FWFrog

Will see you on board!

Thank you for sharing. Is this change confirmed for both September 23 and October 2? We embark on October 2.

Hello - we have done a few Star Clippers. In fact, we were to be on the second week of your itinerary but have shifted for this year and will return next year. I can share some thoughts. Like you, I like to plan my own tours and have often use Tours by Locals. So, I think I can relate. When we do a Star Clipper, I reset my expectations. I do not find the ship tours to be anything more than ordinary, but also very relaxed. This seems to align with the nature of the typical Star Clipper passenger. They are not on the cruise for the shore excursions and most just wander around in the port cities. We also had some last-minute changes to our itinerary that required us to cancel a pre-planned tour. We made many friends on our last SC cruise. On more than one occasion, they joined us for last-minute plans in port. For example, a large group followed us on the train for an excursion to Seville from the Port of Cadiz. In Gibralter, we joined with another couple and hired a guide outside of the port. Last minute plans seemed to fit better with our sail-mates. I have spent much time in Athens. The city is easily reached by the HOHO bus, metro, or Xpress bus. All have stops near the cruise terminals, although it is a bit of a walk to the Metro. Athens is very easy to navigate and there's a pretty standard set of sites. I always recommend touring on your own and using the Rick Steve's Audio walking tours. They are perfect for seeing the Plaka area, the Acropolis, and the Forum. Hope this is helpful! Enjoy - - we would have committed to sharing tours! Maybe another time.

I can confirm that COVID tests are very easy to find and arrange in Italy - offered in testing tents and pharmacies. I have never found appointments to be necessary. Of course, I would anticipate the situation may change as the demand for tests go down.. Therefore, you should verify closer to your sail time. I have also used the Binex "telehealth" tests many, many times. The certificate does not specify "telehealth" and looks like every other certificate.

Lisbon is easy on your own. Rick Steves App has a nice audio walking tour that you can download. Makes it easy to go at your own pace and gives a good overview of the city.

In the past, we have called and asked for the schedule and the agent provided. Of course, everything is subject to change. For the most part, the schedule was fairly accurate with a few exceptions on a 14 day sail during COVID.