Best Excursions for First Timers on Med Cruise
 

My adult daughter and I will be going on a Royal Caribbean Med Cruise from October 25 - November 1, 2009. We are now trying to determine which excursions are the best to do for each of our stops. The ports of call are - Naples, Italy; Civitavecchia, Italy; Livorno, Italy (Florence); Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; and Marseille, France. Also is it better to try some of the visits on our own or go with the ships excursions?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Karen

We docked in Naples, but we were scheduled to tender into Amalfi, so had planned to spend the day touring the Amalfi Coast, stopping in Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, and Ravello. We had a wonderful day, and I recommend Giaovanni from www.tourofitaly.com very highly. If I had known that we'd be stopping in Naples, I probaly would have arranged to go to Pompei and the Archeologial Museum in Naples.


Civitavecchia and Livorno are a fair ways from Rome and Florence, respectively. I've read that passengers took the train into Rome for the day.

We don't care for the ship's shore excursions, because we always feel that we're herded around in a large group, that we waste time waiting for everyone to sue the bathroom and get on/off the bus--plus we like to decide how much time we'll spend at every sight.

If you go to the Ports of Call section of the message boards at www.cruisecritic.com, you will find lots of information about every port. In the roll call board, you can find other passengers on your sailing who might like to share a private tour.

Our very 1st cruise was the western Med, like yours except we stopped at Malta nd not Marseille. we were advised by out TA to do the excursions on our on and we did so and have been doing that ever since. what I did was research a bit to see what each port offered. The we got a cab(there will be loads of them on the docks) and go. we saved alot of money and were on our own time. In Livorno we cabed it to Pisa and Florence. In Naples we went to see Pompei and I would recommend that though some prefer the Amalfi coast and Positano. Either way you will not be disappointed. So just determine what you would like to do the most and go on your own. Cheers, Larry :-)

If you are willing to do some research, then doing the shore excursions on your own is almost always the best (and cheapest) course. You can always team up with others if you want to rent a car and explore on four wheels instead of public transport or on foot.

However, if you have never been to Europe and are the types who would prefer a guided tour, then you should do ship-sponsored shore excursions. You'll get more out of the trip that way.

What I would NOT do is rely on any message board---even Cruise Critic---for all my information. You would do better buying a guidebook and reading up on the destinations (you can also find these at your local library if you don't want to spend money for them). Use message boards and web sites to get the most recent restaurant recommendations and to help you when you can't choose, but don't rely on them for everything.

Hi, I'm traveling on the same cruise in nov. are the trains assessable from the docks also please give any information that I might need to enhance my trip ie: excursions, best part of the ship, what not to miss... I'm traveling with my daughter(21) and want to travel freely I've been to Italy on a tour where thinking was an option...I want to go about on our own upon arriving to the ports of call is this idea feasible? thank you, cldhzinf

First of all, trains are never accessible directly from the dock, but many ports have train stations within fairly reasonable walking or taxi distance of the cruise piers.

I'm always hesitant to say what not to miss in any particular destination if you haven't yet done research on what it is you want to get out of this cruise and out of your stops in Italy and elsewhere. You don't even tell us anything about you other than your daughter's age.

You can certainly go about on your own if you are willing to do some advance planning, and a good guidebook will help you do that. Once you have a general idea of what you'd like to accomplish in each port, I believe that the people this board or on the Europe board could be very helpful in helping you gauge the relative ease or affordability of your touring in each port.

I've traveled to Italy before this will be the first by cruise ship. The Voyager of the Seas has 75 different excursions priced quite high. I traveled to Rome in March by train from formia for 10 euros & spent a great day exploring Rome!!(the tour wanted $150.)... I really don't want to pay $150. again to see Pompei with a slice of pizza when I can go for 8 euros the problem is getting there? I also wanted to know if anyone has information about the ship shows, dining etc.The ports of call are - Naples, Italy; Civitavecchia, Italy; Livorno, Italy (Florence); Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; and Marseille, France. The important question is it better to try some of the visits(two women)on our own or go with the ships excursions? I have already booked one excursion to Barcelona.

Rome is easy to do on your own with great public transportation. Rather than spend a fortune for a Vatican tour, consider taking the train from the port to San Pietro station and its a quick walk to the Vatican.
see http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/2ebbe/2535c/

You should reserve tickets for the Vatican Museum - its 14 euro per ticket. You can only reserve 6 weeks in advance
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/...isita=9&step=1

And if you have an ipod or mp3 download the free Rick Steves Vatican/ Sistine Chapel and St Peters tours from itunes. You can proceed at your own pace, always hear what is being said, and customize your tour - for free.
http://www.ricksteves.com/radio/podcast.htm

If you have extra time after touring the Vatican (or want to explore Rome on your own instead of visiting the Sistine Chapel) Metro map
http://www.metroroma.it/Documents/Pd...nee2008_A4.pdf

or Rome ho//ho bus
http://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Rom...11-3523ROMOPEN

Vatican link may not work - try
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/...ets/index.html

Thank you, The plan for Rome is to take the train to the colosium then hop on the open tour bus so we can get off & on when we want...great tip for the vatican my daughter and I will both have our ipods. Barcelona & Rome are set do you have any advice for Livorno, Italy (Florence); Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; and Marseille, France. Naples I may just go for the excursion to pompei & Naples...I don't want to spend the day at the cameo factory like last time we had 1hr in Naples(my daughter has never been to pompei) in a perfect world I would spend 2hours in pompei & the rest of the time in Naples I'm just not clear on how to do it on our own. Thank you for your help!!

Livorno is some distance from Florence, but you can still get into town on your own cheaper than on an excursion. I don't know about the trains, but the Santa Maria Novella station is within walking distnace (20 minutes or so) from the Duomo. Pretty much a straight shot from there.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is more interesting for its proximity to the nearby villages than for anything in town. I believe there is bus service to them.

Marseille is an interesting city in its own right with a metro, buses, and taxis, so it's very easy to strike out on your own there.

In Naples, you just take a taxi to the train station and take the little train directly to Pompeii. I believe you can rent an audio tour there (if you want one) or hire a guide at the gates. You could also visit Herculaneum, which is a bit closer to Naples and less visited (similar to Pompeii if you have been but with fewer crowds).

Thank you for the information regarding Pompeii & Naples. France sounds great, I want to buy wine & my daughter wants to shop with your advice we can do both! Thank you again, cldh98

I did both Florence and Rome independently with no problem. I spent about 10% of what the ship shore excursions offered, so a significant savings. I do not agree with all the "warnings" posted above. IT is simple and if of interest very doable for cruise ship passengers.

As a suggestion- for Rome, the HOHO bus isn't a good deal. The traffic is slow and waits can be long for these buses. IF you have no mobility limitations, you are better off seeing Rome by foot.

I walked to the port train station- about a 15 minute walk from the port bus stop. Turn right and walk along the water- which will be on your right. The station will be on the left. Purchase the BIRG ticket- round trip and all local Rome transportation. $9Euros. I took the Metro direct to the Colosseum. Bypassed the extended ticket line to the "tour" line, and got on an English guided tour, that leaves at :45/hour. 16 euros. This ticket included the Roman Forums, and Palatine which I visited. I walked through Capital Hill and continued to the Pantheon. Then to Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps. Taking the Metro back to the train station. Necessary is a good map, otherwise it was very easy and I got to see plenty for such a cheap cost.

In Florence, I did share a cab to the port train station, purchased the train tickets at the station. Short walk in Florence to the sights and did a walking tour that again, was a very full, cheap touring day. :) Smaller and more "direct" than Rome.

excellent! very helpful thanks

I will be on that same cruise with my girlfriend
Thanks to all for the information.
Based on the above, for Rome we will walk to the train and purchase the train/metro ticket. Looking to purchase the ticket for the Coloseum, forum and pantheon in advance. Not sure if we will take a guided tour of coloseum or the guided audio tour and if we can purchase those in advance? If any one has a recommendation on which is preferable? Can we walk (active people) between coloseum, forum, pantheon, trevi fountain, spanish steps at piazza, vatican?

Not sure what to do in Naples. The amalfi coast and pompeii excursion looks interesting but does not leave any time in Naples. We were thinking of just taking the train to Pompeii and have time for self tour in naples. Question for us is whether spending time in naples is better than seeing the amalfi coast?

Will take cab to train into florence and just spend the time walking around on our own.

Haven't decided what do do for Nice or Provence yet.

Those on the same cruise as us (October 25-November 1, 2009) can email me at [email protected] if interested in exchanging ideas or if possible sharing transportation/private excursion if there is one that is ideal and cost effective by combining.

Nice is a nice city for a ride around. Provence is a nice walk around. Lovely shops, great wine and cheese. Did both cities on a river cruise. Like we will next spring, you might consider Monaco from Nice. Get a train. The architecture is supposed to be wonderful, flowers eye candy, plus art galleies, not to mentione the casino area.

I with my daughter 21 are traveling RCL from Barcelona 22Nov-29Nov 2009 if anyone is interested in transportation/private excursion for Pompeii Naples, Rome, Florence Nice and Marseille I have been to Pompeii,Naples,Amalfi coast& Rome and will be returning on the trip with my daughter so I can help navigate those areas my plan is to take the train to Pompeii then cab it up the Amalfi coast to Sorrento then tour Naples (there's a coffee & pastry shop on the square that's gorgeous & delicious!)before returning to the ship sharing a cab would be safer and a lot cheaper! please contact me at [email protected]

"Rome is easy to do on your own with great public transportation. Rather than spend a fortune for a Vatican tour, consider taking the train from the port to San Pietro station and its a quick walk to the Vatican."
I often stay in an apartment just across the street from the station this is quite easy to do. As for catching the train here is link to a video that takes you step by step from dock to train station.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...feature=channel_page
At San Pietro you have two choices. Walk down the hill, to the Via Cavalleggeri where you turn right and stroll along until you come to the underpass that goes over to the Vatican side. There is also a cross walk about 1/2 way down the Via Cavalleggeri, street is very busy so do use either one to cross.
You will see the pillars as you walk towards St. Peters Sq. It’s another good 15min stroll to the entry of the museum which is at the back of the Vatican. If you look at the map it appears you could walk up the Via Aurelia but the hill is steep and when you get to the ring rd there are no sidewalks and tons of fast traffic. To go to the museum you simply walk across St. Peters Sq. through the pillars on the other side and follow the wall around the Vatican up a slight hill and there is the entry. So………….now your walking back and your hungry. Come out between the pillars and head back towards St. P. station, staying on the Vatican side of Via C. and you will see a brick arched rail bridge. Just under that bridge just off the via aurelia is a lovely small place called the “Goose” many locals in the area eat there, prices are right and fairly good selection of dishes. Mom & Pop type place which is next to the laundry NOT the place on the corner. Or if you running late there is a small deli on the way same side that offers take away pizza, snacks and sandwich items.

I forgot to mention that the #64 bus (Pickpocket special – watch it) that cross's Rome runs back and forth from St. P to Termini and back one runs about every 5 minutes. If your skipping the Vatican due to time then get on the 64 right in front of the station and you can ask the driver signal you (be aware this bus is like a sardine can) and drop you off either at the Largo Argentina where you will cross the street – bookshop on corner and take the small ally like street walk down 2 blocks to the Parthenon, then you exit the sq to your right when your done and there is a marked walk to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Or you can keep your eyes open when you see the bus turn and pull alongside the Victor Emmanuel Palace ring the bell and you will walk back a few steps to the Imperial way, forum, coliseum etc. When you get off at the Palace think of it as being at the end of a large football field, and the ruins etc are all contained within a rather long large block that you will be working your way around with the Coliseum and Palatine Hill at the far end. If you were to continue around the block past the circus you come across the hand of truth, the temple of the Vestal Virgins and Michelangelo Steps, which are just at the rear of the Place.

Naples:“in Naples, you just take a taxi to the train station and take the little train directly to Pompeii. I believe you can rent an audio tour there (if you want one) or hire a guide at the gates. You could also visit Herculaneum, which is a bit closer to Naples and less visited (similar to Pompeii if you have been but with fewer crowds).”

Or you can exit the dock, on your left is small café buy 1e bus ticket, walk across into the center divider and pick up the bus or tram which ever comes first (#1) and it takes you right to the station,8m-10min max. It drops you off at the local (Circumvesuviana train) or if the square is still all torn up go into front of station, turn right and walk along the tracks where there is a slight bend, you will see hallway and follow that where you will see windows selling the Circumvesuviana tickets and get tickets for Pompeii Scavi. Its about 3e. You then enter and go down stairs and wait for train runs about every 20min. You get off at Pompeii Scavi exit the station and walk down a street full of vendors and to the entry. When you exit you walk back down that same street. It saves time if you buy round trip tickets you don’t need to stand in line at Pompeii as sometimes the line is long. Trip takes appx ½ hr. each way.