and conjugations. Just learn to communicate... they'll figure out what you want to say" SteveinSC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 You shouldnt have any issues in Italy, the only country there is really a problem talking English is in France. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJones Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 other helpful words/phrases for italy: entrance: ingresso exit: uscita (pronounced "oo-she-ta") excuse me (while trying to get through a crowd): permesso excuse me (apologizing or to get someone's attention): mi scusi the bill/ check (i.e. at a restaurant): il conto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPS Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 59 minutes ago, Ed Kaye said: Does, "Vino" count as one of those phrases? It's the FIRST one you need to learn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 59 minutes ago, Ed Kaye said: Sounds like the same trip we will be on What's your cruise date and what ship? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrHoffard Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 1 hour ago, FManke said: What's your cruise date and what ship? Sounds like my plans as well; I'm on Rhapsody leaving May 23. Venice, Croatia, Montenegro, Santorini, Katakolon, then back to Venice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephanie Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 We sailed out of Barcelona last October with stops in France & Italy. We had zero issues communicating. We even flew in early & stayed in Barcelona. Everyone speaks English - even most restaurants have their menu listed in Spanish & English. On the ship, there were no issues at all - even on embarkation day. Be sure when booking your shore excursions to book the English-speaking tour guides. If you are flying into Italy & getting your own transportation to the ship, be sure to do your research. For instance, in Barcelona, the taxis are owned & operated by the government & are the cheapest way to travel. Our taxi driver didn't speak great English, but I had the address of the port printed out so I could hand it to him. He got us there with no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PG Cruiser Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Not language related, but watch out for pickpockets. FrHoffard 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1guynz Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 We have cruised out of “Rome” (cruise lines call it Rome but is about an hour away) and had no issues with communication. We travelled down from the Cinque Terre by train to catch the ship. Italian trains are disorganised but they will get you there. We had an allocated carriage for our trip but the carriage was not attached to the train when it arrived. They just put us on another carriage where we had to stand most of the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L454S Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 Never had a problem, even on a Baltic sailing. Italy was always the easiest, seemed everybody understood some English. On sailings that visit multiple countries, don't make it tough on yourself trying to learn different languages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 21 hours ago, FrHoffard said: Sounds like my plans as well; I'm on Rhapsody leaving May 23. Venice, Croatia, Montenegro, Santorini, Katakolon, then back to Venice! Where on Rhapsody leaving Oct 3rd. FrHoffard 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillo Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 On 9/19/2019 at 2:48 AM, Ray said: You shouldnt have any issues in Italy, the only country there is really a problem talking English is in France. If you are in the tourist areas (predominantly Paris) then they generally all speak English. They just dont want to. If you follow the advice given earlier and show respect by attempting their language and saying "Bonjour... parlez vous anglais?" (good morning... do you speak english) then you are usually fine. I hate to say this (considering most people on this forum are from the US) but about 10 years ago I was on a round the world holiday and had been in NYC before heading to Paris. As a result, my wife and I were wearing NY caps and _some_ locals were quite rude. They said "are you American...?" and I said " No... Australian". They just smiled and spoke to me in perfect english from that point on. I never wore those hats again in France! Back to the original question though..... You will be fine in the main parts of italy. only 2 years ago we drove from Florence to Sicily and there was only 2 small towns in the whole trip where language was a concern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCG Teacher Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 50 minutes ago, Phillo said: If you follow the advice given earlier and show respect by attempting their language and saying "Bonjour... parlez vous anglais?" (good morning... do you speak english) then you are usually fine. This was very much my experience throughout France, and especially in Paris, as well. When respect was shown, it was almost always reciprocated. We went to one small family restaurant off the beaten path where I struggled through an entire meal leafing through my French to English dictionary (it was pre-smart phone days!), then the waiter shared the dessert selections in perfect English. He wasn't a bit malicious about it, and we all had a good laugh. He told us that it seemed like we needed some practice on our French, so he gave us the opportunity. He wasn't wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillo Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 13 minutes ago, USCG Teacher said: He told us that it seemed like we needed some practice on our French, so he gave us the opportunity. He wasn't wrong. ha! Doesnt surprise me. Not that this applies to me.... but i have been told that if the french know you can speak the language (even if its basic) they expect you to speak it and will let you suffer. Still... i love France. Cant wait to go back at some point. USCG Teacher 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 6 hours ago, Phillo said: If you are in the tourist areas (predominantly Paris) then they generally all speak English. They just dont want to. If you follow the advice given earlier and show respect by attempting their language and saying "Bonjour... parlez vous anglais?" (good morning... do you speak english) then you are usually fine. I hate to say this (considering most people on this forum are from the US) but about 10 years ago I was on a round the world holiday and had been in NYC before heading to Paris. As a result, my wife and I were wearing NY caps and _some_ locals were quite rude. They said "are you American...?" and I said " No... Australian". They just smiled and spoke to me in perfect english from that point on. I never wore those hats again in France! I agree 100% However when they asked if you were american it was probably to see if you were in fact English. I have been ignored in numerous bars, restaurants and shops in paris its only been when i point out im from Scotland and not England that their attitude changes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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