Serenade of Seas - 12 night Mediterranean Cruise

[Toronto2013]

We just booked a 12 night Mediterranean cruise sailing July 30 '13. This is the first time we will be cruising and were wondering if members could provide insights on RCL shore excursions.

 

- Cannes - is it easy to explore the city on our own? (We can't speak French though..) If no, which RCL shore excursion would you recommend:

Cannes City Tour or Scenic French Riviera?

 

- Florence - any thoughts which one is better? RCL's A Taste of Florence or Florence and Pisa

 

- Rome - thoughts on RCL's Imperial Rome tour? any other recommendations..

 

- Athens - any recommendations which shore excursion we should book? Ideally, we would love to cover the city.

 

- Ephesus - can't decide which shore excursion to book.. any recommendations.

 

- Santorini - thinking of booking RCL Village of Oia and Santorini island.

 

- Naples (Salerno) - thinking of booking Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii - suggestions for other excursions?

 

We would greatly appreciate if members who have travelled to these places can recommend the best shore excursions.

 

Thank you very much! :)

[cynbar]

I have been to all the places you list, although not on Royal Caribbean so I can't comment on their excursions. But you may want to find the roll call for your cruise and see if anyone is putting together private tours which you could join. We have had great luck with that on our European cruises. It's a great way to both save money and have a smaller, more personal tour. This is especially true for Ephesus, where the ship tours can't go into the Terrace Houses which were a big highlight for us. You'll also find more suggestions over on the Ports of Call message boards. Good luck with your planning.

[Toronto2013]

Thank you very much.

[CruiserBruce]

I think you need to do some reading on the Italy and Greece boards. Private tours are a very good alternative.

[cynbar]

We have been to Rome and Florence several times, and personally, I wouldn't do a ship's tour there--- too regimented, too much time waiting at each stop for a stray traveler or two who are holding everyone up. Part of the magic of those cities is just walking around, savoring the ambiance and lingering where you like. Don't try to cram too much into one day, you'll be exhausted and you won't really see anything. Private tours in Europe can be really expensive, but you may want to splurge in one of these cities even if you can't join a group from your roll call. It's also quite easy to do these cities on your own. Most cruise lines offer a tour that is just transportation to the city, and you're on your own until everyone gathers to return to the ship. You can also take trains from the port, but this may be a little intimidating for you if you're new to Europe. Just buy a good guide book (we like the ones by Rick Steves) and plan your day, with the help of suggestions from these boards. A specific search here will get you lots of info on what not to miss, or start a new thread with a clear title --- people here are always glad to help out.

[buggins0402]

In answer to your first question - Cannes is very easy to do on your own. Learn how to say "do you speak English" in French. Most everyone in Cannes will. If you want to go further afield, Antibes is very close and easily done by Bus or Train. Very nice unpretentious Riveria town. Both Antibes and Cannes can be seen in a day and is one of the easiest, non- stressful DIY days for a Med cruise.

[Toronto2013]

Thank you guys!