SMB

Hey Skipper, I just left you a long message on the Rome trip page. I think we could become fast friends. So you took the air tour. I'm a history professor who teaches about the Maya in my Civ class. Do you think I would be fine with Tulum or spend the money on Chichen Itza? Is there enough time there or would I be better with a land trip (don't know when that would be)? SMB

Hi Skipper, I have been to Rome 10 times in the last seven years and lived in Rome for three months a few years ago while I worked in the Vatican archives. In fact I lived not far from Via Firenze. The hotels along that strip are very tourist oriented, so your stay should be fine. But if you go to Rome again, I'll give you some better hotel hints. First, do NOT hire a private car anywhere in Italy except Tuscany. Italian mass transit it excellent! You will be staying 2-3 blocks from the main rail station in Rome (Termini). Walk over there the night before you leave and use a kiosk to buy tickets (they take credit cards) for the train to Civitavecchia (I assume that is where you are boarding). The train is often faster than a car with all the traffic in Rome. It has been a few years since I have been to Civitavecchia, but I believe it only takes just over an hour to get there. When you buy your tickets (kiosk is in English by the way) check the times. Look at both departing and arrival times to make sure you do not get on the slow train that stops EVERYWHERE. The fast train only makes a couple stops, if any. If there is a Eurostar train going there, take it. For two, the trip should cost only 40-50 Euros at most one way. Oh, and don't take a cab from the airport to Rome. Too expensive. There is a very comfortable direct train from the airport to Termini. I can give you some hints on what to see, where to eat, best gelato, etc. if you would like. I may also be of some help with ports of call around the Med. Stephen

Thanks Lisa & Jeff, I think you are right about the short stay being too risky. I was one of those people that the veteran cruisers watch for amusement at the gang plank to see if you would make it back. I got back to the ship in St. Thomas at 4:59 for a 5:00 departure and was the 2nd to last person on board. My wife, who had returned early for a nap, was called three times by the ship security to ask if she knew where I was. I promised not to scare her on this trip. I'll try Tulum or the Chankanaab park. I can't wait. The Mariner will be packed, but it looks like a great ship. I'll let you know how it goes. Stephen

Hi Guys, I am brand new to this forum and glad to be here. My wife and I took our first cruise last year on Holland America. I had never wanted to cruise, but gave in to my wife. It was a great vacation (despit some wild adventures I'll write about another time) and now I'm hooked. We leave on the Thanksgiving cruise on Mariner of the Seas a week from Sunday. So, here is the question. Has anyone tried to go to Chichen Itza from Cozumel? I'm disappointed that the only day we are not in port by 7:00 AM is in Cozumel. The ship will be there from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Is this enough time to get to Chichen Itza? I've looked at the Chichen-by-air option on a couple internet sites, but $300 for the trip is a big chuck toward a future cruise. Advice? Stephen