July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days!

[Andrew DEREK UK]

OMG! Say it isn't so - what exactly may I ask is anybody doing? Holy Cow - this means I have to go back to 3rd and 4th choices! Not fair - not fair - I thought I was doing good in picking my first and 2nd - ok - back to the drawing board.!

• Plan-check what trips you want.
• Save these to your preferences.
• Consider alternative private tours, now.
• Have back up tours to book 2nd/3rd etc.

All the best.

 

[salliep]

• Plan-check what trips you want.
• Save these to your preferences.
• Consider alternative private tours, now.
• Have back up tours to book 2nd/3rd etc.

All the best.

HI ANDREW- How did you go about finding and booking the private tours- I'm starting to get that nrevous and sick feeling in my stomach!!!!!!
Sallie

 

[scrapycruiser]

Would like to spend the day at the beach in Olbia. I'd rather take a taxi so I'd have more flexibility than with a tour. BUT, have read and have talked with people that have been there and it doesn't appear to be safe or at least dependable. People have gotten "stood up" by taxi drivers. Tourists have been told one price, then told a higher price once they were dropped off. Taxi said, "well if you want me to come back.... " It's a poor country and they're not used to American tourists.

We'll probably do a tour to the beach,unless there's one to walk to. Sure don't want to miss the ship. We have private guides ,also, for all ports except Olbia and Palermo.

In Palermo we're taking the train to Cefalu...have heard great reviews.Beautiful white sand beaches, charming medieval town, good shopping.And safe.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

I can't believe this - am wondering if the DCL CM messed up - so here's the scenario - called them up to ask ?'s - upon asking about popularity of certain tours - asked what happens if I can't get a POV (Private owned Vehicle) tour - asked her what my options were - well she then proceeds to give me certain numbers of the private tours company of which there were several - then I asked if these were Disney endorsed - got real quiet - then I scrambled and said - I just don't want to be left behind if I can't get any DCL excursions and go off on my own. DH seems to think that she was't supposed to give me these numbers - I was on the line for about 1 hour just asking questions, I got the impression this was the route to go if I couldn't get the tours I wanted.

Then, when I asked if the POV tours had a guide and not just a driver - she really couldn't answer my ?'s. So what's a person to do? I guess I'll have to call the companies and ask what they're doing.

OH Yeah - Formal nite is 1st day at sea or 2nd day out - then on Day 7 and day 9 is semi (both sea days) and then day 10 is pirate nite - I think in Marsaille? Can anyone confirm this. The girl I talked too seemed rather new.
Oh yeah - inquired about the "high-quality" flip flops - read this to mean those type of LEATHER shoes that flip flop - in other words - leather sandals with heels w/o slingbacks. Not those high heeled flip flops. Does this help anyone?

Now I'm not sure if I'm more confused or what. Should I call back and hope I don't get this person again? With my luck I'll get her again.

 

[AnnaS]

Would like to spend the day at the beach in Olbia. I'd rather take a taxi so I'd have more flexibility than with a tour. BUT, have read and have talked with people that have been there and it doesn't appear to be safe or at least dependable. People have gotten "stood up" by taxi drivers. Tourists have been told one price, then told a higher price once they were dropped off. Taxi said, "well if you want me to come back.... " It's a poor country and they're not used to American tourists.

That's exactly what we wanted to do. I am sure we won't have a problem getting a taxi to take us there. But will they be dependable in picking us up again?

We'll probably do a tour to the beach,unless there's one to walk to. Sure don't want to miss the ship. We have private guides ,also, for all ports except Olbia and Palermo.

Perhaps I should just try booking the $59 one and if full, take my chances and have a taxi take us.

In Palermo we're taking the train to Cefalu...have heard great reviews.Beautiful white sand beaches, charming medieval town, good shopping.And safe.

Palermo, I am having family meet us and pick us up to take me to my hometown. One less port to worry about.

I tried google search for private guide - nothing came up.

 

[Ruth B]

Would like to spend the day at the beach in Olbia. I'd rather take a taxi so I'd have more flexibility than with a tour. BUT, have read and have talked with people that have been there and it doesn't appear to be safe or at least dependable. People have gotten "stood up" by taxi drivers. Tourists have been told one price, then told a higher price once they were dropped off. Taxi said, "well if you want me to come back.... " It's a poor country and they're not used to American tourists.

We'll probably do a tour to the beach,unless there's one to walk to. Sure don't want to miss the ship. We have private guides ,also, for all ports except Olbia and Palermo.

Hi.
I also wanted to try and get a taxi to a beach instead of taking the DCL trip. Will let you know how i get on as a friend has given me a number to try and pre-book with. How many people are you travelling with?

 

[scrapycruiser]

Ruth B...just me, DH, and Grandson ,11 years

 

[kyla]

Off the topic question: Can anyone remember what the 2005 westbound Panama Canal cruise was called on the DIS boards? I can't find the old thread. Seemed like the eastbound was "Bringing home the Magic", but what was the westbound called?

 

[formerCPer]

Hi all,
I, too, have been guilty of being away from boards for last week. Crazy work week. In Dallas today, but finally found some time to update sig and such. So, making some progress.

Looks like there has been much excitement about excursion ressies and such. Yikes! Better start looking at second or third choices for our family.

Speaking of family, please count us in for swap shop of gifts or to meet. DW and myself would be up for Palo brunch bunch if that happens as well.

Still looking for ops for DDs 7 and 15 to penpal w/other kiddos on cruise beforehand. If interested please send PM and we'll get them together.

I promise to check in more often.

PS - We plan to arrive morning of 7/27 if you'll please add us to the list.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

HI ANDREW- How did you go about finding and booking the private tours- I'm starting to get that nrevous and sick feeling in my stomach!!!!!!
Sallie

I looked around here on the Dis and also searched the internet.

http://provencesightseeing.com/
http://www.dream-tours.com/
http://papillonservice.com/
http://www.limoinrome.com/home.htm

Some cover more than one DCL port.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Reading all threads there are so many currently its important to save in your preferences the trips you are interested in as DCL is monitoring that for numbers and may adjust.

 

[salliep]

HI All
I wrote to the AP Tours Company just to get an idea of pricing. Here is what they wrote- It is definitly worth it to try to fill up the car apparently. If anyone is interested in sharing a tour ( not necessarily this one ) we would be interested - I hope the value of the euro improves some
I am also waiting to hear from 2 others- I will post when I get them.

Dear Mrs Phelan

Thank you for your recent enquiry, we would be delighted to organise a shore excursion with you.

We have two types of itinerary that have developed over years of experience.

Itinerary 1) - Pick up and drop off Naples Port, tour last around 9 hours.

Typically the tour includes:
A two-hour stop at the famous ruined city of Pompeii (where we can organise in advance an Authorised Archaeological Guide for a private tour within the site)
A full tour of the Amalfi Coast.
Whilst experiencing the beautiful coast road and its many views, there will be time to visit the towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Ravello, here you can visit the famous gardens of Villa Rufolo and enjoy a breathtaking view of the coastline before meeting up again with your driver in the main Piazza of Ravello.
Amalfi, you may wish to take a short stroll to admire the stunning cathedral of St. Andrew visit the paper mill or just enjoy the main piazza and its shops.
The picture-perfect town of Positano, for some shopping and sightseeing. Your driver will take you right to the heart of Positano, saving precious time and your legs! giving you longer to wander the traffic free lanes filled with linen shops, art galleries and cafes.
No stop in Italy is complete without a traditional homemade pasta lunch; your private driver on your request will suggest a fantastic restaurant with true Italian hospitality.

**Please keep in mind your itinerary is totally flexible and can be changed to your personal wishes. Basically the vehicle is yours for 9 hours.**


Itinerary 2)
Visiting the same places as above but with pick up Naples Port, drop off Sorrento Port.
This way you get to see Sorrento!
It is possible to take the ferry from Sorrento to Naples, so instead of doing an hours drive back to Naples at the end of the tour you can take a ferry that takes 30 minutes. Your driver will help you buy tickets and will see you right to the ferry so they will be no problems. It departs at 16.30 and arrives at 17:00 in the same area as where your cruise ship will be docked.

PRICE:
Itinerary 1)
Cost for the vehicle with English speaking driver for a 9 hour tour would be
360 Euro for 1-3 people
450 Euro for 4-6 people
525 Euro for 7-8 people.

Itinerary 2 - drop-off in Sorrento)
Cost for the vehicle with English speaking driver for a 9 hour tour would be
335 Euro for 1-3 people
410 Euro for 4-6 people
485 Euro for 7-8 people.

Should you wish to arrange a Shared Tour I recommend that you advertise on the Cruise Critic Roll Call for your Cruise as you will be surprised at how quickly you can attract sharers www.cruisecritic.com

All tolls, parking, petrol and taxes are included.
Not included are *entrance tickets, lunch and tips.
Payment is on the day direct to the driver in cash only, Euro.

*Entrance tickets for archaeological sites are Euro 11 per person.

An Authorised Archaeological Guide costs Euro 100 for a 2-hour private tour.
If you just want to just wander around the site alone then you can without a guide or you can hire an audio guide on the day.

To reserve your tour simply email me back the booking form attached.
We will confirm your reservation by return.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Off the topic question: Can anyone remember what the 2005 westbound Panama Canal cruise was called on the DIS boards? I can't find the old thread. Seemed like the eastbound was "Bringing home the Magic", but what was the westbound called?

I believe that was named - The Ship of Fools. Hope this helps!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Sorry - it was on page 2 - called (copied and pasted from original)

20050514..May 14, 2005...Official Check in Disney's 1st 14 Day thru Panama Canal

Sorry - the theme was Ship of Fools - sorry I had a brain freeze!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I believe that was named - The Ship of Fools. Hope this helps!

That was the name of the Eastbound PC trip in August 2005, not the Westboun, it was closed down, and then a new one bringing the magic home started.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

That was the name of the Eastbound PC trip in August 2005, not the Westboun, it was closed down, and then a new one bringing the magic home started.

My Bad! - its late!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

My Bad! - its late!

Thats why I didnt answer ealrlier I couldnt remember the Westbound name

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

113 Days​

 

[jlawall]

Hey all.....my question is.....what are the popular excursions which are filling up? Maybe, that is a good indicator of what we should be booking privately?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hey all.....my question is.....what are the popular excursions which are filling up? Maybe, that is a good indicator of what we should be booking privately?

Its the big ones ROME,PISA,FLORENCE, MONTE CARLO, POMPEII.