Overnight in ports

[Orpheus]

P&O should do more overnighters in Venice. Did overnighters in Saint Petersberg & Madeira Wife and I had a wonderful two days & one night in Madeira felt totally Safe. Wife went to ballet in Saint Petersberg. These were both P&O cruises Madeira on Oriana in 2008 and Saint Petersberg on Aurora in 2010.

[Capt Black]

We've done overnighters in Acapulco, Cape Town and Istanbul.

Acapulco - arrived about 21:00 from a long flight. Too tired to do anything. Had a good opportunity to have an early start the next day though.

Cape Town was actually a pre-cruise stay, though the ship overnighted as well. Actually saw the ship go into Cape Town from the hotel room. Great place to spend more time. Would love to go there again.

Istanbul - we'd spent a few days in Istanbul before, so did some research and went to places we didn't do before. Really easy to DIY, we went to the Grand Bazaar, took the ferry across the Bosphorous to have a look at the old Scutari hospital (don't point your camera there) and Leander tower. Also squeezed in the Cistern and a wander around the main modern shopping area. Bit of a walk to some lively bars from the ship in the evening, or you can use the tram.

[melsea]

Have been lucky enough to have done a few overnight stops.

New Orleans - went to Preservation Hall Jazz club, just brilliant, did this back in 1989 and so resolved to take my OH when we had an overnight 2 years ago. Then we had a meal in the Pennant Grill for the sail out down the Mississppi just magical.

San Francisco - had a great meal out and then onto the Cinema. Love SF been there on my own many years ago.

Sydney - well, where to start. We we were invited by our Australian friends who live in Sydney, for a meal and had a fab time up the Sydney tower dining in the revolving restaurant, they took us up there when it was still light and saw the sun go down. In the year we got married we went to see Billy Connolly at the Opera House, it certainly was different. Again our friends have taken us to other restaurants since. Sydney is my all time favourite place having spent a couple of months there back in the 80's.

Cape Town - Again here we have been out to dinner at the Victoria & Alfred complex which is a safe place to be as they have shuttle buses into the night. Another time we again dined at the Pennant Grill with Table Mountain as the back drop.

Dubai - Last years cruise we again choose to dine in the Pennant Grill and had a good view of Dubai in the heat of the evening.

Singapore - This was an unexpected overnight, can't remember why though. We did the Singapore Night Zoo tour, this was brilliant. Afterwards we had a drink at the Clarke Quay where there are lots of bars and restaurants a great place to spend the evening.

Hong Kong - We went to restaurant and had a really good meal for not much money.

Almost forgot one, Madeira - had a meal again at the Pennant Grill and then went into town to a bar where some of the staff happen to be, t was a great night.

You may have guessed we like to dine at the Pennant Grill, we like to dine outside and we do like the food they serve.

Lioness, subscribe to the Sydney Opera house newsletters to get up to date info on what is happening there. The Opera house actually has several venues within the building, from concerts, plays, operas of course and other shows. here is the link to the site http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/about/p ... ralia.aspx

[melsea]

Forgot to mention. All being well we are sailing on the Queen Elizabeth in October and it has an overnight stop in Venice but then we actually get off her and stay two more nights there. Can't wait for that one. Haven't been to Venice since 1985...

[Sealion]

Would love an overnighter in New York to see a Broadway show. Sailed from St Petersburg late - 11.30ish - and went to the ballet to see Swan Lake but sadly it was an abridged version as they were mindful of cruise ship passengers making up the majority of the audience and having to get back to ships in good time. In Quebec we left late but everyone was back on board long before departure as nothing was happening.
Overnighters are great if you can do something really special or if it is safe to walk around and do your own thing.

[karenandbob]

I think its a good idea, but also I think it really depends on which port. We have only done 3, the first one was in New Orleans and to be honest that was absolutely fantastic, we visited the French Quarter and had a lovely meal and went to several musical venues, the streets were full of people, of all nationalities, all having a good time. If it had been in the links of London I am sure there would have been trouble. Only sa 2 mounted policemen all night. Fabulous night. We have also had an overnight in Barbados, we did an organised P&O excursion to a night-club which was also very good, all food and drink included in the price. The last one was an enforced overnighter in Montego Bay, Jamacia, as the Captain said that the seas were to rough to travel out to Grand Cayman, needless to say we didnt go out into town that night.

[lioness]

We had an unscheduled overnight in Madeira, but to be honest, we had been on the go all day from early in the morning, lunch out and further exploration in the afternoon, so by the evening, we just wanted to be back on the ship.

[arrbee]

Agree with all the comments about overnight in New Orleans. We were there last year and following the advice of a local we spoke to, we headed for Frenchmen Street. He recommended a restaurant which was Italian with a Louisiana twist then we headed next door to the Spotted Cat Jazz Club. It was truly unforgettable evening and there was such an amazing friendly tmosphere. On our first cruise we were overnight in Venice but we stayed onbaord. Now, I would definitely find a nice little restaurant for a meal and some people watching.

I'm looking forward to overnighting in Istanbul this year and would appreciate any ideas for what to do independently. I know Brenda and Billy et al went to a club last year so if they read this maybe they could tell me but all ideas welcome.

[Silver_Shiney]

A year or so back I saw a P&O cruise that went up the Eastern Seaboard and had two nights in New York. I'd love to do that one. Not sure about the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, though - we sailed from there on QM2 in 2009 and it looked a dodgy area in the daytime! The first time we went over (again on QM2), we docked just up from the USS Intrepid - felt quite safe in that neck of the woods and easy walking distance to Broadway etc.

[Boris+]

I just simply don't like being in port overnight onboard ship. Somehow it feels all wrong - we prefer the rocking movement of the ship lulling us off to sleep. We've had a couple of overnights in port - and it didn't feel right, apart from anything else, it's looking out of the window and seeing lights and buildings.

If it really can't be avoided and the rest of the itinerary is good, then so be it - but if I can avoid it, that's great.

Em

[melsea]

Boris+

Oh you are perculiar but in a good way of course. I have heard people can't sleep when they return home from a cruise because of the non movement. I can sleep anywhere day or night.

[Boris+]

Hi Melsea,

Don't get me wrong - we do get some sleep, but we just prefer nights to be at sea.

So far for 2013 I haven't got any planned (as yet but that could change), however I know that we have one due in 2014 - can't be helped.

The important thing is to be onboard, and go cruising and not allow our dislike of being in port overnight to stop us going.

Em

[melsea]

Boris+

I could not agree more. We just love the whole experience of being on board regardless what ship it is or where it is going. Travelling for me is visiting new and old ports or places and where else can you be looked after with all that is on offer through cruising anywhere else and for the same money?

All being good we are on Oceana in 3 weeks time today, can't wait.

[Silver_Shiney]

All being good we are on Oceana in 3 weeks time today, can't wait.

Can't come quick enough! It'll be slightly different for us from previous cruises having so many sea days at the beginning, and my mum and I aren't getting off at Barcelona (although the Lady C and Welshynurse are going off on the Gaudie(?) trail). It'll be nice to have a bit of gentle warmth after all this cold weather.

[Mervyn and Trish]

We've only stayed in port overnight three times if I recall. Once was Amsterdam , where we arrived quite late in the afternoon so to depart the same day would have been a very short stop, once was Lisbon, when it was so windy we couldn't depart and once St Petersburg, which well justified a couple of days visiting. On other occasions - Madeira and Tenerife come to mind - we've had late evening/night departures. I suppose one benefit is you don't feel so pressured to get back on board to avoid being left behind, so, although we still were back for dinner, we had a more relaxed time ambling.
By contrast there are some ports where I can't get away quickly enough - either because we've been a number of times or didn't rate them that highly!

[Boris+]

Well if you are off afloat on Oceana - just in case I forget - have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute.

Em

[melsea]

Thanks we will do our best to enjoy ourselves.

Melvyn & Trisha
I have bought through the Internet a ticket for the hop on hop off in Barcelona. Been before but wanted to do this but was always off too late, I will make sure I am off early this time round. And yes one of the aspects I like about the overnight is not having to rush to get back on board and the worry of it all.

[Anne D]

I have never had an overnight in port but we are doing the Baltic trip ths year
and expect to stay overnight in St Petersberg.

I would like to do a trip that includes Venice but although in the past the ship would sometimes stay overnight
the current itineries dont seem to be doing so anymore. I would prefer it if they did as there is so much to see
in and around Venice and 2 days would be better.

[gilly88]

we would have loved to have had an over night stop in maderia on our december cruise, the lights all around the town would have been something to behold, as it was, we had only a glimpse from the prom deck.

[daib GC]

Well clearly this is a very bad idea This is cos the casino is closed. I have to then go to a bar.....and drink.

When in the casino I drink water


Gan Canny



Dai

[Mervyn and Trish]

Sorry Dai. "Drink water". Is that correct English language? Not sure those two words can correctly be used together.

[Silver_Shiney]

Sorry Dai. "Drink water". Is that correct English language? Not sure those two words can correctly be used together.

Quite right - it's somewhat of an oxymoron, you know like, "good grief", "now then", "British Government"....

[melsea]

Just wondered if anyone has seen the webcam today, Oriana is in New Orleans for an overnight stay. How wonderful for them, it's certainly a place where you can find good food and music in town.

[Manoverboard]

Just wondered if anyone has seen the webcam today, Oriana is in New Orleans for an overnight stay. How wonderful for them, it's certainly a place where you can find good food and music in town.

More than that if you're up for it ... or so I've heard

[Mervyn and Trish]

Us .... jealous? Hmmm.