Dis / Dreams Viking Sea Cruise around Italy 3/24 - 3/31/2018

[DisneyKevin]

Please help me welcome Carin and Darryl to our cruise!

 

[Cackyschmackers]

Please help me welcome Carin and Darryl to our cruise!

Can't wait, this is my dream itinerary. 17 years ago we sailed on the at-the-time brand new but since defunct Renaissance "R2". It was our perfect cruise line, 700 pax, nonsmoking, no casino, no kids. Amazing ship (I think Oceania owns one or two of their ships now). They went under after 911. When we heard of Viking Ocean, it sounded just the same, right up our alley.

 

[Cousin Orville]

I recommend starting a Travel with Kevin and John fund and just go ahead and add it to your budget. That way you're always ready to go!

Isn't this the truth!

It's me! Wheee! Can't wait, this is my dream itinerary! 17 years ago we sailed on the brand new but since defunct Renaissance "R5". It was our perfect cruise line, 700 pax, nonsmoking, no kids. Amazing ship (I think Oceania owns one or two of their ships now). They went under after 911. When we heard of Viking Ocean, it sounded just the same, right up our alley.

17 yrs ago was the last time we cruised w/o kids. We're definitely looking forward this.

 

[OKW Lover]

Please help me welcome Carin and Darryl to our cruise!

Wow, yet more people. This is going to be a great cruise!!

 

[Cackyschmackers]

So, I'm stuck on what we should do about air. I'm pretty sure we want to arrive a day early to have more time in Rome. So if we do so, I think it means we can't do the Viking air. Not really sure if we wanted to anyhow since I can't imagine not making my own travel arrangements esp air. If anyone has any advice for me on flying from PHL I would appreciate it. I've never made open jaw air plans before.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So, I'm stuck on what we should do about air. I'm pretty sure we want to arrive a day early to have more time in Rome. So if we do so, I think it means we can't do the Viking air. Not really sure if we wanted to anyhow since I can't imagine not making my own travel arrangements esp air. If anyone has any advice for me on flying from PHL I would appreciate it. I've never made open jaw air plans before.

That is our plan too - we are thinking of flying overnight Thursday to arrive in Rome early Friday morning - then having Friday in Rome, possibly doing the early/pre-regular opening tour at Vatican and then going to the ship.

I like having more control over what flights we'd be on and looking I was see Flights not too much more $ from the Viking rate

 

[Cousin Orville]

So, I'm stuck on what we should do about air. I'm pretty sure we want to arrive a day early to have more time in Rome. So if we do so, I think it means we can't do the Viking air. Not really sure if we wanted to anyhow since I can't imagine not making my own travel arrangements esp air. If anyone has any advice for me on flying from PHL I would appreciate it. I've never made open jaw air plans before.

I can't specifically comment on flying out of PHL, but I wouldn't stress the open jaw flight. That's usually cheaper than purchasing 2 one way flights.

We'll fly in early (not sure how much) and likely spend some time in Florence and take the train or a car to the port.

 

[OKW Lover]

We haven't made any plans yet (too many other trips before this one) but we will certainly arrive a few days early. Wouldn't chance trying to arrive the day of departure. Too many things can go wrong when traveling and we wouldn't want to miss the boat.

Give a listen to the podcast where the team (John & Kevin) was relating their experience flying to Venice to catch the Greek Isles cruise.

 

[skunkvette]

So, I'm stuck on what we should do about air. I'm pretty sure we want to arrive a day early to have more time in Rome. So if we do so, I think it means we can't do the Viking air. Not really sure if we wanted to anyhow since I can't imagine not making my own travel arrangements esp air. If anyone has any advice for me on flying from PHL I would appreciate it. I've never made open jaw air plans before.

We have done various open jaw flights out of PHL to Europe, it can be easy, or challenging.

Good thing is that PHL- FCO (Rome) - VCE - PHL is relatively easy if you fly American Airlines.

Our last trip was through Milan and that was a pain as there were no direct flights and there were issues with the trip out and the connection.

American Airline flies non stop direct flights to Rome from Philadelphia , we usually fly the 6 PM out and there is a noon, non stop direct return from Venice.

Last time we were in Venice, we took that return flight and it worked out great. I don't know how convenient that flight time would be if you were leaving directly from the ship.

Too early to check our dates, but keep an eye on them starting soon if you are interested.

Just booked our post nights in Venice, waiting on pre-nights in Rome , but definitely booking at least one night.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

We have done various open jaw flights out of PHL to Europe, it can be easy, or challenging.

Good thing is that PHL- FCO (Rome) - VCE - PHL is relatively easy if you fly American Airlines.

Our last trip was through Milan and that was a pain as there were no direct flights and there were issues with the trip out and the connection.

American Airline flies non stop direct flights to Rome from Philadelphia , we usually fly the 6 PM out and there is a noon, non stop direct return from Venice.

Last time we were in Venice, we took that return flight and it worked out great. I don't know how convenient that flight time would be if you were leaving directly from the ship.

Too early to check our dates, but keep an eye on them starting soon if you are interested.

Just booked our post nights in Venice, waiting on pre-nights in Rome , but definitely booking at least one night.

Thank you so much; this is very helpful!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hi Folks,

You have probably heard us discuss our favorite hotel in Venice. It's the Hotel Luna Baglioni.

It's a very nice hotel in what we consider to be the best location in Venice. It is steps from St Mark's Square.

http://www.baglionihotels.com/category/luna-hotel-baglioni-venice/

I have been stalking their site waiting for our post cruise dates to be posted and now they are.

Keep in mind that we disembark on 3/31/18 and that it's Easter weekend. The hotel rates reflect this. It is by no means inexpensive.

I would compare it to booking the Contemporary or Grand Floridian for Easter weekend. Location is a huge part of the value of this hotel.

The rates are on the site and there are options as to whats included.

The hotel has a liberal cancellation policy of 7 days prior to arrival without penalty. You can pre-pay and save a bit, but this carries cancellation penalties.

If you sign up for their loyalty program, you can get a 10% discount and a room upgrade.

You can also choose to book with breakfast included. This is a buffet breakfast.

I have no idea why, but breakfast at any of the hotels we have stayed at in Venice is RIDICULOUSLY expensive. We booked a room that includes the breakfast and wifi.

Again...I realize that this hotel is expensive, and you'd be able to find less pricey accommodations, but the location is unbeatable.

The world famous Harry's Bar is in the same building as this hotel. this is where Bogart and Hemingway hung out. It's where the Bellini was invented.

I know we have folks traveling that enjoy meeting for an evening cocktail. Keep in mind that Harry's is the size of a walk in closet and you will have to decide between drinks and your children's education.

That's all for now.

 

[Cousin Orville]

I know we have folks traveling that enjoy meeting for an evening cocktail. Keep in mind that Harry's is the size of a walk in closet and you will have to decide between drinks and your children's education.

Huh! lol. More expensive than the cafes on St Mark's Sq?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Huh! lol. More expensive than the cafes on St Mark's Sq?

Yes.

 

[khertz]

WOW those rooms are pretty steep!! But it is soooo tempting considering the location. We loved it in 2014.

 

[christannj]

Pete mentioned on the trip report back in 2014 that he stayed at the Westin on the Grand Canal after we all left. The rates are much less than the Luna Baglioni and I am trying to figure out where this is the located in relation to our hotel experience and the distance to St. Marks. You really can't beat the location that's for sure. We will most likely stay 2 days after the cruise in Venice and will probably only go one day early to Rome to minimize the days off.

Chris

 

[DisneyKevin]

The Westin Europa Regina is two bridges (3-4 blocks) from St Marks.

I haven't stayed there since 2006, so this info is from 11 year old memory.

It was very nice.

 

[khertz]

Pete mentioned on the trip report back in 2014 that he stayed at the Westin on the Grand Canal after we all left. The rates are much less than the Luna Baglioni and I am trying to figure out where this is the located in relation to our hotel experience and the distance to St. Marks. You really can't beat the location that's for sure. We will most likely stay 2 days after the cruise in Venice and will probably only go one day early to Rome to minimize the days off.

Chris

We will check that one out! I remember Dustin mentioned they passed it on one of their nighttime photo walks and it wasn't too far.

 

[DisneyKevin]

We will check that one out! I remember Dustin mentioned they passed it on one of their nighttime photo walks and it wasn't too far.

See the post just above yours.

 

[christannj]

Well I looked on the map of Venice and the Westin is probably 3-4 blocks from the Luna Baglioni and St Marks square as Kevin remembered. Being the crazy woman that I am, I went ahead and booked the Luna for 2 nights. You can't beat that location, although we may regret this if there are a a lot of bells ringing for Easter. I added the breakfast option also. What was weird about the site was that the deluxe rooms which were less expensive than the superior rooms ended up being more than the superior with breakfast added. Don't know if this is a computer glitch but I have the confirmation to prove that I got the rate. Even though Chuck and I will have no money in retirement we can think fondly back on our trips with Kevin and John.

Chris

 

[OKW Lover]

I went ahead and booked the Luna for 2 nights.

I hope you joined the Baglioni frequent stayer club. It gets you a 10% discount on the room.