Friday, July 8, 2011
Cruise Critic Roll Call for our cruise
Cruise Critic has always been one of my favorite resources for cruises that we are taking or considering! Ken & I have met many friends through interaction on this site; some have become life long friends! We have quite an active group for the July 16 Crown Princess British Isles cruise; see our roll call! You will see from my blog that I have learned quite a bit from fellow cruise critic members, as some of their thoughts are incorporated. I am looking forward to meeting our fellow cruisers!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Southampton, UK July 28
Our cruise ends in Southampton and we will have an early morning disembarkation from Crown Princess. Our flight back to the US will depart on July 29th as we were unable to get a flight using our frequent flyer miles on July 28th! No problem! There are six of the group who will have a day to explore the maritime city of Southampton!
After researching lodging options, I decided to try The White Star. It gets rave reviews on Tripadvisor and is a local boutique style inn and not a big chain hotel! The tavern/pub is reported to be one of the best dining options in Southampton... so I have made a 7:30 pm dinner reservation for the group. The White Star Tavern and Dining Rooms (28 Oxford Street, 02380 821 990) started life as a seafarers' hotel. The interior pays homage to the history of the building, with chandeliers and comfy leather sofas. The cuisine is "modern British" with familiar names such as local sausages and mash, beer battered fish and chips and some healthier options, such as pan fried fillet of salmon or breast of free range chicken.
Southampton sells itself as the shopping capital of the South Coast and the West Quay shopping centre does nothing to dispel you of that opinion. Walk along Above Bar Street toward the waterfront and the West Quay Mall will be on your right. John Lewis and Marks And Spencer are the major draws, but there are 97 other shops happy to separate you from your hard-earned dollars. The Bargate Centre and Mall Marlands will also help in your efforts to get in ship shape after our cruise. Above Bar and its continuation, High Street, have a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants to rest your feet and have a meal or drink ... or both. The 15th century Red Lion pub is one (but see my note below!)
There are two main areas for eating out in Southampton; the first is Southampton's hipster district Oxford Street (towards Ocean Village) and the second is around Bedford Place (just North of the city). Oxford Street has a selection of higher class restaurants. Recommended are the White Star (English/Traditional), Olive Tree, Oxford Brasserie for bistro fare, and Kutis (Indian) among others.
For a Pint: The Red Lion on High Street dates back to Tudor times and is a must-see. Kan always like to have a "mission" whenever we travel... so I propose this as his Southampton mission: see if the Red Lion still exists! I can't find a website except for a couple of Youtube videos and websites that have to do with ghosts in the Red Lion! For those looking for something more lively, The Platform Tavern nearby on the waterfront is an excellent bet as it features live jazz and blues music and a superb selection of local real ales. The city center also has the usual spattering of chain pubs, including Slug & Lettuce, two Wetherspoon's (the one on High Street is The Standing Order, Walkabout, Bar Risa and Que Pasa.
Central Chauffer will collect the six of us & our luggage at 5:15 am on July 29th to take us to London's Heathrow Airport and our trip back to the gold ole USA!
After researching lodging options, I decided to try The White Star. It gets rave reviews on Tripadvisor and is a local boutique style inn and not a big chain hotel! The tavern/pub is reported to be one of the best dining options in Southampton... so I have made a 7:30 pm dinner reservation for the group. The White Star Tavern and Dining Rooms (28 Oxford Street, 02380 821 990) started life as a seafarers' hotel. The interior pays homage to the history of the building, with chandeliers and comfy leather sofas. The cuisine is "modern British" with familiar names such as local sausages and mash, beer battered fish and chips and some healthier options, such as pan fried fillet of salmon or breast of free range chicken.
Southampton sells itself as the shopping capital of the South Coast and the West Quay shopping centre does nothing to dispel you of that opinion. Walk along Above Bar Street toward the waterfront and the West Quay Mall will be on your right. John Lewis and Marks And Spencer are the major draws, but there are 97 other shops happy to separate you from your hard-earned dollars. The Bargate Centre and Mall Marlands will also help in your efforts to get in ship shape after our cruise. Above Bar and its continuation, High Street, have a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants to rest your feet and have a meal or drink ... or both. The 15th century Red Lion pub is one (but see my note below!)
There are two main areas for eating out in Southampton; the first is Southampton's hipster district Oxford Street (towards Ocean Village) and the second is around Bedford Place (just North of the city). Oxford Street has a selection of higher class restaurants. Recommended are the White Star (English/Traditional), Olive Tree, Oxford Brasserie for bistro fare, and Kutis (Indian) among others.
For a Pint: The Red Lion on High Street dates back to Tudor times and is a must-see. Kan always like to have a "mission" whenever we travel... so I propose this as his Southampton mission: see if the Red Lion still exists! I can't find a website except for a couple of Youtube videos and websites that have to do with ghosts in the Red Lion! For those looking for something more lively, The Platform Tavern nearby on the waterfront is an excellent bet as it features live jazz and blues music and a superb selection of local real ales. The city center also has the usual spattering of chain pubs, including Slug & Lettuce, two Wetherspoon's (the one on High Street is The Standing Order, Walkabout, Bar Risa and Que Pasa.
Central Chauffer will collect the six of us & our luggage at 5:15 am on July 29th to take us to London's Heathrow Airport and our trip back to the gold ole USA!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Cattail Cruisers Pre-Theatre Dinner in London, July 15
As some of the group are spending a few days in London before the cruise, I thought it would be fun to get West End theatre tickets & of course enjoy a pre-theatre dinner in Covent Garden! Reservations have been made for Porters English Restaurant. I did this online for our group of eight; Porters get good reviews on Tripadvisor.com! Some of us are going to see Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. I know, Jersey Boys in London??? What was I thinking? Well here's the deal... I wanted to see something upbeat, happy, and sing-along to begin our trip. So that's why Jersey Boys rather than War Horse!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
More Travel Tips from Pat
Make two copies of your passports and credit cards (just in the unlikely event that they get misplaced or stolen). Leave one copy in the safe in your stateroom and another copy with family or friends at home.
Remember that pickpockets are common throughout Europe and especially in tourist areas. Do not keep a wallet in your back pocket, but purchase a secure money holder (WalMart has them).
Internet service is available on the ship, but it is expensive. Although we purchase a package of minutes, we generally use internet cafes which are easy to find in every port – and are inexpensive. Just for our travels, we have a yahoo email account for the simple reason that it stores our address book and is easy access.
Cell phone: if you plan to use one check with your provider re: international calls. We purchased an international cell phone online from Mobal, at www.mobal.com. When we purchased our phone a year ago, the cost of the phone was $99 and there are no further fees or charges unless you make or receive calls. I see from Mobal's website that you can get a phone for as little as $29. Note that this phone will not work within the U.S. and calling rates are very reasonable.
You can call home directly from your stateroom on the ship, but the cost is around $10 per minute.
Clothing: Comfortable shoes are a MUST. Depending upon your tours, you could walk a lot and there are lots of cobblestone streets. In the Cathedrals, knees & shoulders should be covered. Open-toe shoes and sandals are fine. I usually pack a shawl in my backpack.
If you are worried about motion sickness: over-the-counter Bonine is what we use and it does not make you drowsy.
Cruisecritic.com: One of my favorite websites! Check out this website for a wealth of information from cruisers like ourselves, cruisecritic.com.
Baggage Allowance: Check with your airline as to baggage allowances; most airlines allow each passenger to check one bag of up to 50 pounds and one carry-on.
Remember that pickpockets are common throughout Europe and especially in tourist areas. Do not keep a wallet in your back pocket, but purchase a secure money holder (WalMart has them).
Internet service is available on the ship, but it is expensive. Although we purchase a package of minutes, we generally use internet cafes which are easy to find in every port – and are inexpensive. Just for our travels, we have a yahoo email account for the simple reason that it stores our address book and is easy access.
Cell phone: if you plan to use one check with your provider re: international calls. We purchased an international cell phone online from Mobal, at www.mobal.com. When we purchased our phone a year ago, the cost of the phone was $99 and there are no further fees or charges unless you make or receive calls. I see from Mobal's website that you can get a phone for as little as $29. Note that this phone will not work within the U.S. and calling rates are very reasonable.
You can call home directly from your stateroom on the ship, but the cost is around $10 per minute.
Clothing: Comfortable shoes are a MUST. Depending upon your tours, you could walk a lot and there are lots of cobblestone streets. In the Cathedrals, knees & shoulders should be covered. Open-toe shoes and sandals are fine. I usually pack a shawl in my backpack.
If you are worried about motion sickness: over-the-counter Bonine is what we use and it does not make you drowsy.
Cruisecritic.com: One of my favorite websites! Check out this website for a wealth of information from cruisers like ourselves, cruisecritic.com.
Baggage Allowance: Check with your airline as to baggage allowances; most airlines allow each passenger to check one bag of up to 50 pounds and one carry-on.
Thoughts on London
If you are planning to stay in London for a day or more (pre or post-cruise),I recommend that you take a city tour to get a good overview and to visit some of the major attractions: Tower of London, Thames River cruise, Buckingham Palace, Royal Albert Hall, etc. As food is pricy in London, we have had fun eating at spaghetti houses, pubs & Chinese restaurants. There is a wonderful chain called “The Spaghetti House” and London’s China Town is near the West End. And of course there is nothing quite like British “fish & chips” and beer! Shopping at Harrod’s is fun but expensive; we usually hit the fabulous & famous Food Court there & purchase some English biscuits or such. Selfridge’s, however, is where I usually shop; it’s a wonderful British department store! The West End (London’s Theatre District) and Covent Garden (you will remember from “My Fair Lady” that Eliza sold flowers there) are really fun areas & are quite close together. If you are interested, there are online sources to purchase theatre tickets; let me know if you want information.
Taxis are expensive (but oh so cute!) so we usually take the Tube (London’s subway system) and get inexpensive day or “oyster” passes. It’s safe, quick, and clean.
Taxis are expensive (but oh so cute!) so we usually take the Tube (London’s subway system) and get inexpensive day or “oyster” passes. It’s safe, quick, and clean.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland July 23
Crown Princess docks in Greenock, Scotland which is about 25-30 miles from Glasgow. The town of Greenock is about a 10 minute walk from the pier. I have learned that we will most likely be greeted on arrival by bagpipers and that the good-bye send-off is memorable. The Inverclyde Tourist Group runs free bus tours of the local Greenock area (not tours to Glasgow), for which you can collect tickets on the dock. These tours are offered by local volunteers who have a passion for their local area. The tours are free, but they do ask for a donation to cover fuel costs. You must however be quick, as they are usually full to capacity by mid day. After exploring Greenock, stop at the James Watt Wetherspoon Pub for some fine ales!
Planning to go into Glasgow for the day? While Glasgow does not have the historical past of Edinburgh, there is plenty to see & do. It's a more commercial and industrial city. There is a HOHO bus which leaves from George Square and takes you to most of the city highlights. In George Square itself, you will find the City Chambers, which Tripadvisor.com readers rank as the #1 attraction in Glasgow. If museums and art top your list, about 100 yards from George Sq., in Queen St, is the Museum of Modern Art. Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery is world class. There is so much to see in the museum and the Art Gallery boasts many originals from Picasso, Dali, Monet, Degas, Rembrandt etc. The Peoples Palace at Glasgow Green (city centre park) focuses on Glasgow history. Entrance to all museums in Glasgow is free.
Glasgow Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic building, parts of which date back to the 1200s. Beside this there the Religious Museum and Provands Lordship which is the oldest house in Glasgow (1471).
For shoppers,Buchanan Street the most popular area. The city centre is fairly compact and safe.
Planning to go into Glasgow for the day? While Glasgow does not have the historical past of Edinburgh, there is plenty to see & do. It's a more commercial and industrial city. There is a HOHO bus which leaves from George Square and takes you to most of the city highlights. In George Square itself, you will find the City Chambers, which Tripadvisor.com readers rank as the #1 attraction in Glasgow. If museums and art top your list, about 100 yards from George Sq., in Queen St, is the Museum of Modern Art. Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery is world class. There is so much to see in the museum and the Art Gallery boasts many originals from Picasso, Dali, Monet, Degas, Rembrandt etc. The Peoples Palace at Glasgow Green (city centre park) focuses on Glasgow history. Entrance to all museums in Glasgow is free.
Glasgow Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic building, parts of which date back to the 1200s. Beside this there the Religious Museum and Provands Lordship which is the oldest house in Glasgow (1471).
For shoppers,Buchanan Street the most popular area. The city centre is fairly compact and safe.
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