25th anniversary cruise - which line to choose??
Apr 16th, 2002, 08:16 PM
#22
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Jen--- I would definitely go with WINDSTAR CRUISE LINE__specifically the WINDSURF--it is the largest of their ships and holds 330 people--5 masted sailing yacht!<BR>People are mid 30-to late 50's--all upscale CASUAL--NO TUXEDO needed-<BR>Has marina that drops down from back of ship for kayaking,water skiing and winddsurfing--FOOD is fabulous! Nice small casino and small cocktail lounge with 3 pc combo that can play ANYTHING!<BR>2 restaurants--VERY VERY ROMANTIC--<BR>we did Rome to Nice--it goes into smaller ports and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Once you try the smaller ship thru Europe, you will never want to go on a HUMONGO ship--<BR>this was IDEAL!!!!
Apr 17th, 2002, 12:10 AM
#23
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<BR>I have no idea why Linda hates travel agents but they can be extremely helpful and most will save you quite a bit of money. Also, contrary to what Linda may believe, they do not make a commission on shore tours. <BR><BR>There is nothing wrong with booking shore tours independently. What I am attempting to say without being bashed is that one would have to do quite a bit of research before booking with an unknown tour operator. You must make sure you will not miss your ship. You should take into consideration that you would want to return to the ship alive. Simply, it is buyer beware.<BR><BR>Happy cruisin'<BR><BR>Paul
Apr 17th, 2002, 05:43 AM
#24
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Good God Paul, even I'm surprised at your choice of words. We all know that you always recommend the cruise lines excursions (because you work for them and they make more off their excursions than they make from the cruise itself) and we all know you always recommend a travel agent (because you are or were one), but Good Lord - "You should take into consideration that you would want to return to the ship alive."<BR><BR>What advice are you trying to give this poor woman - she says she has never cruised before, probably hasn't been to Europe before and here you are, PLAYING THE EXPERT AGAIN, telling her she should take into consideration she might lose her life if she isn't carefull and doesn't go with the ship's excursions!!!!!! A new low for you. I need to cut and paste this post everywhere on the travel internet. I consider myself your biggest critic and I can't believe what you said. Its one thing to constantly bring up the threat that the ship would leave without you if you don't use their excursions (which rarely happens-see past threads), but to use the ULTIMATE threat. Whoa - I must bookmark this post lets see what happens today - you might have to change your user name. If you do, however, I have a suspicion we'll be able to tell its you.
Apr 17th, 2002, 06:41 AM
#25
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Paul,Why would you say I hate travel agents? Three of my best friends are EX travel agents, cause business was so lousy. Reason being, that any idiot with a computer can research and book his or her own trip. I did not say anything about commissions- reread my post,Paul.I have traveled to more places and more frequently than many travel agents. Never once has a travel agent found me a better deal than I've found on my own. I research very thoroughly before I book, and before I arrive anywhere. This includes ports as well. I still use AAA when I need tripticks or road reports, but for everything else I use my PC.
Apr 17th, 2002, 06:44 AM
#26
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Jen - I emailed you my trip summary - I hope it helps. <BR><BR>Peter - I like to read what you say about Paul's comments because you tend to balance him out even though you are a little rude sometimes - but in this case you are absolutely correct. I did my own excursions on my Med trip and never feared for anything, much less my life. I don't know where Paul is coming from - maybe he'll post what he meant, but Jen - please don't let Paul's comments scare you into either not going to Europe or doing your own excursions.
Apr 17th, 2002, 05:30 PM
#27
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John - thanks for your summary - man, you were a busy camper!! But the places you saw were wonderful, I am sure! <BR><BR>Windstars website is not the easiest to navigate, a little tough to find what you are looking for if you don't have a specific destination in mind....they definitely sound interesting- recently saw an ad in Conde Nast...<BR><BR>I think travel agents have their function in many people's lives - I have used them on occasion and probably will again. But where I am in the planning stages, I don't really feel this is the time to involve one. We have travelled extensively in the Carribean - I've been to London, Denmark and Russia - when it used to be Russia. My husband was not huge fan of travelling until recently, so I really trying to find something appropriate for this event. I lke the sound of hte upscale casual of Windstar....but I am openminded.<BR><BR>And when all is said and done, I will take all your advice and finally make my own choice - so feel free to keep your suggestions coming - I find them interesting and helpful.
Apr 18th, 2002, 10:11 AM
#28
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Paul, I am going to Paris for three days precruise and will be by myself. My husband is joining me for the cruise so I'm not worried about that part of my trip. Friends of ours put me in touch with a tour guide in Paris who is going to spend two days with me. Are you saying that Europe is not a very safe place to be right now because of the 9/11 incident? Are you just warning cruise people that ship excursions are safe and others are dangerous? Do you know how to check tour guides out for their credentials? You have me a little worried. Thanks.
Apr 18th, 2002, 01:55 PM
#30
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Meagan, also try www.cruisecritic.com. There are a lot of people out there that do independent excursions, on their own or with guides. Somehow we've mangaged to not only come back alive from three European cruises done mostly with independent excursions but we've also managed to never miss the boat.<BR><BR>And if you do a search over on the Europe board, the topic of European safety has been hashed and rehashed.
Apr 18th, 2002, 06:24 PM
#32
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Jen: If you are considering Silverseas, look too at Seabourn. No Las Vegas shows but excellent food and outstanding service--and the shore excursions are well thought-out and are not on 50-person tour buses. Try it, you'll like it; it will make your anniversary very special.
Apr 19th, 2002, 12:23 AM
#33
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<BR>Things have a tendency to get blown out of proportion .... what I was attempting to say is that people who are not travel savy should think twice before they go off on their own in foreign ports. One is warned in every guidebook, why don't you negative Forodorites write to the guidebooks and complain. There is no reason not to book an offshore trip with companies that are recommended by travel agents or are recommended by people on travel sites. I am in the industry and I know what happens to unsuspecting tourists. I do not mean to frighten people and I just telling them to be on guard. I write what I read. If someone comes up to you in a city that you never visited before and says "hey buddy get in and I'll show you around" you should not go but if you get off a ship and there is a person there that is calling cabs or vans for you then you would more than likely be safe. There are people on this tread that take apart everything that I say. These are the ones that frighten others. I was just responding to the original poster that was taking his first cruise and I said it is best to go with the ship's tours to be safe.<BR><BR>Paul
Apr 19th, 2002, 08:43 AM
#34
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Back to the original question: we cruised Windjammer (the Wind Song) last October from Istanbul to Athens. It was a delightful trip that we'd do again in a heartbeat. Not many passengers (50 instead of 150) because it was so close to the 9/11 tragedies.<BR><BR>The ship is beautiful, and the crew outstanding. We loved our time in Istanbul and Athens; on the other stops we sometimes travelled independently and somtimes took a ship excursion. We did a ship excursion in Bodrum -- a tour of the castle then sailing, lunch and swimming from a fabulous gulet. In Santorini we knew what we wanted to see, and took a bus out to Oia. In Mykonos, we took a taxi to the "Shirley Valentine" beach, swam, had a wonderful lunch. <BR><BR>Wind Song crew very helpful with information about their trips _and_ independent shore travel. If you learn about your desinations, you can plan better for what interests you. <BR><BR>Best memory (from a long list!) was dancing on the deck as we sailed out of <BR>Santorini, the full moon rising above the caldera rim. I don't think you could replicate an experience like that on a bigger ship...<BR>
Apr 19th, 2002, 02:32 PM
#36
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Jen...Seabourn costs a 'lit more....but<BR>a cruise on a Seabourn "Mega Yacht" is life changing!! I've cruised with them 5 times in 15 months! Just returned from the Pride Atlantic crossing! We had 90 guests and 160 Crew and Staff!<BR>The guests are down to earth, very warm and most interesting....from all over the world! Seabourn would be a fabulous<BR>25th Ann. gift to both of you!! My favorite toast is :"The best Islands in the world....float and move....their names are The Pride, The Legend, and the Spirit!!" Seabourn is "top of the line!" Congratulations!
Apr 20th, 2002, 07:41 AM
#37
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Then maybe Paul you should stop presenting your ideas until you can get them right. Misinformation is a dangerous tool in todays's world.<BR><BR>As far as people hailing cabs. You couldn't be wrong. More people visiting New york City get riped off just that way. Every one knows that because it is common sense. <BR><BR>People out there. Here is some real advice. Ask for credentials (yes some can be faked) get a name, a nember, a license plate. That! is a good start.<BR><BR>
Apr 22nd, 2002, 07:24 AM
#39
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Meagan, Paul has said on another thread that he was just exaggerating! Typical for Paul. Please do other research on other sites as someone else recommended. I know Paul sounds credible but some of us have been watching him for awhile and know him for who he is. Don't let his comments intimidate you or change you plans. Simply take the same precautions in Paris as you would in any large city in the US and you'll be ok.
