Several Lisbon excursions not available

[Currahee]

As a Platinum member I had the chance to book our excursions early. However for this upcoming Spain/Portugal cruise on July - August, there were several unavailable excursions. Fatima Hope for the World excursion was not bookable though it was described as one of the excursions. I contacted DCL and I was informed that many of the vendors cancelled on March 28. This particular situation also occurred on the Baltic cruise last year.

Anyone had this experience?

 

[belac]

I believe Fatima is still under construction, has been for some time- Started summer 2015 when we were there. My cousins said the area is still under construction now. So the trip from port to Fatima is well over a couple of hours. It took us (knowing the country and back roads) 2.75 hours this past summer. Portugal has become the place to visit for most in the EU recently, and Fatima with a ton of Pilgrims. That may be a huge factor. When we were there the main church was under construction as well.

Might I suggest Sintra, a beautiful city with more castles than you can count/visit. Closer as well, an hour or bit less, depending, to get there. Best lunch to have is directly across (the side of) the National Pantheon of Sintra, with outdoor seating. Most everyone in PT speaks English and very welcoming.
Best of luck, let me know if you have any other PT questions.
We saw the Magic in port in Lisbon last year, it was nice to see her there, but then all of a sudden, I envied everyone on board.

edit to add: PT is rather more relaxed so if a particular excursion is far away, DCL may have realized, the PT vendors might not be very punctual.

 

[caughtabug]

I recommend Sintra as well. In fact, you would absolutely love a trip to the Pena Palace "Palacio de Pena"
It's a gorgeous castle - very big. We were there last year and the views are breathtaking.
There's also Monserrate in Sintra.