We are sailing on RCL Mariner of the Seas September 27 12. We have always used the cruiselines excursions in the past, but since we have an overnight in Jerusalem *Ashdod
and again in Alexandria, Egypt we are wondering if we can do something on our own or share an excursion with a group through another tour company?

Have you checked on cruisecritic to see if others on your ship are getting together for trips?

Jacketwatch did a great TR on a similar cruise last year. check that out.

Thanks Sass.

Its a good idea to check out the roll card board on CC fro shared tours. We did private tours last yr. in Isreal and I highly recommend that as it will be less money by far and more informative. You can also contact the tour providers listed below and see if they can arrange a group booking for you. I am sure they can do this. We had 4 days in Israel last yr.and used two different companies. Both were excellent and I can recommend either one.

http://www.avitours.co.il/

http://www.guidedtoursisrael.com/?gc...FQNrKgodzVEAMg

Oops! I forgot one thing. Avi tours recommended and overnight in Jerusalem which we declined but if you are looking for a hotel to stay there its quite doable. I hope you enjoy the Holyland as much as we did. I do think seeing thru the eyes of a well schooled, private guide makes all the difference. This experience will last a life time.

I would highly recommend Guided Tours of Israel. We used them two years ago. Their prices were very competitive and they were easy to work with.

We used has a guided tour when we went to Israel and it was great, because we had a bucket list and we hit them all and more. Unfortuntately, the name of the company escapes me but we had a few problems before we went and they worked with us. Absolutely stay overnight in Jerusaleum, we stayed at the Dan. As for Alexandria you will want to go on a private tour to the Pyramids and whatever else you want. I too recommend you go to CC and see who is on your cruise and it will make all the difference in the world. The tour to the Pyramids is a very, very long day.. several people on our cruise booked a hotel room to see the famous light show...the hotel did not have room for them.

Had a senior moment..lol..Yes, it was Guided Tours that was so great and flexible

Hi, my wife and I are going on the same cruise and have similar questions. We would love to save money by possibly pairing up with others and taking a private tour in any of the ports of call. If you have done research into any companies or things you want to do and are interested in getting a private tour please don't hesitate to contact me directly at [email protected]

Thanks!

Sgrobstein, did you join your roll call to look for people? You will find many more people going on your exact cruise.