Copied from FatAndy's post
Venice
The Emerald is usually moored outside of the main area, in a large dock a few miles from the central area of Venice (i.e the square).
There are a few options to get you into town, the quickest is a walk round to the waterbus station, and getting a days pass for the waterboats. Its a bit like getting the circle line on london underground, it will get you all around venice and you can even change boats and go out to the islands of Medina etc to see the glass blowing. Very cheap and good long day out.
Point of reference is remmeber what way you are travelling. Its possible to get on one stop away from where you want to be then travel the full circuit for 14 stops because you got on clockwise .
All access to Venice can be done this way, and it can be fun. Beware of very very very expensive drinks (especially coffee in the square).
Additionally you may want to get back to the boat slightly early and grab a place on the Lido before we depart.
The exit of Venice is superb, running along the main canal, making little boats bob furiously as we pass. The Emerald has taken to playing classical music as you plough down the waterway, adding another few inches of water to those already sinking buildings.
Dubrovnic.
Kate again is clear on this. The taxi's are a rip off at 10 euros each way. Unfortunately the boat is often moored under the new bridge (in other words, the absolute furthest from the harbour gate as possible.
Now, to put it basically, i'm a chubby chap, and it took me 10 mins to get out the harbour, lol.
Some places to consider.
The small marina at the other end of the harbour have some lovely boats but, there is also a hidden bar and resturant. (lol, anyone who knows me will realise this is an aim to find all the hidden bars etc)
By the marina there is a little department store. walk through the store to the back and either climb the stairs or take the lift to the roof. When you get to the top you will find a lovely little roof resturant and bar with a great view over the harbour and marina.
The old city
Walk around the walls, go to the far side nearest the bay and you will find the little museum.
any new updates to this post
Courtesy of GarethHuddersfield
Some brief points :- great value and great weather for March. Trips - did Petra by taxi at £20 per person plus admission which worked out at £ 18 GBP or 21 Jordanian pounds - so we paid £38 each - Thomson price is £65/70 each. We did not get a meal in a hotel but set off at 09.15 am and were back by 16.30 hrs making it a much shorter day than the slow Thomson coach which was 07.30 to 18.30 for the same sights. Cairo and Pyramids/ Sphinx and Museum etc etc - again by Taxi with a guide included at £40 per person including admission to the Pyramid site and Museum ( extra to go inside pyramid and into the Mummy room at the museum) - again we set off at 9.00 am and were back by 17.30 hrs - no meal but £25 / £30 less per person than Thomsons and again no 12 hour day but we saw everything they saw and at our pace.
first time cruisers going on 01 june 06 jewels of med, visiting
palermo -sicily
naples - italy
ajaccio- corsica
toulon -france
barcelona- spain
would appreciate any info and tips on diy shore trips (although been to barca before so ok with this stop) also if its easy to get from dock to towns
palermo -sicily
naples - italy
ajaccio- corsica
toulon -france
barcelona- spain
would appreciate any info and tips on diy shore trips (although been to barca before so ok with this stop) also if its easy to get from dock to towns
hello,been looking thru old forums and ive drawn a blank....can you help
we intend to go it alone ..but cant find any info on valletta,palma or marseille...also how far is the naples station from the docks...big thanks
we intend to go it alone ..but cant find any info on valletta,palma or marseille...also how far is the naples station from the docks...big thanks
Courtesy of ACJ
ACJ
New Member
Age: 43
Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 7:01 am Post subject: DAY TRIP TO NAPLES
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hello luci
so you are visiting napoli....bella napoli. a real pity you do not want to spend your time in the city itself. contrary to popular belief, it is a magnificent city and the home to the worlds first opera house, the worlds first archeological museum, the worlds first aquarium to mention a few.
However, as you wish to venture i hope the following will help. from naples you are best taking the jet boat to capri from the "molo beverello" the small harbour next to the main maritime station, i imagine your ship will dock there. there are numerous operators offering transport to capri and you will see all their ticket windows facing the castle. my advise, is go the the waterside and see the "metro del mare" kiosk. these are new and cost a fraction of the normal operators. the "metro del mare" is operated by the campania region.
on capri the option of the blue grotto is available however, this depends on time and water conditions. the cost is 11 euro for the boat to take you to the entrance where you exchange boats and pay a further 8 euro to go in. is it worth it? having been in 1000 times, my answer is no. i would strongly advise you to take another option...a full 1 hour cruise around the island visiting the green, coral and white grottos. this also takes in the faraglione rocks and is a perfect 1 hour seeing capri at its best. the cruise around the island costs 11 euro.
if you want to take in sorrento also then book a single ticket from naples to capri on the jet. from capri to sorrento take another jet (20 mins crossing). tou could spend some time in sorrento. if you then choose to call it a day you can take the "circumvesuviana" train from sorrento to naples. the trains run every 25 mins and cost 3.20 euro. the journey time is 1hr and 10 mins. however, should you wish to include amalfi then after time in sorrento you can take the "sita" bus from outside the train station in sorrento (opposite piazza lauro). the sita busses operate every half hour and cost 2.00 euro. the journey will take you along the amalfi coast passing positano, praiano, fiordo di furore and takes just over 1 hour. after time in amalfi you could then take the "metro del mare" service from amalfi to naples.
it all depends on how much time you have and how long you want to spend in these palces. you can get the metro del mare timetable at http://www.metrodelmare.com . should you like me to e-mail you the timetables for all services please do not hesitate to ask. the information is all up to date as i live in sorrento.
have fun
BOATS
NAPLES (MOLO BEVERELLO) TO CAPRI
TIME OPERATOR COST JOURNEY
08.10 SNAV 14.00EURO 50MINS
08.35 NLG " " " "
09.10 SNAV " " " "
09.30 NLG " " " "
10.00 NEAPOLIS " " " "
10.10 SNAV 15.00EURO " "
10.35 NLG " " " "
CAPRI TO SORRENTO
10.20 NLG 12.00EURO 20 MINS
11.20 " " "
11.40 " " "
12.20 " " "
13.30 " " "
13.50 " " "
15.20 " " "
SORRENTO TO AMALFI (BY SEA)
13.30 " 9.00EURO 50 MINS
SORRENTO TO AMALFI BUS
"SITA" BUS EVERY HALF HOUR FROM BUS ATOP OUTSIDE RAILWAY STATION IN SORRENTO JOURNEY 1HR 10 MINS
AMALFI TO SORRENTO BUS
"SITA" BUS EVERY HALF HOUR FROM PORT COACH PARK IN AMALFI
JOURNEY TIME 1HR 10 MINS
SORRENTO TO NAPLES TRAIN
EVERY 25 MINS. ALL TRAINS LEAVING SORRENTO GO TO NAPLES. FOR THE PORT YOU ARE BETTER GETTING OFF AT THE STATION "PORTA NOLANA" COME OUT OF THE STATION, TURN LEFT, WALK TO END OF ROAD AND TURN RIGHT. YOU ARE NOW ON MAIN SEA FRONT ROAD.
NAPLES (MOLO BEVERELLO) TO CAPRI
TIME OPERATOR COST JOURNEY
08.10 SNAV 14.00EURO 50MINS
08.35 NLG " " " "
09.10 SNAV " " " "
09.30 NLG " " " "
10.00 NEAPOLIS " " " "
10.10 SNAV 15.00EURO " "
10.35 NLG " " " "
CAPRI TO SORRENTO
10.20 NLG 12.00EURO 20 MINS
11.20 " " "
11.40 " " "
12.20 " " "
13.30 " " "
13.50 " " "
15.20 " " "
SORRENTO TO AMALFI (BY SEA)
13.30 " 9.00EURO 50 MINS
SORRENTO TO AMALFI BUS
"SITA" BUS EVERY HALF HOUR FROM BUS ATOP OUTSIDE RAILWAY STATION IN SORRENTO JOURNEY 1HR 10 MINS
AMALFI TO SORRENTO BUS
"SITA" BUS EVERY HALF HOUR FROM PORT COACH PARK IN AMALFI
JOURNEY TIME 1HR 10 MINS
SORRENTO TO NAPLES TRAIN
EVERY 25 MINS. ALL TRAINS LEAVING SORRENTO GO TO NAPLES. FOR THE PORT YOU ARE BETTER GETTING OFF AT THE STATION "PORTA NOLANA" COME OUT OF THE STATION, TURN LEFT, WALK TO END OF ROAD AND TURN RIGHT. YOU ARE NOW ON MAIN SEA FRONT ROAD.
Has anyone visited Dubrovnik by cruise ship? Can you tell me if it is easy to get from the cruise port to Dubrovnik by taxi or public transport or walking and the approx. cost. Also do they accept Euros in Croatia or do we have to get some Croatian Kuna?
Thanks
Thanks
It depends where your boat moors. If it is in the Lapad area, you will need transport into the town centre but there may well be a bus. If you moor in the old port you are IMMEDIATELY in the old town.
You will need Kuna really, everywhere that I saw back in May when a cruise ship came in and who accepted payment in Euros made a good mark up on the cost of the currency!!
But there are PLENTY of ATMS, so you should have no problem with changing money. Just don't change too much if you fancy a few postcards and an icecream. Of course there are more possibilities than you can shake a stick at for buying souvenirs ... but they really aren't special to Dubrovnik and can be found elsewhere .... though there is a good candle workshop on the main street up near the Pile Gate.
Make sure you have shoes with flat heels (or preferably trainers) for the stone streets ... and they become slippery in the wet.
Have a lovely visit.
You will need Kuna really, everywhere that I saw back in May when a cruise ship came in and who accepted payment in Euros made a good mark up on the cost of the currency!!
But there are PLENTY of ATMS, so you should have no problem with changing money. Just don't change too much if you fancy a few postcards and an icecream. Of course there are more possibilities than you can shake a stick at for buying souvenirs ... but they really aren't special to Dubrovnik and can be found elsewhere .... though there is a good candle workshop on the main street up near the Pile Gate.
Make sure you have shoes with flat heels (or preferably trainers) for the stone streets ... and they become slippery in the wet.
Have a lovely visit.
Thanks thats very useful.
We visited Dubrovnik a couple of weeks ago with Costa. As previously mentioned you may end up in either location - we were in the old town harbour so were right where we needed to be. On the question of Euros vs Kruna - we were advised that everywhere took Euros and they did. Ok, so they may have made a bit on the exchange rate, but for the amount of time and money we spent there it really did not make much difference when you balance it against all the other expenses you will incur on your holiday.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
I like Naples for the opportunity to go further afield. My favourite is to go across to Capri. Where your ship will be docked it is just necessary to cross the road and take the hydofoil of the ferry.
Can't remember how much it cost but very affordable. Easy to do on your own. When you arrive it is easy to find your way around and I had lunch in a real ITALIAN restaurant and had some wonderful views. A great day out highly recommended.
Sue
Can't remember how much it cost but very affordable. Easy to do on your own. When you arrive it is easy to find your way around and I had lunch in a real ITALIAN restaurant and had some wonderful views. A great day out highly recommended.
Sue
Thanks for Capri tip. We will be in Naples October this year on RCI's VoS. Previous time we did Pompeii and sorrento so looking for alternative experience.
I would add one caveat - namely that I have heard of the hydrofoil being delayed/cancelled and some passengers missing the ship sailing as a result!
Gill
Gill
Fair comment, but to mitigate that scenario when we do our own thing in port we always leave earlyish and ensure the return journey planned (by whatever means) always leaves a couple of other alternatives i.e in this case later ferry/hydrofoil sailings.
One of the best value self trips is Civitavecchia to Rome by train. Cost is incredibly low, about £10 return at the most. The secret is to get the train back a couple of hours before the absolute latest one that would do it. If disaster ensues then taxi back is the expensive option, but still cheaper than an organised excursion. The real beauty of self exploration is you do what you choose, when you want and are not restricted to tour guide preferences which often centre around coffee and cigarette breaks for them!! We were once left at the Trevi fountain in Rome for an hour. Now the fountain is beautiful, but 15-30 minutes is max time on a tight schedule. We walked round the block and discovered the guide in cafe having a break!!
However, there is no doubt that readers need to be aware the responsibility for getting back to ship on time, with self exploration, lies with them and not the cruise company
One of the best value self trips is Civitavecchia to Rome by train. Cost is incredibly low, about £10 return at the most. The secret is to get the train back a couple of hours before the absolute latest one that would do it. If disaster ensues then taxi back is the expensive option, but still cheaper than an organised excursion. The real beauty of self exploration is you do what you choose, when you want and are not restricted to tour guide preferences which often centre around coffee and cigarette breaks for them!! We were once left at the Trevi fountain in Rome for an hour. Now the fountain is beautiful, but 15-30 minutes is max time on a tight schedule. We walked round the block and discovered the guide in cafe having a break!!
However, there is no doubt that readers need to be aware the responsibility for getting back to ship on time, with self exploration, lies with them and not the cruise company
I'm definately a coward when it comes to DIY - I am only brave when the ship is within walking distance or at least docked in the same town! I did Rome DIY - but getting the ships coach to the city first - more expensive but better for my anxiety!!
Having said that we did get the train to Monaco from Villefranche once.
Gill
Having said that we did get the train to Monaco from Villefranche once.
Gill
We're cruising into Livorno on the Island Star at the start of July, and quite fancy heading in to Pisa under our own steam, as I understand its reasonably close.
Had a quick look on the Trenitalia site for train times, but not sure I'm looking in the right place. Anyone know if one train every two hours or so is right ? If so, is it feasible to do this between arriving in port at about 8am, and leaving about 6pm with 2 kids ?
Had a quick look on the Trenitalia site for train times, but not sure I'm looking in the right place. Anyone know if one train every two hours or so is right ? If so, is it feasible to do this between arriving in port at about 8am, and leaving about 6pm with 2 kids ?
We Will Be Doing This Cruise Starting Next Friday And Wonder If Anyone Has Any Tips Particularly In Relation To Trips From The Ship.
The Ports Of Call Are:
Palma - Arrive Onboard Ship Around Dinnertime - Is There Anywhere Interesting To See Within Walking Distance Of The Ship For The Afternoon? Sailing Around Midnight I Think?
Villefrancge - Thinking Of Doing A Train Journey Into Monte-Carlo. Anyone Know If This Is Easy And Any Recommendations On What To See - In Dock 8am To 6pm
Livorno - Thinking Of Taking Ships Trip "Florence Diy" - Bus To Florence Do What You Want- What Would You Recommend Seeing - In Dock 07:00 Till 6pm
Civitavecchia - Want To Try And Do This Diy On Train If We Can. Any Suggestions On An Itinery Of Where To Go In Order To Ensure We See As Much As Possible. - In Dock 8am To 6pm
Alghero - Were Planning Just A Walk From Ship To Nearest Beach- Anyone Done This Is It Easy? - In Dock 8am To 5pm
Palmos - Again Were Just Planning On Walking To The Nearest Beach - Anyone Done This - Is It Easy - In Dock 9am -5pm
Any Suggestions To Make The Trip More Enjoyable Overall. We Have Cruised Before With Thomsons So Have An Idea Of The Ship And How Things Operate. Thanks In Anticipation
The Ports Of Call Are:
Palma - Arrive Onboard Ship Around Dinnertime - Is There Anywhere Interesting To See Within Walking Distance Of The Ship For The Afternoon? Sailing Around Midnight I Think?
Villefrancge - Thinking Of Doing A Train Journey Into Monte-Carlo. Anyone Know If This Is Easy And Any Recommendations On What To See - In Dock 8am To 6pm
Livorno - Thinking Of Taking Ships Trip "Florence Diy" - Bus To Florence Do What You Want- What Would You Recommend Seeing - In Dock 07:00 Till 6pm
Civitavecchia - Want To Try And Do This Diy On Train If We Can. Any Suggestions On An Itinery Of Where To Go In Order To Ensure We See As Much As Possible. - In Dock 8am To 6pm
Alghero - Were Planning Just A Walk From Ship To Nearest Beach- Anyone Done This Is It Easy? - In Dock 8am To 5pm
Palmos - Again Were Just Planning On Walking To The Nearest Beach - Anyone Done This - Is It Easy - In Dock 9am -5pm
Any Suggestions To Make The Trip More Enjoyable Overall. We Have Cruised Before With Thomsons So Have An Idea Of The Ship And How Things Operate. Thanks In Anticipation
In Palma there is an open-top bus tour which has a stop from outside the cruise terminal. When you come out terminal it is a little to your right and across one lane, from memory. Takes roughly an hour 15 minutes to do complete circuit but the ticket is hop on/off if you prefer. Another alternative is just to stroll along the marina area into the centre at the cathedral, although it will take you 45 minutes each way for someone with good mobility.
From Villefranche it is easy to get to M-C by train where you would certainly want to see the Marina area, and up to the casino area. Also suggest the Palace and surrounding streets, including small cathedral. Once you get to M-C it is really just a question of asking someone and following your nose.
Rome by train is a breeze, and cheap. There are 2 train stops you need to choose between. First one is San Pedro (St Peter's) which is about an hours travel, which I would recommend if you want to spend a significant amount of time in Vatican City. The next one is another 10-15 minutes into the Central Station, but is not at the centre of Rome's historical area. If you go there you can either use the metro to get where you want to see or go out the main front entrance to the buses and get an open-top bus, which is hop on/off.
The difficulty you have with Rome is that your time is limited. Even if you leave as close to 8.00am as possible and get the earliest train, by the time you get on and into Rome it will be at least 10.00am. For the train back you need to give yourself a disaster recovery plan in the event of train delay or any other unexpected event. You will require to be back on board between 5.00-5.30, so really need to aim for a train around 3.00pm, to give you another two train alternatives. They run every half hour, I think. The best I think you could hope to achieve would be to do the Vatican, and then get over to the Coloseum/Forum area, which is well worth seeing but would take an hour for a walk-along view. You would want to get into the forum area and browse a little. If there is time left the Trevi fountain is definitely worth a visit and only a 15 minute job. Whatever you do, plan carefully and keep to time. The ship will not wait...you know that!
From Villefranche it is easy to get to M-C by train where you would certainly want to see the Marina area, and up to the casino area. Also suggest the Palace and surrounding streets, including small cathedral. Once you get to M-C it is really just a question of asking someone and following your nose.
Rome by train is a breeze, and cheap. There are 2 train stops you need to choose between. First one is San Pedro (St Peter's) which is about an hours travel, which I would recommend if you want to spend a significant amount of time in Vatican City. The next one is another 10-15 minutes into the Central Station, but is not at the centre of Rome's historical area. If you go there you can either use the metro to get where you want to see or go out the main front entrance to the buses and get an open-top bus, which is hop on/off.
The difficulty you have with Rome is that your time is limited. Even if you leave as close to 8.00am as possible and get the earliest train, by the time you get on and into Rome it will be at least 10.00am. For the train back you need to give yourself a disaster recovery plan in the event of train delay or any other unexpected event. You will require to be back on board between 5.00-5.30, so really need to aim for a train around 3.00pm, to give you another two train alternatives. They run every half hour, I think. The best I think you could hope to achieve would be to do the Vatican, and then get over to the Coloseum/Forum area, which is well worth seeing but would take an hour for a walk-along view. You would want to get into the forum area and browse a little. If there is time left the Trevi fountain is definitely worth a visit and only a 15 minute job. Whatever you do, plan carefully and keep to time. The ship will not wait...you know that!
Hi Hchy Girl
I have merged your post with the Thomson Spirit topic.
I agree with the above, Rome and Monte Carlo are very easy to do DIY. I would also suggest that you can do Florence DIY. You get the local bus or a taxi to the train station in Livorno and the trains running quite frequently although some do change at Pisa so be aware of that. You will get the train times at http://www.trenitalia.com
luci
I have merged your post with the Thomson Spirit topic.
I agree with the above, Rome and Monte Carlo are very easy to do DIY. I would also suggest that you can do Florence DIY. You get the local bus or a taxi to the train station in Livorno and the trains running quite frequently although some do change at Pisa so be aware of that. You will get the train times at http://www.trenitalia.com
luci
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