My husband and I are taking the Radisson Seven Seas ship on May 12th (2005) from Rome. We will be sailing to Sorrento, Livorno, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Marseilles, Sete, and ending in Barcelona.

The only cruise we have taken before was a Disney Cruise...about 15 years ago. Fond memories.

Any and all suggestions as to what to do, what not to miss, etc. are greatly appreciated as we are new to this.

We have signed up for tours in all but one port...being "chicken" about exploring on our own.

Please forgive me if I have broken any etiquette on this board as I am a "newbie" and TIA for any and all suggestions!

P.S. I could use an onboard computer lesson to learn how to post pictures, etc.!

Hi Martha and welcome! If you have a picture you would like to use underneath your name, email it to me by clicking on the email button right above this box.

I will be doing a cruise similar to yours in October so I will be really interested in how you liked your cruise and what you did in port!

Are you staying pre cruise in Rome?

Hi, Martha and welcome to LCT! You may be a newbie but you did just fine.

I haven't sailed in that part of the world yet but others have and you'll get great advice here. It sounds like a wonderful trip you have planned.

Martha--welcome to LCT!! Karen, being the resident genius can help with your picture. You can get so much information here about cruises, ships, etc. Plus tons of info about just about everything else under the sun, from cars, to food, to even installing windows. It's a GREAT place.

Hi Martha! Welcome!

You're going to some beautiful ports! If you have seen pictures of Portofino you won't be disappointed when you see the real thing!

Are you staying post cruise in Barcelona?

Hi Martha:

Welcome! We might just be neighbors, I live in Sarasota also.

I hope you'll enjoy LCT as much as I do. There's lots of information and help here.

I've cruised to Livorno, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Sete, and Barcelona. There are so many things to do and see. You can see Portofino on your own, just walking through the village and up the hill to the church and then the other direction to the hotel is fun. We had lunch right there at the harbor at one of the sidewalk cafe.

Monte Carlo offers so much, I'm sure it will be hard to choose - we've often gone to Nice from there. And of course Eze and Grasse are nearby and are great places to see.

Sete isn't really a very exciting port, but I assume they are offering tours to the surrounding areas. I remember having a wonderful Soupe de Poisson (sp?) there at one of the local resaurants.

If you are spending some post cruise time in Barcelona, let me know. It's one of my favorite cities and there are lots of sights that you might want to visit. We found a good private guide to take us to many of the Guadi sites. I'm not sure I still have the name but I think I could steer you in the right direction.


You have a wonderful itinerary. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Hi Martha -

Welcome to LCT! I live just south of you in Venice...........

Claudia M

Welcome, Martha, Never been to any place you are heading but It thought I'd chime in. The basic rule on this board is "play nice". So feel free to ask any questions you'd like. No one will ever jump your case over here but occassionally Karen moves a post to a more appropriate board like pictures or reviews. So ask away.

I wish I knew HOW to add a picture (even to an email addy). We do have a scanner, fax, printer (all in one unit) and I know it should be possible...scan, drop into MS word, paste in email? I might give it a try later. We have a new video camera too which I haven't had time to learn So much to do, so little time...

(Son was recently very,very sick. Started with food poisoning.)

Yes, we are staying in Rome an extra day. We hope to see the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel,the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, The Forum and the Collessum. I suspect...I've planned too much?

We are staying one night in Barcelona, so are focused on seeing the Gaudi Sacred Family Church and the Picasso Museum only.

Since we plan to charge most things (for the exchange rates), how many Euros should we take? I have some and some Am. Traveler's checks already, but enough? Advice?

Are the women's "facilities" in Italy as bad as I have read? Stand up? Do I need to forego caffinated coffee, Cokes/Pepsi, wine?

We are planning to use those neck wallets and I will only put kleenex, maps, ASA, etc. in my "purse" as I have been advised Rome and Barcellona have a LOT of theft. Right?

I was told by a neighbor not to wear my diamond ring or any other expensive jewelry (to leave them at home). Right?

Thanks for the welcome! Wow, this is a friendly board!

P.S. My idea of "roughing it" is no mint on my pillow. Unfortunately, my husband is of Scottish descent We live in UP. Husband sells in LWR (for my "neighbor" posters).

Well Martha...we not exactly neighbors....I live in Fairway Woods which is adjacent to Prestancia. I love your neighborhood. Have played tennis there many times during league season. LWR is growing so fast, your DH must be very busy!

Martha, what hotel are you staying at in Rome?

As for pictures, if you have one of yourself that is stored on your computer, I can tell you how to email it to me to use as your little picture under your name. If not, you can scan one. You don't even need to save it to Word,with most scanners, you can just choose the scan and email option :)

Hi Martha,

Welcome to LCT! Your cruise sounds great! We just got back last night from a 2 week land trip to Barcelona and France. You will love the Gaudi church. Are you going with a tour? It has so much artwork on the outside, it is hard to take it all in. Make sure you go to the museum in the basement of the church. Very interesting! We didn't see the Picasso Museum but heard it was good.

We were very cautious also. The crowds around the Gaudi church are thick and watch out for people asking for donations. Sometimes they are a diversion for a pickpocket. Sounds like you are being smart with your wallet, etc. Hold on to your camera and purse at all times. Some teenage boys were elbowing their way into our group and were looking at the photographer's expensive camera equipment. A young man in our group elbowed them back and told them to stop or else.

We had a wonderful time in Barcelona - lots to see there. Drink lots of Cavas - their sparkling wine - very good.

Ginny

Hi Martha and welcome to the best board on the internet.
I can't comment on the facilities in Italy. I have been there - I just don't remember.
Your plan for your purse sounds about right. In Barcelona & Portofino, I did put the few things I needed - 1 credit care and a small amount of money in my purse and wore it over my head & shoulder. No problems at all.
I think you have picked the 2 best sights to see in Barcelona. Unless you just love Gaudi, the things to see are more Gaudi.
One word of caution about dining in Portofino. If you eat outside at one of the cafes by the water, you will be charged extra. 3 years ago there were 5 of us that stopped for wine and shared appetizer before boarding the tender back to the ship. When the bill came they had added on a $35 seated outside charge. We decided it was worth it because the ambiance was so great. Just be prepared and look or ask before you pick a place to eat. You can also take a bus from Portofino to another little village that is very charming.
I always travel with fake jewelry except for a few good pieces I leave in the cabin's safe.
Once again - welcome.

Welcome to the boards and dont worry I cant paste pictures either.

Dont take any real jewelry, fake jewelry is a good idea but even on shore I would not wear any fake diamonds etc. Nothing to tempt anyone to steal is the best form of defense. I dont even carry a handbag. I just forgo carrying any make up or anything non-essential in my day trips. Just no reason to invite trouble and I travel all the time and never had a single problem. My husband always puts his wallet in his front pocket and has his hand on it anytime we are in a crowded situation where that type of thing could happen. Caution is good but dont worry too much you will be fine.

As to the bathrooms in Italy I always take a little product with me. Find it on www.campmor.com Not too delicate to talk about but a life saver with dirty bathroom facilities. Here is a link to the product I always carry with me on travels.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/s...ay?productId=49571&memberId=12500226

These are permanently packed in my suitcase and I always have one on hand. They are really great.

Since you have signed up for all the tours just relax and enjoy them. The next time you will be more confident to venture out on your own and sometimes the tours are good because they are a "no brainer" and you can just relax and enjoy the day.

You dont need that much money. You are doing the ships tours which will be on your account so you pay for those on board. Almost every store everywhere will take a credit card and you just need a little change for an ice cream or something of that nature. You can always change money once you are there. It is amazing how many places in the world will accept American dollars as well. I never take travellers checks anymore with the wide acceptance of credit cards it just does not seem that necessary.

You have planned a lot for one day in Rome, but it is possible to do all those things. The Sistine Chapel is at the end of the Vatican Museum, so you'll cover those together. Make sure you get to the Museum before it opens. The lines can be miserable within an hour of opening. You may decide to abbreviate your visit to the museum, and just follow the signs to the Sistine Chapel. There are some amazing treasures in the museum, but they are in sad need of a professional curator--like items are just bunched together in masses so that it becomes hard to distinguish them unless you're a die-hard afficienado of religious art.

I'd suggestion a taxi between the Vatican and the rest, or you'll spend too much valuable time negotiating mass transit. The other things you want to see are all relatively close to each other, but some can be hard to find with a map (I'm pretty good at reading maps, but I found the maps of Rome to be pretty off-base). Don't be afraid to ask people for directions. If you don't speak Italian (I don't), just ask someone if they speak English. I found about every third person did, and was happy to give directions. Do try to get into the little side streets near the Trevi Fountain and around the Pantheon. Lots of charm there.

Martha, let us know about your trip when you get back. We leave for Rome on May 18th, so fill us in on any great tips you picked up on your trip. Be very, very careful with all your belongings when you get to Barcelona. I had my purse yanked right off my shoulder there a few years ago and observed serveral other thefts in the three days we were there. One ladies purse was stolen in the hotel dining room--she had put it on the floor next to her chair. It sure puts a cloud over your trip when you have something like that happen. Now I try not to carry a purse at all when we travel. I don't think Rome is quite as bad as Barcelona, but you still have to be careful there. One nice thing in Barcelona, they have a hop on hop off bus that will take you to most of the good sights. The bus has two different routes so you can see just about everything if you take them both. You catch the buses in the large square at the end of Las Ramblas (the end away from the harbor). Hope you have a great trip. Peggy

<We are planning to use those neck wallets and I will only put kleenex, maps, ASA, etc. in my "purse" as I have been advised Rome and Barcellona have a LOT of theft. Right?>

May I suggest that you go to a travel store & try them?
I was going to buy exactly that sort of neck wallet for my daughter when she was going to spent her post college summer bumming in Europe. I was quickly advised by her AND the store folk that what works well for a guy, doesn't really work so well for a woman. So check it out. It is a comfort issue, not security.

The belt wallets are just as good. They hook on your belt & tuck into your pants. A small pain to get your cash or credit card out when needed... but mine sure foiled a Paris Metro pickpocket who hit my back pocket searching....

& I must second Ngaire's advice: just show nothing that might tempt the bad guys. After all, you don't leave stuff on the front seat of your car when you park at the mall.

Have a great trip.
AND welcome to LCT

Doug

When in Barcelona, put your purse in front of your body..not on your side. Never wear a backpack on the back. Pickpockets are everywhere, especially the metro. Otherwise, a wonderful city.
You are visiting my two favorite places in Barcelona. Do try to get a guide to drive you around the city. There are Gaudi buildings in many spots and a lovely park designed by Gaudi. The castle is worth seeing if you can. Do walk along the Ramblas and go see the Church there as well. There are great restaurants near the Ramblas and some good ones (though touristy) on the ocean. Barcelona is quite doable in a couple of days.

Peggy's post reminded me that a woman from our group was eating at a restaurant downtown near Las Ramblas. Someone took her camera off the table where she had it sitting. Her husband ran after the guy and got it back. A little while later, a man was handing out cards asking for a donation for his sick relative. He "accidentally" dropped the card next to her purse and when he bent down to pick up the card, he stole her purse. She didn't notice it until they were getting ready to leave the restaurant!

Just be careful and you will be fine!

I bought a travel purse at travelsmith.com. It has steel in the straps so they can't be cut. It has several zipper openings inside and out. It comes in a couple of sizes and colors and the price was not bad. I wore it crossed over my shoulders/body.

Martha,

With respect to the facilities in Italy, I remember years ago they could be pretty bad. Sometimes we even encountered bathrooms where the "toilet" was a hole on the floor! But in recent times I've found them to be pretty clean and normal. Maybe we were lucky!

About the Vatican museum/ Sistine chapel, we found that the best strategy seems to be to go at lunch time. Our limo driver gave us that tip and he was right! We went on a weekday( I think Thursday) around 1PM and there was NOBODY there buying tickets or waiting to go in. We just walked up to the ticket booth, bought our tickets and waltzed right in. In a previous day we drove by the entrance to the museum around 9 AM and it was mobbed!

Peggy is right about Barcelona being worse than Rome with respect to pickpockets so be on the lookout. It seems like every other person that I know that goes to Barcelona has a story to tell about this.

Ginny,

Where did you go on your land trip?

Maria,

We were in Barcelona for 5 days and then took the train to Montpellier, France. Rented a car and toured the Provence area, Luberon area and area around Nice. Had a great time.

As far as jewelry...I just came back after having lived in Europe for 2 years. I always wore my good jewelry everywhere and never had a problem. Of course, I don't have the Hope diamond.

Sounds like you had a very nice trip, Ginny!

I was very concerned about pickpockets in Rome, as well. However, we just remained alert to our surroundings at all times (as we would do anywhere - especially large cities and crowded areas). Alan wears a waist pouch that tucks into his slacks. I have that small shoulder pouch/bag that was mentioned, that has steel in the strap. I purchased it at a luggage store. Best $40 investment! I strongly suggest that, if you want a small purse to carry.

Andi,
Didn't you tell me you keep your Hope Diamond in the family vault in Switzerland? :D

Shhhhh...Denise. Now Doug knows where I keep all my valuables. I told him I lost all of our money in Monte Carlo.

Welcome to LCT Marsha!!

Anthony

Marsha,
Welcome to LCT! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Can you tell me about Montpellier?
What is there? How far is it from Avignon? etc.
When you flew back to US did you have to get back to CDG airport or did you fly from Montpellier? Thanks

Welcome aboard!
What port didn't you sign up in for a tour? Have been to all except Sete.
Can give you some ideas.
Barcelona is as everyone has told you a wonderful city. Yes, be careful of the pickpockets, and esp. the Gypsies ( with their babies and little kids)..
They teach them young to rob and it happens before you even realize ..
They have many "tricks" one is the map trick..they will come up to you and open a map ( putting it up over your purse) and then while distracting you with questions one will be in your purse. There is also the mustard scam ( I have never had any of this happen to us, but saw the map trick happening )..
luckily the culprits were stopped
Mustard scam is when they come up and spray mustard on you and then one will say sorry and try to wipe it up and pickpocket you. Nice town
Just act according, be aware of those around you, esp. in tourist areas, near /on Las Ramblas and by The Gaudi Familia and be careful.
The hop off/on bus is great.. you just get on and off at any attraction you want or stay on for the whole hour bus ride. The passes are good for 1 or 2 days and you can buy them right on the bus.
We have always hired:
http://www.barcelonataxi.com
when we go there ( either for transfers) or for tours..to places we haven't been. If you have a few days there try to get to Montserrat.

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and advice!

And esp. to Karen for helping post our picture after 16 tries to get it from my printer-fax-copier to my computer

We are staying 2 nights in Rome at a small hotel called the Hotel Dei Consoli and one night in Barcellona at the Atrium Palace.

We have requested the following tours:
Capri As You Please
Florence and the Accademia
Discovery of Monte Carlo - Monaco
Marseilles Overview
Montpellier and Flaugergues Chateau

Portofino - on our own.

Martha - welcome to LCT!! Its a great board, as you've probably already realised.

I have some clients on that same cruise with you. Will be excited to hear about your trip, as we are doing a back to back in August that starts in Dover and ends in Rome, and will do many of the same ports, so I'll be waiting to hear your impressions.

I bought one of those purses from travelsmith as well, and after reading some of the posts above, am glad that I did. Also bought a small thing for my husband to wear. Guess we will just try to be very alert and pay attention to our surroundings - I'm a little nervous about some of that kind of stuff - but not enough to not go!!haha!! We will have just one day in Barcelona, so we may take a tour, or may just strike out on our own - haven't decided yet.

Anyway - have a great trip. Please give us a full report when you return.

Again welcome - I know you will really enjoy the posters on this board and will learn a lot.

Claudia,

I don't know much about Montpellier, except it is a medium sized city. All we did was get off the train, get the rental car and follow the signs to get out of town and to Arles. I think it is probably about 45 minutes to Avignon from Montpellier - purely a guess. Maybe more.

We flew home from the Nice airport - Nice to London Gatwick to Dallas. Can't help you with the CDG question - sorry. I would think you would have to fly to CDG or a larger airport first. I don't think the airport in Montpellier would have direct flights. Perhpas the Marseille airport would and that is not far from Montpellier - I think I read that the Marseille airport is second in size to CDG.

Hi Martha,
You are going on a great cruise! We use the ship's excursions (we're chicken, too) and have always enjoyed them.

I leave all of my good jewelry in the safe deposit box at our local bank when we're traveling on long trips. Worrying about your jewelry is not worth the hassle. Take fun, costume jewelry instead (although I don't bother with any kind of jewelry on an excursion).

Also, I don't take a purse for any part of the trip. I like the cloth travel wallet that you can buy in the Samsonite outlet stores. It goes around my wait under the waistband of pants or a skirt. There's just enough room for my passport, id, credit card and a few dollar bills (and it still doesn't bulge underneath my clothes.) I like this so much that even when I'm traveling domestically I use it. Nice to have my hands free and no sore shoulders from a bag. Of course I carry a bag for magazines, etc but nothing in there to get lost or stolen that matters.