Not Allowed to Book a Shore Excursion with Same Company that SS is Using.

[Northerncheapo]

So, I'm interested in the Segway tour in Malta for our upcoming Spirit cruise in May. SS offers it as a shore excursion for $209/person which I found crazy (I've done Segway a few places around the world and it's usually around $100 per person, give or take).

 

I researched the segway market in Malta and sent out two emails requesting quotes for the tours I was interested in. I rec'd responses from two companies. One said that his tour was 90E BUT if I was on the Silver Wind (I think he meant Spirit) he had their booking and I had to book with SS on the boat. At almost double the price???

 

I can appreciate that SS has every right to charge whatever they want for their excursions but to prevent people from booking with thier preferred agents seems a little wrong to me.

 

I guess I have to go with the other guy who quoted me at 70E for a slightly shorter time.

 

That's it...just wanted to share.

 

Happy sailing everyone!

[wripro]

A lot of cruise lines do this, especially in Alaska where excursions are so expensive. They don't want you to have the cheaper alternative.

[Northerncheapo]

Yes, I know, Wripro. It's funny...I can be the most generous person in some regards and not think twice about $$ but the second someone tells me I HAVE to spend twice the amount, my back gets up against the wall. LOL

 

Like I said, I get it, but don't like it.

 

Good news is (which has nothing to do with Segways or shore excursions): I've lost 8 of the 10 pounds I gained when i quit smoking and I should be able to fit into my gowns in 37 days!

[RachelG]

I have heard of this practice before though haven't personally experienced it. I think it is because the tour operator and the cruise company enter a contract where the cruise company will schedule passengers for the tour company's tour, but in return, the tour company can't offer the tour directly to passengers for less than the cruise company does.

[conchyjoe]

Do a bit of research and find a hotel that is not too far from the cruise ship terminal. Then just tell your selected tour company that you will be staying there and do not mention the ship.

 

Walk or taxi from the ship to the hotel and simply wait outside at the appointed time.

 

For a true cheapo ... were there is a bill .. there is a way. :)

[spotlottydog]

Do a bit of research and find a hotel that is not too far from the cruise ship terminal. Then just tell your selected tour company that you will be staying there and do not mention the ship.

 

Walk or taxi from the ship to the hotel and simply wait outside at the appointed time.

 

For a true cheapo ... were there is a bill .. there is a way. :)

 

Love it!!

[Northerncheapo]

LOL, Conchyjoe....sounds like a plan IF i hadn't already shown my cards.

 

I emailed the guy back asking 'why would I want to pay $200 more just b/c I'm on the ship?" He never emailed back, LOL. The interesting thing is, the second quote I got from a different Segway operator (there are only two in Malta), came back 60 Euros MORE than his original quote with an "im sorry, this is the actual price". Me thinks they are in cahoots (sp?).

 

I'm not too worried about it...it's just annoying. I just hate how people like to spend MY money because they think that I can afford it. Well, you know why I have money? CUZ I DONT SPEND MORE THAN I HAVE TO! :D

 

Ok, getting totally off topic and high jacking my own thread,lol.

 

Happy sailing everyone! A few more weeks for me!

[conchyjoe]

LOL, Conchyjoe....sounds like a plan IF i hadn't already shown my cards.

 

I emailed the guy back asking 'why would I want to pay $200 more just b/c I'm on the ship?" He never emailed back, LOL. The interesting thing is, the second quote I got from a different Segway operator (there are only two in Malta), came back 60 Euros MORE than his original quote with an "im sorry, this is the actual price". Me thinks they are in cahoots (sp?).

 

I'm not too worried about it...it's just annoying. I just hate how people like to spend MY money because they think that I can afford it. Well, you know why I have money? CUZ I DONT SPEND MORE THAN I HAVE TO! :D

 

Ok, getting totally off topic and high jacking my own thread,lol.

 

Happy sailing everyone! A few more weeks for me!

 

Book the tour in a friend's name/credit card using the close hotel as a place where you are staying. The tours never check ID, they just need your reservation coupon.