Any Way to Check Legitimacy of Tour Operators?

[GirlWriter]

Hi there. We are wanting to book private tours/excursions for some of the port stops on our cruise -- they're less expensive than the cruiseline excursions -- and we are wanting to know if there is any way to check on the legitimacy of a tour operator? As you know, there is an abundance of tour operators to be found in an Internet search, and they sound good and let you prearrange and pay online ... but, of course, any nut in his basement can put up a website and pretend to be something they're not. We don't want to book a bogus tour or send our credit card info to an illegitimate "company."

 

Is there any equivalent of the Better Business Bureau or similar for these companies (specifically in Italy)?

 

Thanks!

[paul929207]

You could try on the Port of Call for the ports.

[6rugrats]

IME, the BBB is of absolutely no use whatsoever. They won't get your money back for you if there's a problem. I also don't know of any equivalent in other countries.

 

Try doing a google search on operators in which you are interested. Use tripadvisor.com, go to the appropriate forum there, and ask if anyone has heard of them.

 

Always pay with a credit, not a debit card, and check your statement online regularly. Make sure any excursions you book can be cancelled with no penalty if your ship does not reach that specific port.

[LHT28]

Try the Italy forum they have many recommendations for reputable guides

 

Most will let you pay when you do the tour

If you feel uncomfortable paying in advance just keep looking

[ab0si]

If you are looking for a guide as opposed to simply a car and driver, ask for a copy (fax or email) of their license. While not as strict as the pre-2007 rules, this will provide you some minimal evidence of competency and actual existence (as opposed to an internet scam). Since both the Italian law (and its variable enforcement) and the EU regulations have less than clear definitions lack of a license is not proof of a scam or illegality.

 

As mentioned, take a look at the Port of Call boards here (and elsewhere). A single (or just a few) mention of specific company or person is not worth much (particularly in the posts has only a few postings). If "a bunch" of people have written comments about a single entity it is more worthwhile.

[Putterdude]

We only use operators who have good reviews on these boards. The reviews are not always 100%, sometimes posters' expectations haven't quite been met, but so far we have always had good success.:)

[chipmaster]

As others suggested go to European Ports of call. There are 3-4 heavliy used and praised operators. I'd not veer from this list and between these operators they should be able to meet any of your needs.

 

Good luck!

 

Hi there. We are wanting to book private tours/excursions for some of the port stops on our cruise -- they're less expensive than the cruiseline excursions -- and we are wanting to know if there is any way to check on the legitimacy of a tour operator? As you know, there is an abundance of tour operators to be found in an Internet search, and they sound good and let you prearrange and pay online ... but, of course, any nut in his basement can put up a website and pretend to be something they're not. We don't want to book a bogus tour or send our credit card info to an illegitimate "company."

 

Is there any equivalent of the Better Business Bureau or similar for these companies (specifically in Italy)?

 

Thanks!

[Aunty Pat]

Check out third party operators like shoretrips.com and grayline.com.

Aunty Pat

 

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[agabbymama]

I have used viator.com for tours in Europe as well as here in the US. They are a third party that books with local operators. I haven't had a problem with any of their tours yet. I was leery at first because you get a voucher, then once there you find the meeting place and exchange your voucher for the ticket. But it worked great in Rome, Paris, and Venice.

And was paid in US $ well before we even left for the cruise.

[celticd1]

Another vote for Cruise Critic and Trip Advisor recommendations. If a tour operator has good reviews on these sites, chances are very good that they are reputable.

[eandj]

Head to your roll call board and you can set up your tour groups there with others on the ship. Lots of people are repeaters and have info that will help. We did all our Italy tours privately with people we met on the roll call board. All successful and great advantage to booking ship escursions. We saw a ton more of what WE wanted to see and do, met wonderful people to share and on top of it, saved money.