Monday, September 24, 2012

Gift Shopping Ideas

Update Gift List
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=35453018#post35453018
Posted by: Cruzer Two
On: September 23rd, 2012 08:28 PM

This list has been updated to include all of your gift suggestions and wine recommendations.


*Gift List:*

Venice – Murano Glass Jewelry, Carnival Masks, Burano Lace, Rope Licorice

Naples (Sorrento) – Limoncello (Lemon Liqueur), Lemon Shaped Soap, Hard Lemon Candies, Italian Pottery, Cameos 

Civitavecchia (Rome) – Italian Silk Scarves, Fake "Gucci" Bags, Balsamic Vinegar, Parmesan Cheese

Livorno (Florence) – Straw Market Leather goods and Italian Pottery, Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") Gold Jewelry 

Cannes – Provence Potpourri, Provence Lavender, Herbs de Provence, Flower Prints by Local Artist, Marseille Soap, Perfume

Barcelona - Olives, Olive Oil, Hand Fans

Casablanca – Fez, Colorful Hand-woven Shawls, Spices, Leather Goods (except Camel Leather), Olives, Tagines (Terra Cotta Cooking Vessels) 

Azores – Gorreana Tea, Pineapple Rum, Lace

*Wine Recommendations:*

Italy – Red Wines:
Amarone della Valpolicella
Brunello di Montalcino
"Vino Sfuso" (Bulk Wine)

Italy – White Wines:
Bruno Ceretto "Arneis Blange"
Torre Rosazza

Spain – Red Wines:
El Templari Vi Vermell


Spain - White Wines:
Cava (Sparkling Wine

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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Day 1 Schedule

We have Doge's Palace scheduled for Sun, Oct  7  @ 11:35 --Day 1

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Planning Our Time in Venice


Venice

Planning Your Time

Venice is remarkably small. You can walk across it, from head to tail, in about an hour. Nearly all of your sightseeing is within a 20-minute walk of the Rialto Bridge or St. Mark's Square. Remember that Venice itself is its greatest sight. Make time to wander, explore, shop, and simply be.

Two key considerations: Maximize your evening magic, and avoid the midday crowds around St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.

Venice in One (Busy) Day

9:00 Walk from St. Mark's Square to Frari Church (following my self-guided St. Mark's to Rialto Walk chapter), taking time to enjoy the Rialto market action.

11:00 Tour Frari Church.

12:00 Lunch near the Frari, then catch the vaporetto (boat) back to St. Mark's to wander and shop.

14:30 Correr Museum.

15:30 St. Mark's Basilica.

16:30 Doge's Palace.

18:00 Go up the Campanile bell tower for city view.

18:30 Pub dinner (crawl or stay put and munch).

20:00 Gondola ride (or follow my self-guided Grand Canal Cruise chapter).

21:00 Enjoy the dueling orchestras with a drink on St. Mark's Square.

Venice in Two Days

Day 1

9:00 Walk from St. Mark's Square to Frari Church. Stop along the way at the Rialto market to browse.

11:00 Tour Frari Church.

12:00 Tour Ca' Rezzonico (Museum of 18th-Century Venice) or Scuola San Rocco (if you prefer Tintoretto to Casanova).

13:00 Lunch in Dorsoduro neighborhood, then take the vaporetto back to St. Mark's Square to wander and shop.

15:00 Correr Museum.

16:00 St. Mark's Basilica.

17:00 Doge's Palace.

19:00 Go up the Campanile for city view.

20:00 Dinner.

22:00 Enjoy the dueling orchestras with a drink on St. Mark's Square.

Day 2

9:00 Shopping or exploring.

11:00 Follow my self-guided Grand Canal Cruise chapter by vaporetto.

13:00 Lunch (pizza near Accademia Bridge?).

14:00 Tour Accademia, explore Dorsoduro neighborhood, visit La Salute Church or Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

17:00 Commence pub crawl, eating dinner along the way.

20:00 Gondola ride.

Venice in Three (or Four) Days

Day 1

9:45 St. Mark's Basilica and Square.

11:00 Correr Museum.

12:00 Shop, wander, and have lunch in St. Mark's area.

16:00 Doge's Palace.

18:00 Ascend Campanile.

19:00 Gondola ride.

20:00 Dinner.

Day 2

9:00 Walk from St. Mark's Square to Frari Church (following my self-guided St. Mark's to Rialto Walk chapter), allowing time to experience the Rialto market scene.

11:00 Tour Frari Church.

12:00 Tour Scuola San Rocco for Tintoretto.

13:00 Lunch.

14:00 Tour Ca' Rezzonico.

15:00 Explore Dorsoduro, the neighborhood around the Accademia.

17:00 Tour the Accademia.

18:00 Cruise Grand Canal.

Day 3

9:00 Explore lagoon by vaporetto or tour boat, visiting Burano and Torcello.

15:00 Walk from St. Mark's to San Zaccaria, then catch a vaporetto to visit the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore.

17:00 Start pub crawl.

21:00 Savor a drink while listening to the dueling orchestras on St. Mark's Square.

Day 4

Side-trip to Padua and/or Verona.

For up-to-date specifics, see the latest edition of the Rick Steves' Venice travel guide. We also offer free-spirited Italy tours.

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Monday, September 10, 2012

The Cabin Crawl, Friday 10/19

Post Cabin Crawl Info

For those that will be doing the Cabin Crawl, and for the new people who are thinking about doing it, I thought I would repost the Cabin Crawl information.

We will start crawling after the luncheon on the 19th so I don't have a specific time. Hopefully we will know about the time and location of the luncheon at the M&G.

After the luncheon we will start by going to Cabin 8418. This is located mid ship port side on the Emerald deck right next to the elevators. Because of our very large group of crawlers, I would suggest only those that need to use the elevators do so and the rest of us can use the stairs to work off the fabulous luncheon we just enjoyed. 

After visiting this cabin we go up on deck to the Dolphin deck and Cabin 9619. This on the starboard side aft (that's on the right side of the ship towards the rear ). Here we will be able to view a mini suite (I'm so jealous).

Next use the stairs/elevators go up one flight to the Caribe deck. Here we will first go forward starboard side to see an inside cabin located atCabin 10211. After viewing this cabin cross over to the port side and go to the rear of the ship for a balcony Cabin located at 10730.

From here we are going up 1 more deck to the Baja deck to see one of two rear balcony cabins, 11748 or 11752. I just love these rear cabins. One day I hope to be lucky enough to snag one. 

Now put your walking shoes on and go forward to the most forward stairs/elevators and go up to the Lido deck, deck 15. Here you will be seeing my cabin, Cabin 15101. This is one of only a few cabins that have a forward facing view to see where we are going, unlike the last two cabins that get to see where we just were. This is an obstructed oceanview cabin.

After we finish I will treat everyone to Pizza and Ice cream at the Pizzeria and Ice Cream Bar. I know big of me. 

Now, as with anything on a cruise ship, everything is subject to change. Please consult someone who knows something for up to date information.

Cheers all. Hope you're having a great week

Richard, richc78370

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Shopping for Glass Bead Jewelry

Shopping

From Venice for Visitors:
I rarely buy souvenirs when I travel, because I must travel light. However, when in Venice, I go to "Rialto 79" for glass bead jewelry. (The shop is just off the Rialto Bridge, going toward the train station.) The attractive woman in the shop is the artist, and her work is several steps above touristy beads. She offers prices and items for every pocketbook, from one-of-a-kind glass stickpins to antique bead necklaces. The shop is pleasant and quiet, and English is spoken.
http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/readers_report_beth_cordes_thompson.htm



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Thursday, August 30, 2012

What to Buy, Where


From Cruzer Two (Ron & Carol):

Cruzer Two videos

Here are a few of my suggestions for what to buy where! What are your suggestions?

Venice – Local wines, Murano Glass Jewelry, Carnival Masks, Burano Lace, Gelato (Ice Cream)
Naples (Sorrento) – Limoncello (Lemon Liqueur), Italian Pottery, Cameos, More Gelato
Civitavecchia (Rome) – Italian Silk Scarves, Fake "Gicci" Bags, Balsamic Vinegar, Parmesan Cheese, More Gelato
Livorno (Florence) – Straw Market Leather goods and Italian Pottery, Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") Gold Jewelry, More Gelato
Cannes – Provence Potpourri, Provence Lavender, Marseille Soap, Perfume
Barcelona - Olives, Olive Oil, Cava (Spanish Sparkling Wine), Paella
Casablanca – Colorful Hand-woven Shawls, Spices, Tagines (Terra Cotta Cooking Vessels).
Azores – Never been here!

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