michaeldcr
New User...
Posts: 2
(7/27/03 5:25 am)
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Hi all, well we went and saw and I hope that my review of The emerald is of use to anyone who is travelling or wishes to consider this Thomson cruise. I am typing this in the wee small hours so please forgive the spelling mistakes or grammatical errors...
I will first give you the background to our party, there were 10 of us in our family group and we all went on this cruise mainly at my mothers insistence!!!!! You see my mum and dad have been cruise fanatics for the past several years having done the med cruises, the Bahamas the Caribbean etc etc. They did at least two a year and travelled with most of the biggys RCI and the like. However my father past away last September and he had promised my mum he would take her away for her 60th but as he wasn't here we decided we would take her. Her birthday was on the 21st July so we booked the Adriatic explorer departing 18th July for 7 nights. And as my other half's birthday was on the 23rd it killed two birds with one stone as they say ( oh I'm a bit of a cheapskate as well!!!!!!!!). The group ranged from 60yrs (my mum) to 1yrs (my daughter) there were 6 adults and 4 children whose ages were 13,11,10 and 1. The adults were, apart from my mum all within the 30-43 age bracket.
We departed from Gatwick at the ungodly hour of 5.45am, and a word of advice here if you haven't been to Gatwick at that time before be there early the queues are terrible. Our check-in took the best part of an hour and Britannia's insistence that you are at the gate 45 mins before departure doesn't help. ( I travel by plane quite a lot domestically and Europe for work and I am used to the 25-30 min boarding times). Oh another word of advice pay the extra £20 and pre-book your seats if you want a bit of leg room, we didn't and spent the two and a half hours cramped. I am the tallest in the group at 6ft and have never experienced the seats being so close together, not even with easyjet!!! i guess if you're 5ft - 5ft2 then you should be ok.
At Corfu you have to collect your own suitcases from the carousel and then meet the rep who has a small booth right by the baggage collection carousel. She welcomes you and tells you to go outside with your baggage and another rep will direct you to your coach. My Mum who has been on all these other cruises thought this was a bit cheeky as they were used to checking in their cases at the departing airport and not seeing them again until they got to their cabin but she just cheerfully got on with it. I hasten to add this was her first Thomson cruise( but will it be her last??? read on!!!)
The transfer only took about 15mins and then we saw her. The Emerald is a very nice looking ship and the brochure photos don't really do her justice, in my opinion. At the quayside our bags were off-loaded and left to be delivered to or cabins. The reps at the quayside greeted us and gave us our boarding passes etc etc but warned us that it could take up to THREE hours for our luggage to be delivered to our cabins. So we boarded and we shown to our homes for the next week. To be brutally honest our first impression of our cabins ( all on bolero (3) deck 4 berth superior outside) was extremely disappointing. They at first didn't resemble anything like the brochure photo. the beds were twins at different of the rooms with absolutely no way of pushing them together to obtain a double.They were separated by built in drawers that really showed the age of the ship. All and I mean all of the wood work was covered in white gloss paint, just like that Carol Smiley may do in her diy programs, nothing like the photo which, if I remember right, shows "nice" wood effect units! The bathroom was worse, the tiles had been re-grouted so badly it looked like my 1yr old had been smearing porridge over the kitchen units,again, but you get the general idea. Obviously the age old tradition of mosaics that the ancient Greeks were famous for, had been long lost. Hopefully I'm right in saying that and it wasn't just the Romans that were famous for that particular skill. Once we recovered from that initial shock we took stock of our cabin, they beds were large singles and a sofa bed which were all very comfortable.There was ample drawers to store our clothes and three single wardrobes. Under the beds there was enough space to store our normal hardsided suitcases and the larger trolley cases could be stored under the TV unit. I mention this because it was a worry after having seen some report that mentioned the lack of storage space available. I have to say that the room it self was large enough to accommodate my family, which was the largest in the group, with myself and partner two kids and the baby. we also had a cot in there! Also the whole cabin was spotlessly clean, the cot however had seen better days it was stained and had bits of dried food on it. We cleaned off the food and just covered the sides in sheets which hid the stained mesh sides. We should have asked for it to be changed but never got around to it. Our baggage turned up within the hour.But my partner did comment on how disorganised the ship was during the time they were bringing on the bags, as the main loading area was at the end of our corridor.
So we then went on our exploration of the ship. We were impressed with all the public areas,the lounges the bars the pool area and decks, all were very clean and presentable and the decor seemed to reflect the age of the ship. I don't mean that in a bad way, just that it wasn't the melamine oasis that so many hotels and modern structures are nowadays.It had a pleasant and slightly classy feel about it.
The main restaurant (Chanteralle) served and buffet style lunch which they repeated for the evening. The food, we thought, was varied and plentiful. There were salads, some rice dishes and some hot dishes,meat and fish, which I would think would cover all tastes. You were appointed your table for the week during this time by meeting up with the maitre de. I would say though that the impression given by the brochure that you could be sampling a huge selection of dishes from roast beef to lobster was wrong. You have a different menu each evening but nothing majorily exotic. and if like me you are expecting some nice seafood, forget it. The only seafood I ever saw was in the seafood salad in the buffet served in the Bistro during the lunchtime. So no large prawns or lobster, which did disappoint me. However, what they were serving was again, in my opinion, varied and very tasty. We never suffered from the same problems encountered by Travelmandy, all of our hot dishes were served promptly and were hot, and the cold dishes were cold. No complaints from me about the food. Yes it was simple fare with steak one evening as your main course and veal another. I am a typical man that like his meat and two veg and the menu provided me with that each evening. Maybe not enough veg on occasions but you could ask for more, and it was brought to you immediately with no fuss at all. I would class the food served in the main restaurant as probably that served by a good english three star hotel or may be a glorified Harvester type restaurant.
By the way you have no choice at evening mealtimes as only the main restaurant is open so no sloping off to the Bistro for a buffet, as we thought we could do.
The "formal" evenings of which there are two were fun.The first is on your day at sea and is the Captain's thingy. It starts early with us having the late sitting (normally 9pm) being requested to be there at 7.15 or 7.45 i think.But that was for you to be photographed three times, once with the Captain and twice on your own. Cheats guide, if you don't want to meet the Captain or see the show that follows that then just get dressed up and go to the restaurant at your normal sitting time. But I do suggest that you do get dressed up, mainly the men wore suits and the ladies wore their nice dresses there were the odd few that really went to town with the full black tie and their partners in long evening gowns and I must say that they were very smart and elegant. The second formal was the last night and again suits were the main order of the day.But you attended at your normal sitting time.
Time to talk about the staff.
Every one of the staff members we came into contact with was very pleasant and helpful. I couldn't complain about any of the ships crew at all. The Thomson reps however were different. MY OPINION of them was that where the ships own crew were helpful, pleasant and HUMBLE the Thomson reps on the other hand seemed to think that they were above the rest. It just seemed that by the way they spoke to you it was just fake. eg if they walked past you they would ask you the obligatory "how are you?" and whether you said fine or bloody awful they would just smile and keep on walking. I only had to speak to one of the reps and found her attitude too loud and too patronising, and all I was doing was trying to organise something for my Mums and partners birthdays.God knows what she would have been like if I had a problem or complaint. But on a couple of occasions I had to speak to the Greek reception staff about a couple of problems and was always treated very well and didn't have my conversation repeated back to me and broadcast across the deck. I am only!!! 40 and haven't lost my hearing or my senses so I'm still not sure why Thomson reps have to treat you as you are senile. But as when Travelmandy travelled the reps did do most of the entertainment and from what i saw they were good at that. I guess being full of yourself and having a loud mouth does have it's use at times!! The singers were very good and the old people jokes seemed to have been dropped.
The other facilities on board such as the pool were adequate.
The pool is fresh salt water so my advice to parents is that put a little vaseline under the kids eyes it just prevents them rubbing them raw, and this is from experience. The whole of the interior of the ship is air conditioned which is a nice respite from the heat. Drinks on board are not that expensive. Beers are around £2, spirits about the same, soft drinks are 95p-£1.10 and tea and coffee 95p.
I thought your comments about the 'Emerald' and Thompson Cruises generally would tend towards the complaint as I read your experiences. A couple of years ago (when I first found this site) I posted my (poor) experiences of the Emerald.
Similar to yourself, my wife and both kids (about 11 and 13 year old) took my mum & dad (for their 50th wedding ann. I recall). They had been fairly regular P & O Med. cruisers and our immed. family had experienced smallish cruise ships in the Caribbean.
My first shock was at the dining table on the first night. My dad & I asked for a beer each - the waiter returned 5 minutes later to say there was no beer.
Off I went, found a bar, ordered and received two beers 
The waiter couldn't bother to walk the distance to the bar.
The ship departed late from Palma (there was some mechanical problem) knowing there was a force 9 storm brewing in the Gulf of Lyons. We passed through that storm the next day and it was seriously bad. Most of the staff were laid-up with seasickness - my mum and surprisingly, my son (13) were fine and entertained themselves watching the queue at the sickbay - there wasn't a lot else to do with rain lashing the decks and the ship rolling considerably. That night, a large wave hit side-on and everything in the cabin slid onto the floor, including all the food trays that hadn't been collected from the cabin.
The weather improved - nothing else did. Docking at Livorno (for Pisa/Florence) was a joke. The excuse given by Thompsons - 'another ship has berthed in our designated slot - so we have to berth at the industrial part of the port'. Yeah! I guess the berthing fees are less expensive in that part - especially as it was a Sunday.
Trying to leave the ship on foot (not difficult when it's berthed at the port side and a gangway exists) was barred. There were 'safety' issues and we needed to walk through a 'hard-hat' area. the ship was organising a taxi service (nice little earner for someone there) but there was a massive queue of docile Brit's. We queue for anything given the opportunity. being an awkward type I suggested we walk. The ever present Italian official in full splendid uniform (not a policeman hovever) tried to stop us - even physically attempting to stop me. He failed - we walked and guess what, just round the corner was a 'real' cruise ship (Norwegian Cruise Line I think). There was a procession of taxis. I hailed one and was told by the driver that they avoided the Emerald as the tips were poor - better with the NCL crowd.
The Gala Dinner night was a joke. I called the Maitre D' over and explained how advertising standards could have them for the way they described the steak. The name escapes for the moment - but it's supposed to have Madeira sauce and pate - the steak usually served on a crouton. He apologised half heartedly, went off to investigate, never returned and avoided my eye on the following (final) evening - until it was tip time of course.
I'd had enough by that stage. My parents never said anything but I know they didn't enjoy themselves. We all felt this was a poor excuse for a cruise. I listed my many complaints to the Thompson rep., completed their forms and followed this up upon my return. I received the full refund I requested (£800) with the usual platitudes.
I haven't patronised Thompsons since - and politely suggest to interested parties they should avoid their cruise line. Since then we've enjoyed a couple of Royal Caribbean cruises (wonderful if plasticy) and a week on the SS Norway (old, tired ship that I believe is now laid-up). The service on these plastic palaces is good, the food is quite good and the facilitities are extremely good.
I hope my view acts as a balance to yours.
Similar to yourself, my wife and both kids (about 11 and 13 year old) took my mum & dad (for their 50th wedding ann. I recall). They had been fairly regular P & O Med. cruisers and our immed. family had experienced smallish cruise ships in the Caribbean.
My first shock was at the dining table on the first night. My dad & I asked for a beer each - the waiter returned 5 minutes later to say there was no beer.
Off I went, found a bar, ordered and received two beers The waiter couldn't bother to walk the distance to the bar.
The ship departed late from Palma (there was some mechanical problem) knowing there was a force 9 storm brewing in the Gulf of Lyons. We passed through that storm the next day and it was seriously bad. Most of the staff were laid-up with seasickness - my mum and surprisingly, my son (13) were fine and entertained themselves watching the queue at the sickbay - there wasn't a lot else to do with rain lashing the decks and the ship rolling considerably. That night, a large wave hit side-on and everything in the cabin slid onto the floor, including all the food trays that hadn't been collected from the cabin.
The weather improved - nothing else did. Docking at Livorno (for Pisa/Florence) was a joke. The excuse given by Thompsons - 'another ship has berthed in our designated slot - so we have to berth at the industrial part of the port'. Yeah! I guess the berthing fees are less expensive in that part - especially as it was a Sunday.
Trying to leave the ship on foot (not difficult when it's berthed at the port side and a gangway exists) was barred. There were 'safety' issues and we needed to walk through a 'hard-hat' area. the ship was organising a taxi service (nice little earner for someone there) but there was a massive queue of docile Brit's. We queue for anything given the opportunity. being an awkward type I suggested we walk. The ever present Italian official in full splendid uniform (not a policeman hovever) tried to stop us - even physically attempting to stop me. He failed - we walked and guess what, just round the corner was a 'real' cruise ship (Norwegian Cruise Line I think). There was a procession of taxis. I hailed one and was told by the driver that they avoided the Emerald as the tips were poor - better with the NCL crowd.
The Gala Dinner night was a joke. I called the Maitre D' over and explained how advertising standards could have them for the way they described the steak. The name escapes for the moment - but it's supposed to have Madeira sauce and pate - the steak usually served on a crouton. He apologised half heartedly, went off to investigate, never returned and avoided my eye on the following (final) evening - until it was tip time of course.
I'd had enough by that stage. My parents never said anything but I know they didn't enjoy themselves. We all felt this was a poor excuse for a cruise. I listed my many complaints to the Thompson rep., completed their forms and followed this up upon my return. I received the full refund I requested (£800) with the usual platitudes.
I haven't patronised Thompsons since - and politely suggest to interested parties they should avoid their cruise line. Since then we've enjoyed a couple of Royal Caribbean cruises (wonderful if plasticy) and a week on the SS Norway (old, tired ship that I believe is now laid-up). The service on these plastic palaces is good, the food is quite good and the facilitities are extremely good.
I hope my view acts as a balance to yours.
Yes but compare the price of Thomson cruise to NCL or Royal Caribbean 
We are going on the Emerald in July Adriatic Explorer visiting Venice, Trieste, Rovinj, Split, Dubrovnik. Have read a few posts about the ship but has anyone any advice on excursions DIY or organised?
Mandy
Mandy
Now we have heard from the hard to please, has anyone a story to tell about the holiday they enjoyed on the Emerald?
Hi again Little Barney
All members are entitled to their own opinions and we welcome comments, good and bad as that is what makes this site what it is.
As a new member you may not have read the Terms & Conditions of the site which we respectfully ask all users to abide by. You can find them Here
Thanks.
All members are entitled to their own opinions and we welcome comments, good and bad as that is what makes this site what it is.
As a new member you may not have read the Terms & Conditions of the site which we respectfully ask all users to abide by. You can find them Here
Thanks.
Hi luci5,
Sorry if I offended. Perhaps I should have been more polite and said: We have heard the negative side of the Emerald, can anyone offer a positive side.
Regards,
littlebarney127
Sorry if I offended. Perhaps I should have been more polite and said: We have heard the negative side of the Emerald, can anyone offer a positive side.
Regards,
littlebarney127
Many thanks for your understanding Little Barney.
Hi there, bear with me, i'm a Virgin poster.
Just thought I would add a bit as I have been on the Emerald 7 times so far.
To give you a background, i'm 31 married, no kids.
I first used the Emerald back in 1999 when she was on the caribbean route for my honeymoon, times were hard and I wanted a brilliant cruise but for my budget. Emerald fitted the bill.
Overview of ship.
The ship, in comparisson with the Costa Fleet, Celebrity etc is a bit basic, she was built around 1958 so is bearing well for her age. However, in terms of comparrison with some of the smaller cruise lines, including I must say Fred Olsen, she does well.
The Crew
Over the last 5 odd years the crew have always excelled. In my own opinion, the eastern european staff and philipino's are the best. Unfortunately over the last couple of years the crew has changed to almost 50% greek, which, in my opinion has bred a little complacency towards the senior greek staff. However, I have never had a bad service from any staff, just hate seeing one nationality boss another around just because they think they are better.
The officers
Always polite and gracious in public areas
Thompson reps
These have been both good and bad over the years. I tend to do alot of things myself and therefore do not require them too much so cannot really comment.
The overall picture
The ship, although old, tends to go to the stranger places on the cruise calendar, rather than the standard med spots. Take this year, my second cruise will be around the black sea (bulgaria, Ukraine). Some of the glories of the boat are faded, but she still offers in my view good value for money. The passengers are a good mix of young and old, although winter tends to be older.
The ship still has formal dining which is nice, but does has a bistro type self service too.
To sum up, you will either like the Emerald or hate it
Hope this helps
Andy
Just thought I would add a bit as I have been on the Emerald 7 times so far.
To give you a background, i'm 31 married, no kids.
I first used the Emerald back in 1999 when she was on the caribbean route for my honeymoon, times were hard and I wanted a brilliant cruise but for my budget. Emerald fitted the bill.
Overview of ship.
The ship, in comparisson with the Costa Fleet, Celebrity etc is a bit basic, she was built around 1958 so is bearing well for her age. However, in terms of comparrison with some of the smaller cruise lines, including I must say Fred Olsen, she does well.
The Crew
Over the last 5 odd years the crew have always excelled. In my own opinion, the eastern european staff and philipino's are the best. Unfortunately over the last couple of years the crew has changed to almost 50% greek, which, in my opinion has bred a little complacency towards the senior greek staff. However, I have never had a bad service from any staff, just hate seeing one nationality boss another around just because they think they are better.
The officers
Always polite and gracious in public areas
Thompson reps
These have been both good and bad over the years. I tend to do alot of things myself and therefore do not require them too much so cannot really comment.
The overall picture
The ship, although old, tends to go to the stranger places on the cruise calendar, rather than the standard med spots. Take this year, my second cruise will be around the black sea (bulgaria, Ukraine). Some of the glories of the boat are faded, but she still offers in my view good value for money. The passengers are a good mix of young and old, although winter tends to be older.
The ship still has formal dining which is nice, but does has a bistro type self service too.
To sum up, you will either like the Emerald or hate it
Hope this helps
Andy
Hi Andy and welcome to HT!
Thanks for your review of the Emerald. We were on the Topaz before she was retired and she was a similar age to the Emerald. What she lacked in some of the refinements of more modern ships she made up for in the friendliness and efficiency of the staff.
I would be interested in reading your reviews of some of the itineraries and ports of call you have visited.
Thanks for your review of the Emerald. We were on the Topaz before she was retired and she was a similar age to the Emerald. What she lacked in some of the refinements of more modern ships she made up for in the friendliness and efficiency of the staff.
I would be interested in reading your reviews of some of the itineraries and ports of call you have visited.
Luci5
Do you wanna see what I thought online or offline
So far I have been
Caribbean
Croatia --> Italy x2
Greek Islands
Itlay ----> Med
Egypt ----> Turkey
Turkey Egypt and greek Islands
I am also booked for Black sea in October and looking to book the new destinations for next year being Beriut in the Lebanonn and Lybia
Andy
Do you wanna see what I thought online or offline
So far I have been
Caribbean
Croatia --> Italy x2
Greek Islands
Itlay ----> Med
Egypt ----> Turkey
Turkey Egypt and greek Islands
I am also booked for Black sea in October and looking to book the new destinations for next year being Beriut in the Lebanonn and Lybia
Andy
Hi Andy
Online would be perfect. Members are always looking for new information and it would be great to have reviews of the less well known itineraries and ports. If you can remember the names of the cruises, eg Adriatic Explorer, etc that would be really helpful.
We are hoping to have a Cruise Review section very soon so you may have the honour of posting the very first review!
Online would be perfect. Members are always looking for new information and it would be great to have reviews of the less well known itineraries and ports. If you can remember the names of the cruises, eg Adriatic Explorer, etc that would be really helpful.
We are hoping to have a Cruise Review section very soon so you may have the honour of posting the very first review!
Thanks Andy, much appreciated. Hope you are enjoying the site.
We have recently returned from this cruise. The Venice/Murana/Burano tour was good, if you haven't been to Venice before. From Trieste the trip to Postumia Cave and Lipica Horse Stud was the best of the whole cruise (we did the Aegean as well).
Rovinj I would advise just going ashore on your own. The tour we did to Porec and Limfjord was disappointing. Just a few minutes in Porec visiting the Basilica and the fjord was not that interesting. But Rovinj is a beautiful town, well worth exploring.
We went to Krka National Park from Split, which showed us a lot of the beautiful coastline north of Split, and the Krka waterfalls were lovely. Others reported that Split was a good place to look around, but you can't do both.
The Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island tour was OK, but if you aren't mad keen on the inside of religious establishments leave the guide as soon as you get into Dubrovnik and arrange to meet her for the boat ride to Lokrum. Otherwise you won't get to see Dubrovnik.
Be aware that the bar service on 'Emerald' is poor, due to the All Inclusive deal. If you are in a hurry, don't wait for a waiter to come to you, go straight to the bar. One of the officers told us that the staff can't cope with the extra demand.
Have a great time.
Rovinj I would advise just going ashore on your own. The tour we did to Porec and Limfjord was disappointing. Just a few minutes in Porec visiting the Basilica and the fjord was not that interesting. But Rovinj is a beautiful town, well worth exploring.
We went to Krka National Park from Split, which showed us a lot of the beautiful coastline north of Split, and the Krka waterfalls were lovely. Others reported that Split was a good place to look around, but you can't do both.
The Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island tour was OK, but if you aren't mad keen on the inside of religious establishments leave the guide as soon as you get into Dubrovnik and arrange to meet her for the boat ride to Lokrum. Otherwise you won't get to see Dubrovnik.
Be aware that the bar service on 'Emerald' is poor, due to the All Inclusive deal. If you are in a hurry, don't wait for a waiter to come to you, go straight to the bar. One of the officers told us that the staff can't cope with the extra demand.
Have a great time.
Hi there 
Went on this cruise may 21.
Basically it depends on what you like, here are some pointers. I must admit I favour DIY but sometimes I can be pushed. On this particular cruise, I found some of the tours good, pity they are pricey
Venice
Well, it does not help that I dislike Venice. I never take the tour. When you leave the ship (The Emerald nearly always gets put at the back) walk out the harbour, you will see the Orient Express yard. If you head over in that direction there is a rusty old bridge which you can cross to cut 5 - 10 mins off your walking time to the bus station and the water bus station. For a few euros you can get a day ticket to roam around. This way you can do the glass factories on the islands, visit st marks etc. The glass factories usually let you in for nothing to watch the blowing as they want you to purchase. A point to remember, if you take the short cut, be careful when you come back because they have been locking the gates in the evening thus stopping you comming back that way after 4.30 - 5pm.
When back on the boat, get a good place to stand on the departure, as they play clasical music as you sail down the grand canal. Great fun watching all the little boats scatter.
Trieste
when I was visiting there was a cycle race and most shops were shut, we had been warned . so I took the tour to Slovenia. Have not been here for 20 years. I was happy with the castle in the mountain, but the cave train ride was fab. Bit too many foreigners around. Food at the cave train was poor but well worth it for the experience. Do it once then you will not have to do it again
Rovinj
I paid for a tour here to porridge, the guides seem to be a bit rapid, best toilet is near the coach stop. Arrange to meet the guide at the coach station at a certain time and explore the harbour, very nice. Local wine etc is great so grab some if you can. Found the nature reserve a bit boring. Nice trip back to the harbour by boat rather than coach. Be warned, the entire trip from the reserve along to the harbour is along nudist beaches
Split
For once I do like a tour from here. As stated in John's note, the waterfalls in KRKC are really nice. I really enjoyed them. If you go pack a costume and hopefully you can swim at the bottom of the falls if you have time.
Look out on the way there, if you stop for photo's look at the road signs that have been blasted by shot gun, also the lovely island of crapper where only the women work. Warning its a long old journey.
If you want to DIY, the market is very good although prices are rising. Good for wooden toys etc, watch out for the sex shop, its placed right in the middle, caught me by surprise. Explore the old walled town (see if you can find the very strange fountain, a clue is its near the fish stalls).
Dubrovnik
DIY is good for the old city, 10 euro taxi will get you to the town, share it with others to save money. I thought it was worth it as the emerald moors up by the new bridge, about a mile from the port gate. Have some kuna's on you to pay the little amount for the climb to the walls.
Museum etc is basic but o.k For a nice place to eat and drink, head to the top of the marina, where all the little boats are moored and look for the 5 storey supermarket. Walk in and go to the stairs. Walk up to the roof, there is a hidden rooftop bar and resturant that is quite cheap.
For a quick drink the hotel opposite the port gates allows you to sit in the sun on their terrace and drink.
Went on this cruise may 21.
Basically it depends on what you like, here are some pointers. I must admit I favour DIY but sometimes I can be pushed. On this particular cruise, I found some of the tours good, pity they are pricey
Venice
Well, it does not help that I dislike Venice. I never take the tour. When you leave the ship (The Emerald nearly always gets put at the back) walk out the harbour, you will see the Orient Express yard. If you head over in that direction there is a rusty old bridge which you can cross to cut 5 - 10 mins off your walking time to the bus station and the water bus station. For a few euros you can get a day ticket to roam around. This way you can do the glass factories on the islands, visit st marks etc. The glass factories usually let you in for nothing to watch the blowing as they want you to purchase. A point to remember, if you take the short cut, be careful when you come back because they have been locking the gates in the evening thus stopping you comming back that way after 4.30 - 5pm.
When back on the boat, get a good place to stand on the departure, as they play clasical music as you sail down the grand canal. Great fun watching all the little boats scatter.
Trieste
when I was visiting there was a cycle race and most shops were shut, we had been warned . so I took the tour to Slovenia. Have not been here for 20 years. I was happy with the castle in the mountain, but the cave train ride was fab. Bit too many foreigners around. Food at the cave train was poor but well worth it for the experience. Do it once then you will not have to do it again
Rovinj
I paid for a tour here to porridge, the guides seem to be a bit rapid, best toilet is near the coach stop. Arrange to meet the guide at the coach station at a certain time and explore the harbour, very nice. Local wine etc is great so grab some if you can. Found the nature reserve a bit boring. Nice trip back to the harbour by boat rather than coach. Be warned, the entire trip from the reserve along to the harbour is along nudist beaches
Split
For once I do like a tour from here. As stated in John's note, the waterfalls in KRKC are really nice. I really enjoyed them. If you go pack a costume and hopefully you can swim at the bottom of the falls if you have time.
Look out on the way there, if you stop for photo's look at the road signs that have been blasted by shot gun, also the lovely island of crapper where only the women work. Warning its a long old journey.
If you want to DIY, the market is very good although prices are rising. Good for wooden toys etc, watch out for the sex shop, its placed right in the middle, caught me by surprise. Explore the old walled town (see if you can find the very strange fountain, a clue is its near the fish stalls).
Dubrovnik
DIY is good for the old city, 10 euro taxi will get you to the town, share it with others to save money. I thought it was worth it as the emerald moors up by the new bridge, about a mile from the port gate. Have some kuna's on you to pay the little amount for the climb to the walls.
Museum etc is basic but o.k For a nice place to eat and drink, head to the top of the marina, where all the little boats are moored and look for the 5 storey supermarket. Walk in and go to the stairs. Walk up to the roof, there is a hidden rooftop bar and resturant that is quite cheap.
For a quick drink the hotel opposite the port gates allows you to sit in the sun on their terrace and drink.
I also noted John's note on the drinks
A problem this year has been the introduction of AI. This has also meant the introduction of a new card scanning system which makes the poor girls do twice as much work.
Added to this is the bad lot of passengers who keep ordering more and more drinks even though they have not even got half way down their drink.
Seems a shame that all these things look bad on the girls
I usually drink in the yacht club or the casino so don't have the same problems.
A problem this year has been the introduction of AI. This has also meant the introduction of a new card scanning system which makes the poor girls do twice as much work.
Added to this is the bad lot of passengers who keep ordering more and more drinks even though they have not even got half way down their drink.
Seems a shame that all these things look bad on the girls
I usually drink in the yacht club or the casino so don't have the same problems.
If you happen to go to the casino, tell Frederic the manager, fatandy is gutted France beat England, especially how we threw it away at the end
Is anyone going here?
Has anyone been.
I am going on 15 October and would be good to here of some good things to do. I have a list of things from the web and research but would love to hear more as I love to DIY.
Able bodied so no problems with walks, steps, mountains, volcanoes etc
Andy
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