Oceania Excursion Quality

[trina2]

On Land of Midnight Sun cruise, we chose 3 ship cruises:-

 

1. Murmansk - Murmansk highlights (could be considered an oxymoron by some) with Russian Pancakes. 3 hours, $95 pp

Part 1: Murmansk highlights - I believe we did see pretty much all the highlights (and lowlights as well - Soviet architecture, a classic example). In this instance, we had a student as our guide (apparently no professional guides available in Murmansk) and he did a wonderful job. He explained about the temporary housing that was put up "There's nothing more permanent than temporary housing in Russia."

Part 2: Russian Pancakes - we were then taken to a nightclub (straight out of the early 70s - even the toilets had black mirrored walls with purple trimming) where we were treated to tea and Russian pancakes, which were delicious. [Thin, buttermilk, sweet crepes served with cloudberries and sourcream (sourcream in Russia yummy & completely different to "western". style)

 

Reason for choosing ship tour:

a) ship tour had guaranteed blanket visa. Own arrangements would mean having to arrange own Russian visa (both costly & inconvenient)

b) anticipation of Russian red-tape: ship cleared 1 -1.5 hours later than expected. Ship tour just changes to suit, with no hassle. (and if it had to be cancelled, full refund, no problems)

c) Ship doesn't sail without you - a couple of the tours got back well after the "all aboard" time (due to the late ship clearance)

 

Did we find ship tour expensive? yes

Did we enjoy tour? yes

Were we glad we did it? yes

With 20/20 hindsight, would we pick ship tour? yes

 

2. Transfer to North Cape - escort only (no guide) $155 pp

Firstly, spectacular scenery on the drive up to North Cape. Then at the top - thick fog (so thick that when you got out of the bus, you had no idea which direction to go – the large building of Norkapphallen was invisible until you got within 3 feet!) I know a lot of people would not take the risk of paying for a ship tour in advance because of the high risk of fog, but we had a great time despite the fog and managed to get some amazingly eerie photos of the Children of the Earth monument. Finding them was an adventure in itself and when we did, we had them all to ourselves - not a soul in sight (mind you, if they were more than 3 feet away, we wouldn't have been able to see them anyway) :D

 

Also, even though this was a transfer only, bus driver slowed & stopped so we could take photos of wild reindeer.

 

Reason for choosing ship tour:

a) Drive to North Cape was 1 hour there and 1 hour back. (and a 90 min stay, which was plenty time to see & do everything available). Our bus was the last "Oceania" bus to leave North Cape - Our escort waited extra 10 mins and went inside tourist centre building looking for any other Oceania passengers who might have been stranded/missed their bus. If our bus broke down or otherwise delayed, ship waits. (Admittedly, we had plenty of time before "all aboard")

b) Our itinerary had suffered from rather major changes leading up to the sailing.This port had changed both in the amount of time spent there as well as the order in the itinerary, so we weren't certain it wouldn't change again. With a ship's tour, we didn't have to worry.

 

Did we find ship tour expensive? yes , very (but taxi would cost NOK2200 return =USD400). Did not know much about reliability of local buses. Besides, nice to be looked after.

Did we enjoy tour? yes

Were we glad we did it? yes

With 20/20 hindsight, would we pick ship tour? yes, in a heartbeat.

 

3. Geiranger - escort only (no guide) 3 hours - $135 pp

 

Our guide, an Italian ski instructor who works in Geiranger for the summer skiing, was extremely knowledgeable and interesting (not bad to look at either :p). Couldn't have had a better guide.

 

He got us up to top of Mt Dalsnibba first (which meant we got up while the weather was clear and before all the other buses). Scenery absolutely stunning.

On way down, stopped twice for photo opportunities and a longer stop for coffee and danish pastry (included), which seemed to be enjoyed by everyone.

 

Reason for choosing ship tour:

a) time factor - "all aboard" 12:30pm. Again, knew ship wouldn't sail without us.

b) easier option than having to source own arrangements to go up the mountains

 

Did we find ship tour expensive? yes

Did we enjoy tour? yes

Were we glad we did it? yes

With 20/20 hindsight, would we pick ship tour? Absolutely, in a heartbeat.

 

Now for the other side... Where and Why we did not choose ship tours.

 

In general, we chose to do our own thing, mainly by foot, using the free shuttle service into town, where provided, and taking public transport (didn't use taxis) where needed.

 

One case in point would be Oslo.

 

Oceania offered Oslo Highlights & Vigeland Sculpture Park $105pp. We saw everything offered in the tour and then some - all done by tram & by foot. Total cost 27 NOK each = USD 5 pp for tram (There were no entrance fees - Vigeland Sculpture Park, City Hall all free).

 

Another place was Hammerfest and Sami camp walking tour (2 hours) $95 each. (Note entry to Sami camp free - coffee/tea 10NOK = $1.80)

 

We decided to just take the free shuttle into town, then wander about on our own, no set plan, just check out the highlights shown on our free map (obtained on board). Later we found that we had pretty much done this tour plus another The Polar Bear Club $65 pp (Note entry to Polar Bear Club Musuem free, Membership to the Ancient & Royal Polar Bear Club NOK180 = USD32)

 

With regards to Sami Camp, we stumbled upon it by accident - we had no intention of going there. We were given a tour by owner's son and presented with a free hardcover coffee-table book on the people of Finnmark from the owner. Apparently, there were only a limited number of copies and I believe they were all gone before the Oceania tours got there. :o

The only thing we didn't get was the sampling plate of cloudberries, reindeer meat or polar bread. (which were set up in readiness and did look good), though I'm sure had we asked, it may have been possible to purchase with our tea.

 

Huge savings on these days. Definitely glad we did our own thing.

 

In summary, I would definitely do other ship tours, especially in places I didn't feel comfortable in. There are also some ports where I admit to having little faith in local independent guides - for a variety of reasons - and so would pick a ship tour. In some places, time seems to have little importance.

I'd always choose ship tours in places where strikes or civil unrest occur, happy in the knowledge that if the port was cancelled I would not have to worry about refunds etc.

[LHT28]

Part 2: Russian Pancakes - we were then taken to a nightclub (straight out of the early 70s - even the toilets had black mirrored walls with purple trimming) where we were treated to tea and Russian pancakes, which were delicious. [Thin, buttermilk, sweet crepes served with cloudberries and sourcream (sourcream in Russia yummy & completely different to "western". style)

 

We thought it was a hoot!! but the pancakes & berries were very good

Reason for choosing ship tour:

a) ship tour had guaranteed blanket visa. Own arrangements would mean having to arrange own Russian visa (both costly & inconvenient)

b) anticipation of Russian red-tape: ship cleared 1 -1.5 hours later than expected. Ship tour just changes to suit, with no hassle. (and if it had to be cancelled, full refund, no problems)

.

 

There was a nice gift shop next door to the disco in Murmansk

You were lucky it took our ship 3 hr to get clearance last year

 

In Honningsvaag seven of us shared a taxi to the North cape for 1800 NOK plus admission to the centre...still was less expensive that O tour & the taxi driver gave us some local history along the trip

We also stopped to see king crabs & a gift shop along the way

[hughdm]

On Land of Midnight Sun cruise, we chose 3 ship cruises:-

 

1. Murmansk - Murmansk highlights (could be considered an oxymoron by some) with Russian Pancakes. 3 hours, $95 pp

Part 1: Murmansk highlights - I believe we did see pretty much all the highlights (and lowlights as well - Soviet architecture, a classic example). In this instance, we had a student as our guide (apparently no professional guides available in Murmansk) and he did a wonderful job. He explained about the temporary housing that was put up "There's nothing more permanent than temporary housing in Russia."

Part 2: Russian Pancakes - we were then taken to a nightclub (straight out of the early 70s - even the toilets had black mirrored walls with purple trimming) where we were treated to tea and Russian pancakes, which were delicious. [Thin, buttermilk, sweet crepes served with cloudberries and sourcream (sourcream in Russia yummy & completely different to "western". style)

 

Reason for choosing ship tour:

a) ship tour had guaranteed blanket visa. Own arrangements would mean having to arrange own Russian visa (both costly & inconvenient)

b) anticipation of Russian red-tape: ship cleared 1 -1.5 hours later than expected. Ship tour just changes to suit, with no hassle. (and if it had to be cancelled, full refund, no problems)

c) Ship doesn't sail without you - a couple of the tours got back well after the "all aboard" time (due to the late ship clearance)

 

Did we find ship tour expensive? yes

Did we enjoy tour? yes

Were we glad we did it? yes

With 20/20 hindsight, would we pick ship tour? yes

 

2. Transfer to North Cape - escort only (no guide) $155 pp

Firstly, spectacular scenery on the drive up to North Cape. Then at the top - thick fog (so thick that when you got out of the bus, you had no idea which direction to go – the large building of Norkapphallen was invisible until you got within 3 feet!) I know a lot of people would not take the risk of paying for a ship tour in advance because of the high risk of fog, but we had a great time despite the fog and managed to get some amazingly eerie photos of the Children of the Earth monument. Finding them was an adventure in itself and when we did, we had them all to ourselves - not a soul in sight (mind you, if they were more than 3 feet away, we wouldn't have been able to see them anyway) :D

 

Also, even though this was a transfer only, bus driver slowed & stopped so we could take photos of wild reindeer.

 

Reason for choosing ship tour:

a) Drive to North Cape was 1 hour there and 1 hour back. (and a 90 min stay, which was plenty time to see & do everything available). Our bus was the last "Oceania" bus to leave North Cape - Our escort waited extra 10 mins and went inside tourist centre building looking for any other Oceania passengers who might have been stranded/missed their bus. If our bus broke down or otherwise delayed, ship waits. (Admittedly, we had plenty of time before "all aboard")

b) Our itinerary had suffered from rather major changes leading up to the sailing.This port had changed both in the amount of time spent there as well as the order in the itinerary, so we weren't certain it wouldn't change again. With a ship's tour, we didn't have to worry.

 

Did we find ship tour expensive? yes , very (but taxi would cost NOK2200 return =USD400). Did not know much about reliability of local buses. Besides, nice to be looked after.

Did we enjoy tour? yes

Were we glad we did it? yes

With 20/20 hindsight, would we pick ship tour? yes, in a heartbeat.

 

3. Geiranger - escort only (no guide) 3 hours - $135 pp

 

Our guide, an Italian ski instructor who works in Geiranger for the summer skiing, was extremely knowledgeable and interesting (not bad to look at either :p). Couldn't have had a better guide.

 

He got us up to top of Mt Dalsnibba first (which meant we got up while the weather was clear and before all the other buses). Scenery absolutely stunning.

On way down, stopped twice for photo opportunities and a longer stop for coffee and danish pastry (included), which seemed to be enjoyed by everyone.

 

Reason for choosing ship tour:

a) time factor - "all aboard" 12:30pm. Again, knew ship wouldn't sail without us.

b) easier option than having to source own arrangements to go up the mountains

 

Did we find ship tour expensive? yes

Did we enjoy tour? yes

Were we glad we did it? yes

With 20/20 hindsight, would we pick ship tour? Absolutely, in a heartbeat.

 

Now for the other side... Where and Why we did not choose ship tours.

 

In general, we chose to do our own thing, mainly by foot, using the free shuttle service into town, where provided, and taking public transport (didn't use taxis) where needed.

 

One case in point would be Oslo.

 

Oceania offered Oslo Highlights & Vigeland Sculpture Park $105pp. We saw everything offered in the tour and then some - all done by tram & by foot. Total cost 27 NOK each = USD 5 pp for tram (There were no entrance fees - Vigeland Sculpture Park, City Hall all free).

 

Another place was Hammerfest and Sami camp walking tour (2 hours) $95 each. (Note entry to Sami camp free - coffee/tea 10NOK = $1.80)

 

We decided to just take the free shuttle into town, then wander about on our own, no set plan, just check out the highlights shown on our free map (obtained on board). Later we found that we had pretty much done this tour plus another The Polar Bear Club $65 pp (Note entry to Polar Bear Club Musuem free, Membership to the Ancient & Royal Polar Bear Club NOK180 = USD32)

 

With regards to Sami Camp, we stumbled upon it by accident - we had no intention of going there. We were given a tour by owner's son and presented with a free hardcover coffee-table book on the people of Finnmark from the owner. Apparently, there were only a limited number of copies and I believe they were all gone before the Oceania tours got there. :o

The only thing we didn't get was the sampling plate of cloudberries, reindeer meat or polar bread. (which were set up in readiness and did look good), though I'm sure had we asked, it may have been possible to purchase with our tea.

 

Huge savings on these days. Definitely glad we did our own thing.

 

In summary, I would definitely do other ship tours, especially in places I didn't feel comfortable in. There are also some ports where I admit to having little faith in local independent guides - for a variety of reasons - and so would pick a ship tour. In some places, time seems to have little importance.

I'd always choose ship tours in places where strikes or civil unrest occur, happy in the knowledge that if the port was cancelled I would not have to worry about refunds etc.

 

This is really great info. Thanks, loads! On our cruise we are going to mostly benign (at this point) ports with a lot of time in most, so we'll consider the options when Oceania actually starts posting choices.

[LHT28]

This is really great info. Thanks, loads! On our cruise we are going to mostly benign (at this point) ports with a lot of time in most, so we'll consider the options when Oceania actually starts posting choices.

Not sure what cruise you are but if they have cruise with the same posts as this season just check those excursions the prices may change but the tour will be very much the same

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/findcruise/shoreexcursions.aspx

 

It will at least give you an idea for planning what you want to do/see and maybe arrange private tours

Enjoy

Lyn

[trina2]

There was a nice gift shop next door to the disco in Murmansk - missed that, no time - we got back to ship 5 mins after "all aboard" time as it was.

You were lucky it took our ship 3 hr to get clearance last year Methinks it depends on the docking time and its relationship to lunchtime. ;) Originally, we were due to dock 9am (same time as your cruise?) but itinerary was changed to 11:30. Also it took a good deal longer to get gangway down. (30 mins at least). Then, they (30 or so officers) boarded at a different gangway entirely (but not until the passenger one was in place) DH's theory is that it is hard to clear a ship on an empty stomach.

 

Our 1:30pm tour left at 2:45pm

In Honningsvaag seven of us shared a taxi to the North cape for 1800 NOK plus admission to the centre...still was less expensive that O tour & the taxi driver gave us some local history along the trip [...] personal choice - after itinerary changes, we decided not to risk it. Weren't comfortable prebooking taxi but also didn't want to "wing it" on the day.

 

I agree, choice is totally subjective. Only you know what you feel comfortable doing and what your capabilities are. ("you" in general, not "you" personally - probably should use "one" but that sentence would sound very stuffy.):p

 

Although I've yet to come across anyone who has stated that Oceania ship excursions are good value for money (and I'm certainly not one), there are often a lot of other reasons to choose a ship tour. But I can honestly say, that the 3 that I have done were throroughly enjoyed (by us, anyway). Though wherever possible, I would choose to do my own thing. (and not even private tours if I can help it). But that's just me (oh, and DH) :D

 

Anyone out there who did own tour arrangements in Murmansk? Would love to hear how that went. Any problems disembarking? All literature made it sound near impossible to disembark.

 

OC Currents:

You should be aware that you may only proceed ashore if you are taking part in an Oceania Cruises organised shore excursion; or hold a valid Tourist Visa issued by the Russian Embassy.

This was repeated in the separate "Guidelines for our call to Murmansk"

 

As nobody (local guides etc) was allowed to board the ship, I was wondering how valid Tourist Visas from the Russian Embassy were issued to passengers (who were using local guides) aboard, which were needed to get a "landing card" from Russian officers in Insignia lounge, allowing them to disembark.

[AdvenLee]

Thanks to "hughdm" for the great info on ship tours. We agree with you in that ship tours are very expensive, but they do take away the worry about many things in an unknown port. Thus, we usually go with the ship tours, or sometimes just get off the ship and wander around, if suitable port.

[Mura]

I would bet my life -- well, maybe not my life -- that nobody bothered with getting a visa for Murmansk either last year or this year, with that being the only port.

 

DH and I did get our own visas when we had two days in St. Petersburg on our last Renaissance cruise in May 2001 ... but we felt it was well worth the money, and we had an incredibly inexpensive guide. But for only one day in Murmansk, it definitely wasn't worth the expense.

 

If there were a cruise that had at least 2-3 Russian ports, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that people got their own visas.

[CarolnLarry]

Maybe they should set a time to be back onboard the bus & if people are not there then they are left behind ...just like missing the ship

They WILL smarten up :D

 

I totally agree with you but I think inconsiderate people who are all about themselves could care less what others think. We were on a tour in Europe when one of our fellow bus passengers was very very late. Her husband went to find her and about 45 minutes after we were depart she shows up. She said she had to go to church. Wow.

 

Another time a lady was lost in a shopping mall in Berlin. The bus of 65+ people was hostile that they were not leaving on the exact minute they were scheduled. About 5-6 of the passengers instead of bit----- went into the mall and help find the women who was suffering the early stages of Dementia.

 

So maybe each circumstance is different and we should help solve the problem if possible unlike the individual who didn't care.

[Mura]

In our experience, the guide/driver DOES give a time to come back and threatens departure without you.

 

They just don't carry through.

 

It seems that just about every time we've taken a ship's tour, somebody has been late at at least one stop. We were really surprised when our on Viking China trip a few years ago, none of the 30 people on our bus were EVER late.

 

Way back when -- we were newlyweds so that is VERY much way back when -- we were on an NCL cruise when the ship was the NORDIC PRINCE, in the Caribbean. Passengers were informed at one stop NOT to take the glass bottomed boat trip because it would get back too late. The ship was only to be in port for 3-4 hours.

 

Well, a couple did take the glass bottomed boat trip. They did miss the ship.

 

They had to charter a plane to catch up, and then they threatened to sue NCL for their expenses.

 

Much to my disappointment, the cruiseline caved. :mad:

 

I doubt that would happen today, but maybe I'm wrong. (By that I mean I doubt the cruiseline would cave, not that someone else wouldn't pull the same stunt.)

 

Mura

[hughdm]

In our experience, the guide/driver DOES give a time to come back and threatens departure without you.

 

They just don't carry through.

 

It seems that just about every time we've taken a ship's tour, somebody has been late at at least one stop. We were really surprised when our on Viking China trip a few years ago, none of the 30 people on our bus were EVER late.

 

Way back when -- we were newlyweds so that is VERY much way back when -- we were on an NCL cruise when the ship was the NORDIC PRINCE, in the Caribbean. Passengers were informed at one stop NOT to take the glass bottomed boat trip because it would get back too late. The ship was only to be in port for 3-4 hours.

 

Well, a couple did take the glass bottomed boat trip. They did miss the ship.

 

They had to charter a plane to catch up, and then they threatened to sue NCL for their expenses.

 

Much to my disappointment, the cruiseline caved. :mad:

 

I doubt that would happen today, but maybe I'm wrong. (By that I mean I doubt the cruiseline would cave, not that someone else wouldn't pull the same stunt.)

 

Mura

Today they'd get left with no recourse to get any money back (as deserved). This is the exact reason I tend to favor ship-sponsored tours. And we are NEVER late back to the bus for the same reason!

[jtamchay]

Today they'd get left with no recourse to get any money back (as deserved). This is the exact reason I tend to favor ship-sponsored tours. And we are NEVER late back to the bus for the same reason!

 

 

Our just completed cruise on Oceania Insignia in the Baltics had only one glitch for us...and that turned out to be minor.

We had a private tour with SPB to Berlin, the bus left precisiely at 5:30pm to return to the ship where the onboard call was 9:00pm with sailing at 9:30pm. The trip into Berlin that morning took about 2:45 so we felt reasonably sure the trip back to the ship would work out OK. (We arrived @ 8:45pm.)

it began to rain, traffic was a snarl and there was an accident on the autobahn.

I was getting very worried but at the 1/2 way comfort stop we saw three of the Oceania tour bus groups returning to the ship and I was able to relax somewhat.

We did learn that one additional bus was delayed by more than one hour due to closing of highway and the ship waited. We sailed late and with the short distances we covered each night it was not critical.

I guess the lesson I learned is that things can happen and you need to be prepared for the consequences if you are on a private tour.

We did take one cruise sponsored tour in Amsterdam, it was the canal ride. No doubt it was over priced but it was the one thing we wanted to complete there so we did the ships tour.

The annual Gay Pride Boat Parade was in full gear and luckily for us our canal boat was able to complete the entire route...others who had pruchased their canal ride online, through an independent operator, were not able to do the full tour and they were very disappointed and angry.

The anger coming from the operator continuing to sell the tickets dockside as if the entire route would be completed.Considering this is an annual event in Amsterdam one might have been expected to know there might be a glitch.

Our cruise director, Leslie Jon, took every opportunity to mention that Amsterdam would be very crowded and so our passengers were well aware of the event from the ship information.

It might be a good thing when doing port research to look under an events calendar and see what might be going on while you are in port.

[no fuss travel]

We did one Oceania tour while cruising in Lucca and did the rest either on our own or with others for private tours. I am one of those people who hates waiting for others to get back to the bus on time (I have a 15 minute tolerance and then leave them there behind), but I made sure that on our private tours we got back at least 45 minutes ahead of time so I had a safety valve built into the private tour. I actually found that Oceania's tour was a bit rushed and I would have like to have more time to look than we were allowed. I also do not like being herded so that is another reason why I don't like bus tours.

[Mura]

I am going to make a conclusion that probably has NO validity at all.

 

CC members tend to want to do private tours. Or no tours. They also tend NOT to want to do ship's tours.

 

But that is not to say that they won't!

 

We ourselves mostly do it on our own or with a private tour, but we have been known to take a ship's tour on more than one occasion. Generally, they have been fine. But as the poster above said -- rushed ... and you have to hope that everyone will be considerate enough to return to the bus on time.

 

If you are going to a place like Ephesus -- a private tour is FAR superior to what you get on the bus. But when you are in Murmansk -- well, unless it's an itinerary with enough Russian ports to justify your own visa (and in Murmansk there aren't any professional guides, at least not yet) ... that doesn't pay either.

 

And we have had at least one ship's tour where the bus broke down and we were 90 minutes late. If we'd been on a private tour, the ship would have left us in Puerto Chacabuco. Population 100 and not much way to get to the next port!

 

I read a post today (I don't think it was on this thread but it might have been) where a private tour to Berlin had allowed for extra time but didn't allow for congestion and then an accident on the highway. Fortunately for them the ship's tours were equally delayed. But if they had NOT been delayed, the private tour would have had a problem. As it was, the ship waited for even a non-ship tour to get back. That won't often happen.

 

Mura

[orchestrapal]

Two more non-shoppers :D

 

Make that 3!

In Malta two years ago on an Oceania tour the entire bus voted NOT TO GO SHOPPING. The guide took us to an out of the way place with a warehoouse full of tables of junk for us to buy...all of us chose to sit it out the 45 minutes on the bus. We were then taken back to the ship. Little did she know we would, during that time, also vote not to tip her.....:mad:

[jtamchay]

I am going to make a conclusion that probably has NO validity at all.

 

CC members tend to want to do private tours. Or no tours. They also tend NOT to want to do ship's tours.

 

But that is not to say that they won't!

 

We ourselves mostly do it on our own or with a private tour, but we have been known to take a ship's tour on more than one occasion. Generally, they have been fine. But as the poster above said -- rushed ... and you have to hope that everyone will be considerate enough to return to the bus on time.

 

If you are going to a place like Ephesus -- a private tour is FAR superior to what you get on the bus. But when you are in Murmansk -- well, unless it's an itinerary with enough Russian ports to justify your own visa (and in Murmansk there aren't any professional guides, at least not yet) ... that doesn't pay either.

 

And we have had at least one ship's tour where the bus broke down and we were 90 minutes late. If we'd been on a private tour, the ship would have left us in Puerto Chacabuco. Population 100 and not much way to get to the next port!

 

I read a post today (I don't think it was on this thread but it might have been) where a private tour to Berlin had allowed for extra time but didn't allow for congestion and then an accident on the highway. Fortunately for them the ship's tours were equally delayed. But if they had NOT been delayed, the private tour would have had a problem. As it was, the ship waited for even a non-ship tour to get back. That won't often happen.

 

Mura

 

I may have been misunderstood...the bus the ship waited for was an Oceania tour bus not a private tour bus....Oceania Insignia on 4 August, 2011.However, I was the poster who feared that we would not make the onboard deadline, until we met the other 3 Oceania tour busses at the comfort stop.

[AdvenLee]

Make that 3!

In Malta two years ago on an Oceania tour the entire bus voted NOT TO GO SHOPPING. The guide took us to an out of the way place with a warehoouse full of tables of junk for us to buy...all of us chose to sit it out the 45 minutes on the bus. We were then taken back to the ship. Little did she know we would, during that time, also vote not to tip her.....:mad:

Orchestrapal.........Thanks for this info!! Since we usually do ship tours, it just may be a good idea to keep in mind....(My husband is one who tends to be willing to pay more for "peace of mind" and thus we have always done the ship's tours.) I say "Yeah" to how the whole bus group handled the situation in Malta!!!!!

[orchestrapal]

Orchestrapal.........Thanks for this info!! Since we usually do ship tours, it just may be a good idea to keep in mind....(My husband is one who tends to be willing to pay more for "peace of mind" and thus we have always done the ship's tours.) I say "Yeah" to how the whole bus group handled the situation in Malta!!!!!

 

Yeah would have been great had it worked.....:D

[Palmetto Lady]

I guess we have been fortunate. We almost always take Oceania tours unless it is a place we have been and where we can get off the ship and just walk around. Anyway, passengers on our Oceania tours have been very good about getting back to the bus on time.

[Mura]

We are usually not shoppers but that doesn't mean we are NEVER shoppers. The last time we were in Casablanca (on a private tour) we specifically requested a visit to the usual shopping place there. But we had something specific in mind that we wanted, and we got it.

 

And we bought not one but TWO carpets when we were in Turkey on our first visit. (Not going to get another one, though!)

 

But a guide who ignores the requests of the entire bus (no matter how much she has been paid to guide her charges there) deserves not to get a tip.

 

Not smart!

 

Mura

[hughdm]

We've ended up changing our minds and cancelling this cruise. Have fun and maybe we'll see you another time.