European excursions -DCL

[RiRLPC-OG]

I am having a difficult time navigating the British isles cruise and wonder if anyone has any experience with any of the excursions. Any feedback regarding the Cobh and greenock areas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Us too.
Lots to see in Liverpool in a short time so we want to be prepared.

 

[tidefan]

We did British Isles last year (on Regal Princess - excellent trip!) and stopped at both Greenock and Cobh.

In Cobh, some of our party did Paddywagon tours to Blarney and Kinsale. They picked up directly at the port. They said they had a good time. Myself and another of our party just took the train (which is right at the port) to Midleton, and visited the Jameson distillery on our own. Super easy and an awesome experience.

In Greenock, we just walked to the train station and took the train into Glasgow. Again, could not be easier.

 

[Mommb]

I have no past experience, but I can tell you what my husband and I are doing this year:

Greenock -- Glasgow On Your Own
We haven't figured out exactly what we're doing yet. Edinburgh sounds more interesting, but 2 hours in transit each way was off-putting. We've done similar "On Your Own" tours in other ports and like knowing how we'll get back to the ship (and that if we're late, DCL will take care of us), even if it costs a little more than traveling entirely on our own.

Liverpool -- private half-day excursion to Chester, then walk around near port if there's time
Chester is close enough that we're comfortable going with a private company at about 2/3 the cost of a DCL excursion.

Cobh -- DCL Cork City Tour and Midleton Distillery
My husband likes whiskey but I do not, so this was our compromise.

Portland -- private tour of the area
We've already been to Stonehenge and are planning to visit Salisbury before the cruise. Dorset Day Tours has good reviews on another cruise site, so we booked with them. The van can hold 7 and there's only 2 of us, so we're hoping other people join to cut our cost.

 

[tidefan]

Portland -- private tour of the area
We've already been to Stonehenge and are planning to visit Salisbury before the cruise. Dorset Day Tours has good reviews on another cruise site, so we booked with them. The van can hold 7 and there's only 2 of us, so we're hoping other people join to cut our cost.

Just a note on Portland. If it's like our cruise was, then they will have a complimentary shuttle that will take you into Weymouth. We enjoyed walking around there. There is also some excellent Fish n Chips there if you are into that.

 

[Mommb]

Just a note on Portland. If it's like our cruise was, then they will have a complimentary shuttle that will take you into Weymouth. We enjoyed walking around there. There is also some excellent Fish n Chips there if you are into that.

Thanks! Yes, we've learned on previous European cruises that there are often complimentary shuttles that aren't announced in advance. It's good to know there may be on in Portland, as a back-up if we decide not to splurge on the private tour.

 

[RiRLPC-OG]

Looks like I am earning my ears again in a whole new way. hee hee. What a cute addition to this forum. We are thinking we will probably just do the Edinburgh on our own. I agree that I think its best to use the insurance of Disney to be cared for along the way. In the on your own excursions, how do you meet back up with this group before training back to the port?
I would be interested to know if anyone has done this In the steps of the beatles, in Liverpool. It says they make stops along the way but it does not specify if it is going to let us off at abbey road for photos or not and my boys are deeply concerned about this piece of the tour. I want to make sure whatever tour we book we are checking off this box.
Cobh has me still a little perplexed. Has anyone ever gotten to a location and really felt like they were pressed for time? We've done DCL 4 other times (excited to level up this trip) but I cant ever seem to settle that feeling when were in port that we have to get back, with the exception of castaway. That place for some reason feels comfortable. It must be the lovely castmembers cheering us on..

 

[RiRLPC-OG]

Us too.
Lots to see in Liverpool in a short time so we want to be prepared.

This is an exact thought. We could probably stay here a week and be perfectly happy in Liverpool. The more I watch on youtube of this city the more lost I feel on making a clear decision.

 

[Mommb]

In the on your own excursions, how do you meet back up with this group before training back to the port?

In Florence and Bruges, the bus dropped us off on the outskirts of the tourist area and the tour coordinator told us where and when to board the bus to go back. In Florence, the pick up area was a block or two away from drop-off; in Bruges it was in the same place.

For Edinburgh, it appears the transportation is by train, so the coordinator would tell you where in the station to meet for the return.

 

[RiRLPC-OG]

In Florence and Bruges, the bus dropped us off on the outskirts of the tourist area and the tour coordinator told us where and when to board the bus to go back. In Florence, the pick up area was a block or two away from drop-off; in Bruges it was in the same place.

For Edinburgh, it appears the transportation is by train, so the coordinator would tell you where in the station to meet for the return.

That sounds great. I wont lose sleep over this then. They will tell us where they want us to be. Thank you.

 

[Girl of the South]

If you are an Anthony Bourdain fan, from Portland to WEYMOUTH you can eat here! I did! Fish and Chips . . . what else?

The Marlboro (Weymouth)​

Speaking of that friendship, another place that Bourdain and White eat – which isn’t owned by White – is The Marlboro in Weymouth near the coast. After heading out on the water together, the chefs tuck into warming comfort food including fish and Chips and a self-made “Chip Buttie” with mushy peas.

Marlboro Restaurant - Weymouth

 

[tidefan]

If you are an Anthony Bourdain fan, from Portland to WEYMOUTH you can eat here! I did! Fish and Chips . . . what else?

The Marlboro (Weymouth)​

Speaking of that friendship, another place that Bourdain and White eat – which isn’t owned by White – is The Marlboro in Weymouth near the coast. After heading out on the water together, the chefs tuck into warming comfort food including fish and Chips and a self-made “Chip Buttie” with mushy peas.

Marlboro Restaurant - Weymouth

Yes! Highly recommended!

 

[auntlynne]

I’ll throw this out there. Cobb. Blarney Stone. I watched several different YouTubers visit the castle last year. The experience was mainly standing in a queue (for 45-60 minutes), which wound up and down narrow steps, for a chance to lie in your back and kiss a rock. Bus ride there and back. Not enough time for the castle and gardens.

 

[Girl of the South]

Unfamiliar with the “Liverpool Tour” but doubt that there will be a stop at Abbey Road. Abbey Road is in London and it’s a 4 hour drive from Liverpool.

 

[auntlynne]

@RiRLPC-OG : Abbey Road is in London (jinx, @Girl of the South).

But Penny Lane is in Liverpool.

 

[Girl of the South]

Agree about the Blarney Stone. I would not bother . . .

 

[auntlynne]

Tours by Locals offers a Liverpool Tour, but it is pricey. But it would be doable in your own, I imagine.



Also look online for Free Tours. I routinely watch a YouTube channel that has gone on free tours, specifically London and Liverpool. Both of those seem to be walkable cities, full of history.

Audio tours can let you amble at your own speed.

Check your cities when planning if you want to visit museums. They seem to have a day closed each week.

The integrated sewer system of Liverpool was the first one in the world.

 

[auntlynne]

Pressed for time? Yes, Rome. So much to see, not enough time. We knew that going in and planned our day accordingly. We totally skipped The Vatican; it would have deserved a whole day. A DIY day of touring, all public transportation. Wonderful.

Here’s where the breath hold happened:

It was the return train - we boarded it, along with many others from our cruise. Time was ticking away and there was no indication it was leaving as scheduled. I made the call to get off and find a different train. Worked out great, traveling with others who had followed suit.

Then a snafu at the port, when the “required” transport to the ship through the working port filled the last bus as a line of us stood waiting. (Nothing like European union workers. Their workday was over, per the clock.) And we weren’t coming in late; still time before All Aboard. We walked. But left old people behind. Notified the ship on arrival - and everyone got to the ship. It did make for a memory - I still remember it 14 years later.

 

[auntlynne]

When you felt pressed for time on past excursions, were you on a ship excursion with large groups? One where you were not in control?

I feel there’s a lot of waiting for others on excursions. Ship or tour company.

Research (a lot of fun ahead of time) and knowing transportation schedules and options for a DIY exploration has provided me with better experiences. Not everywhere, but much of Europe is easy to do.

 

[tlprice]

We loved Cobh. One of our favorite places we've ever been. We really enjoyed walking around the town and looking in the shops. We did the Titanic museum and really enjoyed it. St. Colman's cathedral was nice too. I don't understand why so many people go to other places when docked in Cobh instead of exploring there. (There was no chance I wanted to kiss the Blarney stone--have you seen how disgusting that looks?)