Any Edinburgh / Leith / Rosyth questions, let me know.

[cole]

How difficult is it to find a cab after the Military Tattoo to take us back to the Ocean Princess?

 

I am asking this question again, hoping we can get a response. ;)

Cole

[Hawaiian Mongoose]

There is a website which will be of some help to you. It's http://www.cruiseforth.com and it will tell you about transfers etc. however in short you will be able to get a coach transfer into the city or take the train. There are details on the website and on this site too but please feel free to ask anything specific.

 

We had housesitters (when we were away on a cruise of course!) and they used and spoke very highly about Sandemans and said they would definitely recommend but I haven't used them personally.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Thanks for the link and the feedback on Sandemans. Patric

[Steph27]

I am asking this question again, hoping we can get a response. ;)

Cole

 

It depends what time the show ends. When we saw the Military Tattoo it was the last show of the season and ended after midnight. There were so many people! It was very hard to get a taxi. However, the ship was overnighting in Rosyth outside of Edinburgh. We actually booked a hotel so walked there.

 

I suggest you contact one of the taxi companies. They may be able to help you book a car in advance.

[tartanexile81]

I am asking this question again, hoping we can get a response. ;)

Cole

 

Can you give me some more details please and I will try to help you. What day of the week will you be there and what time does your show start? I assume you are overnighting in Rosyth too if you are on Ocean Princess?

[cole]

Can you give me some more details please and I will try to help you. What day of the week will you be there and what time does your show start? I assume you are overnighting in Rosyth too if you are on Ocean Princess?

 

The show begins at 9:00. We are there August 13th and 14th, so it will be an overnight. Our tickets are for the 13th. Thanks so much for assisting everyone and answering all of the questions. Our port is Rosyth, so the train is not as accessible as at the other port which is the reason for the questions about the taxi availability.

Cole

 

OOPS - meant Tattoo Taxi!

Edited January 12, 2014 by cole

[tartanexile81]

The tattoo lasts 90 minutes and so ends at around 10.30. Obviously there will be a lot of people trying to get out of the area and away from the area at the same time. I would suggest 3 options really:

 

1.We live on the same railway line as Rosyth so when we went to the Tattoo, we just got the train home. There are trains from Waverley at 23:08 and 23:18 to Inverkeithing which is actually the railway station closest to the port. You would have no trouble getting to the station in time for either of these trains. There are always lots of taxis meeting the trains at Inverkeithing: we use it regularly and have never had to wait. The train takes 23 mins and then it would only be 5-10 minutes back to your ship.

 

2.The second option I would suggest would be to head away from the crowds at the castle to pick up a taxi. You could walk down to the main shopping street, Princes Street (10 minutes walk) and there will be plenty of taxis around; or you could even go to Waverley Station on Princes Street where the taxis. gather.

 

3.The other alternative would be to pre-book a cab and arrange to meet it at 10:45 say, at a quieter spot away from the castle. [the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street could be a good option.] You can google that but roughly you follow the crowds down the Royal Mile from the castle for about 400 yards, turn right into George lV Bridge at the traffic lights by Deacon Brodie's pub, then after about 200 yards take the first left]. If you look at the website: http://www.cruiseforth.com you will get the numbers of local taxi firms. One very big company is Edinburgh is Central taxis 0131- 229 – 2468

 

You will be spending the day before the tattoo so you could spend a few minutes checking out your route etc. I’m on a TA Ruby Princess in September and lots of the members of my roll call are doing a B2B which also includes the round Britain itinerary. I hope you enjoy yourself but let me know if you need to know anything else.

[cole]

The tattoo lasts 90 minutes and so ends at around 10.30. Obviously there will be a lot of people trying to get out of the area and away from the area at the same time. I would suggest 3 options really:

 

1.We live on the same railway line as Rosyth so when we went to the Tattoo, we just got the train home. There are trains from Waverley at 23:08 and 23:18 to Inverkeithing which is actually the railway station closest to the port. You would have no trouble getting to the station in time for either of these trains. There are always lots of taxis meeting the trains at Inverkeithing: we use it regularly and have never had to wait. The train takes 23 mins and then it would only be 5-10 minutes back to your ship.

 

2.The second option I would suggest would be to head away from the crowds at the castle to pick up a taxi. You could walk down to the main shopping street, Princes Street (10 minutes walk) and there will be plenty of taxis around; or you could even go to Waverley Station on Princes Street where the taxis. gather.

 

3.The other alternative would be to pre-book a cab and arrange to meet it at 10:45 say, at a quieter spot away from the castle. [the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street could be a good option.] You can google that but roughly you follow the crowds down the Royal Mile from the castle for about 400 yards, turn right into George lV Bridge at the traffic lights by Deacon Brodie's pub, then after about 200 yards take the first left]. If you look at the website: http://www.cruiseforth.com you will get the numbers of local taxi firms. One very big company is Edinburgh is Central taxis 0131- 229 – 2468

 

You will be spending the day before the tattoo so you could spend a few minutes checking out your route etc. I’m on a TA Ruby Princess in September and lots of the members of my roll call are doing a B2B which also includes the round Britain itinerary. I hope you enjoy yourself but let me know if you need to know anything else.

 

All excellent suggestions. Did not know that the train would be an option at our port. I will also pass on this information for Roll Call members.

Cole

[bunzini]

We are planning on going to see the Tattoo. I think I can assume that the more expensive the seat, the better to see the show. However, I wondered if you can still see most from the sides as well. Does the show mostly 'face' the front ?

[tartanexile81]

We are planning on going to see the Tattoo. I think I can assume that the more expensive the seat, the better to see the show. However, I wondered if you can still see most from the sides as well. Does the show mostly 'face' the front ?

 

The temporary seating takes some time to install on the castle esplanade and it is placed in three sides of a rectangle with the castle being the fourth side. The performers do move around facing different directions but as the bands etc march out they obviously face the front where the most expensive seats / VIP boxes etc are. However the seating goes up quite high so wherever you sit you will still enjoy the whole spectacle and the sounds.

 

Here is a plan of the arena

http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets/seating-plan-and-prices

 

When we were there a couple of years ago, we sat high up in block 14 and had a brilliant view, and missed nothing

[Bobocasey]

We will be visiting Edinburgh late September. Looking to book flight home, how long does it take to get to the airport from around Waverly station? What is the cheapest way and what is the fastest way to get there? About how early do we need to be at the airport to check in for a flight to the US? We will be leaving Edinburgh on a Friday morning.

[tartanexile81]

We will be visiting Edinburgh late September. Looking to book flight home, how long does it take to get to the airport from around Waverly station? What is the cheapest way and what is the fastest way to get there? About how early do we need to be at the airport to check in for a flight to the US? We will be leaving Edinburgh on a Friday morning.

 

I can certainly help with the cheapest way to the airport and that is the dedicated bus from Waverley Bridge, at the main vehicle entrance to Waverley Station. It costs £4 per person , takes just 30 minutes and there is lots of space set aside for luggage. It is a normal double-decker bus but the seating of a better quality!

 

http://lothianbuses.com/services/airlink

 

As to when you would need to be at the airport, I really don't know. I cruise so I don't have to fly and haven't flown for a long time now. I would imagine it would be 2 hours at least as I have dropped friends off but can't be sure about that.

[gstewart]

I can certainly help with the cheapest way to the airport and that is the dedicated bus from Waverley Bridge, at the main vehicle entrance to Waverley Station. It costs £4 per person , takes just 30 minutes and there is lots of space set aside for luggage. It is a normal double-decker bus but the seating of a better quality!

 

http://lothianbuses.com/services/airlink

 

As to when you would need to be at the airport, I really don't know. I cruise so I don't have to fly and haven't flown for a long time now. I would imagine it would be 2 hours at least as I have dropped friends off but can't be sure about that.

 

By September you will also have the novelty of taking a tram to the airport from Central Edinburgh. Slightly more expensive and takes roughly the same time.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[cole]

What golf courses are near Rosyth or easily booked for a round while the ship is in port? And what company would a person contact to schedule a pick up at the ship, book a round and then return them to the ship?

Cole

[tartanexile81]

I don't play golf but there are many golf courses close to Rosyth.

 

Within an hour, you could be at St Andrews or Gleneagles.

 

http://www.standrews.org.uk/Play

 

I don't know when you're travelling but according to the Gleneagles website

"There are three golf courses at Gleneagles that are open to both hotel residents and visiting golfers. The PGA Centenary – Host Venue for The 2014 Ryder Cup, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and the King’s and Queen’s courses, designed by James Braid, will be available to play from now until four weeks before The Ryder Cup".

 

http://www.gleneagles.com/golf/ryder-cup-2014/

 

On the Scottish tourism website, there is a page about golf courses in Fife. Most of them are used for qualifying for the British Open or other European ranking tournaments.

 

http://www.scotland.com/golf-courses/fife/

 

In terms of local courses, the nearest one is probably Pitreavie http://www.pitreaviegolfclub.co.uk/. It is in Dunfermline, 10 minutes or so by taxi.

 

The next one is by the sea and looks out over the Forth towards Edinburgh. It is Aberdour and this is their website. Click on the tab for visitors.

http://www.aberdourgolfclub.co.uk/.

Aberdour is also quite close to the port - 10-15 minutes.

 

There are lots of local taxi companies and some of them will no doubt be meeting the ship, if you managed to book your own round prior to setting off from home. Have a look at this website for info about the port etc

http://www.cruiseforth.com.

Let me know if I can help further.

Edited January 17, 2014 by tartanexile81

[cole]

I don't play golf but there are many golf courses close to Rosyth.

 

Within an hour, you could be at St Andrews or Gleneagles.

 

http://www.standrews.org.uk/Play

 

I don't know when you're travelling but according to the Gleneagles website

"There are three golf courses at Gleneagles that are open to both hotel residents and visiting golfers. The PGA Centenary – Host Venue for The 2014 Ryder Cup, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and the King’s and Queen’s courses, designed by James Braid, will be available to play from now until four weeks before The Ryder Cup".

 

http://www.gleneagles.com/golf/ryder-cup-2014/

 

On the Scottish tourism website, there is a page about golf courses in Fife. Most of them are used for qualifying for the British Open or other European ranking tournaments.

 

http://www.scotland.com/golf-courses/fife/

 

In terms of local courses, the nearest one is probably Pitreavie http://www.pitreaviegolfclub.co.uk/. It is in Dunfermline, 10 minutes or so by taxi.

 

The next one is by the sea and looks out over the Forth towards Edinburgh. It is Aberdour and this is their website. Click on the tab for visitors.

http://www.aberdourgolfclub.co.uk/.

Aberdour is also quite close to the port - 10-15 minutes.

 

There are lots of local taxi companies and some of them will no doubt be meeting the ship, if you managed to book your own round prior to setting off from home. Have a look at this website for info about the port etc

http://www.cruiseforth.com.

Let me know if I can help further.

 

Cannot tell you how much we appreciate all of your help. :) This should answer all of their questions.

Cole

[mollymoomoo]

Hi, we are on the 3 night cruise on the Thomson Spirit from Liverpool to Newcastle and stop for the day in Edinburgh on 26th May. Have never been to Scotland before and want to make the most of the day we have in Edinburgh. What should be on our "to see list"? We dock at 9am and sail at 7pm.

 

Thank you very much , Heather

Edited January 19, 2014 by mollymoomoo

[cole]

Hi, we are on the 3 night cruise on the Thomson Spirit from Liverpool to Newcastle and stop for the day in Edinburgh on 26th May. Have never been to Scotland before and want to make the most of the day we have in Edinburgh. What should be on our "to see list"? We dock at 9am and sail at 7pm.

 

Thank you very much , Heather

 

I am sure the originator of this stream will respond, but as someone who was fortunate to have been there last year, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Hop On busses for the opportunity to see everything you would want to see while there. An easy way to include all of the high points of any city.

Cole

[tartanexile81]

I am sure the originator of this stream will respond, but as someone who was fortunate to have been there last year, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Hop On busses for the opportunity to see everything you would want to see while there. An easy way to include all of the high points of any city.

Cole

 

I'm not the originator of the thread but happy to help. Some people on my cruise in September are doing a B2B with a Round Britain trip preceding our Transatlantic so this is what I suggested to them

 

Catch bus from Ocean terminal to Waverley Station on Princes Street. http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/timetables/22

 

Do hoho tour from Waverley Bridge, returning back to the same point This will give you an overview of the Old and New Town. I recommend the Green Bus

Get off Green Bus again and walk to Castle. You will see it above you. Go round castle and plan in advance what you want to see.

Leave Castle and head down Royal Mile. Turn right at first set of traffic lights onto George IV Bridge and go to see Statue of Greyfriars Bobby (if you love animals like me!). Stop for light lunch at the Elephant House where it is said JK Rowling wrote some of the first Harry Potter Books

 

http://edinburghtour.com/tours/edinburgh-tour

 

http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/

 

http://www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/

 

Retrace steps back to Royal Mile and visit St Giles Cathedral, the High Kirk of Scotland. Continue down Royal Mile looking at all the buildings.

 

Arrive Holyrood Palace / Scottish Parliament Building. You can visit if you want. After that, jump on the hoho and head back to Waverley Bridge. From there walk along Princes Street Gardens with optional climb of Scott Monument for great long distance views or to enjoy the sunshine (hopefully)

OR go to Hard Rock Café or Dome (amazing Bar / Restaurant) almost next to each other in George Street

OR visit a traditional Scottish pub (recommendations available!!).

 

You are still close to Waverley for a short stroll back to the station

 

Catch bus back to Ocean terminal

 

This will give you a good view of central Edinburgh. It is a compact walkable city so you will see many of the important sites.

[Scriv]

I don't know if Bobocasey has found a hotel yet, but at a very busy time in Edinburgh last year in September when all inner city hotels and B & Bs were either full or very very expensive, my husband and I were very happy with the Holiday Inn Express at Leith, near Ocean Terminal. It was no frills, but very reasonable, clean and comfortable and very well priced. There is a bus stop right outside the door for getting into town - and there is also a bus which goes to the airport, but it does take a long time!

 

I agree of course with tartanexile about the superb airport bus from Waverley station.

 

Hope you natives of Edinburgh don't mind me chipping in with my little bit of experience as a visitor in Edinburgh and sampling several hotels. My husband worked in Edinburgh for a few years and I visited the wonderful city as often as I could. Lovely place.

 

One thing though, we have had problems spending the Scottish pound notes down here in England! It's crazy.

[Hawaiian Mongoose]

I'm not the originator of the thread but happy to help. Some people on my cruise in September are doing a B2B with a Round Britain trip preceding our Transatlantic so this is what I suggested to them

 

Hello Again Rhona,

Thanks for the detailed information, again. I have a full page or more of notes from you about Edinburgh. We are with you on the Ruby in September. Of course I have questions. With all this planning information on my desk and computer, I am not sure of the source, but somewhere I found a link or thread or something! The point is it recommended Edinburgh Bus Tours. They have a "Grand" ticket that allows you to ride all day on any of the five tours for 17 GBP. Do you have any comment or advice about the firm or the tours? We will be in Edinburgh twice, once in May and once in August. I was thinking of one of the days spent on the Bus Tours and one day spent on walking tours. Does this approach sound reasonable to you. Edinburgh is the only port where I have not finalized our plans. Any help or advice is appreciated. Patric

[tartanexile81]

Hi Patric

This is the ticket you're talking about

 

http://edinburghtour.com/ticket-offers

 

I think it's excellent value because you get up to 48 hours unlimited travel. My only reservation would be that the tours cover many of the same spots so I would probably do two:

The Edinburgh Tour (look out for a green bus) which covers the Old Town and New Town and the Majestic Tour which will take you to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Royal Yacht Britannia as well as the old port.

 

I would get off the yellow bus (Majestic) at Britannia and the Botanic Gardens and the following day walk the route of the Edinburgh Tour, which covers much of Edinburgh City Centre. We had friends visiting a few months ago and we did the green bus with them and then walked it. They really enjoyed it. All the tours in Edinburgh are operated by the same company and the reason I would choose the Edinburgh Tour is it covers the main sites and also there's a guide onboard with you.

Rhona

[Hawaiian Mongoose]

Hi Patric

This is the ticket you're talking about

 

http://edinburghtour.com/ticket-offers

 

Rhona

 

Many thanks Rhona,

 

What a treasure to have you as a resource!!

 

Is the bridge where the tender docks in South Queensferry called Hawes Pier?

 

Thanks. Patric

[tartanexile81]

Many thanks Rhona,

 

What a treasure to have you as a resource!!

 

Is the bridge where the tender docks in South Queensferry called Hawes Pier?

 

Thanks. Patric

 

That's right Patric. If you look out in the next couple of days I'm going to post a few photos of Hawes Pier and the walk to the station. We were at South Queensferry on Sunday and I took photos of the walk. However after that we're off on a TA to the Caribbean for a month so I won't be posting on the site :)

[Hawaiian Mongoose]

That's right Patric. If you look out in the next couple of days I'm going to post a few photos of Hawes Pier and the walk to the station. We were at South Queensferry on Sunday and I took photos of the walk. However after that we're off on a TA to the Caribbean for a month so I won't be posting on the site :)

 

Rhona,

 

I ask because one of the tour options from Edinburgh bus is the Bus & Boat tour. The boat portion operates from Hawes Pier. It seems we could use the other tours all day, following your advice and walk to see what we want, etc. and then catch the final Bus & Boat tour. After the boat tour we will be at Hawes pier and can catch the tender from there. In theory, we would not need transport from the city back to the pier. Think this idea will work? :)

 

Where will you be in the Caribbean? Will leave FT Lauderdale 17 February for 11 days.

 

Thanks again Rhona.

 

Patric