Don Posted February 1, 2014 Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 We're at 100 days out -- if you are booked, let's talk. If you have sailed this Western Med itinerary please share your experience and suggestions. Would like to hear from you. Or, for anyone who has sailed Serenade recently, any thing unique about the ship, staff, & crew. Shawn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian91 Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Don Biggest tip for Rome is do an organized tour. The city is quite a way from port and the traffic can be pretty awful. Its a long day, but worth every minute. Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I'd recommend a friend's podcast about cruising Italy: http://www.cruizecast.com/3/post/2013/07/ep-93-cruising-italy.html Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Thank You Ian91 for feedback, it's appreciated. We chose to do organized tour in all of the major ports for the very reasons you mention. Thanks again. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Thanks Matt -- Haven't had chance to listen to it yet but am looking forward to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgb1256 Posted February 24, 2014 Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 We are also on this cruise. I understand that they do not let you bring your own bottled water. When leaving from Port Canaveral, we usually do take water with us. Do you know if they strictly adhere to not bringing any on board in Barcelona? If so, how is the water on the ship? We booked 3 excusions, Florence, Rome and Naples, with Shore Excursions in Italy. The remainder we booked through RCI. We would appreciate any hints, advice you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted February 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 Don't know about the water carry on -- we purchase on board. We purchase small bottles for ease of carring on excursions & refill them from the larger bottles available in cabin. We booked all of our excursions thru RCI except Villefranche. There we plan water ferry to Monaco, train back with stop in Eze, & then afternoon strolling Old Town Nice. We are also staying 2 nights pre-cruise in Barcelona, Hotel Condes de Barcelona. All day tour of Barcelona & Monsterrat on 11th, on our own on 10th after red eye flight & morning of 12th before boarding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted March 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 We are also on this cruise. I understand that they do not let you bring your own bottled water. When leaving from Port Canaveral, we usually do take water with us. Do you know if they strictly adhere to not bringing any on board in Barcelona? If so, how is the water on the ship6? We booked 3 excusions, Florence, Rome and Naples, with Shore Excursions in Italy. The remainder we booked through RCI. We would appreciate any hints, advice you have. Nearing 60 days, can't wait! Have you cruised this area previously? We picked because of the itinerary focused on Western Med. Greek Isles also on bucket list but did not want to do to broad of area / ports at once. Sailed on Serenade several years ago but don't remember much about the ship, anxious to see all the recent upgrades. We are big fans of the RCI speciality restaurants, especially Chops Grille -- simply the best steak house afloat. Were able to set all our my time dining reservations to match ports, several with late tour returns. Waiting to book speciality reservations to see if they offer a package deal on boarding day -- have been able to do that twice previously, most recently on Rhapsody last year. Will do Chops on first formal night, believe it is 2nd night.. RCI told us formal nights are 2nd & 6th nights, 6th nt seems early in 11 night cruise? Are you flying in departure day or spending time in Barcelona? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted March 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 For all on this cruise, lets crank up the blog discussion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted May 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Flying tomorrow for 3 nt pre Barcelona. Promoted Hotel Condes de Barcelona on social media for 45 days; result, UPGRADE TO SUITE! It does pay to say nice things about your digs! Gotta Go, pack day! Galveston Steve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVE(Darkcabbie) Posted May 9, 2014 Report Share Posted May 9, 2014 Hope you both have a fantastic cruise Don and can't wait to read about it. Enjoy Chops Grille :) :) :) Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted May 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2014 Hope you both have a fantastic cruise Don and can't wait to read about it. Enjoy Chops Grille :) :) :) Thank you-our 1st trip to Med so we are super excited! Will be off line during trip but will post summary when we rwturn! Thanks again for the sendoff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle Posted May 9, 2014 Report Share Posted May 9, 2014 I'd recommend a friend's podcast about cruising Italy: http://www.cruizecast.com/3/post/2013/07/ep-93-cruising-italy.html great podcast Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle Posted May 9, 2014 Report Share Posted May 9, 2014 And all have a blast - Italy is amazing - enjoy it there ! Ciao Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted May 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2014 And all have a blast - Italy is amazing - enjoy it there ! CiaoThanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted July 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 Best Itinerary Ever! If you haven't got Western Med on your bucket list it is either incomplete or wrong! Favorites - Barcelona, Capri, Taormino, Palma de Mallorca. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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