Should I????

[sailingrose]

OK Crazies, I need help quickly. Howie and I will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary in August but due to business we can't travel (except for Connie Goes Crazie) at that time.

I have a hold on a cabin on the Brilliance of the Seas June 15-27 with the following itinerary:

15-Jun Barcelona, Spain 6:00 PM

16-Jun Cannes (Monte Carlo), France 10:00 AM 8:00 PM Tendered

17-Jun Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

18-Jun Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

19-Jun Naples, Capri, Italy 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

20-Jun Cruising

21-Jun Venice, Italy 1:30 PM Docked

22-Jun Venice, Italy 3:00 PM Docked

23-Jun Dubrovnik, Croatia 10:00 AM 6:00 PM Tendered

24-Jun Corfu, Greece 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

25-Jun Cruising

26-Jun Cruising

27-Jun Barcelona, Spain

Don't know what to do........this is an expensive trip with the airfare........I'm not a great flier but I've always wanted to go to Europe......I have to miss my parents birthdays (they say go for it)........Do I use the cruiseline for everything and just let them deal with it........ We have never been anywhere except the Caribbean so I'm really nervous.........

What would you Do????????

[JoeyandDavid]

Rose if you can afford it go...

do not let the cruise line handle everything unless you want to over pay.... it is not let me repeat NOT that hard to figure out hotels and transportation.. remember most in Europe do speak English to some extent.. we love Barcelona... the city is so easy to get around....only one tip .. fly in as early as you can before the cruise...wish we could go..:)

[cruisingcats]

I would say if you can afford it GOT FOR IT!!

Good Luck!

[elfed]

Yes, Europe is a great place to visit. You may find it expensive though as the Euro currency can fluctuate like crazy. Enjoy!

Regards,

James.

[DebbieandJerry]

You have so earned this! If you aren't stressing over "every Euro" or having buyer's remorse, I say go for it. I wish I could do this. The Itinerary is a dream come true. I am so jealous!

As for "letting the cruise line do everything", take Joey's advice. DON'T overpay. A few phone calls and emails will be well worth the savings.

Let me know what you decide.

[Gregswife]

I would go for it. I hate flying, but I take the Xanax that the dr. gives me for flying and I do drink along the way and I am fine. My dr. said she can get me into a therapy group that deals with fear of flying so I am thinking that in the next few months, I am going to do that.

I love Europe and I think you and Howie should definitely go for it if you can swing it. If you go, you sail on my birthday so raise a glass for me...

[55ChevyLady]

What is the real question?

should I spend the money...let the cruise line handle everything...miss my parents birthdays...fly to Europe...step out of my comfort zone....

I think everyone has given you excellent advice already. Just break it all down into manageable pieces.

and ask YOURSELF... what would you advise a friend.

[cruisetarp]

Sounds like a wonderful cruise Rose and a great way to celebrate your 25th Anniversary.

[sailingrose]

I think we're going........I guess the 2 biggest reservations I have are leaving my parents for their birthdays (they are older) and flying there. Money can't factor into this or I would never go......LOL!

Andrea your right about having to step out of my comfort zone........You hit that one perfectly! Different language, different money, etc. makes me a wreck.

Cheryl there will definitely be drinking!!! LOL

Joey I priced the airfare on our own and can save enough to pay for most of the shore tours & hotel I think. We'd save close to $1000, that's a lot of money! Ship leaves on the 15th so I'm thinking we'd fly the 12th. Will come home right after the cruise.

This may be the only shot at this length of cruise to Europe for several years............I keep thinking that in my head...........

[JoeyandDavid]

Ship leaves on the 15th so I'm thinking we'd fly the 12th. Will come home right after the cruise.

thats what we did .. and very glad we did...you are just going to love venice.... just remmeber don't eat in "a sqaure" or in "view of water".. and you will save $$