2012 Nautica--Hong Kong to Athens

[Grandants]

Does anyone have an opinion regarding the overland tour to Angor Wat, Taj Mahal, and Luxor overnight experience offered by Oceania. Also, the pre-cruise tour to Beijing and Xian. Are the trips a good value?

[capecodder2]

Can only speak to O's Taj Mahal excursion which we did in 2009. It was fabulous. The charter flights were comfortable, buses fine, excellent tour guide and, of course, the fabulous Taj Mahal - well, what can one say? We visited the Taj at sunset and sunrise (that was optional and required a very early morning) but I wouldn't have missed it. The other sights we visited were also wonderful. Very hot (104 at sunset) and dry, food okay but designed to fit everyone's digestion. I, personally, was very diasppointed that it was so "Americanized".

 

Have been to both Ankor Wat and Luxor on land trips and if you can do all three, by all means do it, especially if it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

 

I would do that cruise again in a minute. Enjoy.

[Paulchili]

Does anyone have an opinion regarding the overland tour to Angor Wat, Taj Mahal, and Luxor overnight experience offered by Oceania. Also, the pre-cruise tour to Beijing and Xian. Are the trips a good value?

 

Are they a good value - no

Are they wonderful - yes

Like all cruise line excursions and hotel packages, these too are overpriced. One can do much better if one books the hotels or shore excursions themselves.

This, however, is not always possible or practical. If this is a one time visit to these areas, by all means book all of them. If you plan to return to any of those places you may do better (pricewise) on your own.

You certainly cannot beat the convenience as Oceania will take care of everything for you. You are paying a premium for this service and convenience.

Let your pocketbook be your guide :)