3 couples, age 50-80, will be visiting the following ports this August: Zeebrugge (8AM – 6PM), Rotterdam (7AM-4PM), Le Havre (7AM – 7PM), Dublin (8AM – 6PM), Belfast (8 AM – 6PM), Greenock/Glasgow (8AM – 2PM the following day). I am thinking of taking taxis or locally offered tours. Does anyone know where the taxi stops and tourist offices are located in the above listed ports and how to get there from the cruise ship? I am also seeking practical suggestions: what to see in these ports and/or surrounding area and how we can do it the best possible and economical way. We try to stay away from the outragesly priced shore excursions offered by the cruise company. I’ve seen a lot of great advices on this board. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Here is a link to my review of our Western European cruise on the Golden Princess from cruisecritic.com that includes the same ports of Zebrugge, Rotterdam, and Le Havre:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...ight=cnmiranda

If you go to post #22 there is a link for taxi service from Zebrugge- www.brugsetaxiservice.com/eng.html

Alternatively you can check the "ports of call" section on the cruise critic message boards. You will find plenty of info about taxi service there

Thanks a lot, cnmiranda!

Glasgow is a delightful Scots city. you can take the train from Greenock to downtown. enjoy the new art museum, try the excellent pub food (try the haggis), drink some Scots whiskey, and have a good look around. who knows, the sun might even be shining!
have fun.

Alexp,
With a generous time ashore in Greenock you have time for a leisurely day in Glasgow, doing all that you want and still be back on board at a reasonable time. The train is the best way to do this. Before 9 a.m. the trains will be very busy, and you'll probably find that a day return ticket is much cheaper if you travel after 9.30 a.m. You can't use the cheap ticket to travel back during evening peak time (I think this is 4.30 to 6.00pm but I'm not sure) but as long as your stamina holds out you'll find plenty to keep you occupied in Glasgow until after 6.
If you've seen the other posts on Greenock, most Scots are dismissive of the place but I've seen some very enthusiastic reviews of the free tours organised by the local tourist association. This would be an option for your half day. Greenock was the birthplace of some of the greatest ships ever built, including most of the Cunard Queens.
From Zeebrugge I'm reliably informed you can have a great day trip to Brugges.