Anyone stop at Tunis recently?

[Netta7]

It appears only two lines, Holland America and AIDA, are stopping at Tunis this summer. I think they have each had some stops now. We are curious what it is like post uprising. Anyone back from a recent trip?

 

Thanks,

 

Netta7

[KirkNC]

Tunis was "sketchy" as my daughter would say pre-revolt. Not sure I would be real keen about going there for a while. We stopped there twice last summer.

 

Kirk

[cruisemom42]

Here's a brief review just posted on the HAL forum. The poster found everything to be just fine there and expressed surprise that some did not get off the ship:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1413567

 

I will be headed to Tunis in October, so I'm hoping for continued calm there as well.

[Netta7]

Thank you for pointing out the review. I had missed that one! We are looking forward to the stop and will hopefully continue to get some info from recent cruisers who can help plan our day.

 

Netta7

[KirkNC]

We enjoyed the Bardo Museum, great mosaics. If you go be sure to have some Lira as they do not take anything else.

 

Kirk

[Travrat]

:eek: I just returned from the HAL cruise that stopped in La Goulette. I think that it is dangerous as the tours to Tunis were unavailable that day due to "unrest" as our taxi driver said. We went to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

Sidi Bou Said is nothing more than stalls of souvenir shops all selling the exact same items from one to the next. The sales people are incredibly annoying and aggressive! They think that it is OK to touch you to try to lure you into their stalls and will follow you down the street if you so much as glance at an item that they are selling. There is truly nothing of interest to see there and I would recommend avoiding it. They sell the exact same things at the port shopping area for less money and they are far less annoying! Carthage is interesting but certainly not the greatest site for ruins. Be sure to have Dinar as they do not take euro or dollars. Also,they charge Dinar to take pictures there. I did not go to the Bardo Museum-maybe that is the best option here. IMO HAL should cancel this port altogether!

[cruisemom42]

:eek: I just returned from the HAL cruise that stopped in La Goulette. I think that it is dangerous as the tours to Tunis were unavailable that day due to "unrest" as our taxi driver said. We went to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

Sidi Bou Said is nothing more than stalls of souvenir shops all selling the exact same items from one to the next. The sales people are incredibly annoying and aggressive! They think that it is OK to touch you to try to lure you into their stalls and will follow you down the street if you so much as glance at an item that they are selling. There is truly nothing of interest to see there and I would recommend avoiding it. They sell the exact same things at the port shopping area for less money and they are far less annoying! Carthage is interesting but certainly not the greatest site for ruins. Be sure to have Dinar as they do not take euro or dollars. Also,they charge Dinar to take pictures there. I did not go to the Bardo Museum-maybe that is the best option here. IMO HAL should cancel this port altogether!

 

I'm sorry you did not enjoy your Tunis stop. I am very much looking forward to see the remains of Carthage and I STRONGLY hope our visit there won't be canceled. I'm aware of what the ruins look like; it's the idea of visiting the place (not what it looks like today) that intrigues me -- and probably a lot of other people as well. I also plan to do the Bardo.

 

We actually overnight in Tunis and also get the chance to visit Dougga, some of the most impressive Roman remains in North Africa (along with Leptis Magna).

 

I've had aggressive vendors touch and follow me in many different places in the world, including Caribbean and Mexican cruise ports. I guess it's just something to be prepared for.

 

It's good planning to never assume that a country will take any currency other than their own. Some will do it, but as a rule they don't have to -- and really, why should they?

[bcirish]

We were in Tunis with an excursion from the Eurodam on the last day of April and it was wonderful. The guide was excellent. I totally loved the experience and I felt very safe. It was the best surprise of our 23 day cruise. We decided that we would do a ship excursion for the day and had booked before we left the States. The people are wonderful and so friendly. THis was one of my favorite ports. The history, the people, the food and the shopping was great fun. I found the artist colony of Sidi bou Said a great photo opportunity and the shop owners were great fun. The ruins of Carthage were very interesting - must understand that they are limited but our guide brought the whole adventure alive for us. You are right the very idea of just being there is very special. The lunch at the restaurant was yummy from olives and fresh salads with real tomatoes to couscous, baked chicken, seasoned rice - veggies and more ruins outside after lunch. While we were at the medina, we got separated from our group but the locals quickly came forward and helped us find where we needed to be. They were very excited to have the cruise ships coming back to their country and expressed their gratitude.

They took euros in the market in Tunis and Sidi Bou Said and in some cases credit cards and I think we paid a cuople of euros to take photos for the day - probably for the ruins to help maintain them- rather typical in many countries around the Mediterranean in our experience.

The Bardo was very interesting and is in the process of being expanded - some of their items are almost beyond belief because of their age - IMO.

It sounds like you have some travel experience and that will help you to be comfortable. We were told in advance that the shop owners would be agressive but they certainly were far less agressive than those in Turkey and some areas of the Caribbean. It is part of their way of doing and I found it kind of fun. I found a scarf that I liked and we went back and forth and I walked away and then came back and he was very nice and I love the scarf and treasure the experience.

You may want to consider a tour from the ship rather than independent if you are concerned - they were reasonable and well organized. I am jealous of your overnight and extended visit to Dougga. Good luck and if you have other questions - let me know!

[KirkNC]

I'm sorry you did not enjoy your Tunis stop. I am very much looking forward to see the remains of Carthage and I STRONGLY hope our visit there won't be canceled. I'm aware of what the ruins look like; it's the idea of visiting the place (not what it looks like today) that intrigues me -- and probably a lot of other people as well. I also plan to do the Bardo.

 

We actually overnight in Tunis and also get the chance to visit Dougga, some of the most impressive Roman remains in North Africa (along with Leptis Magna).

 

I've had aggressive vendors touch and follow me in many different places in the world, including Caribbean and Mexican cruise ports. I guess it's just something to be prepared for.

 

It's good planning to never assume that a country will take any currency other than their own. Some will do it, but as a rule they don't have to -- and really, why should they?

 

I tried to arrange a visit to Dougga last year but could not get a guide. It is supposed to be amazing. On Carthage, the Romans did a good job of laying the city low, the best part was the Bath's.

 

Please post after you go to Dougga, I would love to hear what you think.

 

Kirk

[cruisemom42]

I tried to arrange a visit to Dougga last year but could not get a guide. It is supposed to be amazing. On Carthage, the Romans did a good job of laying the city low, the best part was the Bath's.

 

Please post after you go to Dougga, I would love to hear what you think.

 

Kirk

 

I will definitely plan on writing a review here on Dougga after my trip. Assuming, of course, we get there. :)

[dritan]

Just to reiterate what BCIrish said - we were able to use Euros and I know dollars were also accepted in Carthage and at Sidi Bou Said.

 

I really enjoyed the old Carthage city plans which really helped to show what the city looked like at the time of Hannibal and then later when the Romans rebuilt it. I just loved the fact that I was at Carthage ( if that makes sense)!

 

Before going shopping in Sidi Bou Said, my mother told me that she hated the whole haggling thing and wouldn't be doing it. Well I went off for a few minutes to look at tiles and then my mum came down the main street swinging a new leather handbag that she had acquired for half the stated price. She looked very proud of herself lol!!

[SallyUK]

We actually overnight in Tunis and also get the chance to visit Dougga, some of the most impressive Roman remains in North Africa (along with Leptis Magna).

 

Hope you all don't mind me jumping in on this thread. I was interested to read it as I love Tunisia and am glad to hear that the ships have started (tentatively) going back.

 

I wanted to say that I went to Dougga last year and it was fantastic. The site is massive and other than a school group from Tunisia our tour group had the site to itself. It is a huge site and relatively well preserved (for ruins:o). It is quite a long way from the coast (about 90 mins each way) but well worth the visit. Of all of the Roman sites I've been to it compares most readily to Pompeii due to its size though its not quite as big. The theatre is particularly impressive, and the Capitol and baths are interesting.

 

Hopefully one day I'll get to Leptis Magna too.

[cruisemom42]

Hope you all don't mind me jumping in on this thread. I was interested to read it as I love Tunisia and am glad to hear that the ships have started (tentatively) going back.

 

I wanted to say that I went to Dougga last year and it was fantastic. The site is massive and other than a school group from Tunisia our tour group had the site to itself. It is a huge site and relatively well preserved (for ruins:o). It is quite a long way from the coast (about 90 mins each way) but well worth the visit. Of all of the Roman sites I've been to it compares most readily to Pompeii due to its size though its not quite as big. The theatre is particularly impressive, and the Capitol and baths are interesting.

 

Hopefully one day I'll get to Leptis Magna too.

 

Thanks for you post. Did you go to Dougga from a cruise or on a land tour?

 

Leptis Magna was where I'd originally planned to go this year until events intervened....... One day I will get there!

[bobalink]

I'm sorry you did not enjoy your Tunis stop. I am very much looking forward to see the remains of Carthage and I STRONGLY hope our visit there won't be canceled. I'm aware of what the ruins look like; it's the idea of visiting the place (not what it looks like today) that intrigues me -- and probably a lot of other people as well. I also plan to do the Bardo.

 

We actually overnight in Tunis and also get the chance to visit Dougga, some of the most impressive Roman remains in North Africa (along with Leptis Magna).

 

I've had aggressive vendors touch and follow me in many different places in the world, including Caribbean and Mexican cruise ports. I guess it's just something to be prepared for.

 

It's good planning to never assume that a country will take any currency other than their own. Some will do it, but as a rule they don't have to -- and really, why should they?

 

cruisemom42,

I really hope you get to visit Tunis. We were there last summer - before the unrest.

 

It was really hot that day so I was glad that I had a wide brimmed hat and plenty of bottled water.

 

I wanted to purchase a trinket box and only had US dollars. They gladly accepted my money, no problem.;)

 

I had heard that the street vendors were really pesky. They were a little, but I actually had a very nice conversation with a university educated woman at one of the shops. I had inquired about the rock formations that everyone was selling. She explained that they were Desert Roses, and described how they are formed. She enjoyed using her "conversation English" with me. She told me that even with her college education, she could only work for her brother in his shop. She was eager to share her life story with me, a complete stranger. As I was leaving, she bent down and selected a Desert Rose and gave it to me. Very kind. Those are the kind of things that I find interesting, along with the historic sites.

 

For me, it wasn't my favorite port, but it was interesting all the same.

As much as you love ruins, I think you will enjoy your visit.

[KirkNC]

Just to reiterate what BCIrish said - we were able to use Euros and I know dollars were also accepted in Carthage and at Sidi Bou Said.

 

I really enjoyed the old Carthage city plans which really helped to show what the city looked like at the time of Hannibal and then later when the Romans rebuilt it. I just loved the fact that I was at Carthage ( if that makes sense)!

 

Before going shopping in Sidi Bou Said, my mother told me that she hated the whole haggling thing and wouldn't be doing it. Well I went off for a few minutes to look at tiles and then my mum came down the main street swinging a new leather handbag that she had acquired for half the stated price. She looked very proud of herself lol!!

 

 

In order to get into the Bardo or Carthage ruins you need dinars, they will not accept dollars or euros. The tram will also only accept dinars. Now the vendors are another story.

[dritan]

In order to get into the Bardo or Carthage ruins you need dinars, they will not accept dollars or euros. The tram will also only accept dinars. Now the vendors are another story.

Ah I see. To be honest our guide told us that the charge at Carthage was for taking photos, which we didn't want to do anyway - so didn't come across this issue.

 

My brother did hand over 1 euro to use the loos at the Punic Sanctuary though;)

[KirkNC]

Ah I see. To be honest our guide told us that the charge at Carthage was for taking photos, which we didn't want to do anyway - so didn't come across this issue.

 

My brother did hand over 1 euro to use the loos at the Punic Sanctuary though;)

 

Its 8 dinars to get in Carthage site (one ticket covers all) plus 1 dinar if you want to take pictures. I am sure the loos guy will take almost anything :p.

 

Kirk

[dritan]

Its 8 dinars to get in Carthage site (one ticket covers all) plus 1 dinar if you want to take pictures. I am sure the loos guy will take almost anything :p.

 

Kirk

Hmm must have been included in our shore excursion then.

 

Yes - my brother paid the consequences of eating too much of the delicious HAL breakfast lol!

[KirkNC]

Here is a CC write up on vistors to Tunisia.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4474

 

Kirk

[SallyUK]

Thanks for you post. Did you go to Dougga from a cruise or on a land tour?

 

Leptis Magna was where I'd originally planned to go this year until events intervened....... One day I will get there!

 

Dougga was one of the trip options with Disney when they stopped their on their 11 day Med cruises. I have been to Tunisia several times but this is the only time I've seen Dougga offered. You do need quite a full day in port in order to get there and its so different from Carthage (which I also enjoy). I am happy to do my own thing in different countries but this is so far away from the port that I would definitely take a ship's tour.

 

Maybe one day cruisemom42, we'll both get to go to Leptis Magna. At least once the port reopens it will be nearby. Fingers crossed for both of us!

[KirkNC]

Yes if I remember it was a good couple of hours inland. I would love to make it there some day, I agree that Dougga maybe a good time to take a ships tour but I bet they want an arm and a leg for it.

 

Kirk

[cruisemom42]

Almost all of the shore excursions are included on my Voyages to Antiquity cruise (including this one).

[KirkNC]

You must be on Regent?

 

Kirk

[cruisemom42]

You must be on Regent?

 

Kirk

 

Actually the line itself is called Voyages to Antiquity. It's a new line that just debuted last year. They only have one (small) ship and travel to some unusual destinations on itineraries geared to those who have an interest in history (mainly classical but they also do some that are focused more on the Crusades, or on the travels of certain 18th and 19th century artists, poets, etc.

 

I, of course, gravitate toward those with a heavy dose of Roman history. Last year I went on an itinerary that included Syria, where we had an overnight at the fantastic ruins of Palmyra. (Luckily I did this last year as it's doubtful that itinerary will stand "as is" in 2011.) We also had a stop in Lebanon to see Baalbek.

 

I've visited most of the Roman sites already that are on the beaten track, so this line is very appealing to me. They have an itinerary that includes 2-3 stops in Libya (to see Leptis Magna and other sites) and I was originally going to do that one this year but decided to switch to this itinerary which is a little less risky but does stop at Tunis.

 

I like the line because most things are included in the cost: nearly all shore excursions, gratuities, little or no cost airfare, etc. And for a solo traveler (me), there are single cabins and very minimal (or no) solo surcharges. The overnight to Palmyra, for example, with a stay at a very nice hotel near the site, was all included -- no extra charge.

 

I know you like HAL, and I will say for comparison that I did a HAL Eastern Med cruise last September on the Westerdam and then two months later did my first Voyages to Antiquity cruise, also in the Eastern Med to some very different locations (only port that was repeated was Antalya, and both ended at Piraeus).

 

The Voyages to Antiquity cruise was actually less expensive when comparing total costs (e.g., airfare, cruise, tour or DIY arrangements, onboard spending).

 

The HAL cruise was a bit more luxurious onboard. I really did enjoy the ship, the cabin (a bit larger), the food, and the ambiance aboard ship. VtoA has minimal entertainment and no casino. However, HAL entertainment was not a strong point on the cruise I took anyway, and I'm not a gambler. On the other hand, I did enjoy the smaller ship and found my fellow travelers to be excellent companions -- smart, well-traveled, etc. Also, I much enjoyed the easy embarkation/disembarkation on a smaller ship, and the fact that staff and crew do get to know you.

 

As you know, I like to DIY, and there were a few ports where I chafed a bit at sharingn a coach with 25-30 others. On the other hand, the places we were visiting were not conducive to wandering on your own (especially as a solo female), so by and large I was happy to take the offered ship's tours.

 

All in all, I'd happily cruise either line again, but VtoA has some great itineraries for someone (like me) looking for some slightly less visited locations.

[KirkNC]

Thanks Cynthia, I have never heard of that line but it sound interesting and geared for you. I know single travelers sometimes have to pay a hefty surplus on many ships. Plus I like the idea of a line (be a mainstream one or not) that goes to some new and interesting places. Hope you have a great time and let us know how it went.

 

Kirk