exploringtheplanet

3 hours ago, Ine said:

Transportation from IJmuiden is a bit complicated and takes a lot of your time. Check with your cruiseline for a possible shuttle to/from Amsterdam. Unfortunately because of that distance a possible prive driver will be expensive too. Another problem might be parking his car while you go to Anne Frankhuis. Amsterdam is rather unfriendly to cars and buses. You are aware you need to book AF tickets online, no more standing in line there. Tickets come available 2 months prior your visit and after that sometimes some of them later too. Keep checking their website!

3 hours ago, FreestyleNovice said:

That's a busy schedule! IJmuiden is further from Amsterdam than you might want to with your plans.

 

Perhaps arranging private transport might suit you better if you don't want to stick with the cruise line.. I don't think there are any companies using IJmuiden as a base.. but I could be wrong!

Thank you, both. Are either of you familiar with Amsterdamcitytours.com? They seem to have a pretty inclusive itinerary except for Anne Frank of course.

https://www.amsterdamcitytours.com/tours/shore-excursions/one-day-shore-excursion-from-ijmuiden/

Looking for recommendations on private tour companies operating out of Ijumiden. We are docking there in July and are hoping to do a half day tour outside of the city to look at the windmills, cheese factories, etc and then be able to tour the downtown area including Anne Frank house and canal tour. We are in port from 7am-7pm so I feel that this itinerary would be doable?

Anyone have a good experience with a particular company? How about transportation from Ijumiden? Thanks for any advice!

On ‎12‎/‎2‎/‎2018 at 7:00 PM, rockymtnmom said:

We are sailing on the NCL Spirit next July, with stops in Iceland and Norway.  We have been to Iceland before during a stopover on our way to Europe a couple of summers ago, and have done the Blue Lagoon and driven the Golden Circle ourselves.  This time, our cruise will take us to Akureyri too.  I am looking at booking a guided tour, as I'm not sure if it would be worth the hassle of renting a car for just the day.  Has anyone had experience with FAB Travel?  I am looking at the Lake Myvatn excursion, which includes a dip in the Nature Baths (we really enjoyed the Blue Lagoon the last time).  I've seen positive reviews for FAB Travel on Trip Advisor, but was wondering if there is another company that is highly recommended by cruisers that I haven't come across yet.  

 

We are also stopping in Geiranger and Nordfjordeid, Norway.  NCL does not have any excursions listed for these ports yet, and I've had little luck finding independent tours.  Are these ports suitable for do-it-yourself touring, or would it be best if I find a guided tour?  I'm traveling with my family (F & M 50, F15). 

 

Any advice is greatly appreciated!  Thanks!  

There is a roll call set-up for the July 7th departure on the spirit! Would love for you to join in on the conversation!