tdtanc

Hey guys. Looking for some straightforward info on this tour. Anyone done this? Do you get to see some of the sights and cities as well.

Thanks

Fabulous pictures. I looked at every single one. I am going to take your advice and book that excursion through the cruise ship. I need to move on to the planning of other ports.

Thank you so much.

Great info. I'm usually so geared towards doing private or ships tours didn't really consider that the port is close enough to actually walk into the town of messina. Sounds like that is what you are saying. I will look at a map now.

Its the other two cities I would need to get to.

The problem with private tours is that to get the cost savings you have to fill up the van which means you have to rely on people from cruise critic to commit. I may have to go with a ships transfer on this one just to make sure I get to Taormina and Castelmola. Trying to organize early as I have all these greek ports to look at as well.

Todd

Can anyone give me some straightforward advice on what I should or should not do in this port of call? Looking at just doing a ship transfer to Taormina vs a company called sicilywithmario. Anyone used this company or have any thoughts in general. Heard the mountain takes a long time to get to.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks guys for your experiences. You have totally convinced me!!

Todd

This is what you do....when you get off the boat in FLL go to Lesters diner right outside the port on marina mile. Less than a mile away I think. Enjoy a great breakfast there. Be in no rush. Then take an uber down to boat in Miami whenever you are ready. No stress.

Uber is an easy app for a smart phone. Very safe. Millions of people use it. Much cheaper than a taxi.

Thanks. Yeah I do want to catch a direct flight back to the states like most. One I'm looking at leaves at 10:40 am. Just trying to gauge peoples experiences to make an informed decision. Being off the boat at 6am would be ideal.

I know this is kinda an old topic and has been talked about in the past but want the 2015/2016 perspective.....

just interested in the earliest time folks have been able to depart a cruise ending in Rome. Boat docks at 5am...anyone off by 6am?

Thanks

Thank you....that screen shot worked perfect.

On a Mac you press Shift/ Command/ Three to take a picture of the screen.

Googled that!

Does anyone have a map they can upload of the port/train area in Civ?

Thanks guys for all the posts. Lots of good advice!

My reasoning behind trying to catch that earlier flight back to states is to get back to work the next day........but really....what the heck am I thinking!? Who cares if I miss another day after a 3 land + 9 day cruise vacation.........I will be in rome!

Could be one good last wine tour waiting for me! I can catch the next day's flight or a connecting one later on!

You are right....no need for me to be stressing about this. Thanks for that!

TD

I concur. These independent tours would never let passengers miss the boat! They rely to heavily on the reviews from this board to get bad reviews! Their very livelihood depends on it. Have no fear!

I do agree that airlines change flight times all the time. I would think however that in this case being a direct flight to Miami from Rome they would more than likely make it a later flight to accommodate cruise passengers?? Or maybe I'm wrong in thinking the cruise lines work with the airlines in their scheduling?

Todd

Thanks for all the responses.

So definitely not new to the whole getting off the boat first thing. This is actually the first time I have seen a 5am departure. That and wanting a direct flight back to Miami and it being at 10:40 am is why I have asked the question is it doable. I can certainly have a private car and be the first off the boat I'm sure If I'm standing at the gangway at 6am. I do feel 3 hours is excessive to be there that early.

I can certainly avoid the stress and just get a connecting flight that leaves a bit later.

Weighing all of your opinions to make a decision.

Thank you.

Thank you for that advice. You will consider this now in my planning.

Todd

Quick questions:

Is it reasonable to think if stated boat docking time is 5am I would be able to make a 10:40 direct flight back to the states from Civitavecchia port to Rome airport? Guess thats why they arrive at 5am instead of 7am to accommodate those early flights?

Thanks in advance

TD

I always have them empty out the mini bar so that I can put water bottles in there. I get the unlimited drink package and always pick up one or two, along with a soda, when I go back to the room. No need to pay the mini bar prices.

thank you.....that will be reassuring for my mother and her obsession with diet coke!

I know this has been asked a thousand times...just checking to see if any one has had problems recently...

Bringing sodas on board? Specifically in Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks

Todd

Thank you so much for the advice! I paid for the entire cruise already so no turning back now. I'm ok with it.

The cruise tour portion:

Has us on a coach to Mckinley princess lodge arriving at 12:30 with the afternoon at leisure. So this is why I asked about an excursion. I assume that since I am at their lodge I have to book a tour with them and I'm ok with that.

I'm told that I can switch my NHT to a Kantishna Experience tour which I also assume is a princess guided tour. I will do some research and try to do that.

I will definitely do a chilkoot tour as you recommend. Bennett Scenic Journey sounds fine.

My mom told me she is more mobile than I think so I will stick with harv and marv i think but also want to do the temsco, ERA, or coastal option for the other half the day. Got to dog sled!

Will do Island Wings with Michelle in Ketchikan for sure.

Vancouver....hop on hop off bus sounds perfect for us at the end of this long trip. I know she will be exhausted.

Todd

OK...so yes...I too am one of the ones who booked the cruise tour before reading the boards!

I'm taking my mom to Alaska in June aboard the Island Princess with a 3 day land tour up to denali and train back. I'm working on tours for the port days and just figured that this cruise tour was taking care of the mt. mckinley and denali portions...

I guess I am wrong to assume this??

This natural history tour isnt going to get us into denali?? I have to get into Denail...I'm not going all the way there just to get a view of the hotel! Is the tour no good? Should i do something else??

My other problem is my mom is 70 with a bad hip so I have to limit her walking.

As far as cruise ports:

Skagway: Chilkoot?

Juneau: Harv and Marv? Recommend a good helicopter company for glacier walking and dog sleeding?

Ketchikan: Island Wings?

Vancouver: ??

Love you guys

Todd

bobalink.....just curious wat the price tag on all of that was. Do you recall wat the transfer to the port from rome was as well? Thanks.

Duman was excellent. Used them last year as well and will next year for return trip and greek isles.

TD