Just back from Golden Princess to Med. Any questions?
Jun 23rd, 2001, 04:35 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Perfect timing! My wife and I will be joining another couple on the Golden in Istanbul next week. <BR>Which excursions would you recommend or pan? In Athens, after the Acropolis, we couldn't decide between Corinth or Cape Sounion/Poseidon. Also still trying to choose between Amalfi Coast or Capri in Naples. In Florence, we would like lots of free time to shop and try the Accademia but the tours don't seem to allow for that. <BR>Finally, being a new ship, did you feel the Golden and its crew were prepared? We chose personal choice dining but wonder if the line ups were long at peak hours.<BR>Hope you had a good time!
Jun 23rd, 2001, 08:42 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Welcome back Marvin.. We're going on August 8 with our 3 daughters ages 16-21. Were there other families with similar aged kids? We are still a little uncertain what to do in Florence. Would you recommend a private tour guide or renting a car (if we can find a taxi to get from the port of Livorno) and winging it on our own.<BR>Thanks a million...Mari
Jun 24th, 2001, 03:52 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Still suffering from a little jet lag but will try to post some answers. Leaving from Istanbul we were too tired upon arriving to do anything and since the next day was Sunday could only take one tour and the Grand Bazaar was closed. An option might be to arrive there a day early.<BR>We had been to Athens twice before and once was a land tour so we stayed in Piraeus. By all means take one of the tours that includes the Acropolis. You will have only one day so select the one that gives you the important things you want to see. The Cape Sounion drive is very scenic. The Corinth trip would depend on your desire to visit this old Biblical city, the canal, etc. Hard choice but be sure they also include the Acrop. We heard some report that the Amalfi Drive was a spectacular trip. We went to Capri some years ago and it is also worth a trip. It is very crowded but may include Sorrento which is neat. If you haven't been to Pompeii and are interested in antiquities it is a "don't miss" trip. You could do Capri and Pompeii both as you will be in Naples all day. We went to Herculaneum since we had visited Pompeii twice.<BR>As far as the ship - it was great. Everything was very smooth. Princess knows how to move people. We never felt herded or crowded - no lines to speak of. We didn't choose Personal Choice but in sitting with others who did, they were quite pleased and never had to wait. Be advised that there is a mandatory $6.50/day gratuitity per person charged to your shipboard acct. for dining services for all passengers.<BR>Florence - unfortunately we were there on a Monday and the important museums were closed!! We changed our tour to Florence on your own and did some shopping (nothing is cheap). With a large party, as one of you mentioned, you probably could get a taxi for less than the cost of the tour altho we found them to be expensive ($280/day was the going rate) There were lots of children of all ages and they were having a great time. Lots of teenagers and some smaller children. They will love it as they seem to get together and there is much for them to do.<BR>Hope this helps all of you. The food was outstanding - better than others we had experienced.
Jun 24th, 2001, 04:23 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks for the info. I'll be on the August 21 departure Istanbul - Barcelona. Can you tell me....at which ports does the ship dock, and at which do you have to take a tender in? On the overnight in Venice, is there a time you need to be back on board, or a last ferry service or anything? Also, you say there were lots of teenagers so I'm assuming all age groups? I'd heard the Med can be a senior citizen route. Thanks again!!
Jun 24th, 2001, 06:55 PM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
When we were in Barcelona the tour bus drivers were on strike so all tours were cancelled so the only way into town was walk or taxi. Many did walk. Its probably one mile or so to Rambla (we didnt because we had been there before).There will be a shuttle tho.($4.00 ea way)
Jun 24th, 2001, 11:41 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Do not miss Almalfi Drive.<BR><BR>Also Cannes and Nice. You will still have time to walk the principality of Monaco in the afternoon.<BR><BR>I thought Pisa was so impressive. Pictures do not do it justice. Of course I did spend a few days in Florence on a previous trip and it was wonderful. Quite a toss-up here.<BR><BR>I did enjoy Murano but I would not advise buying glass there. It is less money in Venice.<BR><BR>La Rambla is one heck of a walk but it can be done. I did walk it one way and hired a taxi back (no bus at 4AM). Do NOT miss Gaudi's Cathedral.<BR><BR>After you see the Acropolis and are not too tired walk around the Plaka. It is very interesting. Also see the Changing of the Guard in Syntagma Square.<BR><BR>Truly an extraordinary trip and ship.<BR><BR>Paul
Jun 25th, 2001, 05:00 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
What tour (if any) did you take in Istanbul? We're having trouble deciding between St. Sophia/Blue Mosque/Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace/Grand Bazaar. Also considering trying to do them on our own, since we may be able to move faster than we could in a tour group. Any opinions?? THANK YOU by the way for all the info!!
Jun 25th, 2001, 10:20 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mari-<BR>We just returned from a Med cruise on the Grandeur and did Livorno/Florence as well. I have two teenage daughters and the four of us took the train from Livorno to Florence (you can get off at Pisa for a customary picture and get back with no additional charge). The cost was about $8 apiece and our trip was shorter than the buses the ship's excusions used. Florence is a much smaller city than most think. Everything you would want to see is within easy walking distance from the train station. Nothing will be outside a ten block radius. If you're there on a Monday, though, most of the popular places are closed. Email me if you have any detailed questions.
Jun 25th, 2001, 06:39 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Michelle, a little more on Istanbul than my husband offered. There is a Princess shuttle ($4 ea. way) that takes you to the center where you can do the Mosque, etc. If you are beginning your cruise there and aren't too tired upon arrival, you can do some trips on Sat. Maybe you are younger with more pep. I wished we had gone into the Asia side also. The ship is docked close but not within walking from it. Unless you are in the market for a rug, don't let them take you to the rug factory. Takes too much time and lots of pressure. There is quite a bit of shopping near the ship also.
Jun 25th, 2001, 11:50 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
I believe there is so much to see and do in Istanbul you can spend a week. Best to do your homework and choose what you would like to see and do. <BR><BR>There are many interesting museums and it is up to each individual how much time one wishes to spend in each one.<BR><BR>I loved the Grand Bazaar but I have clients that state the folks are too intimidating (such as Jamaica). Some say the mosques are just big buildings with "nuttin in 'em. So you see it is up to each individual.<BR><BR>Best to take the ship's tour so you can get a taste of each sight and what is important is to listen since the history is so important. If you find you thoroughly enjoyed one or two of the sights, take a taxi on your own and go back.<BR><BR>It is perfectly safe in the evening and it is "different" to walk the small streets. Everyone is friendly and some will ask you to join them at the many sidewalk restaurants. The business people are continually cleaning therefore the city is not as dirty as what one might expect.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>
Jun 26th, 2001, 04:43 AM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
THANK YOU for all the info and suggestions! I will have to do a bit more research I guess before deciding for sure. If its not too crowded I think we could probably get most of the sites in, but lines will certainly slow us down. I would be willing to go in to see one or two places the day of arrival, though I'm not sure of closing times. Does anyone know what time the Bazaar and other sites close? We'll actually be arriving on a Monday, sailing on Tuesday. THANKS AGAIN!!
Jul 1st, 2001, 05:06 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
if you visit<BR>the<BR>www.cruise critic.com<BR>and the reviews there is a new one <BR>printed on the reviews of the web site<BR>re golden princess.<BR>might be very helpfull.<BR>rgds<BR>Nejat Incedogan
