We're leaving this weekend for the Med on the Brilliance of the Seas. No one talks about this ship in the Med. Any suggestions, better yet is any one else coming? I've tried to look at the excursions, but they are confusing. Some people say to just go on your own. What do you think? Thanks for the help!

Go to the Europe section under Ports of Call in Cruisecritic.com. Lots of people taking Brilliance cruises this summer. If you still want advice on doing things on your own, repost on this thread and I can help you with Villefranche, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples.

Peter

PumpkinEater, I would like info on those ports I will be on the Brilliance in early August hitting the ports you meantioned as well as Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Malta.

Phoenix, when you get back, post how you liked the ship. Also, what kind of room do you have? My wife and I are really excited about our trip. As far as the shore excursions go, they seemed way over priced so my wife and I will just be going on our own(Unless of course we meet up with other people on the cruise who would like to join us). That way you have greater flexibility to do what you want, when you want, and at the pace you want.

Scottee25 - Villefranche: train south to Nice or north to Monte Carlo with stop in Eze. If you want to see an old walled city (Eze) take the train (about $6 round trip pp) north two stops from Villefranche (about ten minutes) and get off at Eze du mer (sp?) which is new Eze. Catch a bus (every 45 minutes I believe) up the hill to old Eze. Quaint shops and a perfume factory if you're interested. Continue on to Monte Carlo (another 10 minutes) and see the Palace, Casino, Seaquarium and lots of good restuarants and the most picturesque city on the French Riviera.

Livorno - take a taxi to the train station (get off ship as early as you can otherwise taxi's are hard to get just to the station - they want a full day fare) and buy a round trip ticket to Florence. You can get on and off the train as ofter as you want so if Pisa is on your list, get off there, taxi to the tower and get back on train. Station in Florence is within ten square blocks of anything you want to see - Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio bridge, etc. Cost of train about $9 roundtrip pp and will take less time than those on the bus from the ship's tour. Good restaurants around the bridge - also, good bargains on leather goods - gloves, jackets, etc.

Civitavecchia - again, taxi to station, round trip to Rome - termini station if you want ancient Rome, St. Pietro if you want Vatican area. Cost around $10 pp but can be used for metro's in Rome. Wouldn't try to do both ancient and Vatican. We did Coleseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain, ate lunch at Piazza Navone, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, a little shopping and return. Don't forget to sample the gelato (ice cream).

Naples - hyrofoil to Capri is $12 each way per person. Station is only 100 yards from your ship. Can also take hydrofoil to Sorrento for Amalfi Coast experience. If you're going to Pompeii, take taxi to train station and train to Pompeii. Go in the morning as the heat is unbelievable. Could then train to Sorrento for lunch and scenery then hydrofoil back to Naples.

Malta - we hired a taxi for the afternoon for $85 - he took us to a very nice beach - Golden - and then on to a glass blowing factory and then the craft village.

Bon Voyage - Peter

Peter,

Thanks for all the info, but i heard that taking trains in italy isn't too good, because they strike alot. What do you think? Also i have two children with me. I was thinking the transfers from the ship, then doing our own thing. Still think the train is better? we're leaving this weekend!

Phoenix50 - there are train strikes in both France and Italy but I wouldn't characterize them as often. They are usually short (one day) and only affect a very small portion of the rail system. Keep in mind that trains are the primary means of travel for Europeans. They use them for work, school, etc. To us, that was part of the unique experience - riding the trains with a group of elementary school kids, a couple going to Rome to look for work, etc. We even ran accross some American teenagers who were doing the youth hostel thing all over Europe and using the trains for transportation. The strikes are known ahead of time and you could then use alternate means.

We traveled with two teenagers and they caused no problems with the train travel. They really enjoyed being out and amongst the people.

Good luck and have a great trip - Peter

phoenix50-

Even if the strikes are one day in ITALY, if that one day is the day you are travelling, You will not be able to get back to the port ...You will need to get alternative transportation....

Be aware, if you miss the ship's sailing, that YOU are responsible for getting to your next cruise port....

Civittavecchia is about 1 1/2 hrs by car from ROME and Livorno is about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs from Florence- by car....
So plan accordingly....

Phoenix50 - Andy is one of those alarmists you see on these boards from time to time. There are so many things that can go wrong that would inconvenience you or cause you major problems; but if you spend your energy worrying about them, you won't be able to enjoy your vacation. The worst thing that could happen is that there's a train strike on your line after you get to Florence and you can't take the train back. Hire a taxi and pay them $100 or $200 - they'll get you back to your ship on time. If I didn't know better, I'd think Andy worked for the cruise lines - they give you that "fear thing" when they push their overpriced excursions.

Peter