frequent bathrooms on shore excusions?

[slg]

I was in Europe last year for 6.5 weeks, Germany, Portugal and Ireland and I never paid to use the bathroom once. However, other than beaches in Portugal (which all have free public bathrooms), we ate in restaurants and went to Museums and tourist attractions which all had very very nice public bathrooms.I have spent time in Italy in the past, and did see some nasty washrooms, but that was over 10 years ago so I can't comment on the current state of affairs.

I'm surprised that DCL doesn't mention that we will have to pay to use the bathroom on our excursions. I'm quite sure that not everyone is going to carry change in multiple Baltic currencies just to use the loo!

 

[sabrecmc]

Just back from the May 5th Med...while I do think the public toilet situation has greatly improved from my first Europe trip (1990, gosh I'm old!), it is still not what we are used to in the states, where you can just walk in anywhere and use the restroom. With my 4 year old along, I was somewhat concerned. However, I found the DCL guides to be good about making pit stops. They knew which cafe had multiple stalls, for example, and took us there (the ice cream shop at the Trevi fountain, for example). Museums and major sites (Pompeii even had some in the middle of the ruins, along with a cafe and gelato bar!) had their own toilets, of course. I don't recall actually being "required" to pay for any toilet on a DCL excursion, but there was sometimes an attendant with a tip bowl, so it was expected. I don't mind if they keep the restrooms neat! I will say the our guides were very helpful and understanding that we had kids along, some of them newly potty-trained, who couldn't wait for long periods. Since my daughter never had an accident, I guess they did a good job!

 

[wilderness_gal]

Hi there,

Just got back from the May 26th Mediterranean and we did not find public toilets to be an issue at all (went on all DCL excursions). In Malta, we used McDonalds (which was free and clean), on the longer tours we did, the guide stopped periodically for bathroom breaks and there was always clean facilities available at the lunch stop. Neither I nor my mother EVER had to pay to use restrooms, nor did we ever feel like there wasn't an opportunity to use them if we really needed it. On the longer bus rides, they frequently asked every hour or so if someone needed to stop, etc.

My mother and I were worried going into the trip after reading some of the reports and brought with us wet wipes, etc, but other than the stall not having toilet paper in one location (cameo factory near Pompeii), the bathrooms were fine. Minimalistic compared to American bathrooms, but clean and adequate (even in Tunisia) and not a reason to avoid going by any opinion.

I agree with some of the comments that on the DCL excursions, the guides are good about taking regular rest stop breaks, and also, that they are aware of the more desirable locations to stop.

Hope that helps,
Karen

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

bump

 

[disneylove69]

OK... I have to ask "What's up w/no toilet paper"? When I was in Europe I had to pay 10pence for the public restroom. There was a lady behind what looks like a toll booth taking money. Very clean and had toilet paper.

 

[liberty6201]

The 2 excursions I had gone for was Pompeii and Pisa because my little boy really wanted to do those but now I think I may book a couple more dcl excursions just to know I'll be ok! I will have a 6 yo and a stroller with a 2yo with me - is that going tk make things even more dificult? I am beginning to panic about this now and I was really positive before!!

 

[Meg'n'walt]

Hello Liberty6201,

My Husband is suffering from Crohn's disease for several years now. We did the DCL med cruise in 2007 and found it rather ok. Once we had an issue with our little boy (then 5) who needed the bathroom urgently on the bustrip to Pisa. Unfourtunatly the restrooms on the bus were a nono, he couldn't use them, since the driver didn't wanted the extra work I guess..
Luckely we had a stop soon at the parkinglot, but that was a question of hurrying because the guide didn't really wait for us there ! We ended up walking Pisa town on our own and had the BEST coffee ever on a small terras watching the leaning tower We just made arrangements to be at the bus at the correct time...

In Pompei the only restrooms we visited where the ones in the Cameo factury, but they were ok..

Now we are booked for the last Baltic and did take a private tour in Saint Petersburg for the restroomreason too !! Guess the locals do know where to find them in time, we hope ! We did pass the message to Anastasia travels...So now we are really looking forward to hearing from the people who are on one of the Baltics to get the news (restroomwhise and other)!!

Meg

 

[jedijill]

I have never seen a hole in the ground for a toilet in Western Europe. Where did you see this??? (I have in Morocco, quite a bit)
Italy was the probably the biggest hassle with no toilet seats and no paper. But never just a hole in the ground...

I have IBS and fortunately medication and really watching my diet worked for me.

I would suggest doing your own touring and not doing an actual excursion. That way you are not at the mercy of the tour group. Yes, bring lots of change for the bathrooms. Mcdonalds, Starbucks, etc don't make you purchase but the local places will.

Barcelona is VERY easy to do on your own. Especially with the hop on-hop off red tour bus.

Greece has holes in the floor as do places in Italy.

Jill in CO