July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days!

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Do we need to carry our passports when we leave the ship? I thought the ship id would be sufficient but my husband feels we need to have our passports with us at all times.

Whilst for Europe you will not need your passports, ( ONCE you are in your in)you will need photo ID getting on and off the ship, so basically your passport or photo D/L

 

[LynnTarrant]

Kyla no actual castles in London, but Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London are good to visit. My personal preference is the Tower. You can book an evening visit to the tower which includes the ceremony of the Keys I think it's free but there are only a few tickets and you have to apply several months in advance I'll try and find out where for you if you are interested. On the outskirts of London is Winsor Castle another Royal residence. I also like to take visitors to the London Eye which is like a huge fairground wheel, it's good night or day. My 4th choice if i couldn't do museums and art gallerieswould be St Paul's Cathedral. It's hard choosing 4 I'd also want to walk around Westminster and see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament , then up past Downing street to Trafalgar Square. Plus I'd want to visit at least one of the parks. Then you've got Kensington and the shops like Harrods.

You mentioned Stonehenge you will need a whole day to visit that from London It is in Wiltshire but another of my favourites.
Have I helped or hindered

 

[kyla]

Thanks for the info! My sister is going to be staying at the Marriott there by the London eye, so I'm sure I'll see it sometime. My sister mentioned going to Big Ben, Tower of London, taking a cruise down the Thames, Westminister Abbey and I have to go to Covent Garden for shopping. I don't think I will have enough time for everything so I'm taking a poll to see what are people's favs. So your input confirms what my sister is saying is her favs (she's been to London before).

The Marriott (where my sister is staying for 1 nite before flying on to Barcelona) is to expensive for me, so still on the search. Andrew brought up a good point about searching the Paddington area and I have been looking there. Someone mentioned B&B Belgravia which looks really good but wondering how hot the rooms will be with no a/c. Its located right next to Victoria Station. I'm from the PNW, so I probably like the rooms on the cooler side. thats the only drawback I see with Belgravia, esp after reading all the reviews on it, except I wish it was located by Paddington.

What's on Downing street to Trafalgar Square?

 

[LynnTarrant]

Downing street is where Tony Blair lives like the White House but smaller Trafalgar Square is a London Square with a statue of Nelson in it.
most English houses don't have ac and normally I'd say don't worry but last year we had a heatwave in august and it was hot ....who knows this year.

 

[LynnTarrant]

Kyla i don't know if it helps but there is a cheaper hotel chain using the same listed building(county hall) as the Marriott you would be right around the corner from your sister the building is old as I said it shares the building with the Mariott and several other attractions but it is a cheaper chain not a boutique hotel however I think the price would be in your range. Hereis the web site http://www.premiertravelinn.com/pti/home.do
hope it helps
Lynn

 

[LynnTarrant]

when you get to the site scroll down to London County hall

 

[jlawall]

I love all this planning talk!! Thx Ruth, I had it wrong (4 days in a row, not 5!) Hey all...............about 6 months to go!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[profdsny]

Saturday Barcelona, Spain
—
9:00 p.m.
Sunday At Sea
Monday Palermo, Sicily
Tuesday Naples, Italy (Pompeii)
Wednesday Olbia, Sardinia
Thursday Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome)
Friday At Sea
Saturday La Spezia, Italy (Florence, Pisa)
Sunday Marseille, France
Monday Villefranche, France (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice)
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Barcelona, Spain 6:45 a.m.
Its 4 days in a row( checked it as thought i had it wrong) am planning to have easy days in Sardinia- proberly on the beach

Hi, we are really thinking about only spending a few hours in Sardinia and Sicily, and saving our energy, and enthusiasm for Rome, Naples and Florence. Same with Marseille. Watched the Samantha Brown program last week on Marseille. Still doesn't look interesting. As far as going into Rome, this is contrary to what I had said a few weeks ago, but I really think we are going to take the train in and do the city ourselves. Same with Florence. I really want to do Pompeii however, and will take a tour then. Maybe in Nice do the Nice -Eze, tour, BUT, if we can find a way to the later, do that ourselves also.

 

[jlawall]

Keep sending in your suggestions.........thx to all!!!!

Let's start planning our initial DISMeet!! Where does everyone want to meet, what time and where????????????????

 

[AnnaS]

Well, I have decided that Obia will be a short tour and will do another short one either in Marseille or Villefranche. I really wish I had the excursion brochure. It is very hard to go back and forth on line. I don't want to print it all out. But now that I have narrowed it down to the two ports in France, I think I will print out the short excursions. (If my sons want, they can do the Jeep Safari in Obbia or any other excursion than what we choose).


Keep those suggestions coming for France.

 

[kyla]

Hi, we are really thinking about only spending a few hours in Sardinia and Sicily, and saving our energy, and enthusiasm for Rome, Naples and Florence. Same with Marseille. Watched the Samantha Brown program last week on Marseille. Still doesn't look interesting. As far as going into Rome, this is contrary to what I had said a few weeks ago, but I really think we are going to take the train in and do the city ourselves. Same with Florence. I really want to do Pompeii however, and will take a tour then. Maybe in Nice do the Nice -Eze, tour, BUT, if we can find a way to the later, do that ourselves also.

Let me know what you find out about the trains. I don't think I'm interested in the tours but would rather just take the express train in (like on one of the tours) and then wander around from there. Are the train schedules unreliable? My sister decided to take a Rome tour because she was afraid of getting left behind if we went on our own.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Let me know what you find out about the trains. I don't think I'm interested in the tours but would rather just take the express train in (like on one of the tours) and then wander around from there. Are the train schedules unreliable? My sister decided to take a Rome tour because she was afraid of getting left behind if we went on our own.

Try this link:-
http://www.europeportreviews.com/Rome2.htm

 

[kyla]

Ok, I think if I look much further I'll go crazy. These are my list of places to stay at in London that I'm considering. I need to talk to my husband and see what he thinks. I ideally would like something near a tube station, friendly service, comfy room and maybe near attractions that I may go to.
Anyway here is my list, let me know if any of you have any comments about them:

Bay Tree House B&B: 3 rooms, all the reviews rave about the proprietors help and friendliness towards their guests to make sure they get the most out of their visit to London, helping to plan their day, tips, etc. Cheap internet cafe and food choices nearby. Pros: large bathrooms and maybe bedroom, breakfast included, cheap £59 per night. Cons: way out by Arnos Grove on the Picadelly line (which could be a pro - not having to change lines or walk far), probably about 75 minutes out from Heathrow? Picadelly line will drop you off close to their doorstep.

B+B Belgravia: 17 rooms on 5 floors, all the reviews are pretty positive, most comments center around small bathroom, very clean, 24 hour espresso machine use, internet, fantastic breakfast included, have to climb stairs to get to most rooms, ground floor rooms are noisy since they are next to entrance and dining area. Located walking distance to Victoria Station. £99 per night. Pros: Ok, the food, fee internet, modern style, clean, friendly service. Cons: no a/c, several comments about it being hot in the rooms last summer, couldn't crack open the windows more than a few inches; stairs? not going to worry much about that.

Hyde Park Radnor Hotel: 36 rooms. Reviews seem positive for the most part. Clean, friendly staff. Typical London room - small compared to American standards. I get the impression because its bigger, a bit more impersonal but reviews are good for the most part. Located 5 min walk to Paddington station. £83, I think. Can't remember for sure. Pro: location, location, location. Cons: no a/c but several comments said the hotel provided fans for they were able to open the windows.

Hilton Olympia: 600 rooms? Typical business room but slightly worn. Positive reviews. Cheap £71. Located by Holland Park and Kensington Olympia tube. Pros: I know what to expect Cons: location may not be the greatest. The price is based on advanced purchase which is not changeable or refundable. cons: more impersonal

Premier Inn London County Hall: 300 rooms? Located next to the London Eye and the Marriott where my sister will be staying for one night and actually come to think of it, it might be the night that we fly out to Barcelona (we are going a day ahead of her). Ok, so maybe this won't be on my list. Anyhow, seem like a nice standard room in a good location. £102 per night. Cons: more impersonal.

Anyone have anymore info on these places? Any votes as to where we should stay during out 3 nights in London.

 

[kyla]

Try this link:-
http://www.europeportreviews.com/Rome2.htm

Ohhh, thankyou, thankyou. This is great.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Anyone have anymore info on these places? Any votes as to where we should stay during out 3 nights in London.

Bay Tree House B&B: 3 rooms, all the reviews rave about the proprietors help and friendliness towards their guests to make sure they get the most out of their visit to London, helping to plan their day, tips, etc. Cheap internet cafe and food choices nearby. Pros: large bathrooms and maybe bedroom, breakfast included, cheap £59 per night. Cons: way out by Arnos Grove on the Picadelly line (which could be a pro - not having to change lines or walk far), probably about 75 minutes out from Heathrow? Picadelly line will drop you off close to their doorstep.
LONG WAY OUT FROM LONDON ,YES SAME LINE BUT TRAVEL IN/OUT EVERY DAY?
B+B Belgravia: 17 rooms on 5 floors, all the reviews are pretty positive, most comments center around small bathroom, very clean, 24 hour espresso machine use, internet, fantastic breakfast included, have to climb stairs to get to most rooms, ground floor rooms are noisy since they are next to entrance and dining area. Located walking distance to Victoria Station. £99 per night. Pros: Ok, the food, fee internet, modern style, clean, friendly service. Cons: no a/c, several comments about it being hot in the rooms last summer, couldn't crack open the windows more than a few inches; stairs? not going to worry much about that.
VICTORIA IS A GOOD LOCATION
Hyde Park Radnor Hotel: 36 rooms. Reviews seem positive for the most part. Clean, friendly staff. Typical London room - small compared to American standards. I get the impression because its bigger, a bit more impersonal but reviews are good for the most part. Located 5 min walk to Paddington station. £83, I think. Can't remember for sure. Pro: location, location, location. Cons: no a/c but several comments said the hotel provided fans for they were able to open the windows.
NOT SURE ABOUT THE 5 MIN WALK TO PADDINGOTN, EVEN IF ITS NORTH HYDE PARK, say queensway area/lancaster gate,I THINK THATS A 5/10 MIN TAXI RIDE, BUT APART FROM THAT SOUNDS GOOD fine for Heathrow express.
Hilton Olympia: 600 rooms? Typical business room but slightly worn. Positive reviews. Cheap £71. Located by Holland Park and Kensington Olympia tube. Pros: I know what to expect Cons: location may not be the greatest. The price is based on advanced purchase which is not changeable or refundable. cons: more impersonal
TUBE SERVICE TO OLYMPIA ISNT VERY GOOD A LITTLE SCHUTTLE RUNS BACK AND FORTH ON SINLGE TRACK, HOLLAND PARK IS CENTRAL LINE OK, BUT HOW FAR?
Premier Inn London County Hall: 300 rooms? Located next to the London Eye and the Marriott where my sister will be staying for one night and actually come to think of it, it might be the night that we fly out to Barcelona (we are going a day ahead of her). Ok, so maybe this won't be on my list. Anyhow, seem like a nice standard room in a good location. £102 per night. Cons: more impersonal.
LIKE IT FORMER GLC Greater London council building has charm good views well located. faces Westminster, houses of parliament, london eye.

 

[profdsny]

Ok, I think if I look much further I'll go crazy. These are my list of places to stay at in London that I'm considering. I need to talk to my husband and see what he thinks. I ideally would like something near a tube station, friendly service, comfy room and maybe near attractions that I may go to.
Anyway here is my list, let me know if any of you have any comments about them:

Bay Tree House B&B: 3 rooms, all the reviews rave about the proprietors help and friendliness towards their guests to make sure they get the most out of their visit to London, helping to plan their day, tips, etc. Cheap internet cafe and food choices nearby. Pros: large bathrooms and maybe bedroom, breakfast included, cheap £59 per night. Cons: way out by Arnos Grove on the Picadelly line (which could be a pro - not having to change lines or walk far), probably about 75 minutes out from Heathrow? Picadelly line will drop you off close to their doorstep.

B+B Belgravia: 17 rooms on 5 floors, all the reviews are pretty positive, most comments center around small bathroom, very clean, 24 hour espresso machine use, internet, fantastic breakfast included, have to climb stairs to get to most rooms, ground floor rooms are noisy since they are next to entrance and dining area. Located walking distance to Victoria Station. £99 per night. Pros: Ok, the food, fee internet, modern style, clean, friendly service. Cons: no a/c, several comments about it being hot in the rooms last summer, couldn't crack open the windows more than a few inches; stairs? not going to worry much about that.

Hyde Park Radnor Hotel: 36 rooms. Reviews seem positive for the most part. Clean, friendly staff. Typical London room - small compared to American standards. I get the impression because its bigger, a bit more impersonal but reviews are good for the most part. Located 5 min walk to Paddington station. £83, I think. Can't remember for sure. Pro: location, location, location. Cons: no a/c but several comments said the hotel provided fans for they were able to open the windows.

Hilton Olympia: 600 rooms? Typical business room but slightly worn. Positive reviews. Cheap £71. Located by Holland Park and Kensington Olympia tube. Pros: I know what to expect Cons: location may not be the greatest. The price is based on advanced purchase which is not changeable or refundable. cons: more impersonal

Premier Inn London County Hall: 300 rooms? Located next to the London Eye and the Marriott where my sister will be staying for one night and actually come to think of it, it might be the night that we fly out to Barcelona (we are going a day ahead of her). Ok, so maybe this won't be on my list. Anyhow, seem like a nice standard room in a good location. £102 per night. Cons: more impersonal.

Anyone have anymore info on these places? Any votes as to where we should stay during out 3 nights in London.

One of the best places in London to stay on a reasonable price is the Harlinford Hotel, in the Russel Square, Bloomsbury area. Family run for years. Not as cheap as it once was, I remember staying there in the 70s for $12, but great breakfasts and clean. Extensively remodeled about five years ago. Constantly shows up on reviews as one of the best places to stay for a 'reasonable' price. If we were stopping over in London, we'd stay there.

 

[profdsny]

Ops, should be "Harlingford" , with a "g."


http://www.harlingfordhotel.com/

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Hi everyone - my name is Laura and I checked into this thread sometime last year. Plans weren't finalized yet and promptly forgot until today about this thread. A couple of questions if anyone can help. Is there a check-in spot or is there somebody in charge who will be kind enough to let me know of anything going on? I am wondering if I need to go through all the 48 pages to catch up. As I learned on another thread - that may be impossible sometimes. LOL -

Anyway, we are a group of 6 traveling in 2 cabins. Our group consists of: DH-41, ME-41, DS-22, DD-21, DD's friend-21 and youngest DD-15. As this is our first trip to Europe so therefore we are have no clue where to begin. Unfortunately, my TA doesn't have a lot of info on Europe, Barcelona or France as she mainly books stateside. Hoping I can get lots of tips and info from everyone. I have yet to be disappointed by my DIS family & friends.

In case anyone catches the profile. I forgot my original name and password and ended up using my oldest daughter's name and just took that over. So I am on the level and could really use some help in planning this trip. Thanks to anyone that could help.

 

[jlawall]

Welcome, thx for joining us! We will come up with a meeting place on the ship soon...........we've never been to Europe either............my family is ..........DD23, DD20, DD17, DH 50 and myself DD45.............ask away........we are all here for each other!!!

 

[profdsny]

Hi everyone - my name is Laura and I checked into this thread sometime last year. Plans weren't finalized yet and promptly forgot until today about this thread. A couple of questions if anyone can help. Is there a check-in spot or is there somebody in charge who will be kind enough to let me know of anything going on? I am wondering if I need to go through all the 48 pages to catch up. As I learned on another thread - that may be impossible sometimes. LOL -

Anyway, we are a group of 6 traveling in 2 cabins. Our group consists of: DH-41, ME-41, DS-22, DD-21, DD's friend-21 and youngest DD-15. As this is our first trip to Europe so therefore we are have no clue where to begin. Unfortunately, my TA doesn't have a lot of info on Europe, Barcelona or France as she mainly books stateside. Hoping I can get lots of tips and info from everyone. I have yet to be disappointed by my DIS family & friends.

In case anyone catches the profile. I forgot my original name and password and ended up using my oldest daughter's name and just took that over. So I am on the level and could really use some help in planning this trip. Thanks to anyone that could help.

Hi, welcome. There are about 3 boards right now. This, for those of us going on this cruise, a general Med forum, and a new excursion forum. So, by the time July comes around, you should just about finish reading all the posts.
I might suggest that you read from the back. That will be more current, and you can breeze through things that don't really apply.
Like everyone else, I'm waiting for what our meeting spot is going to be for the group. Excursions will be interesting also, with lots of ideas. If you have the travel channel, make sure you watch for the programs with Samantha Brown in Europe. I think there is one for almost every one of the stops, however, haven't seen one yet on Sicily or Sardinia.
Anyhow, welcome again.