Tour guide rome with smartcruisetours.com????

[romantic cruiser]

Hi, I'm visiting Rome in October for the first time and have found a tour from the port to Rome with smartcruisetours.com The tour appears really good value but I am skeptical about the service (too good to be true??)

I have narrowed it down to these two. One is with a tour guide, the other without but both include priority entrance to St Peters Basilica.

Do I need a tour guide for the Coliseum, Vatican square and the renaissance hearth of Rome (Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Piazza Navona)??

 

Thanks in advance for any help concerning the tour itself or the operator.

[Terpnut]

The reviews have not been consistently good. Here are just a couple recent threads:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1851919

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1834097

 

You say you are considering two choices, but don't mention the other option.

 

Personally, I would stick with reputable tour operators (there are many) and not risk something like this just to save a buck. Could be a good way to ruin a vacation.

Edited June 12, 2013 by Terpnut

[CathyCruises]

I think the other option is no guide.

 

This thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1237189 will give you tons of info about how to see all the major sites on your own--and the answer is no, you do not need a guide!!!

[CupKayke]

Smart Cruise Tours reviews have been consistently bad - there are SEVERAL bad reviews here on Cruise Critic lately - including from myself and another group of 19 cruisers that they FORGOT ABOUT IN ROME!!

 

CAREFUL CAREFUL - you get what you pay for!! DO YOUR RESEARCH!!

I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THEM!!

Read my review in my signature below for more specifics. I am NOT the only person this year complaining - they had lots of complaints last year and we didn't listen and now there are several complaints this year from various cruises!! They are all on here.

Edited June 13, 2013 by CupKayke

[Larryhnj]

Smart Cruise Tours reviews have been consistently bad - there are SEVERAL bad reviews here on Cruise Critic lately - including from myself and another group of 19 cruisers that they FORGOT ABOUT IN ROME!!

 

CAREFUL CAREFUL - you get what you pay for!! DO YOUR RESEARCH!!

I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THEM!!

 

Read my review in my signature below for more specifics. I am NOT the only person this year complaining - they had lots of complaints last year and we didn't listen and now there are several complaints this year from various cruises!! They are all on here.

 

 

We used Smart cruise tours for five excursions in May while in on a cruise in the Mediterranean and they were terrific. They worked with us all the way to plan and accommodate the places we wanted to see but were not part of the set tour. We were a group of 4 on three excursions, a group of six on another and a group of seven on another. Guess you had a bad day. It really depends on how much you try to see in one day. If you squeeze too much in for one day you will be disappointed. Julia always let us know if were trying to plan too much for one day.

 

Funny that you say you read poor reviews. While we were researching tour operators we found good reviews. No tour company is perfect but there were a lot more good reviews than bad.

 

May you have better luck next time you plan excursions.

 

Larry

Edited June 13, 2013 by Larryhnj

[Baseball fan]

I used them in November for transportation only to Rome and back to the ship. There were a few things I wasn't thrilled with (not a big deal) but we ended up with about 5 hours in Rome on our own. We tried to do too much (our fault) and ended up almost running back to the bus. There werent alot of us doing the Rome on Your Own transportation only. The bus dropped us off in a parking garage near the Vatican and picked us up in the same spot. They did take us up to street level and show us where we were to make sure we'd find the bus on the return. It worked fine for us.

 

There were good reviews before we left but there are some bad reviews recently. Not sure if they are getting a lot of business that they aren't prepared for or what their issues are now.

[darkauf]

We had wonderful excursions with Smart Cruise Tours. They were waiting where they said they would be with a sign. We had fun and learned a lot. We have had excursions with other companies that didn't quite go as well as we expected, but this time is was fantastic. I would and will use them again. I have them booked for our December cruise on the Silhouette. We were a small group and used small vans. Bigger transportation is harder to get around in. They can't get into the local areas. They have to drop you off and you have to walk. That is why we don't use the cruise line excursions. They are always large buses and you really miss out.

 

I think people should look past a bad day or one bad experience and try not to influence everyone else. We read everything there was to be read about this company. We found them to be very communicative and did exactly what they promised. We used them just a month ago.

 

De

Edited June 15, 2013 by darkauf

[cruz.n.carebear]

Thank you for posting that! I get that they had a bad experience. I was on the verge of cancelling because of them. But after a phone call as well as a personal email from the president of the company, I have kept my reservation and have high hopes that in 3 weeks I'm going to have an excellent tour.

There are many different types of tours that they offer, and when their numbers got high they had to up the size of their bus. That, in turn, affected their tour.

[TravelingDiva1]

We used Smart cruise tours for five excursions in May while in on a cruise in the Mediterranean and they were terrific. They worked with us all the way to plan and accommodate the places we wanted to see but were not part of the set tour. We were a group of 4 on three excursions, a group of six on another and a group of seven on another. Guess you had a bad day. It really depends on how much you try to see in one day. If you squeeze too much in for one day you will be disappointed. Julia always let us know if were trying to plan too much for one day.

 

Funny that you say you read poor reviews. While we were researching tour operators we found good reviews. No tour company is perfect but there were a lot more good reviews than bad.

 

May you have better luck next time you plan excursions.

 

Larry

 

For this particular excursion that CupKayke was referencing, our itinerary was not an issue. Julia confirmed our itinerary AND we even added two EXTRA hours onto our tour to allow extra time for the Vatican. Our ship was in port from 7-9pm so time wasn't really an issue for us.

 

The major problem was that SCT forgot about our tour and no one was there to pick us up from the ship(per the confirmed itinerary/voucher) or the port gate. Another tour company at the gate assisted us by calling SCT. The rep told us she had worked with SCT before and was familiar with company. After several calls she realized we had indeed been forgotten and she became upset as well. She was able to find us a minibus for our group of 19 resulting in a 45 minute late start. It snowballed from there.

 

Our voucher indicated we would have a tour LEADER/ASSISTANT who would "assist travelers with basic information about sites, and general information, or suggestions." (directly from voucher) We simply had a translator for the driver as he spoke no English. No information or suggestions were given and somehow a 9 hour planned itinerary only allowed for visits to only 3 sites(Vatican, Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain). This is not including travel time as we left the port at 8:45am and returned at 8:00pm.

 

We also lost 2 group members after the Vatican stop. I don't completely fault SCT for that as I think it was a mix of being given bad directions, misunderstanding, and being unfamiliar with Rome.

Edited June 16, 2013 by TravelingDiva1

[TravelingDiva1]

Thank you for posting that! I get that they had a bad experience. I was on the verge of cancelling because of them. But after a phone call as well as a personal email from the president of the company, I have kept my reservation and have high hopes that in 3 weeks I'm going to have an excellent tour.

There are many different types of tours that they offer, and when their numbers got high they had to up the size of their bus. That, in turn, affected their tour.

 

I think you're referring to the excursion I was on in May. The above 2 posters are referencing the Rome On Your Own tour that is totally different than what we had.

 

In regards to our excursion, I can understand about the minibus, but this should have been communicated or stated in the voucher. It wasn't, so that is why it became an issue and complaints arose. We were not aware that we would encounter different pickup and drop off points fifteen minutes away. This is also part of the reason why two members of our group were left. However, the minibus issue was only a portion of a disastrous excursion.

[Rondo]

Smart Cruise Tours reviews have been consistently bad - there are SEVERAL bad reviews here on Cruise Critic lately - including from myself and another group of 19 cruisers that they FORGOT ABOUT IN ROME!!

 

CAREFUL CAREFUL - you get what you pay for!! DO YOUR RESEARCH!!

I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THEM!!

Read my review in my signature below for more specifics. I am NOT the only person this year complaining - they had lots of complaints last year and we didn't listen and now there are several complaints this year from various cruises!! They are all on here.

 

My research on these forums show WAY more positive than negative reviews. I am not sure why you say " consistently bad". I only found "consistently good". Our group of 6 had 3 tours with them a couple of weeks ago and they exceeded our expectations!! A great value for our money!

[Speedodeedo]

We used Smartcruise tours for a private tour of Rome just last month. We also joined their Shared tours of both Livorno and Naples, wherein there were about 15 of us in a mini bus. We were very satisfied with the tours and with the services the people of Smartcruise tours offered us, from setting up the tours and for coordinating with me and the other cruisers for the tours.

 

I feel bad for the group of cruisers who had a terrible experience on their tour, i think it is their right to express their disappointment and complaints about the company which for them failed to deliver on their promise. Its also within their rights to demand a refund, if it happened to me, i would do so as well. I hope they will have a better experience the next time out.

Edited June 17, 2013 by Speedodeedo

[romantic cruiser]

Thanks for your reply. I am keen to explore this further. I feel the tours they provide especially the tour of rome is exactly what we are looking for at an excellent price. I am aware there have been problems with this tour company but they appear select and surely can happen to even the best companies.

I have read lots of good things despite some bad. Having only a few hours in Rome we need to book a tour that will give us the best for our time there.

I am also considering cruisingexcursions.com but again there are mixed feelings.

 

Thanks Rondo for your message... can you tell me whether you went on the smaetcruisetour for rome was it guided (think its £34) or just tour diy which is advertised for £22. Also which other tours do you recommend for livorno and naples with sct?

[cruisemom42]

My research on these forums show WAY more positive than negative reviews. I am not sure why you say " consistently bad". I only found "consistently good". Our group of 6 had 3 tours with them a couple of weeks ago and they exceeded our expectations!! A great value for our money!

 

To be truthful, they are neither consistently bad nor consistently good. However, there have certainly been some bad reports, which has not been the case for some other, well recommended companies.

 

Frankly, I wouldn't take a chance on blowing my one day in Rome with snafus like some have experienced. Why not go with a company that has zero or VERY few missteps, versus one that seems to have a greater likelihood of something going wrong. :confused:

 

(Note: I am not a partisan of any driver service or tour agency. I prefer to DIY, where everything is under my own control.....:o)

[Rondo]

Thanks for your reply. I am keen to explore this further. I feel the tours they provide especially the tour of rome is exactly what we are looking for at an excellent price. I am aware there have been problems with this tour company but they appear select and surely can happen to even the best companies.

I have read lots of good things despite some bad. Having only a few hours in Rome we need to book a tour that will give us the best for our time there.

I am also considering cruisingexcursions.com but again there are mixed feelings.

 

Thanks Rondo for your message... can you tell me whether you went on the smaetcruisetour for rome was it guided (think its £34) or just tour diy which is advertised for £22. Also which other tours do you recommend for livorno and naples with sct?

 

We did the private tours. The cost was 360 Euros, but there were 6 of us, so it was 60 Euros a person. In Rome there was sooo much to see and if we had not had our driver we could never have gotten everything in that we did. Our driver, Joseph, was at the pier with a sign with our name on it. He was very professional and spoke excellent English. We wasted no time in driving to Rome and he shared much information on the way. We started with the Colosseum - he parked and then walked with us to the entrance and scanned our advanced tickets for us and we walked through the turn-style to get in. We didn't have to wander around trying to find the entrance or wonder which line we belonged in. He also had a little book that he used to help explain how the sights were - then and now. He even took our pictures in front of some of the sights. We saw the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, walked down the Spanish Steps, had a quick lunch at a restaurant near the entrance to Vatican (our Vatican guide met us there)and then Joseph took us to a place for gelato before our ride back to the ship. He even had bottled water for us. He was very specific in telling us where and when he would pick us up if he needed to drop us off at points. There were several places he would point out to us as we drove through the streets of Rome.

 

If we would have used the bus tour I don't think we would have been able to see as much or get as much information about what we were seeing. Since we went in a smaller group, as opposed to a bus full of people, we didn't have to wait for everyone to return, saving precious time. Our van could get into places that a bus or even a bigger van could not have gone, hence getting us close to the sights.I don't think I would go with a group of more than 8. I would suggest finding others to book with you and do the smaller group.

 

We did Florence/Pisa from LaSpezia and had no problems, despite it being a longer drive than from originally planned Livorno. We docked at Salerno and did Pompeii (with a guide) and drove the Amalfi Coast. Those days were excellent, too!

 

I hope this helps. If not, feel free to ask for more specifics.

[Rondo]

To be truthful, they are neither consistently bad nor consistently good. However, there have certainly been some bad reports, which has not been the case for some other, well recommended companies.

 

Frankly, I wouldn't take a chance on blowing my one day in Rome with snafus like some have experienced. Why not go with a company that has zero or VERY few missteps, versus one that seems to have a greater likelihood of something going wrong. :confused:

 

(Note: I am not a partisan of any driver service or tour agency. I prefer to DIY, where everything is under my own control.....:o)

 

Ooopps...forgot to mention....we had total control over what we wanted to see. Communication by email was very good. I told Julia what our highlights were and that is what we got. She provided links to places we needed advanced tickets. We saved a lot of time by having advanced tickets! We did DIY in other places, but when there is so much to see and long drives to get there, we want the most bang for our buck.

[Terpnut]

Thanks for your reply. I am keen to explore this further. I feel the tours they provide especially the tour of rome is exactly what we are looking for at an excellent price. I am aware there have been problems with this tour company but they appear select and surely can happen to even the best companies. ..

Actually this doesn't "happen to even the best companies"! If you look at the Romeinlimo thread, as just one good example, there have probably been hundreds posts for hundreds of consecutive tours over many years with nary one negative review. In fact, they're all excellent. I'm not saying you should use them, but to me, a few bad experiences out of a hundred is not statistically insignificant and not something I personally would risk. Is saving a few Euros worth it? Do you want a 99-100% or an 80% probability of an overall good experience, or your driver remembering to pick you up for your return to your ship? As with many things in life, you get what you pay for.

 

To be truthful, they are neither consistently bad nor consistently good. However, there have certainly been some bad reports, which has not been the case for some other, well recommended companies.

 

Frankly, I wouldn't take a chance on blowing my one day in Rome with snafus like some have experienced. Why not go with a company that has zero or VERY few missteps, versus one that seems to have a greater likelihood of something going wrong. :confused:

 

(Note: I am not a partisan of any driver service or tour agency. I prefer to DIY, where everything is under my own control.....:o)

I think you hit the nail on the head but I think for some, saving money is paramount. Edited June 17, 2013 by Terpnut

[cruisemom42]

Ooopps...forgot to mention....we had total control over what we wanted to see. Communication by email was very good. I told Julia what our highlights were and that is what we got. She provided links to places we needed advanced tickets. We saved a lot of time by having advanced tickets! We did DIY in other places, but when there is so much to see and long drives to get there, we want the most bang for our buck.

 

You may have total control over what you wanted to see. But as a DIY'er, I have TOTAL control over all aspects of my day. I don't have to worry about a van not turning up as I take responsibility for getting myself to and from Rome. And I don't have to worry about having a guide who isn't attentive or who doesn't speak good English, because I've done my research in advance and -- as those who have seen my notes know -- I could practically lead a tour myself by the time I make the trip and get to the site.

 

I have helped and advised others on DIY days in Rome and some have been able to see just as much as those who have a private driver.

 

Personally, I feel the 12 euro BIRG ticket and some "sweat equity" in planning my day is the "most bang for my buck." ;)

[Rondo]

You may have total control over what you wanted to see. But as a DIY'er, I have TOTAL control over all aspects of my day. I don't have to worry about a van not turning up as I take responsibility for getting myself to and from Rome. And I don't have to worry about having a guide who isn't attentive or who doesn't speak good English, because I've done my research in advance and -- as those who have seen my notes know -- I could practically lead a tour myself by the time I make the trip and get to the site.

 

I have helped and advised others on DIY days in Rome and some have been able to see just as much as those who have a private driver.

 

Personally, I feel the 12 euro BIRG ticket and some "sweat equity" in planning my day is the "most bang for my buck." ;)

 

Then DIY. I didn't worry about any of those things. Different strokes for different folks.

[glittergal1]

Hi has anyone had any more recent experience of this company ? I am looking at their Rome on your own bus to the Vatican at £22 it is fantastic value . This is the only company I can find that drop off and pick up here as this is the only part of Rome we are planning on seeing as we have places on a Scavi tour .

[CathyCruises]

Hi has anyone had any more recent experience of this company ? I am looking at their Rome on your own bus to the Vatican at £22 it is fantastic value . This is the only company I can find that drop off and pick up here as this is the only part of Rome we are planning on seeing as we have places on a Scavi tour .

 

Congratulations on the Scavi, it is wonderful. You can take the train from the port for 12 euro r/t and get off at Roma San Pietro--5 minute walk to St. Peter's Square from there, and you meet your tour on that side of Vatican City--just walk up to the Swiss Guards on the left side of the Basilica as you are facing it and they will allow you through the gates to the tour area.

[darkauf]

We did and it was fantastic...

[blue daze]

Rondo, which tour company did you use?

[Rondo]

We used SmartCruiseTours. Ask for Joseph for the Rome tour.