Rome Excursion thru NCL @ $399!!

[slavearlen]

Anyone buy the NCL Rome excursion for $399 per person? We are sailing to Mediterranean October 2, 2011 and want to ensure we see all Rome has to offer. This excursion is 9.5 hours long. Don't mind the price if it is worth the money.

 

Appreciate any feedback!

[euro cruiser]

If you are willing to spend that much money, I think you would be much better off booking your own private driver. There are several that are mentioned over and over on these boards (Rome in Limo at the top of that list).

 

On your own you will see more, simply because a tour group, even a small one, can only move as fast as the slowest individual.

 

You can prebook the Vatican Museums, to avoid any lines there, and book a guided tour if you wish.

[italiacruiser7]

Hi Slavearlen,

 

I have not but I've found the excursions the ships put on are a bit unpredictable quality-wise.

 

I can, however, vouch for a day tour I took when I was in Rome last year with Presto Tours (http://www.prestotours.com). They do a full day Rome visit and the guide picked us up right in at the Civitavecchia port and brought us all the way back at the end of the day. We had a superb guide named Ryan. If you can I would suggest him for the tour. He's an American who's been living in Italy for some years now. It helps when you know there will be no problem with accents especially in Italy where the accent can be quite strong.

 

Another plus is that our group was only 6 people compared with the cruise line excursions which are usually 50 people or so.

[cruisemom42]

First, I just want to say that 9 and a half hours is not nearly enough to enjoy all that Rome has to offer. You are going to set yourselves up for disappointment if you think you will be able to get more than just a taste of what this wonderful city contains in a day -- however you do it.

 

I personally can't believe the price that some shore excursions command. In my humble opinion, a daylong private tour to Rome should not command a price of nearly $400 per person unless you are personally meeting with the Pope, dining in a four-star restaurant, or having an after-hours visit to the Sistine chapel with an expert art historian! I would be very interested to know what this tour includes so as to understand why the cost is so exorbitant....

 

I understand that doing things on their own isn't for everyone, but just for comparison, you can travel to Rome on the frequent trains from Civitavecchia for 9,5 euro per person roundtrip. This price (BIRG ticket) also includes all your bus or metro transportation within the city for the full day.

 

You can pre-book Vatican museum tickets (15 euro per person) and even a guided tour (36 euro but also includes admission cost) through the official Vatican website. Note there is no additional markup to order tickets in advance, but you will have to choose a time for entry.

 

A ticket for the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine Hill entrances (combined) costs 15,5 euro per person. You can pre-reserve online for a few extra euro, but it really isn't necessary if you know where to buy tickets onsite at the less crowded location. You can download a Rick Steves mp3 tour of the Colosseum for free, rent an audioguide on site for a few euro, or join an English-speaking guide onsite for a tour (they are constantly getting groups together) for a cost of about 10 euro per person.

 

The Pantheon is free of charge; Rick Steves again has a great mp3 audiotour of this great must-see building. Trevi Fountain is also, of course, free, as are all the beautiful fountains of Rome.

 

So to recap: you can get to Rome, pay for admission plus a guided tour to both the Vatican museum/St Peters and the Colosseum, and see two other key sites for most people all at a cost of 71 euro -- which at current conversion rates is about $95 per person.

 

Even when you throw in a nice lunch at around 25 euro per person, and perhaps a taxi ride from one main location to another in the interest of time (around 10 euro, say, from the Colosseum to the Vatican), you are still spending less than $150 per person, versus $400.

 

As I said above, I'd be interested to find out what is included in the tour that I may not have outlined above, but I still cannot believe the cost is justified. Is it really worth paying $250 more per person to take NCL's tour?

 

Of course, you could do a private tour with one of the well-recommended tour agencies here, however, unless you find another couple (or two) to split costs with, your expenses will be about on par with the ship tour. Most of the well recommended agencies charge 500-600 euro for a private tour (who is not a guide); another 100 for a private guide for the Vatican only; you still have to pay for your lunch; and you will likely want to factor in a tip as well.

 

All things to consider.....

[6rugrats]

There are several Rome tours offered by NCL that are 9.5 hours, so I'm not sure which one you are asking about (Exclusive Rome & the Vatican?).

 

I would never pay $399 a person to a cruise line for a ship's excursion to Rome. Cruisemom42 is absolutely correct in her post.

[KirkNC]

$399/pp :eek: please stop the insanity, listen to Cynthia. First off pick a few things to see so you don't kill yourself trying to see too much. We took the train (easy), went to Castel Sant Angelo, had a nice lunch and than spent 3 or so hours in the Vatican before returning. You could easily just go to the Vatican for the whole day. We had the advantage that our disembarkation was in Rome we spent some additional time there seeing some of the other sights. Our total cost for three was $262 and that included a tour of the Vatican with Angel Tours.

 

Kirk

[dibbitz]

I am not sure if someone else suggested this, but you might want to go to your rollcall and see if a few others might want to go together on a private tour. There are lots of well referenced tour companies who could customize the tour to your own interests....for that money, you may even be able to get a private tour. Remember that the ship tours are usually from a large bus..and seem to be geared to shopping oportunities for tourists....and don't you want to be a traveler not a tourist?;) You will have such a different experience. I was once afraid to go off and plan my own tours, but with the help of these boards, I am changed forever.....:)

[phillygirl63]

I know that there others on your roll call that are putting together tours with yourtourinitaly. You should check that out before you spend $399 per person the ship's tour. I know you can do a private tour for less.

[Mands&Ian]

As I said above, I'd be interested to find out what is included in the tour that I may not have outlined above, but I still cannot believe the cost is justified. Is it really worth paying $250 more per person to take NCL's tour?

 

 

Exclusive Rome & the Vatican seems to fit the bill; it is the only one shown as 9.5hrs and $399pp.

 

You’ll be transferred in smaller groups by minibus with exclusive escorts and guides. Although a quick pace and substantial amount of walking is required, your day will be extremely rewarding. In the morning, enjoy an orientation drive through the Eternal City; you’ll pass the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and the famed Colosseum. If time permits, you may explore on your own. Being a smaller exclusive group, you’ll visit the Sistine Museum in the afternoon to avoid any long lines. Lunch will be held in a first-class restaurant after which you’ll continue to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, boasting Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling. You’ll gaze in awe at Piazza San Pietro, one of the world’s most beautiful squares that faces the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s. Some of its fabulous treasures will be shown to you by your guide during a brief visit. Note: Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Your guide will join you in Rome, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. Order of sights may vary.The Vatican will be closed on June 29th, 2011; this tour is not available for the Norwegian Epic sailing of June 26th, 2011.

[scottbee]

Even when you throw in a nice lunch at around 25 euro per person, and perhaps a taxi ride from one main location to another in the interest of time (around 10 euro, say, from the Colosseum to the Vatican), you are still spending less than $150 per person, versus $400.

 

Step off the main streets, away from tourists, and that price of €25 drops in half. And remember local wine is generally cheaper than water (€5-7/litre!)

[slavearlen]

First, I just want to say that 9 and a half hours is not nearly enough to enjoy all that Rome has to offer. You are going to set yourselves up for disappointment if you think you will be able to get more than just a taste of what this wonderful city contains in a day -- however you do it.

 

I personally can't believe the price that some shore excursions command. In my humble opinion, a daylong private tour to Rome should not command a price of nearly $400 per person unless you are personally meeting with the Pope, dining in a four-star restaurant, or having an after-hours visit to the Sistine chapel with an expert art historian! I would be very interested to know what this tour includes so as to understand why the cost is so exorbitant....

 

I understand that doing things on their own isn't for everyone, but just for comparison, you can travel to Rome on the frequent trains from Civitavecchia for 9,5 euro per person roundtrip. This price (BIRG ticket) also includes all your bus or metro transportation within the city for the full day.

 

You can pre-book Vatican museum tickets (15 euro per person) and even a guided tour (36 euro but also includes admission cost) through the official Vatican website. Note there is no additional markup to order tickets in advance, but you will have to choose a time for entry.

 

A ticket for the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine Hill entrances (combined) costs 15,5 euro per person. You can pre-reserve online for a few extra euro, but it really isn't necessary if you know where to buy tickets onsite at the less crowded location. You can download a Rick Steves mp3 tour of the Colosseum for free, rent an audioguide on site for a few euro, or join an English-speaking guide onsite for a tour (they are constantly getting groups together) for a cost of about 10 euro per person.

 

The Pantheon is free of charge; Rick Steves again has a great mp3 audiotour of this great must-see building. Trevi Fountain is also, of course, free, as are all the beautiful fountains of Rome.

 

So to recap: you can get to Rome, pay for admission plus a guided tour to both the Vatican museum/St Peters and the Colosseum, and see two other key sites for most people all at a cost of 71 euro -- which at current conversion rates is about $95 per person.

 

Even when you throw in a nice lunch at around 25 euro per person, and perhaps a taxi ride from one main location to another in the interest of time (around 10 euro, say, from the Colosseum to the Vatican), you are still spending less than $150 per person, versus $400.

 

As I said above, I'd be interested to find out what is included in the tour that I may not have outlined above, but I still cannot believe the cost is justified. Is it really worth paying $250 more per person to take NCL's tour?

 

Of course, you could do a private tour with one of the well-recommended tour agencies here, however, unless you find another couple (or two) to split costs with, your expenses will be about on par with the ship tour. Most of the well recommended agencies charge 500-600 euro for a private tour (who is not a guide); another 100 for a private guide for the Vatican only; you still have to pay for your lunch; and you will likely want to factor in a tip as well.

 

All things to consider.....

 

Excellent feedback and suggestions Cynthia and to everyone else! Alot to consider before jumping on the $399 excursion. The most significant information in all of this is the suggestion that you "can't see all Rome has to offer in 9.5hrs".

 

Will do some research through independent tour companies as well as looking into going it alone. My concern is that there will be alot of ships in port that particular day and taxi's, etc., will most likely all be at capacity. That alone would make an organized tour worth the price.

[chipmaster]

I'm with the other poster most private operators offer a private CAR for 500 euros or so. Even with two people you are better off, if you find another couple even better.

 

With a private car:

You get pickup with small group on YOUR schedule.

You get dropped off literally at the curb, which on a cruiseline tour ( its almost a hike as bus can't park close to most sites in Rome )

You do have to pay your own meals, entrance tickets and perhaps guide at vatican. Even with that I only ended up paying about 200 bucks for a private tour/vatican guide/meal/tips total with RIL.

 

My advice drop the cruiseline, you are going to be wasting both money and time going cruiseline bus no matter how sweet the discription sounds pirvate is going to be better! Of course if you like the crowd thing cruiseline tours can't be beat :D

 

Rome has just sooo much to see and so little time. The best way is really thru a private car where you aren't delayed by the slowest walker or the slowest snapshooter, shopper on your bus. Plus the ability to control and stay at places you enjoy or be as ambitious as you want screams that you consider doing private. There are many reputable operators with tons of recommendation here. I feel comfortable telling you book Rome in Limio "RIL." We used them in 3 ports and it was just perfect for what was really a hectic and busy day. Coulldn't have imagined doing different in Rome as we did all that was physically possible.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Anyone buy the NCL Rome excursion for $399 per person? We are sailing to Mediterranean October 2, 2011 and want to ensure we see all Rome has to offer. This excursion is 9.5 hours long. Don't mind the price if it is worth the money.

 

Appreciate any feedback!

[PM Cruisers]

I'd like to hear from anyone who has actually been on the NCL Rome excursions. Either Rome and the Vatican for $249pp or Ultimate Rome for $399. My group is not comfortable going it alone - 3 of us. I've checked the prices for private tours and they are not much cheaper...several are more expensive. I've read posts of people who plan a group excursion with others and they don't show up, leaving a very large cash payment from those that did show. Therefore, I've come to the conclusion that these prices aren't that bad. You can also charge them and get miles etc... However, I can't find any reviews from people who have actually gone on them. Is anyone out there??

[GlendaleCruiser]

I think we paid $179 through Carnival for a 12 hour tour. We went into the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel, into the Pantheon, Spanish steps, had lunch, went around the Colosseum, Circus Maximus and Forum.

 

I wouldn't pay $399 for an all day tour there. No way.

[slavearlen]

We are asking the same question. The primary issue is if you are on an excursion booked through the cruise line and it's delayed or something unexpected happens the cruise line will get involved and assist. If you walk off and go with someone NOT connected the cruise line your on your own. So if that tour is delayed the ship does not have to wait for you. Many people look at the price as the primary issue and I too care about that but booking through the cruise line for safety and protection is my primary issue. NCL does not have a cheaper excursion for the Vatican, etc. and we have known that and am prepared to pay it as we budgeted for it. I would rather book through NCL in a foreign country than through a private tour company that operates independently. That's our position.

[ksps cruise fan]

We are asking the same question. The primary issue is if you are on an excursion booked through the cruise line and it's delayed or something unexpected happens the cruise line will get involved and assist. If you walk off and go with someone NOT connected the cruise line your on your own. So if that tour is delayed the ship does not have to wait for you. Many people look at the price as the primary issue and I too care about that but booking through the cruise line for safety and protection is my primary issue. NCL does not have a cheaper excursion for the Vatican, etc. and we have known that and am prepared to pay it as we budgeted for it. I would rather book through NCL in a foreign country than through a private tour company that operates independently. That's our position.

 

 

Let me gently point out that most of the folks who have posted have not made price the primary issue when deciding how to spend time in port. They have made freedom of choice an issue -- the ability to spend as much time as they want at the destinations that mean the most to them. They have made autonomy an issue -- control over their own day so time in port isn't impacted by the shopping habits or the promptness of lots of strangers.

 

Now, you've certainly raised valid concerns about "What happens if...?" It would be irrelevent for anyone to point out that the reputation of all these tour services depends on their delivering cruisers back to the ship in a safe and timely way. You probably wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy your day in port on a non-ship's tour. Still, I think you're not stating the options clearly when you claim that price is the major reason for making other choices.

[TheBestIsYetToCome]

Let me gently point out that most of the folks who have posted have not made price the primary issue when deciding how to spend time in port. They have made freedom of choice an issue -- the ability to spend as much time as they want at the destinations that mean the most to them. They have made autonomy an issue -- control over their own day so time in port isn't impacted by the shopping habits or the promptness of lots of strangers.

 

Now, you've certainly raised valid concerns about "What happens if...?" It would be irrelevent for anyone to point out that the reputation of all these tour services depends on their delivering cruisers back to the ship in a safe and timely way. You probably wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy your day in port on a non-ship's tour. Still, I think you're not stating the options clearly when you claim that price is the major reason for making other choices.

 

I happen to agree with you re price vs. autonomy -- flexibility is a top priority for us. And I certainly have my own sensibility about a $399 tour of Rome that takes you "by" the Forum and Colosseum.

 

But, I think it must get frustrating for people who ask for feedback about a particular ship's excursion and are then swamped with responses that say "Try Rome's Best Driver instead! Don't waste your money!! No, really, you'll love Limo People Rome."

 

I don't know what the solution is here, because this board tends to attract people who like to research their destinations, and as a result, tends to attract more people who have planned their own day as opposed to using ship's excursions....so that is the sort of feedback they have to give. In addition, not many people take the connoisseur version of the Rome highlights tour. By nature these are smaller-group tours at a relatively high cost, and so naturally the number of people able to give feedback on this particular tour is going to be a little small.

 

The OP may be able to cull some information on roll calls for previous sailings of the same voyage. If anyone is still discussing their trip after-the-fact, there may be someone there that has taken this specific excursion. Good luck! :)

[epixx]

The NCL website has 4 mixed reviews:

 

http://www2.ncl.com/excursions/search?qs=N%3D4294967016%2B4294933028%2B8064%26Ne%3D8058%26Nr%3DAND%2528p_Record_Type%253AS%2529

 

If no one answers your question, these reviews might be your best bet.

[wantocruisemore]

I love how the description says you wil "pass the Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, Colosseum" etc. This is tour talk for your bus will drive by and they will point it out. Save your money and either do it on your own or book a private tour with one of the reputable companies. Then you will do more than just "pass" the great sites of Rome, you will actually get to see them.

 

Rome in Limo is great and I can highly recommend them. No worries about getting back on time.

[cruisemom42]

I've found that, in general, it's easier to get feedback on specific ship excursions on the board for that cruiseline rather than on this board, if that helps. I'd at least try asking the question on the NCL board.

 

I do agree with ksps cruise fan that price certainly isn't my primary consideration when deciding to go it alone or take a private tour. I've taken private tours for one person ($600 for the day) when there was no other way to see and do what I wanted to see and do in a particular location.

 

I think ships overplay their warnings about the safety of their excursions versus private tours. Especially in Europe where tours tend to be very professional organizations, not Johnny Guide sitting at the port with his dilapidated taxi.

 

I've lost count of the number of times I've heard cruisers say "Well we were on Such and Such excursion and our bus came back late. What if we'd been on a private tour?"

 

The short answer to that one is that the big bus ship excursions know that they can arrive back to the ship late, and also know that they have to deliver all the sites promised or people will complain. Hence, they often arrive back late at the port. By contrast, private tours are flexible, can change things up based on traffic, crowds, or any other conditions that may be specific to that day. I've read only 1 or 2 reports in nearly 6 years on this board of anyone on a private tour arriving back late to a port and missing the ship.

[ksps cruise fan]

Anyone buy the NCL Rome excursion for $399 per person? We are sailing to Mediterranean October 2, 2011 and want to ensure we see all Rome has to offer. This excursion is 9.5 hours long. Don't mind the price if it is worth the money.

 

Appreciate any feedback!

 

TheBestIsYetToCome's thoughtful post caused me to re-read your original post and then, to look at the specifics of the tour you'll likely take. So, putting aside the issue of ship's tour and private tour, here's my opinion:

 

I think the itinerary spends a disproportionate amount of time at the Vatican. The tour through the Vatican that ends in the Sistine Chapel is an amazing experience, and I strongly recommend it. However, the "other" museum that's on the itinerary simply isn't more important than a meaningful tour of the other sites in Rome. This second museum contains the art work that the popes have collected over the centuries, and it is displayed in a rather conventional museum setting. It's not the Vatican art that most people think of when they think of the Map corridor or the Raphael rooms or the other famous art in the Vatican. So that's a big negative from my point of view. (I've been to this "other" museum. There's a Titian there that is worth the whole price of admission. However, I didn't make it to this museum until my third visit to Rome.)

 

Ancient Rome: If the language about the tour (below) is accurate, you'll drive alongside of the Forum. Depending on which direction your mini van will travel along Via dei Fori Imperiali, you'll either have a good view looking down into the Imperial forum OR the Republican Forum. And if you aren't on the correct side of the mini van when you drive by, you won't even get a good view. Will you be satistied driving alongside of the Colosseum? The language clearly says you won't have the opportunity to go inside this marvelous structure. I can't tell whether or not you'll see the Pantheon. A mini-van would be able to drive almost alongside of this structure so it's likely you'll be taken there, but the text offers no reassurance. It is completely silent on this destination. Will you be happy to miss the Pantheon?

 

Baroque Rome: A minivan will be able to get reasonably close to the Trevi fountain and the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Piazza Navona) but you won't be able to drive by. Since that's all that is promised, I wonder whether you'll see these popular destinations. There's no mention of any of the Baroque churches that are so famous for their power and beauty: Gesu, Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, and San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane for example.

 

Now, I've created a list that's way too long for a person to manage in one day -- even privately or DIY. But I worry that what you assume you're going to get on the ship's tour may not be what is actually delivered since the language doesn't make any explicit promises to do so.

 

 

 

You’ll be transferred in smaller groups by minibus with exclusive escorts and guides. Although a quick pace and substantial amount of walking is required, your day will be extremely rewarding. In the morning, enjoy an orientation drive through the Eternal City; you’ll pass the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and the famed Colosseum. If time permits, you may explore on your own. Being a smaller exclusive group, you’ll visit the Sistine Museum in the afternoon to avoid any long lines. Lunch will be held in a first-class restaurant after which you’ll continue to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, boasting Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling. You’ll gaze in awe at Piazza San Pietro, one of the world’s most beautiful squares that faces the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s. Some of its fabulous treasures will be shown to you by your guide during a brief visit. Note: Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Your guide will join you in Rome, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. Order of sights may vary.The Vatican will be closed on June 29th, 2011; this tour is not available for the Norwegian Epic sailing of June 26th, 2011

[TheBestIsYetToCome]

If the language about the tour (below) is accurate, you'll drive alongside of the Forum. Depending on which direction your mini van will travel along Via dei Fori Imperiali, you'll either have a good view looking down into the Imperial forum OR the Republican Forum. And if you aren't on the correct side of the mini van when you drive by, you won't even get a good view. Will you be satistied driving alongside of the Colosseum? The language clearly says you won't have the opportunity to go inside this marvelous structure.

 

My experience with these "drive-by's" (which is pretty limited, but I have done it...) is that the van circles the in one direction, then finds a convenient turn-around and circles in the other direction. That way, people on both sides have equal "photo op's." There is a natural way to do this with respect to the Forum, Colosseum, baths, Circus Maximus, etc. in Rome, so I think it is pretty likely nobody will spend all day looking at ancient Rome between other people's heads. :)

 

I think what you've given is very helpful. Even if one has chosen to use the ship's shore excursions, these questions can help flesh out whether THIS ship's excursion is the right one. One other point that maybe is just a peeve that is exclusively my own has to do with "lunch in a first class restaurant." (Again, limited experience, but I have done it.) It may take an inordinate amount of time on a day where time is a most precious commodity. I enjoy food and I appreciate the opportunity to linger over a nice meal....but a two hour lunch in a restaurant not of one's own choosing on the only day one may visit Rome in a lifetime -- well, it would leave me itching to get on with the show!

[dalgirl]

We have taken inexpensive excursion with NCL in the Med (one to Nice/Monoco (it was suppose to have been another tour that was difficult to get to without the NCL excursion and it was canceled at the last minute) and one in Split/Trogir Croatia. Both were on a large bus with many other people. Although the Croatia guide was very nice (the Nice/Monoco guide poor) you will be forced to follow someone holding up a sign and moving at a brisk jaunt through the city. Both times that we did this we had no better way to see what we wanted to see. And Rome would be a large bus driving an hour into town, wizzing by some things, briefly stopping at others, eating (if you got the chance) in typical tourist locations.

You would be better off hiring a private excursion (we have used Rome-in-Limo several times). Then you aren't treking around, waiting for your guide to stop talking so you can actually see something, waiting for those usual stragglers, or trying to find time to get in a brief meal. In split we didn't even get time The tour in Croatia did not even leave time to see Split (again we only took this because I wanted to see also see Trogir). If those two excursion had not been under $100 and we had no other option, we would have passed.

Not all ships tours are bad, or expensive, but the big ticket excursions should be done with a private service who specialize in taking cruise tourist every day. Go to your roll-call if you want to save some money - if money is not a problem, get a private service.

[PM Cruisers]

I just booked the $399 tour for 9/21. I'll report back on whether or not I thought it was worth the insurance of being with the cruise line and no hassels in finding someone else to book with.

[RzCruzes]

I have to agree with the previous poster "wanttocruisemore". Contact Rome in Limo dot com and they will give you a complete tour of the highlights in Rome (not just pointing them out as you drive by), and you will be back to your ship in plenty of time! I have used them for several years and cannot say enough good about them. Being picked up at the ship, you will be off to Rome quickly to start your day where you can set the pace to see what Rome has to offer. There is so much to see and experience i agree, you cannot do it all in one day, but RIL will give the best for that day, and the driver will keep you on schedule. Enjoy your day in Rome, with no worries.