hylasgirl

How far in advance is reasonable to book? I don't want to be to far ahead. Thanks.

Booking ahead is the way to go! It doesn't cost anything and you can always increase the size of your vehicle if you get too many that want to go with you. That's what happened to me last year :D They were really good about increasing the size of our vans in different ports. VERY accommodating tour company! You'll love them!

TripAdvisor is the far better location for hotel info.

I agree! I always go be Trip Advisor reviews on hotels!

I think the communication breakdown here could actually be in the phrasing of the question. The price difference between the two is the same if you compare the prices in a similar fashion: the price difference between buying the Classic vs the Premium on LAND is $10 + 15% gratuity: the price difference between buying the Classic vs the Premium ON BOARD is $10 + 15% gratuity.

 

However, the price difference between buying the Classic on LAND and upgrading to the Premium ON BOARD is $15 + 15% gratuity.

 

It's been stated over and over and over again that Celebrity has decided on a price change and that they've implemented the price change. I just don't think you can fight this issue. Not saying that you might get "lucky," and end up hearing what you want to hear, but I'm not sure that hearing what you want to hear and actually being able to have that happen... I'm not sure that will be the same thing.

 

Anyone who isn't sailing soon, I don't think there's a mad rush to upgrade your beverage package (unless you believe as someone else mentioned that the prices could increase for LAND purchases). You could wait closer to your final payment date and upgrade the package at that time and effectively include the upgraded cost as a (close to, at least) part of your final payment.

This is exactly what I have said in a previous post. The difference is only if purchasing online and then upgrading on board.

BUT, it seems that the CelebrityCruise person says that it is applying to the 1,2,3 Promo as well.

I just got off the phone with the Enhancement Dept and the guy is completely confused over the issue. He said that each ship is different and he would have to email my ship and get back with me. I told him that the only thing that some of my friends are wondering is that they have OBC they would really prefer to use on something like this over upgrading in advance. Not only that, everyone should really be on the same page with this policy because I've talked to 4 people now, and no one seems to think you have to upgrade ahead of time.

ALSO... the Enhancement Dept guy said that only ONE person in the cabin has to upgrade. You do not need to upgrade both people in a cabin if you do so prior to boarding or onboard.

He said the only information that any of them have been given is the price difference between online ordering and purchasing onboard. He said no one has any information beyond that.

Hilariously enough, I am on hold with enhancements right now and the guy does NOT know! He said his information is ONLY about buying... not upgrading the 123 promo package. I'll let you know the final outcome.

If you have a promotion that is giving you a free Classic Beverage package we encourage you to upgrade prior to your sailing as you will pay the increased difference on board. If you purchase beforehand, it will come out to $10 per person plus a 15% gratuity. If you upgrade on board, this comes to $15 per person plus a 15% gratuity.

I have talked with THREE people in your groups department today about this issue and all three have guaranteed me that it was not going to cost us more onboard. That the price difference between the two is the same. This is so frustrating.

I was just told be TWO customer service reps at Celebrity that it will not be MORE expensive to upgrade your promo drink package. That it will be a combined total of $11.50 per day per guest. I did not ask if we both have to upgrade. But that total is with the added gratuity. They said even if the prices are increased it won't cost more to upgrade. That the difference of the two will be the same.

And to whoever posted the Celebrity link, that is the price we've always paid onboard. And great that they are having a web special, but I was told this has nothing to do with upgrading the package from the promo.

Hi,

 

I have asked a similar question in the main forum but people recommended that I try this forum for answers.

We had been to Florence and Pisa. We wanted to tour the surround areas. Do you know of a reputable shore excursions company that you can suggest/recommend for leaving out of Livorno?

 

Thank you.

I posted something on a similar thread about an amazing tour we did of the wine region around Lucca. We went with Romeinlimo and I arranged 2 different vineyards and they arranged their favorite. We toured the Montecarlo wine road. It was definitely the highlight of that cruise. The town of Montecarlo was very adorable. We also stopped in Lucca for coffee and a short visit. I highly suggest this tour if you've already done Pisa and Florence. It was just incredible. AND we weren't in a van all day either! :)

I think you would have plenty of time to do this from Genoa. Portofino is quite small. But very adorable!

I agree, there are so many threads addressing the tipping procedure. I think it's a very personal matter, but there are many different experiences out there. Do a search for "tipping" and you'll see there are many people wanting to give their 2cents on tipping. My pet peeve is when I join a tour, or have others join mine and they tell me what I should tip.

The drivers are all excellent and deserve your gratuities. How much is a personal thing.

We have booked RomeInLimo for all three of our Italy stops - and everything I have read about them has been top-notch. They have suggested that we use a private guide on our tour of the Vatican at a cost of 150 Euros. Just wondering if anyone has used the private guide provided/suggested by RomeInLimo and either glad they did or thought it was a waste of money. Perhaps others have used private guides through other tour services as well - perhaps they can comment on this question as well.

We have used this service on several occasions. If it's your first time visiting these sites, I would say that it's totally worth the money. We ended up sharing one guide between many of us, and that cut down on the cost and was really quite reasonable for what you learn.

I think a private guide really brings the Vatican, and the art inside to life. While it's certainly doable to to the Vatican museum on your own, there is nothing like the ease of a guide. It's crowded, it's not really easy to know what you are looking at. Our guide was able to tell us about so much of what was inside the museum and how it came to be there. It was very interesting. It wasn't like walking through your average museum.

Good luck! Have a great time.

I agree... The Naples port is, by far, my favorite Med. cruise port. I just love the area. We've seen so many different places with Romeinlimo and have had the best days out of the Naples port. I could see Pompeii every time we go... unfortunately my husband will not :D

The sad part isn't the pricing, it's the selection. Jose is the ONLY Tequila?? How incredibly sad is that! I guess I'll be gambling.

It's amazing how much you can cram into a RomeinLimo tour in Rome. Have a look at the blog post I did about our day in Rome to get an idea, you can find it here We had a wonderful day and saw so much. I would definitely get a guide for the Vatican. Ours was absolutely brilliant.

Great blog! thanks for sharing. Makes me really want to go back NOW! We are doing a Norway cruise this summer and I already wish I was doing the Med. again instead :(

Has anyone used RIL with their toddler? They are providing the car seat and would like to know how the tours were with toddler in tow.

 

 

I would write to them and ask. I have taken our kids on Romeinlimo tours several times, but none the age that needed a car seat.

Just got back from a 12 day Med cruise on the Equinox. We used Rome In Limo in Florence, Rome and Naples. They have earned their stellar reputation and we were not disappointed. They were punctual, professional, very friendly, nice vehicles, knowledgeable and knew every side street and short cut. Recommended excellent places for lunch and dropped and p/u very close to all the sites. Some of the best tours we've ever had!

 

We had David in Florence, Franco in Rome and Vittorio in Naples. Book with them and just sit back and leave your worries behind.

I really love Franco in Rome. Such an interesting man! I've requested him on several occasions now. I'm glad you had such a great time.

We too are planning our shore excursions and are considering utilizing RIL. How difficult is it to find them at the port? How is payment made? Do you pay prior to the trip or at the time the service is rendered?

It couldn't be easier :) You'll pay at the end of your tour in euros.

I am helping my mother and sister plan their excursions for this summer's Med cruise and they have already decided on using RIL for the Rome Highlights tour. As for Florence, they want to spend the day in the city without the Pisa add on. Would it be worth it to use RIL to create a customized tour or do you think they can do it as well on their own if they prepurchase tickets to the Uffizi and the Accademia?

I would totally go with Romeinlimo for Florence! I've had some of my most amazing days with RIL out of Livorno. Tweak the day any way you want. They are very accommodating.

I too am not a fan of ship excursions as we also had an amazing private tour with RIL in Rome...However...We did use the ship offered "DIY" for some of our ports in the western med...and was surprised at how great they actually turned out.

 

Easy transportation, very knowledgeable and helpful on bus guides, budget friendly and the ability to be on our where we didn't feel a private guide was totally necessary.

 

Sometimes it's best to consider all your options and not just assume going private is the only way to go. JMHO and personal experience on our first visit to these particular European ports.

So very true! While in the Caribbean I think you can do any type of snorkel activity both on and off ship tours and have a fabulous time. It's really all the same and it's a matter of who you feel the most comfortable with or who is offering the tour of choice. There are lots of other areas as well. But I would never choose a ship tour for an amazing experience in any of the great cities in Europe. I just wouldn't. I'm not saying they aren't helpful, or even knowledgeable to a certain extent. There are just too many people to have a real local experience and you are never able to get as much out of your day. I've done both. Once. And I will say that not one ship tour (for places like Rome, Florence, Naples, Athens) was cheaper for a full day tour with a private company with only 6 people in a van. You just can't beat those numbers. I saved the tour sheet from Celebrity last year and I just cannot believe they fill all those buses with all those people for that much money. I guess it's a good thing. We all can't go with Romeinlimo :D

Thank you, Bruce! I'm looking forward to the tours. I have one family member doubting my choice to go with a private tour vs cruise tour. This thread is helping to reassure my decision immensely!

 

 

I would never ever choose a ship tour over a private and intimate experience. There are so many different ports with reputable tour companies. Romeinlimo is certainly my choice for all the Italy ports. There is just no way to compare the two. No one should ever make you afraid of touring with any company that has such a great reputation. You get so much more for your money and more importantly (at times) your precious time in these amazing cities.

Don't look back! You'll love everything about the Romeinlimo experience. From the booking process to feeling bad at the end of the day that you made a local friend and was a part of a great, personal experience. You will NOT get that on a ship tour. That is guaranteed as well.

How much do you typically tip your driver for a day trip?

There is a new thread on this topic. I think it's a very personal decision. See what others say and decide for yourself.

Halfway through Rome we changed our driver's name from Maurizio to Moses. He kept parting the seas of cars...

We had Franco the last two times in Rome and I will keep requesting him because I've never had a more calm driver. I would love to spend the weekend with him (I wonder what his rate is) :D He has fascinating stories.

Being a former police officer I can tell busy driving. Lots of motorcycles cer drivers trying to get position. As you said, the driving is crazy, which can be dangerous. In fact we saw an accident while touring there. If you are not used to that heavy traffic it can be dangerous. People should be aware of that before they get in the middle of it.

lol... this is another reason I love private tours. I like to sit back and have someone else worry about the traffic and everything else.

On the Vatican garden tour... I thought this was a big snoozer and a waste of time and money if this is your very first trip. I have been to Rome a lot and thought my mother would enjoy the tour. First off, it's not like you see a bunch of flowers or anything. There were WAY too many people and I just didn't find it that interesting. There are far better ways to spend your time on a first trip to Rome.

Hello,

I arrive in Rome on a Saturday at noon.

Havent booked a hotel. Only 2 ppl so far.

 

I was thinking I have to do the Vatican on a Saturday or Monday because it is closed on a Sunday (I had no idea). The rate was so much cheaper for me to do it all in one day, but worried will it be rushed as I wont arrive till noon? What if my flight is delayed?

Does the rome in a day on their website include a guide? Maybe thats why its cheaper for it all together?

 

What do you think I should do to best save on cost? I would like to use RIL as much as I can but to split up the two days it it so much more.

 

Is it necessary to have a tour guide for the Vatican? Should I get a hotel by the Vatican? Use them only as a cab?

If I do the Vatican non the Saturday, what should I do on the Sunday to make up those hours?

 

Sat- Arrive noon, Vatican city (own, tour guide, cab)? Move to Monday??

Sunday- Rest of Rome?

Monday- Transfer to cruise ship?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated

The very best way to get exact information is to email Jany and ask direct questions. That said, I HIGHLY suggest a guide for the Vatican Museum. I had been 3 different times before I went with the private guide when I took my daughter. It was amazing how it went from some huge museum to this incredible historical building with so many interesting facts. It wasn't one bit boring and it wasn't overwhelming either. It was just REALLY interesting. SO much that I can't wait to return again and focus on different artists. The history behind the art in this place is just unreal. I think it's one of the most interesting museums I've ever been to. But I will say that it is totally because of a guide.

It's hard to say because I don't know your budget, but if this is your first trip to Rome and you want to get as much out of it as possible, I would split up your time and see as much possible. If that isn't in the financial cards for you, you could always combine an airport pick-up with a full day tour. But that is a LOT to do on arrival. I could do it, but it would kill my husband and I would end up being single before the cruise left port:D

Don't skimp on the guides though. Unless you are an art history major yourself, the way they make it all come alive is worth every penny and it's not as stressful trying to navigate your way.

This history and tour through the Forum is incredible also. Oooh so much to see and do. I would probably do two days, but that's me. If you can find anyone else on your Roll Call that is staying a similar length of time you could share a tour or two and greatly lessen your cost?

Good luck! You will LOVE Rome! Especially if you don't let it overwhelm you. Know you won't see it all... and decide you'll be back.

Agreed, timing is everything with Pompeii and Romeinlimo rocks! We've been there with absolutely no one there. It's been incredible for photos.

Also, I agree with Terpnut, on a first visit, I'd spend all my time in Florence. There is plenty to see and do and Romeinlimo can arrange reservation times into the Accademia and the Uffizi. Personally, I would only hit the Accademia and see the "David" for my first trip to Florence. Michelangelo's David is one of the coolest things I've seen in any museum.

Have a great time! You couldn't pick a better tour company!

We are looking at RIL to book our transfers and tours in Rome. There is so many positives. A couple questions. How can we contact Jany? Has anyone booked a precruise package with transfers, tours and hotel through RIL? Is this a good way to go about it?

Their website has all contact information on it. Jany is incredible with communicating. I've not seen anyone better and I have worked with a TON of private tour companies. I don't think she ever sleeps :)