mediterranean shore excursions

[tsuds]

Hi! We are a family of five (parents with three kids, ages 15,12,9) soon to be first time cruisers. We are very excited, but very clueless.

The ship sponsored shore excursions are quite expensive. Does anyone have any ideas/contact info for other excursion options? Our ports of call include Naples,Palmermo,Tunis, Livorno (Florence),Calvi (Corsica), Monte Carlo and Marseille.

Thanks so much in advance for any responses!

 

TSuds

[Twickenham]

This website has sections for different ports of call - divided per country. You'll find lots of information/options looking in the Europe section here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19

[Essiesmom]

Get a copy of Rick Steves' Mediterranean Cruise Ports. It covers all but Palermo and Corsica. He recommends Lonely Planet for areas he doesn't cover. EM

[paul929207]

Many of the ports are great for Do It Yourself, if you are willing to do the work planning. For instance. In Naples, it is eacy to get a tram to the train station. (See Rick Steves' book above). From there a train will take you to places like Pompeii or Sorrento.

[Scrapnana]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Just remember to get back to the ship in plenty of time. Usually, they will tell you to get back at a certain time (which is a few minutes before sailing). I always try to be back onboard at least 30 minutes before the announced time. They won't wait if you are not on one of their excursions.

 

You have a great itinerary. Enjoy!

[Keith1010]

I know this can be overwhelming.

 

I would do three things.

 

Purchase the Rick Steves Book as noted above.

 

Visit the European Ports Of Call Board on Cruise Critic.

 

Also go to the Roll Call section of cruise critic to find the roll call for your cruise and see what others are doing in these ports.

 

Keith

[tsuds]

Thanks all for the great advice to this cruising novice. I will let you know how we fare!