filmfestgirl

I use Golden Tours for clients and the experience has varied depending on tour. my recent client (I'm also travel agent) had mixed reaction to the Stonehenge/Windsor Castle/Oxford tour as the big bus was combined two language tours so the guide was translating that day and split focus. they have good tours if you like large bus for less. the guide was good and Stonehenge is a long day no matter which tour you do.

as for Viator I've used them in many cities - they are like Open Table for tours. easy to see but all vendors are there and they don't tell you which vendor it is until you buy. most tour operators put some inventory on Viator. so you could buy the tour on Viator and find out it's a Golden Tour

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mom and I used the English Bus for our Stonehenge tour - small group, locally owned, pick up behind the London Eye - great day (long day though) to Stonehenge, bath and an English village - I write a lot about London on philatravelgirl blog as I visit a few times a year for over 20yrs

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we've spent a month on Gozo (some photos on philatravelgirl blog) quad bikes are helpful to get around the hilly and unpaved roads to the great views around the island. we've not done the tour but does look fun

as for tender back, I'm not sure but Mgarr Harbour and Gozo is small island so if doing ship tour you should be fine. if doing a private tour, I'd confirm with vendor if you can get back earlier if needed

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holyrood wasn't open during my visit - I did do the Mary Kings Close underground tour which was interesting although I preferred the end when you get to stand on the original close (alleyway)

Edinburgh also has a plethora of ghost tours if you like those types of tours

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both Edinburgh and Stirling castles are lovely (I visited both last weekend) but can't compare to Versailles and Neuschwanstein

I enjoyed Stirling more as they had interesting characters in a few rooms to explain and answer questions. they also had fun interactive displays for kids that I enjoyed.

the views are stunning and its less crowded than Edinburgh castle plus was part of our highlands/loch tour so great add on to understand Scotland Royal history that happened at Stirling before James of Scotland left to become King of England. the history is fascinating in my opinion

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My friend and I stayed in regular room on epic and went to the studio lounge every night for solo events - it was great meeting others. The solo lounge happy hour allows all attendees to sign up for group events - plus your cabins are connected to shared lounge so you'll meet lots of folks walking thru there as it has coffee area, tvs, vending machines, lounge area seating - have fun

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I sailed on NCL Epic and usually met people at the nightly solo lounge event and we then went to dinner in MDR. The other restaurants would seat me solo otherwise. You can also sign up in the lounge on the board to join others in various dining rooms and specialty restaurants

Tip - secret cookie tray was in casino corner by high roller tables but anyone could help themselves

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Find a cruise travel agent you like and get on their list of deal emails - my TA emails me when celebrity is 150% or no SS deals

I found that repositioning cruises are best deals if you have time and like sea days

Some river cruises waived SS and Azamara does on a few sailings

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Cruise lines are slowly (very slowly) focusing on solo travelers who travel alone or as part of a group.

NCL in my opinion leads in the studio cabins with double beds, solo lounge and coordinator to help those who do want to meet others.

Royal Caribbean is adding solo rooms to new ships.

Azamara has a few no SS sailings and there are river cruises that do same.

I've sailed solo on Celebrity, Princess, Royal, Carnival, NCL and scheduled next is Disney (with family) and HAL (hating the 200% fee so I try to look out for discounts on cruises) - I prefer anytime dining to meet new people for dinner and the option to dine alone if I want.

I've tried a few "solo meetings" but wasn't impressed opting for cruise critic meetups and private tours

I often get adopted on cruises and have made so many great friends

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I've traveled cruised solo for about 20+ years now - my first cruise on Princess was the Baltics and I loved anytime dining. I met the best people married, single, widowed, etc. I've been adopted many times. Some nights I skipped dining room and dined solo elsewhere - it's the freedom to do as you wish.

I've met many great friends on cruises.

I'm next off to Alaska again as my first attempt many years ago the ship broke down and we skipped the glaciers on a glacier cruise!

as a TA I encourage clients to sail solo once to give it a try they are never alone with new friends they meet - I love the studio cabins (and solo lounge) on NCL and they do too.

Have a great time!

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