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River Cruise Excursions Question


sippican

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We are researching for our first river cruise. I am wondering about the excursions. We usually prefer to DIY ports of call, finding the "cattle-herd" methods of ship tours do not meet our expectations. How many people are in the ship-sponsored groups? Is it even possible to see the sights on your own in most ports? We like to research pre-cruise and plan our days around what we want to see, at our own pace. If a tour is the best way to see some sights, we hire a private tour guide, or go in a small group of around 8. We are not sure that "excursions included" is something that will be an attractive amenity in our search for a cruiseline and appreciate the thoughts of expereinced river cruisers.

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You can DIY if you choose

You are not forced to do the excursions

Some ports may be easier to the ship's excursion but they seem to be very short then you have free time to DIY

It will depend on the cruise line the times they spend in port

I have yet to see port times listed on any of the river cruises unlike the ocean cruises

 

Some where in the forum there was a post about a cruise line that did not include excursions

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While you can DIY, a couple of things to consider:

 

Most excursions are included. You will not get a refund for ones you skip.

Sometimes the ship moves while the passengers are off on a tour. You would have to find your way to the pick up point.

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can always start with group,,which varies,but around 25 or so with ea.having a guide.Can take bus to city center,,or the museum,etc. and choose to go with group for awhile then let guide know and go on own.Of course,you must get back to ship on time on your own.But they usually dock right near city center.

 

You can also get a guidebook and go on your own from the start.Really depends on YOU.We ve done it both ways and nice alternative to "following the umbrella".Saves money on tipping guides too...but may need to get a taxi,etc...PS..always get exact dock directions.I ask at reception desk for them to be written in country language,,just in case.;)

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I think the ship planned events are best in my experience. Times are not posted and they do not run on a very tight schedule. Soem days were were late returning to the boat for dinner so they had to delay the meal. Lunch times varied too. Just depends on the day and what there is to see. We never felt rushed on any of the tours. We got to see the highlights and that is about the time you have unless there is one specific place you want to explore on your own. They are included in Viking packages so that is a perk that is hard to pass up. They will offer a couple optional (extra cost) tours or you have free time. Just don't let them leave you. They might. Head count is pretty casual.

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Most boats have maps of the town you are docked in available at the front desk - and you can ask someone to mark the location of the boat if you wish to walk about and/or return on your own... (this is *really* important in Koblenz... which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle....)

 

We really enjoy the walking tours... and find that the local guides usually have in "inside view" that only a local will have. They can also help with things such as internet cafes, ATMs - or "special" stops. For example, DH collects 1:43 scale cars... and asked our guide if he knew of a toy store in town (we were in Regensburg...). A few of the men started chatting about cars, and we discovered there were a number of "car buffs" in our group. The guide adjusted the path of the walk to take us by an very unusual Rolls Royce he noticed that was parked in a courtyard - and then ended by his "favourite" toy store - that sold exactly the type of cars my DH was looking for.

 

If we are not interested in the walking tour, we have joined the group to get us to a central place, and then wandered off on our own. But - we always make sure we know when we have to be back at the bus, or on board. They do warn you that they won't wait.

 

Fran

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