Cruise stopover in Maldives, Mumbai,Phuket ....

[Travel mad]

hi all, we are on Costa Atlantica leaving Dubai 12 April arriving Singapore 3 May. We booked the cruise as we wanted to visit all the ports en route. we are trying to do private excursions at each port but the roll call is so quiet and also it looks like an almost impossibility to DIY at so many of the ports. we have an overnighter in Male , and wanted to do day trips to any island but it appears that Maldives cater for longer stay hotel guests. What we really want to know has anyone done DIY styles ( not gangnam style) trips to Male, Mumbai, Kochi, Columbo, Phuket ,Port Kelang for KL. ? On all other ports stops we have managed to DIY except St P in Russia where to took a private tour with others we met via CC beforehand. we want to join a small group and do the same at the ports of call in this cruise too.

Who's done their own private tours at these places. alternatively we will Havel title option but to join costa's own excursions...

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Donna_In_India]

Hi - two companies I'd recommend in Mumbai are Reality Tours & Travel (http://www.realitytoursandtravel.com/) - love them - excellent tour and very reasonably priced. Another company is Mumbai Magic (http://www.mumbaimagic.com/) - a little more expensive but excellent as well. Enjoy!

[Travel mad]

Thanks Donna I will contact them.

[nz yachties]

Hi there

on Google go to toursbylocalsmumbai

You may get a local guide to take you to all the places you wish to see at a fixed price. Very helpful guides.

Also local taxi will take you to your list of locations and wait while you hop out for photos.

 

At Kochi use a local tuk-tuk with driver for a close and personal and exciting ride around the old city. The Chinese fishing nets and flame trees on the waterfront are very picturesque. If you go on deck prior to arrival you will get great photos of Kochi on starboard side.

 

At Male there are dozens of small ferries going to various islands. We went to KUDA BANDOS ISLAND 30 minute ride and enjoyed snorkeling at coral reef with colourful fish, coral formations and warm turquoise water. Fabulous white sand beach and palm trees. Idyllic place.

Male town has a vast Islamic Center and Mosque and give tours. Fully carpeted with prayer mats design, rich in wood carvings.

We did a 45 day Indian Ocean Cruise in May- June 2009 on Sun Princess.

 

Cheers,

Trish and Keith

[Travel mad]

Hi there

on Google go to toursbylocalsmumbai

You may get a local guide to take you to all the places you wish to see at a fixed price. Very helpful guides.

Also local taxi will take you to your list of locations and wait while you hop out for photos.

 

At Kochi use a local tuk-tuk with driver for a close and personal and exciting ride around the old city. The Chinese fishing nets and flame trees on the waterfront are very picturesque. If you go on deck prior to arrival you will get great photos of Kochi on starboard side.

 

At Male there are dozens of small ferries going to various islands. We went to KUDA BANDOS ISLAND 30 minute ride and enjoyed snorkeling at coral reef with colourful fish, coral formations and warm turquoise water. Fabulous white sand beach and palm trees. Idyllic place.

Male town has a vast Islamic Center and Mosque and give tours. Fully carpeted with prayer mats design, rich in wood carvings.

We did a 45 day Indian Ocean Cruise in May- June 2009 on Sun Princess.

 

Cheers,

Trish and Keith

ah Thank you , this is great comforting info. I will copy this over to our roll call page.

BTW you live in an amazing country. so jealous!!!

[PaulaJK]

In Mumbai, we have done private tours with Mumbai Magic. You can customize it. We were pleased with the service.

 

In Male, we took the ferry over to Kuda Bandos. Idyllic is the right description! Magnificent scenery but few facilities. Suggest that you wear your swimsuit under a cover up and take reef shoes as the water is crystal clear but rocky.

 

In Phuket, we joined the ship tour on a catamaran which explored Phang Nga Bay and then stopped at 2 other locations for snorkeling. They supplied gear. It seemed the easiest way to these sights.

 

Port Kelang is quite a distance from the city. If you get into the city early enough you can get a tour of the Petronas Tower. Other than that, it struck as as another busy city. Hopefully someone will add other ideas.

 

We loved the ship tour which again contracted out to a Taj hotel's boat . We toured the backwaters, getting glimpses of village life, the architecture contributed by various countries and the Chinese fishing nets. You can also see much of this [minus the backwaters] by walking around or touring Fort Cochin/Kochi.

[Travel mad]

In Mumbai, we have done private tours with Mumbai Magic. You can customize it. We were pleased with the service.

 

In Male, we took the ferry over to Kuda Bandos. Idyllic is the right description! Magnificent scenery but few facilities. Suggest that you wear your swimsuit under a cover up and take reef shoes as the water is crystal clear but rocky.

 

In Phuket, we joined the ship tour on a catamaran which explored Phang Nga Bay and then stopped at 2 other locations for snorkeling. They supplied gear. It seemed the easiest way to these sights.

 

Port Kelang is quite a distance from the city. If you get into the city early enough you can get a tour of the Petronas Tower. Other than that, it struck as as another busy city. Hopefully someone will add other ideas.

 

We loved the ship tour which again contracted out to a Taj hotel's boat . We toured the backwaters, getting glimpses of village life, the architecture contributed by various countries and the Chinese fishing nets. You can also see much of this [minus the backwaters] by walking around or touring Fort Cochin/Kochi.

Thanks for te feedback Paula, greatly appreciated.

[willwheels]

Port Kelang is quite a distance from the city. If you get into the city early enough you can get a tour of the Petronas Tower. Other than that, it struck as as another busy city. Hopefully someone will add other ideas.

 

I just checked your cruise itinerary and your cruise offers a KL "on your own" excursion, which is what we signed up for on our recent cruise (with RCI). The Lot 10 mall is convenient to the subway system, so you'll be able to get around easily. It is also possible to get to the commuter train station from the port, but we preferred being on the ship bus in case something went awry.