jas283a

Our flight is around 5 PM, so I think we'd have time from what I've read.

Just picking up this thread. Quick question, I had seen somewhere that you can often do a tour of Stonehenge (or Windsor castle) on a transfer to the airport. We’re on Princess in June and they offer this. Any recommendations for companies to look at?

Thanks for summarizing for us. I tried to follow that thread, but after page 2 of 50, I needed the gist!

We did Mendenhall walk-up. There was plenty of other buses, didn’t seem like a problem. Granted this was pre-COVID. Grabbed a car in Victoria, it was fine.

I did it in March. It’s at least a hour, between an hour to a hour and a half. We’ve done it twice through Native Choice, highly highly recommend. You will not be disappointed and they will easily make sure you’re back in time. The nice thing on the way back is you have the AC to cool you off from the jungle.

Something to be aware of, we just found out the hard way, that the shuttle goes until only 1 PM. Because of our daughter’s missing luggage, we got off the Metro much later than anticipated and were there about 1:10. After waiting 10-15 minutes, we decided to do the 30 minutes to walk it (on maps we thought it was a little less than a mile, we’re pretty sure it was close to 2 miles). It all worked out, but several of us would’ve been left in the lurch if our family didn’t just decide to walk.

We did ruins with my then 6 year old (who is not necessarily a go with the flow child, especially then). It was not a fun experience, especially for my wife. The problem was her getting hot and sweaty quickly, which you can’t avoid in the jungle. I would not recommend with a 3 year old unless they’re super easy going and adventurous. Even them still a long bus ride. I think the aviary at the port was really fun and I think would be perfect for you 3 year old and your 14 year will probably like more than they admit it. But that’s 30 minutes 😂. We’ve never done Mahahual or beaches there, so couldn’t say. Maybe 7 colors lagoon?

We took a pirate ship whale watching excursion, an independent one but bet it’s the same company. We used the Buccaneer Queen, the company is Wild Cabo Tours, I think. If it’s the same company highly recommend them, we had a wonderful time with the ambiance, food, drinks, etc. outside of the actual whale watching.

Our guide was Edder and our driver was Miguel. Say hi if you happen to see them, you’ll have a great time.

Sorry we did a ship excursion and had a longer port day, can’t help you there.

I’ve been to Corfu, Santorini, and Olympia (Katakolon), sorry can’t help on the others. Assuming you want to go to Olympia, it’s an hour away from the port. We were there last July so things in port were just starting to open, so we went through the cruise, I was glad. We did a ship excursion in Corfu, loved it, but could be done DIY depending on what you want to do. Santorini, I would say same thing as Corfu (that time we did DIY to Oia). Here’s how I would rank the 3 on these factors: Need Good Physical Stamina 1 Santorini 2 Olympia (Katokolon) 3 Corfu Amount of Planning 1 Olympia (Katokolon) 2 Santorini 3 Corfu

We were going to do Delos on our own, I think pretty easy to do, just be aware of the ferry schedule from Mykonos to Delos and when you ship will be there. I would just look it up online. Also some ships dock in port (and then you have to walk or take a water taxi to the main area, but the water taxi takes you right next to the Delos ferry), or tender, so factor that in to the timing of your port time and ferry departures/return ferry. Our schedule would’ve worked out just fine. We didn’t go because we were too tired. I think you were given good advise on beach, we didn’t do the beach so I can’t recommend anything. There’s a strip of cafes and restaurants very close to the Delos ferry, I would plan to meet up there when your family is due to return and grab a bite or very yummy gelato!

I’ve done Native’s Choice twice. Hands down I would do them again. It’s about a 25 or so minute walk from leaving the ship (if you don’t take the pier shuttle) to their office, 15 minutes or so for pier and port area and 10 or so minutes once you exit the port. They drop you off right outside the port area so it’s a shorter walk back. They do an excellent job explaining how to get there. One time it was an air conditioned bus, another time air conditioned van. Both very comfortable. Had water to keep you hydrated. First time just ruins and about 25 people (pre-pandemic). Second time ruins plus authentic Mayan meal, there were 8 of us (March 2022). The last time with the meal was easily one of the best excursions we’ve ever done, and sailed quite a bit. The food and cultural experience was unforgettable (though it is a much longer day, but the meal part was very low key and relaxing). You make your own tortilla from scratch, eat an authentic meal made from scratch using all ingredients grown in the garden where you are eating (the hibiscus drink was particularly memorable), while they explain what all the trees and plants are, and how they’re used. And it’s not a tourist trap, either, felt very authentic. Both times the guides were excellent, responsive, and could answer any questions you asked. Also moved at a pace to avoid any crowds from others coming. They are very observant of time and you feel confident the whole time you will get back to the ship with time to spare. I understand if you have the ship credit, but again I can’t more highly recommend Native’s Choice!

It’s the same way with my wife and I, absolutely get it!

Great specific advise for each port (at least the one’s I’ve been to), I would agree with all of it. I’d add for Heraklion, we did Knossos and the museum DIY, using a Hop on/Hop Off bus. We chose not to, but you can hire guides once you get there. The museum was amazing and I would highly recommend. I might also say pace yourself, especially if you don’t have any sea days. If you have multiple all-day excursions you will wear yourself out quickly, especially since it will be pretty hot in August. So if, for example, you are out all day in Heraklion with Knossos and the museum, maybe you plan for an easier, shorter day ashore the next port in Mykonos (unsure an itinerary, just an example).