In this episode I sit down with Chris Wong crew member on the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas and talk about what it is like to be a crew member. Flavia was wonderfulshe went over and above all of my expectations. Due to increased security measures, you should plan to check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Italian city hotel taxes, fees & service charges, All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates, 15 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 dinners with wine, Sightseeing per itinerary in modern, air-conditioned motor coach, Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout, Services of local guides in all major cities, Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring, Walking tour of Venice including St. Marks Square with its extraordinary treasures and architectural wonders, Stop at a local farm in the Tuscan countryside for wine tasting and local specialties, See Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli with its famous Leaning Tower, Explore the Renaissance city of Florence with a guided walking tour, Visit the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi, Tour of the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's incomparable Sistine Chapel, Historic tour of Ancient Rome including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum or Palatine Hill, Travel past the Bay of Naples and Mt. However, the BEST part of our Italian trip was our tour manager, Luca! Try to sleep on overnight flights and then, upon arrival, avoid the temptation to nap until nighttime. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner While a number of trusted pod and vloggers do this and I follow them too, Tonys depth of experience from his unique career - restaurant service, customer service, IT and IT leadership, as well as business management and leadership coupled with his genuine humility and passion for fellow cruisers attaining the best possible cruise experience - make for a one-of-a-kind presentation and product. Search experiences with increased health and safety practices. We can't find that wishlist, please refresh the page and try again. All of the local guides and drivers were professional and knowledgeable. All points across The Bahamas and Caribbean are PortMiami's most obvious destinations, but transatlantic voyages are also common, as are voyages up the eastern seaboard to Canada plus Panama Canal crossings. *In the event the Colosseum visit is not possible, due to unforeseen circumstances, you will visit the Palatine Hill. During the first night orientation meeting, our guide, Mercedes, asked me which of my nine previous trips I had liked the best. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off from downtown Portland hotels. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert dollars to the local currency. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. (Cruises Near Me): Lafayette, LA (two hours, 10 minutes); Baton Rouge, LA (one . Certain carriers do not allow baggage interlining, and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. Does Carnival Celebration Feel Like a Carnival Ship with Tommy Casabona. Watch what you eat. The Baltimore cruise port is home to two year-round cruise ships: Carnival Legend and Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas. Itineraries from Tampa cover the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean as well as Panama Canal crossings, and the occasional transatlantic sailing. Plus, Lower Manhattan is just minutes away across the New York Harbor (and views of the skyline are stunning). Also, all the local guides were very good. WiFi access has improved. King's Blues Club or relive your favorite rock classics at Rolling Stone Rock Room. Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. Tony was very good about explaining everything we were going to do, when we would need to dress differently for our tours and paid attention to details that made us more comfortable and ready to tackle each day. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Vancouvers Canada Place Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of Burrard Inlet, smack in the middle of downtown Vancouver. She is a good story teller and has been able to bring solid cruising tips and information to cruisers worldwide. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed: Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. Go wine tasting in Oregon's largest wine region, the Willamette Valley, with this tour. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Optional: Full Day Capri We shared the beauty of this landscape together and even filled up two train cars on the WhitePass Railway! Come along with me for a tour of shops that include everything from items plucked out of the dump to high-end Prada at a second hand boutique! We've got you covered and have listed all the cruise ports near your area, from northeast to southwest. Depart for Italy, DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Venice On the ocean side of the island, you'll find the main beaches by the Seawall, while Historic Pleasure Pier is an old-fashioned amusement area with rides and boardwalk eats. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Meals: Breakfast, DAY 8, Tuesday - Vatican Museums & Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Montreal's cruise season runs from late May to mid-October, with a greater concentration of itineraries taking place in the fall to take advantage of the region's spectacular autumn foliage. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. You will visit three different tasting rooms where youll get the chance to sample wine safely, without having to worry about driving. But its proximity to the Bahamas has made it a convenient launching point for exploring the archipelago. I just wanted to provide additional feedback from my 11 day Italy trip from 7/2-7/12. Even the covid test to return to the USA was completed right in the hotel. Join us living the la Lido loca! Are you interested in tasting wine from one of only 3 producers who grow Tocai Friulano in the Valley? Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Some of the city's most emblematic attractions are within an easy walk, including the Place Royale, the Museum of Civilization, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, the Petit Champlain district or the Citadelle de Quebec. Let me start by saying that I was hoping to have a nice experience with Gate 1, but what I had was a GREAT experience! Use the hotel safe. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. This is a team experience so we can share what we're looking for and act as scouts for each other (me: Frye boots, color brown, size 10). The same goes for our driver and local tour guides. Breaking Cruise News - Carnival Cancels 2022 Cruises 2023 Carnival Celebration from Miami, Florida October 29th, 2023 - November 5th, 20237 Night Western Caribbean Cruise$100 Onboard Credit Itinerary:1 - Miami, FL2 - Sea Day3 - Cozumel, Mexico4 - Costa Maya, Mexico5 - Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras6 - Sea Day7 - Sea . Read on to discover which cruise home ports are closest to you and start planning your holiday with the best cruise deals on cruises near me for a fun-filled vacation. Well done Gate 1, this exceeded my expectations. The trip to the rice plantation and balsamic vinegar winery were fascinating. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage. That gives you an additional incentive to enjoy some sightseeing on the way to your ship. It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. The scenery everywhere was beautiful and awe-inspiring. Our tour guide Maurizio, was phenomenal. Will definitely be using Gate 1 again and recommending to everyone we know! My response to her was, "it has always been the most recent trip." Vesuvius marks your way to Pompeii. We are looking forward to booking another tour with Gate 1 in the future. Port of Qubec President and, When Carnival Jubilee debuts later this year she will include two immersive ocean-themed experiences in two new zones, Currents and The Shores. Unwind with a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, indulge in pre-dinner craft cocktails at Ocean Bar, followed by delectable Italian fare at Canaletto. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. We had an amazing time on our first group cruise and made memories to last a lifetime not to mention so many new friends! Full-Day Mt Hood Waterfall Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting. Travel the picturesque US Hwy 101 through quaint beach towns, stopping in Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Oswald West State Park. If these letters are not printed, you will not be permitted on the TSA line. He is very knowledgeable about Italy, obviously, but he has the best personality and made everyone feel welcome. Our tour guide, Raffy, was stupendous. The hotels were first class. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed. Come experience the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the United States most photographed Natural Scenic Reserves. This is the, The Port of Qubec has officially kicked off what will be its longest cruise season to date with the arrival of Viking Cruises Viking Octantis. I unfortunately only cruise ever two years but listening to your podcasts keep me looking forward to my next cruise!!! In 2021, Navigator of the Seas marked Royal Caribbean's return to California for the first time in more than a decade, sailing year-round from the Port of Los Angeles. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride. Cities Within Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL (Port Near Me): Brunswick, GA (one hour); St. Augustine, FL (45 minutes); Gainesville, FL (one hour, 10 minutes); Tallahassee, FL (two hours, 30 minutes); Savannah, GA (two hours, 5 minutes); Daytona Beach, FL (two hours, 10 minutes); and Albany, GA (three hours, 10 minutes). Join friends in a friendly game of Pickleball at Sea with the ocean as your backdrop. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure at. You can never get enough of Rome. Can't wait to tour the Lake region on my next tour. From overseas, call: 001 215 572-7676. Please check the information at, If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. Whether it was a small token from the glass factory in Venice, or snacks in a Florence piazza or on a long bus ride, he always went out of his way for his "family" as he liked to call us. Alternatively, you may investigate renting a cell phone before you leave or buying an inexpensive phone locally. I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing my first trip to Italy was. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. While in destination, you may encounter local wildlife. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. We met such wonderful people who will now be lifelong friends and hopefully future travel companions. Staying on the island Murano was so romantic and beautiful. Learn about the history and culture of Portland, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. Group rates are in place as shown below all pricing is shown so no need to request a quote. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Overnight: Venice Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. Hood and the Columbia Gorge, with a couple of stops for wine tasting along the way, with this full-day tour. Missed flights are typically fully non-refundable and you may be required to purchase new flights from the airline at your own expense. The Doge's Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times and hop aboard your luxury, air-conditioned vehicle. This was our first small group trip with Gate 1 and we loved every minute of it. "We are . She did an incredible job and truly wanted everyone to enjoy Italy! But I find Tony drones too much on cruise news, EVERY DAY, a new cruise news video. Gate 1 Travel has provided quality, affordable escorted tours, river cruises and vacation packages for 40 years. Description. Accommodation Details: The profession, handed down from generation to generation, is regulated by a guild which issues a limited number of licenses to highly trained gondoliers to navigate the narrow spaces of the Venetian canals. There's no better way to explore Portland than on bicycle, and with this private electric bike tour, you'll get to see the best of what this city has to offer, like a local! Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Group rates are the same as you see online for Early Saver rates. See Ya On the Lido! Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space,Zaandamis elegant and comfortable. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe, When possible we suggest traveling in pairs or groups when moving about independently, Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) Please dress for the season, expect a full day beginning 10am and back to Portland by 6pm. Our tour manager, Suzy, was very friendly and welcoming. When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, you may also use a prepaid calling card; normally, the only additional charge (besides the prepaid long distance charges) is a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at your hotel. The Port of San Diego gives travelers a good jumping-off point to take cruises near me and still enjoy what California has to offer. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for affected land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers should flights be changed without our knowledge. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible. His knowledge of geography and history was incredible. This was a fabulous trip with a great group of people! Her knowledge and friendliness added so much more to the trip. Don't pass up on the local culinary scene: Miami's massive melting pot of cultures results in delectable dining options from across the globe, with special emphasis on Latin American and Caribbean options (and yes, that means Cuba, too). The trip was amazing. This will be an amazing experience with fun, friends, food & culture. I expected to see the cities on the tour, however what the guides gave us was a real education. Your captain will ferry you under some of the city's famous bridges and waterfront sights, and you'll have plenty of chances to take photos of the city right from the water. And if you have time to hit the links, the Palm Beaches are considered Florida's Golf Capital, with more than 160 golf courses spread throughout the county. I would like Gate 1 to commend our 13 Day Romantic Italy Tour Leader Susy ! This program is active. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Please include in the email how many passengers and what cabin type you are interested in. THE TOP 10 Oregon Boat Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours (w/Prices) - Viator I think he is truly an asset of the company - he has just risen the bar for the rest of the guides moving forward! Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise | Cabin 10337 | La Lido Loca Group Cruise All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. If it's your first time cruising, then I'd start with one of these! Tampa homeports numerous vessels from four cruise lines: Carnival Paradise and Carnival Pride; Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas; Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Jade; and Celebrity Constellation. The area's main claim to fame is NASA's Kennedy Space Center (in fact, there's a popular rocket launch viewpoint near the port), while the port itself has parks and dining options. Sergio, our tour director was exceptional and so was our driver, Giuseppe. This was one of the best Gate 1 trips that I have taken. Elsewhere in the port, Long Beach is also home to the RMS Queen Mary, a classic 1930s ocean liner converted into a tourist attraction, hotel and event facility. Cities Within Driving Distance of San Francisco (Cruise Near Me): San Jose, CA (1 hour); Santa Rosa, CA (1 hour); Stockton, CA (1 hour, 20 minutes); Concord, CA (35 minutes); Sacramento, CA (2 hours, 30 minutes); Berkeley, CA (25 minutes); Modesto, CA (1 hour, 30 minutes); and Reno, NV (3 hours, 50 minutes). Cruise Ship Crew Member talks about the Cruise Shutdown, Welcome to episode 25 of the La Lido Loca cruise podcast. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, set off in a luxury Mercedes, and head into nature. Cities Within Driving Distance of Galveston (Cruises Near Me): Houston (50 minutes); Austin, TX (three hours, 35 minutes); San Antonio, TX (three hours, 50 minutes); Waco, TX (three hours, 45 minutes); Dallas (four hours, 25 minutes); Beaumont, TX (one hour, 50 minutes); and Lafayette, LA (three hours, 50 minutes). Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages said, As a new brand with an, MSC Meraviglia officially arrived in New York City at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on April 20, 2023 after an eleven day repositioning cruise from Port Canaveral. We were all amazed. Named for the Northern compass point,Noordamdazzles with museum-quality art and lavish staterooms. On to Pisa to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Baptistery, the Duomo, the Monumental Cemetery and its famous Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. It started out with a slow pace, increased as the days went on and ended in a relaxing setting on the Amalfi coast. Got a story feel free to share! Our entire group expressed great appreciation. The second in the line of our Pinnacle Class ships, her design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. If ever to travel to Italy again I would totally request Remo! Please contact us at travel@eecctravels.com for additional information or to book into this group. High praise for your leaders Leo and Gaia. I already have a friend who has booked her first Gate 1 trip based upon my experience and photos. By the end of our trip she felt like a member of the family. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. These cancelations impact cruises in 2022. Reasons for this range from airline budget constraints to the logistics of high altitudes, low humidity and air pressure which tend to desensitize taste buds. I could go on and on, but when I am able (the plane ride was very difficult for me) I will without hesitation contact Gate 1. Located by Quebec City's charming Old City, the Port of Quebec is nestled in the heart of the Quebecois capital. Our guide was absolutely the best: very well organized, knowledgeable, fluent in English, personable, entertaining, an excellent time manager, and genuinely caring about us.