cleobella

I am always cautious about trying to do too much in a day, but McCombs just may be a good option because I really hate to give up any of the three activities-titanic, scenic drive, brief city tour. Maybe hlperez or anyone else who has done the "do it all" tour could check in post trip and let us know how it was?

Thank you JB for the great info. I think we will separate out the two trips as you recommend. So it will be Salisbury and Stonehenge on Day 1 and Bath on Day 2. We were considering a trip into London originally, but we've been there a couple of times before so now I'm sold on taking two full pre-cruise days to see these other areas. The fashion museum in Bath looks very interesting. Any good ideas for restaurants that would be easy to get to in these areas or in Southampton?

Thanks again!

Does anyone know if taxi's are abundant at the Newhaven Pier, Holyrood and at the Royal Yacht? I thin they are not too expensive as the distances between these places is not too great?

Also, does anyone know if the NCL Antrim Coast Tour will talk about the political history or drive by the various city landmarks on the way out to the coast?

Obviously still trying to find a way to get the Titanic Museum in ....

I've been emailing with Ni Black Cab Tours and they have a full day tour where you can book a coast drive and the Troubles tour for about 300 euros for 2 people (I think it's euros? Maybe pounds?) We are opting for a short afternoon drive around the city I think, but I'm sure you could customize the drive in the country. There are a few black cab type companies, I would get some names from Trip Advisor to start looking.

We were having the same dilemma with our planning, plus to add to it, I have heard that it's really interesting to do a black cab tour of the city with commentary on the political history and stops to look at the murals. I have also heard that the titanic exhibition is fantastic and the country side is very iconic. We just need more time here!! So for now I have booked a short Antrim Coast drive with NCL in the morning and then at 2pm in the afternoon we have a 90 minute black cab ride through the city. I doubt we will be able to fit in the titanic exhibit though. We still debate making a change and forfeiting the coast ride or the city cab ride for the Titanic museum. Would love to hear opinions!

Hi,

When in Southampton pre-cruise we would like to take a train to Bath and Stonehenge. Would it be possible to see the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victorian Art Gallery in a day? Should we make Stonehenge a separate day, or could it all be fit into the one day? I suspect this is pushing it and not giving enough time in Bath to explore, but we have lots of energy and it would free up a day for something else!

Thanks for any info!

So, I'm now looking at planning something for Kirkwall. I am thinking it might be nice to have a quiet day here, DH may need one at that point! Is there anything interesting near the pier, or can we walk into town? If we go to town and need transport, could we get a taxi at the pier ....is it worth going in to town at all?

I would do a "panoramic" bus tour the first morning you are there, or maybe in the afternoon if this is a post flight day and you need to rest. That way you can get an overview and then zone in on what you might like. You could also do a Thames River cruise to see many famous landmarks from the river and you will cross under London Bridge. We like to visit Harrods, and the National Portrait Gallery, but have also enjoyed many other interesting places in London. The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey are interesting. The London eye will give you a Birds Eye View! I would try to group your days geographically to make best use of the time. The river cruise can be used to transport you between many of the areas, and the subway system in London is super easy to use.

I am trying to decide which would be the best port to do a half day countryside tour from. In Dublin there is tour of Glendalough and in Belfast there is the Antrim Coast. I wonder which is more interesting or beautiful (I'm sure they both are)? Is there a chance that the fog on Antrim coast in Sept would be too much to see anything? And also what is the general opinion on which city is more interesting or historic and needs a full day? Any opinions?

Thanks to all. I like the idea of walking or taxi-Ing to the Britannia and then

catching the HOHO to Edinburgh Castle and having a nice downhill walk from there. I guess I could take the HOHO back to ocean terminal too and then just walk back to Newhaven pier?

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I'm thinking the most straightforward day for Edinburgh would be to taxi to Waverley Bridge, take the HOHO to see Edinburgh Palace, Holyrood Palace and shop a bit on the royal mile? Is there a way to add the Britannia in there easily? I think it is not walkable from Newhaven Pier to Leith to see the yacht? Thanks for any info

I'm having lots of trouble figuring out how plan our Belfast stop, because there are so many options here! We would really like to hear about the "troubles" of the past btw the different religious groups there and would like to see the Titanic Museum because it's suppose to be very good. So I thought we would join a Belfast City Walking tour that focuses on the history of conflict and then after lunch visit the museum. But now I'm thinking that we will be missing really nice scenery if we don't go to the Causeway or Antrim. Any advise on how to combing some beautiful scenery with either a tour of the city political/religious history or titanic museum?

Yes, have looked under excursions and a few years ago there was a pro on the POA and one of the other ships we were on. Maybe they will add golf excursions to the list closer to departure?

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Does anyone know if there is a golf pro on the Jade taking groups out for golf games in Port. Specifically on the British Isles trip?

Thanks so much..That is very helpful. Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Thanks...I thought it didn't look so easy!

Really looking forward to reading the rest of your review! We are doing the British Isles in September and I'm the family planner so the research has started. Would you be able to tell me what you paid for Smith's Transfers. I am looking for Heathrow to Hotel in London, London to Southampton, Southampton to Heathrow. I emailed a few weeks ago but they said it was too early to get any info.

Thanks!

We did a Share A Shore Excursion tour in Rome and it was great. We could tweak the itinerary with others in the group and the Vatican and Colosseum were given lots of time. Would suggest a tour if your time in Rome is brief...there are some good local options there that pick you up at the ship.

We did an NCL Tour with visit to Pisa and a stop at a winery. It was simple and relaxing. A great timeout in a busy schedule. Included was a wine tasting with authentic food pairing but there was so much to eat that it seemed like a full lunch!

I was told it is possible to visit Lehavre/Normandy area from Southampton in a day. To me this looks impossible as the ferry is 8hr alone and doesn't leave from Southampton. Anyone know if this makes sense?

We have a stop in Guernsey on our September cruise. It is a first stop and I'd like to make it a relaxing DIY day. It sounds like you can get a map at the tourist info centre close to the tender drop off and we will do that, probably seeing Cornet Castle, Candie Gardens, and the Tapestry a well as shopping a bit. We may start with a bus ride around the island for an overview. I am wondering if we should go to either the German Occupation Museum or Vallette Museum? Do anyone know which is more interesting and if either can be walked to? As well, are there any inexpensive fish and chips places in town? Any souvenirs that Guernsey is known for?

Thanks for any info!

Thanks for the info!

Hi,

Does anyone know if you are expected to "haggle" or negotiate what you will pay when shopping in Bonaire or Aruba? I have heard that at the flea markets in Curacao you do haggle, but not in Grand Cayman or some other islands. Kind of confusing and I don't want to be offensive to any of the vendors.

Our kids enjoyed the turtle farm, viewing "Hell" and sending a post card from there, and we also went to the stingray sand bar which was a highlight of the whole trip. We did a ship's excursion though and this was a few years ago. There is also a Rum Cake store which is on many islands, but they enjoyed that too.