scottripper13

Hi and thanks all for prompt reply. Does anyone have experience booking the Petra tour with cruisingexcursions.com.? They look reliable and "guarantee to get back to the ship on time". Wouldn't want to get left behind in Aqaba.

I booked through Cruising excursions but they have now canceled the tour so if you are interested in linking up for a private tour let me know.

Hi,

I've just tried to book the Petra shore tour for April 2015 visit, but I'm "waitlisted". Does anyone know if this means the tour is full or just has not been made available yet ?

I have also been waitlisted so was looking to do private tour if you are interested.

We will on a Costa cruise to the Middle East in November. I was somewhat surprised that Costa has some competitive pricing on their shore excursions.

 

However, here is my thinking of why I'm choosing private tours over the ship's tours in the various ports.

 

Ashdod - Jerusaleum and Bethlehem Tour - we are trying to do a private group tour but if we don't get enough people we may have to do a shared private group tour or ship's tours. This tour is only a few dollars cheaper than the ship's tour.

 

Aqaba - Petra and Wadi Rum tour - we will be doing a private group tour as this tour is mostly walking and a ship's tour will be only going as fast as it's slowest passenger. Also, ship's tour will not be able to visit Wadi Rum. This tour will probably be more expensive than the ship's tour.

 

Safaga - Luxor Tour - same logic applies with the Petra tour. Found a much cheaper tour with a private tour company.

 

I'm not too worried about missing the ship as I will be using quite reputable tour operators. Please chime in with your opinion.

I am also stopping at Aqaba in April. Which reputable tour companies can you recommend?