We just got back from the 11 night cruise, and had an awesome time. We had thought that this would not be a "Disney" cruise, but were pleasantly surprised that we were able to experience Europe, and have a relaxing Disney vacation at the same time. It was our best vacation ever!
We did not do any shore excursions with
DCL. We did them all on our own, using proir advice from this thread (especially jokicha - THANKS!) and from Rick Steve's book. Had an awesome time with no real hassles. Rome turns out to be a tiring day, and Florence/Pisa together is a long day with tight connections.
We walked Palermo on our own - DD15 thought it was the most authentic Italian town we visited. Had some (not very good) gelato.
At Naples, we did Pompeii and Sorrento with a taxi driver. Had a tough time getting a cab to just take us to the train station, and finally gave in to getting driven to each place. Would do the train on our own next time and save the money. Ate lunch at Pizzeria Aurora in Sorrento, which is recommended by the ship and the taxi driver. Heads up - you must order a pizza for everybody in your party if yu want sit-down service, and one pizza is huge. After they would not take our order for two pizzas, we went to the take-out window, where you can order what you want. We then at at a local park. Note - for our family of four, one pizza was enough - gave the other one to the cab driver. Also, each pizza was 8-10 euro, and although they were good, certainly not to-die for! We were back to the boat about 3:15.
In Olbia, we took it easy and got off the ship after lunch (kids slept in late). By this time, most of the shops were on siesta. This port is just getting ready to be something, with lots of construction going on at the port area. We saw brand new palm trees getting watered (and still wrapped-up), and they were assembling street lights. Not much here, but it will be something soon. Lots of nice beaches nearby, although it was very windy when we were there.
At Civivatecchia, we walked to the train station, but just missed the 8:02 train. Caught the 9:06 (9 euro/pp/rt) into S. Pietro, and stood in line 20 minutes to go through security to get into St. Peters Basilica. We did the "Tombs of the Popes", and saw John Paul's tomb, as well as St. Peter's tomb - pretty cool. The church itself is huge, and very pretty. We attempted to get reservations (via e-mail and fax) to the Sistine Chapel, but had no success. While we were waiting in line, independent guides offered us the opportunity to tour the Sistine Chapel with them, but we declined. For our family, I am glad we just spent time at St. Peter's, although I am sure the Sistine Chapel would have been awesome. From there we started walking, and did the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. About 2 short blocks away from the Pantheon we had the most incredible gelato at Giolotti's (spelling?) - well worth back-tracking. We then walked to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. At the Colosseum, we walked by about an hour-and-a-half line since we had advance reservations (by phone) for 3:00. We toured the Colosseum, got on the subway to Termini, and caught a train to Civivatecchia, arriving back at the boat between 5:30 and 6:00. Incredible day - we saw more than most others, and paid a lot less!
Enjoyed our sea day, and felt sorry for those on the 10-day who do not have this day to recoup.
At La Spezia, ended up on the third ferry out. It appears that DCL has this better organized than they did earlier, as we did not follow their rules (went upper right as jokicha recommended), and missed the first two, although we were there. Caught a taxi to the train station, and had plenty of time to figure out what we needed to do, with the help of a lady selling tickets. Took the train to Florence (changed trains in Pisa), and then took a cab to Ponte Vecchio. From there we walked back towards the train station, giving us just under two hours to check things out. Really saw everything we wanted to, but little time for shopping, although we did have to stop for gelato. Caught a train to the main station in Pisa (schedule said Livorno), and took a cab to the Leaning Tower (we had been there before, but the kids really wanted to go - as did most kids (and teens) that we talked to). Spent some time there (photos, souvenirs) and tried to get a taxi to a different train station, with no success. Started talking with a police officer, and told him we wanted to go to the Pisa Sossore(spelling?) train station, and he said it was an easy walk - maybe 1 km. We took off not knowing exactly where it was, but found it easy enough. The first train on the schedule said it would go to La Spezia, but the conductor said no. Next train was only 10 minutes later, and it did go to La Spezia, arriving in La Spezia at 5:08. We walked through the town of La Spezia on the way back, stopping to call home, buty some Italian shoes, and a stop at a grocery store to pick up a treat called Happy Hippos (by Kinder). Very nice town. Again, we saw more and paid less than people on the tours.
Marseilles, we just did the panoramic Little Train up to Notre Dame de la Garde (spelling?). Very nice city, but no big deal.
At Villefranche, we got an early start, and waited for an hour in the Buena Vista Theater before we could get a tender. The first tenders all went to guests who had DCL shore excursions, so we got the first tender for independent travelers. After a quick 5-minute walk to the Villefranche train station, we took the train into Monaco-Monte Carlo. Spent some time at the Palace, and caught the 'Changing of the Guard'. Took the train back, and stopped at Eze Sur Mer, taking time to go to a local beach. Got back onto the train into Villefranche, and decided to go back to the ship and get a bite to eat, and get our swimsuits. After a snack, we walked to the local Villefranche beach, and spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and sunning in the Med. It was an awesome way to end the trip (think
Castaway Cay).
We were so happy with this cruise. Great weather - blue skies, no clouds, and 85 degrees every day (except the start of the Naples day). We unpacked once, got to see the highlights of Europe, come back to familiar surroundings, eat very good food with great service, and be entertained every night. What a way to go!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
