Holy Land “Odyssey” - May 2023

[Jkaczano]

Greetings from Rome. 
 

The trip - 2 days in Rome followed by 12 night Holy Land cruise on Odyssey

The people - myself, DH, and out 2 teen boys

Our “Odyssey” actually began 2 days ago.   We got up Wednesday morning and drove the 4 and a half hours to JFK.  Boston is only an hour from us, but they only had a 10:30AM flight back and it was (much) more expensive   Flight time was 4:40PM and we arrived at long term parking around 1:15.  Thought we had PLENTY of time but Air train to terminal took longer than we expected  Delta started boarding the flight about 3:40.  Flight was booked though Air 2 Sea and was rebooked several times.   we had chosen our seats 2 and 2 - config was 2, 3, 2.   Nice not having anyone in the same row as us.   Flight was comfortable and food was actually edible (tortellini for dinner and egg and cheese on English and fruit for breakfast).  
 

we arrived at Rome Fumincino airport at 7:20AM.  A walk to baggage claim and luggage was already coming out as we got there.   As we exited the terminal, our driver from Stefano’s Rome cabs was waiting with a little sign.  We followed him out to a very comfortable van, and headed directly to our hotel.  On the road by 8.

Traveling with 2 teenage boys (both who are adult size) can be a challenge.  Standard European hotel rooms are not meant for 4 adults   When researching, I found a family run hotel in the northeast corner of Rome called Hotel Golden.  It’s within the city walls but very close to Borghese Gardens on Via Marche so not in the “center” of Rome.  Good thing is they had a 2 room family suite (90 square meters) for 250 Euros a night so I booked it.  Room Pictures in next post   

 

[Jkaczano]

Our room consisted of 2 separate bedrooms and an entry way with a table- excuse the mess   I didn’t think to take pictures until today.  

 

[Sweety]

This cruise is on my bucket list.

[Jkaczano]

The hotel is definitely not a standard US hotel room.  It’s family run and Giuseppe was on the desk when we arrived.  Room wasn’t ready yet so he said he would store our bags while we started exploring.  He grabbed a map and marked our hotel and his suggested restaurants.  Little did my family know, their day was just beginning.  
 

Since Rome and Holy Land are bucket list for me and DH, I had a FULL day planned.  
 

We headed south to Santa Maria Della Vittoria first.  Mass wasn’t in session, so we went inside to see the art - specifically Bernini’s Ecstasy of St Theresa.  Then saw the Fountain of Moses, Plaza Della Republica, Fontana del Tritone (Triton’s Fountain by Bernini), Trevi Fountain, Piazza Colonna (dolphin fountain and Marco Aurelio column).  We then went by the Pantheon but the line was so long thwt we didn’t go in. I was planning on lunch at Antica Salumeria (recommended on cruise critic) in the plaza there but the smell of meat was SO strong that DS and I wouldn’t even go in.  
 

We then went to the Piazza della Minerva to see the Bernini Obelisk and Santa Maria sopra Minerva.   The church houses Michaelangelo’s Risen Christ.  Then Area sacra Largo dell Argentina to see the ruins and cats, and Piazza Navona to see the column and 2 more Bernini fountains.  
 

By this time, it was about 1:30 and everyone was getting cranky when DH spied McDonalds.  Not my favorite choice but the idea of sitting and not worrying whether everyone would be happy was too appealing. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

47 minutes ago, Jkaczano said:

Traveling with 2 teenage boys (both who are adult size) can be a challenge.  Standard European hotel rooms are not meant for 4 adults  

This is going to be my problem exactly next year when we head to the Med with our then 16/18 year old girls. We're planning a few days pre-cruise in Barcelona and a few days post cruise in Rome. The hotel is going to be a real issue.

Following because this cruise itinerary is totally on my bucket list!

[Jkaczano]

Photos from Thursday morning.

[Ampurp85]

Have a wonderful time.

I did Italy as a family trip in 2017, we stayed in an aparthotel in Rome because we thought having a cooking and dining area would be great for a long trip. After all the sightseeing, the last thing we wanted was to cook but having the extra space was amazing. My grandmother made us eat McDonald's in Rome because she was homesick, it was the only fast food meal we had.

I have to say I am not a fan of Quantum class but I belive it's a good ship for longer sailings.

[Jkaczano]

After lunch, we headed to Castel Sant Angelo.  Wasn’t on my wish list but DH wanted to see it.  The Castel has been a fortress and prison but is probably most known because it is connected to the Vatican by a bridge and was used by the pope to escape.  I ordered tickets ahead of time, so we didn’t have to wait in line.  
 

The bridge (pointe) to the Castel had wonderful statues and the Castel had wonderful views of Rome.  Unfortunately, the good views came with multiple flights of steps.   Our legs were tired and sore, but rather than figuring out where the taxi stand was, we decided to walk back to the hotel since it was only 2:30/3PM

[Jkaczano]

22 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

 

I have to say I am not a fan of Quantum class but I belive it's a good ship for longer sailings.

I’m not a fan of Quantum class either.  We sailed Anthem in a Grand Loft Suite in March and it was our first cruise where I wasn’t sad to be getting off the ship and home. 

[asquared17]

ROME can’t wait to follow along with this one!!! 

[Jkaczano]

Stopped by the Spanish steps on way back to the hotel.

When we got back to the hotel, Giuseppe was still on the desk and showed us to our room.  I just about cried when I saw that our luggage was already in the room for us.  Giuseppe showed us how to turn on the air conditioner and made sure everything was Ok before heading back down to the front desk.  As I said earlier, the room is really a 2 room suite.  At 90 square meters (about 900 square feet), it is extremely large and spacious.  Master bedroom has a frig and small safe and beds in kids’ bedroom separated into 2 twins - useful when they kick each other all night.  Water pressure and temperature has been great.   A couple “odd”  things (by US standards): we leave the key at the front desk every time we leave the hotel.  Since it’s an actual “key” and not a card, I can understand that they might have concerns of it getting “lost”.  Also, they check in desk is not on ground level and the hotel front doors are kept locked.  You push a button and are buzzed in.  It hasn’t been a problem just different.  Hotel is in a good area (around the corner from the Westin), so it doesn’t seem like a safety issue.  
 

We rested for a little over an hour and left for Borghese Gallery around 4:45.  I had prebought tickets online for 5-7PM.  The gallery is small so only a limited numbers of tickets are sold and they are only good for a 2 hour window.  Good thing I bought them online, as tickets were sold out when we arrived.  
 

while the gallery was small, the sculpture and paintings there were amazing.  They do not allow bags larger than a pocketbook, so we had to check DH’s backpack and I carried the passports and cash we had on us in my hand.  After touring the gallery, we stopped in the cafe and had some cold drinks before walking back to the hotel.  
 

It was only a little after 7 but everyone was exhausted.  No one even wanted dinner.  Since we were meeting for our tour today at 7AM, I didn’t complain.  

[Jkaczano]

Now on to today.   Woke up around 6:15, took a quick shower, and headed downstairs to Cafe Olivieri.  The cafe is about 20 feet to the right as you exit the front door to the hotel.   DH had a large cappuccino, I had a Coke Zero, boys both had still waters, and we each had a croissant.  I thought the price was good at about 17 Euro.  My chocolate croissant was delicious but VERY messy.  DH said his cappuccino was delicious.  Both boys liked their plain croissants but said they had a slight lemon taste which I didn’t notice with the chocolate.   The hotel does offer a full breakfast made by Nonni (the family matriarch), but it was an additional cost and given our early tour (and my picky eaters) didn’t make sense for us.   
 

Our tour for today was a private tour through LivTours Italy called Rome in a day VIP tour.   
 

Giuseppe knew our pick up for our tour was supposed to be 7 and when he saw us still waiting by the door at 7:08, came down with his cell phone and called our tour company.  Turns out there is another Golden hotel somewhere in Rome and the driver was at the wrong one.    He was there about 5 minutes later.  Didn’t end up being a problem as he got us to the Vatican where we met our tour guide and got in a short line for early opening.  
 

our tour guide was Patrizia.  She was amazing - she said she had a degree in art history and worked as an interpreter for many years.   She took us through the Vatican museums, and into the Sistine Chapel.  Then St Peters and down into the underground vault.  It was a full morning.  She called the driver who picked us up.  Normally this is where they do Trevi fountain and  Spanish steps, but knowing we missed it yesterday, Patrizia brought us to the Pantheon instead.  
 

 

[Jkaczano]

After the Pantheon, we headed by car to the Circus Maximus then over towards the Colosseum with Patrizia pointing out sites along the way.  At Colosseum, the driver dropped us off and Patrizia brought us to a little pizzeria called Palle Carrette (lunch wasn’t included in the tour but she had asked us earlier about food preferences).  The pizza was amazing!  Kids both had Margherita, DH had a diavalo, I had Quattro formaggio.  DH and I both had Coke zeros and kids split a large bottle of San Benedetto water.  Total was about 40 Euros.  Well worth it.  

[Ampurp85]

We ate at Palle Carrette and they had an egg pizza and a potato one. Prices was pretty good as I think it was around 35 Euros for my party of 4. The Pantheon was my brother's favorite site. I am so glad you get to cross all of these things off your bucket list. Does your cruise go to Israel or Egypt?

[Jkaczano]

After lunch, we headed to the colosseum where we did the underground tour and then toured the top level.  At this point we were exhausted, so we headed up Palantine Hill and sat and watched a short video (air conditioning and comfortable chairs).  When it was done, Patrizia gave us the option of walking us through the forum, but we just couldn’t do it so we stood at the top of the hill and she pointed out the sites, then walked us to the taxi stand and arranged a taxi for us to bring us back to the hotel (we were responsible for the cost).  
 

overall, I would highly recommend the tour.  The small pickup hiccup wasn’t a problem and the rest of the day was amazing.

[Jkaczano]

21 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

We ate at Palle Carrette and they had an egg pizza and a potato one. Prices was pretty good as I think it was around 35 Euros for my party of 4. The Pantheon was my brother's favorite site. I am so glad you get to cross all of these things off your bucket list. Does your cruise go to Israel or Egypt?

Cruise departs tomorrow. 3 days Israel, and 1 each in Ephesus, Cyprus, Athens, and Naples.

[Jkaczano]

Once we were back to the hotel, everyone plopped on their beds with their electronics.  Hotel has great Wi-Fi and after 13 miles yesterday and 9 today, we were all exhausted.  We ordered Hard Rock Cafe through Uber Eats and had it delivered to the hotel   It’s only .3 miles from the hotel but for 4 Euro service and delivery fee, well worth it.

 

It’s almost 1AM here, so going to try to get some sleep.  We have a pickup from the hotel arranged for 8:15.

[SweetPea]

Amazing pics! Following along. Have a fantastic trip!

[Sweety]

Thank you for the wonderful memories. My husband’s family lives an hour away on the train. We stayed in Rome for three months. I am loving your pictures. I went to the Vatican about four times. The painting are awesome.

[Jkaczano]

The first part of our trip is over and it couldn’t have been better.  We got up this morning and woke the boys up before we went down to the Cafe - note to self pumelo is grapefruit not orange.  Brought the food up to the room and finished packing.  Took only about a minute to check out of the hotel about 7:45.   We would definitely stay there again.  Total bill for 2 nights including VAT and city tax was $524.
 

we had arranged a transfer through Rome Cabs to the Port for 8:15.  We headed outside about 8 and our driver was already there.  She said there could be traffic headed out of the city since it was a Saturday.  There wasn’t and we made it to the port in about an hour.  Line to get into the port was a zoo as there are a lot of ships in today.  Rome cabs brought us right to the front of the terminal.  It was a little confusing because there were long lines - not to check in but for the shuttles out of port.   Terminal didn’t open until about 10:15. Went through bags marked “bag drop” and waited in line to drop bags.  No one seemed to have bags tagged already.  Upstairs and we were given a number. A single separate line for key and suites.  
 

We’re currently seated (10:44) and waiting for boarding to start.  

[Jkaczano]

Ship started boarding 10:55.  NO priority given to suites or key.  You boarded based on order you made it through the bag drop in the terminal.  Odd compared to US ports
 

For this cruise we have 2 spa junior suites on the deck 12 hump by the elevators.  1 grand suite went for $7k more than what we paid (and we would only have had 1 bathroom). Star started at over $40k for a grand loft and we would have had to walk to the back of the boat.   
 

First thing we did when boarding was to head to Coastal to make reservations for nights 1 and 7 (filet nights). No problem making for both nights at our preferred times (6:30 tonight and 8 on day 7).  Also made reservations for the remaining nights (ultimate dining package) using the app.  Night 3 the only reservations available were really late and day 2 gave me an error message telling me I had a conflict.  Went to specialty dining reservation desk and they fixed the error on night 2 and adjusted night 3 to our preferred time.  All times ended up being with 15 to 30 minutes of what we were looking for.  
 

A little after 11:30, we headed to main dining room 3 for the key lunch.  Key Chops filet was good and service was excellent.  This is our first time doing key.  Not sure it will be worth it but we picked it up for a decent price.   Also made reservations for Northstar and IFly as they had a member of the sport staff available in the dining room

 

went and signed flowrider waivers for kids and me.    Tried out the wave - I haven’t had a problem getting my advanced band on the last 3 cruises and was mastering heel stalls and step ins on the last.  I could not even load today.  Wave felt “sticky”. Staff said many advanced on transatlantic had same issue and new surface is on order but they hadn’t gotten it yet.  We have a private booked for 8AM tomorrow, so will know more then - whether it’s the surface, not having my own board with me, or being stiff and sore.  Staff seems nice
 

Met my husband back in the room - rooms were ready 1:30.  Spa juniors are amazing and our stateroom attendant (Walter) seems nice.   Very convenient getting to the elevator.  Luggage just arrived (3:50 ish).  
 

a couple small issues - I purchased 4 24 packs of water (2 packages for each room) and only 1 was delivered to each room.  Stopped by guest services and they delivered 12 more bottles to each room. Ooof.  Another trip to guest services later and everything was resolved.  I also got an extra key to each room while I was down there.  
 

That’s it for now.  Want to unload luggage before dinner. 
 

 

[anneglubis]

18 hours ago, Jkaczano said:

I’m not a fan of Quantum class either.  We sailed Anthem in a Grand Loft Suite in March and it was our first cruise where I wasn’t sad to be getting off the ship and home. 

I'll be getting on Odyssey in Rome when you disembark I guess. What's wrong with quantum? I'm not arguing lol. I'm really asking if someone will enlighten me. What am I in for? Too big? Too small? Overbooked?

[anneglubis]

18 hours ago, Jkaczano said:

Borghese Gallery

2 hours ago, Jkaczano said:

Also made reservations for Northstar and IFly as

 

Glad to know there were reservations available. They are "sold out" for my cruise according to the app. Maybe they have some set aside.

[Jkaczano]

26 minutes ago, anneglubis said:

I'll be getting on Odyssey in Rome when you disembark I guess. What's wrong with quantum? I'm not arguing lol. I'm really asking if someone will enlighten me. What am I in for? Too big? Too small? Overbooked?

Comparing to Oasis class - The last and only other quantum I was on was Anthem out of Bayonne, New Jersey in March.  With the cold weather, the ship felt crowded.  Also, quantum has less “usable” restaurant selection - Wonderland is a 1 and done in my opinion.  Ship only has 1 flowrider and March was spring break so it was always busy.  Oasis class has a beautiful Central Park.  Lastly, the star and higher class suites are all on the stern of the ship and there’s no crown area. Concierge lounge is also all the way in the stern and not easily accessible.  
 

for most people these things won’t make a difference. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

19 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I have to say I am not a fan of Quantum class but I belive it's a good ship for longer sailings.

 

18 hours ago, Jkaczano said:

I’m not a fan of Quantum class either.  We sailed Anthem in a Grand Loft Suite in March and it was our first cruise where I wasn’t sad to be getting off the ship and home. 

Also not a huge fan of Quantum class either but we have now sailed Anthem 3 times! lol That Grand Loft is one of my favourite rooms. We will be sailing Odyssey for New years this coming December.

33 minutes ago, anneglubis said:

I'll be getting on Odyssey in Rome when you disembark I guess. What's wrong with quantum? I'm not arguing lol. I'm really asking if someone will enlighten me. What am I in for? Too big? Too small? Overbooked?

There is nothing wrong with Quantum class. It just comes down to personal preference. Some people love Quantum class. For myself, I don't care for it because I don't like how crowded it feels in certain areas. Crowds do not seem disperse as well on Quantum class compared to other ships. Also, we are big on shows and dining and there is not as much selection on Quantum compared to Oasis class. But like I said, I have now sailed Anthem 3 times now so while I don't love it, there is definitely nothing wrong with it.

[Jkaczano]

25 minutes ago, anneglubis said:

Glad to know there were reservations available. They are "sold out" for my cruise according to the app. Maybe they have some set aside.

Mine were all showing as sold out as well but those are the paid reservations.  As soon as you’re on shops’s Wi-Fi, you can book a free (included) time. 

[FireFishII]

Can I ask what tour company you used in Rome?  How far in advanced did you book the tour? 
Tnank you

[Jkaczano]

1 hour ago, FireFishII said:

Can I ask what tour company you used in Rome?  How far in advanced did you book the tour? 
Tnank you

We used livtours.com. I saw them recommended on the Italy forum of cruise critic.  They specialize in small group and private tours.  We booked about 9 months in advance because we read that they sell out. We’ll be using the company again in Naples to tour Pompeii

[Jkaczano]

We just had a wonderful dinner in Coastal Kitchen.  It was probably one of the best filets we’ve had - and definitely better than Anthem and Harmony. I should have taken pictures but I forgot.  Will try to remember day 7 when we go back.  
 

Some observations - for a 6:30 dining time, CK was not crowded.  I’d go as far as saying it was half empty. The host (Jose) was extremely welcoming and seemed willing to book as many nights as we wanted, although we just requested tonight and day 7.   Ship itself seems light this sailing.  Rumor is that we’re at under 4000 passengers with 70 pinnacles.   Haven’t seen many children but should have a better feel when teens go to teen club tonight.  

[Lovetocruise2002]

55 minutes ago, Jkaczano said:

We used livtours.com. I saw them recommended on the Italy forum of cruise critic.  They specialize in small group and private tours.  We booked about 9 months in advance because we read that they sell out. We’ll be using the company again in Naples to tour Pompeii

So you did a private tour? Just your family?

And they picked you up at your hotel but you had to find your own way back?

[Jkaczano]

48 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

So you did a private tour? Just your family?

And they picked you up at your hotel but you had to find your own way back?

Private tour just the 4 of us.  I prefer the flexibility of not sharing and spending just as much time as we want at each site.  Tour included all admission, hotel pickup, drop off at Vatican, and transfers between sites through lunchtime.  then the driver was done.  Lunch was near colosseum, then we walked to Palentine hill/forum area.  I think idea is once your tour is over mid afternoon, some people spend additional time there. We were planning by to but didn’t bc everyone was just done.  We could have added a private driver for the day but cost for that was ridiculous.  Taxi to hotel was only 13 euro.  

[anneglubis]

1 hour ago, Jkaczano said:

The host (Jose) was extremely welcoming and seemed willing to book as many nights as we wanted, although we just requested tonight and day 7.   Ship itself seems light this sailing

Yay!!!! Yay for both of these things!!!!

[Lovetocruise2002]

On 5/6/2023 at 3:15 PM, Jkaczano said:

then the driver was done.

Was the driver also your guide? And did they set the tour itinerary or did you?

[Jkaczano]

17 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Was the driver also your guide? And did they set the tour itinerary or did you?

Driver and guide were 2 separate people.  The Vatican and colosseum are the 2 big stops with reservations so I think those are set but the time in the middle was supposed to be trevi fountain and Spanish steps according to their original plan.   Our guide asked us what we had done so far in Rome and adjusted the middle.   The beauty of private tours.  They also offer semi-private but those itineraries are set in stone. 

[Jkaczano]

It’s been a busy couple of sea days.  Up early yesterday to see amount Stromboli, breakfast at Windjammer, and some time on the flowrider. Lunch at Chops then I took a nap. Rushed up to our Northstar Key appointment, back on flowrider, then dinner at Giovanni’s.  
 

giovannis food was ok.  Not enough to complain about but enough that I changed some reservations from there to Chops for later in the cruise.  Went to see Tony Tillman and The book.  Key seating in Royal Theater wasn’t worth it as better seats elsewhere but keys seating in 270 was very helpful.   I fell asleep during both shows….  DH said Tony Tillman was energetic and entertaining. The book could probably best be equated to cirque de Soleil.  
 

After the shows, we used up our diamond vouchers (great bartender in Schooner), then went in search of vanilla ice cream. It was 10:40 so windjammer and sprinkles were both closed.  So with 15 minutes left before they stopped serving food, we went to Playmakers (included with unlimited dining) DH and I ordered the ice cream….   Huge amount and very good.  
 

This morning was another early morning.   Time moved forward last night by an hour, and Israel Immigration tickets were being distributed from 8 to 10 and  Main Dining room 4.  Since going through Israeli Immigration takes time, Royal has people disembark the ship by group numbers similar to tenders - anyone on Royal excursions and I’m sure full suites, don’t need tickets   We got down there 6:15 and were 1st in line (so group 1)   Line started getting long around 7 and they started giving out tickets at 7:30   
 

The boys also did Clash for Crystal city lazer tag today  they got there a little early so the did standby, then the reserved spot  Then Chops punch then older DS did his key turn on IFly   He enjoyed it so I booked a free spot for our day in Athens

 

 

[Jkaczano]

Oops.  Forgot to add that we also sent out laundry.  Thought some of you would appreciate the laundry bag picture (in previous post).  Thanks to everyone’s advice on how to maximize the bag.

[Jkaczano]

Fruit delivered from the key yesterday and mini desserts from loyalty today.  Afternoon snacks felt just like being in star.

[Jkaczano]

We had a wonderful day in Cyprus today. I had arranged a private 3-4 hour taxi with Itaxi Cyprus starting at 9:30.   It is technically not a tour because they are NOT licensed tour guides and not allowed to enter sites with us (written descriptions and free maps were available in English at each site).  The owner, Neophytas, was waiting right outside the terminal at 9:15 holding a sign with our name.  Phytos gave us a brief history of Cyprus on our way to Kourion. We got to Kourion before the busses and avoided the crowds, then went to the Stadium, Sanctuary of Apollo, then did a drive by of Kolossi Castle. We didn’t go in (although Phytos offered) as I didn’t want to do all the stairs.  The tour was amazing and we finished just about 4 hours after we started.  Price 140 Euros plus admission costs (Phytos went to the admission counters with us to translate) and tip.  I couldn’t recommend it higher.  
 

When we got back to the ship, we had lunch at Windjammer, then I went up to ride flowrider (worked on heel stalls and loaded from the top).  On way back to the room, the captain came on and announced that due to the “geopolitical climate”, they were reconsidering port stops.  Around 6:30, it was announced we are skipping Ashdod completely and will be docking in Haifa at noon tomorrow.  
 

I contacted our private tour company (Guided Tours Israel) and they came up with a game plan. Unfortunately our tour to Dead Sea / Masada has been cancelled but they are providing a full refund.  Our other 2 tours are currently a go for Thursday and Friday.  
 

we are just finishing dinner at Chops - one of the best meals I’ve ever had.  Will post photos from today soon.  Need to have DH and DS airdrop them to me. 

[Jkaczano]

Pictures from today

[Jkaczano]

It’s been a trying day. We docked at Haifa around noon and immigration started around 1:30.  We had immigration group 1, so we were off the ship and back with no lines or waiting.  Passengers were not able to leave the port.  plan was to move the ship at dusk and possibly allow people to leave at 8PM.  Unfortunately around 4:15  the captain came on the intercom to tell us that due to the “geopolitical climate”, we were leaving port immediately.   We later heard there were air strikes against Tel Aviv 40 miles away.  DH and DS said that even the ships’ officers were grabbing stuff off the pier and running it back to the ship.  We left right about 5, and I’ve never seen a ship move so fast as it was leaving harbor.   
 

the captain later came on and said we would be detouring to Santorini and Chania.     After dinner we received a letter in our room with new itinerary and port times, as well as “compensation” to make up for this change.  Quite frankly, I don’t think it’s sufficient given the premium we paid for this cruise over standard RC itineraries but it is what it is.  It was also stated that new excursions would be posted within 2 hirs - it’s now been about 4 and no sign of them yet.  We are about to walk to shore excursions desk.   On a brighter note, at least sports staff has their act together as they’ve already called me to reschedule my private flowrider time…