Livorno To Florence

[elkay68]

Since I cannot see the shore excursions for my cruise (under maintenance) I thought I would ask on CC. Does anyone know if Celebrity offers a shuttle from Livorno to Florence for passengers to explore on their own?

[dodger1964]

Since I cannot see the shore excursions for my cruise (under maintenance) I thought I would ask on CC. Does anyone know if Celebrity offers a shuttle from Livorno to Florence for passengers to explore on their own?

 

yes they do. We did it once about 5 years ago..

 

the one we did stopped at pisa for about an hour and then dropped you off in florence and you had 3 (maybe 4??) hours to explore on your own.

[mferranti]

yes they do. We did it once about 5 years ago..

 

the one we did stopped at pisa for about an hour and then dropped you off in florence and you had 3 (maybe 4??) hours to explore on your own.

We did a similar one last year. No Pisa stop this time, just Florence.

[Tiffany's mom]

Since I cannot see the shore excursions for my cruise (under maintenance) I thought I would ask on CC. Does anyone know if Celebrity offers a shuttle from Livorno to Florence for passengers to explore on their own?

 

We have visited Florence on our own many times. It is easier to take a cab to the train station and take the train to Florence. The ship staff will tell you there will not be any taxis but you have to walk pass all the buses and just out side the fence you will find a lot. It is cheaper to do it this was and easier than the shuttle to Livorno then the city bus to the train station.

 

The is a man who has a wonderful website that tells you all the information you need for most ports in Europe. Try " Tom's Port Guides".

 

Have fun.

 

Pam

[elkay68]

Thank you for the replies. I am hoping they offer on the 11/24 transatlantic. I know we could get to Florence by bus/train but I would rather pay a little more and have the ship be responsible for getting us back rather than an independent operator or myslef.

[Orator]

Thank you for the replies. I am hoping they offer on the 11/24 transatlantic. I know we could get to Florence by bus/train but I would rather pay a little more and have the ship be responsible for getting us back rather than an independent operator or myslef.

 

Celebrity offers several Florence options. Florence on Yor Own provides transportation and a bottle of water. Think it's about $94. Leaves you off at some distance and the the group walks together to Santa Croce. Trudy is usually the "guide" and gives some commentary along the way. Very nice and helpful person.

Edited November 4, 2013 by Orator

[Lsimon]

They always offer a Florence on your own tour which is bus transportation. They used to have a shopping stop on the way but, thankfully, have eliminated that a few years ago. We've taken this a few times including on our TA cruise last December and it works out well. They'll park the bus a few blocks from town and then escort the group to the Piazza Santa Croce in front the Santa Croce church where they will tell you the meeting spot for the return trip. Last time we were already familiar with the general meeting area so we found out from the guide where the meeting spot was on the bus and then headed out, apart from the group, as soon as they let us off the bus. The on your own tour, direct to Florence, was $90/pp last December.

 

Last December we looked into the train option but decided that the on-your-own bus transportation actually seemed to give us more time in Florence and we felt better about it than dealing with the train. If you really want to do the train then I think Celebrity had a shuttle to the train in the morning with tickets sold on board.

Edited November 4, 2013 by Lsimon

[DWhit]

They always offer a Florence on your own tour which is bus transportation. They used to have a shopping stop on the way but, thankfully, have eliminated that a few years ago. We've taken this a few times including on our TA cruise last December and it works out well. They'll park the bus a few blocks from town and then escort the group to the Piazza Santa Croce in front the Santa Croce church where they will tell you the meeting spot for the return trip. Last time we were already familiar with the general meeting area so we found out from the guide where the meeting spot was on the bus and then headed out, apart from the group, as soon as they let us off the bus.

We used this option from Celebrity a few weeks ago. I was going to try to take the train, but we had some OBC that I needed to spend. There was a very nice guide on the bus who gave a speech with lot of good information about Florence on the trip up, and answered people's questions,which was a nice plus. She also provided maps with the departure assembly time and location marked. The bus took a nice scenic route into town, with a nice overlook of the town. If you get to the assembly point a little early, be sure to tour the Santa Croce church.

[lj77346]

We were in Livorno last month and planned to take the train to Florence. However, right on the dock there was a cab company putting together fixed price round trip rides to Pisa and Florence. With 8 people in a minivan, the price was 40 Euros per person, which sounded like a good deal to us. We made a short stop in Pisa (about 45 minutes) just to take photos - the minivan parked about a 2 minute walk from the Leaning Tower. We got to Florence a little after 10 a.m. and the driver left us off right at the square with the Duomo and told us he would meet us there at 3 p.m. and gave us his cellphone to call if everyone was back earlier. We had about 5 hours to explore Florence and we already were at the Duomo. Our group was very considerate/responsible and everyone was back at the meeting place by 2:45 p.m., the minivan arrived minutes later and we were back at the ship a little after 4 p.m. (Our driver was Fabrizio.) Although this was a little more expensive than taking the train, it was a hassle free day without having to mess with taking the shuttle into Livorno, bus or cab to train station, train to Florence, walk from station to sites in Florence and then repeat the process to return. We used the train on a previous trip when we were younger and the minivan was much easier. Bottom line - if you don't mind sharing a minivan, this makes for a pretty easy way to get to Florence with a quick photo stop in Pisa.

[We're The Groupnors]

If you do the shuttle with the guide that drops you at Santa Croce we would highly recommend Pizza Baldovino for lunch. It's down a little street facing the square in front of the Santa Croce church, and has some of the best pizza we've had...ever! We go there every time we're in Florence. Enjoy Florence; it's a wonderful city!

[hajekfam]

Thank you for the replies. I am hoping they offer on the 11/24 transatlantic. I know we could get to Florence by bus/train but I would rather pay a little more and have the ship be responsible for getting us back rather than an independent operator or myslef.

 

I was able to download the shore excursion booklet for the Constellation 11/24 transatlantic today (we just booked this cruise 2 weeks ago) and they offer a Florence on your own, Pisa on your own, and a Florence and Pisa on your own.

It also states that if you miss the bus, return to the ship is your responsibility.

Edited November 5, 2013 by hajekfam

[Onessa]

They always offer a Florence on your own tour which is bus transportation. They used to have a shopping stop on the way but, thankfully, have eliminated that a few years ago. . . .

Verify before booking any of the on-board excursions that they are not going to waste your time at some stupid shopping stop. We had one cruise where we wasted an hour in a leather shop even AFTER asking about it. On our last Florence "on our own" the meeting point was a leather outlet, but then you could at least opt-out.

 

We have visited Florence on our own many times. It is easier to take a cab to the train station and take the train to Florence. . . . quote]We've visited Italy often enough to know that with train strikes, changing schedules, and the occassional breakdown that going with an "on you own" excursion does give some extra sense of security.

 

On one Italy cruise, we were without our tablemates one evening. Their "express" train from Rome made an unscheduled stop and they missed the ship. But on our Baltic cruise this summer, our cabin was directly above the ship entrance and we sat on our balconey while the departure was pushed back over 45minutes because a ship sponsored tour bus was caught up in a traffic jam.

 

Just some added piece of mind when the distance is as long as it is in Rome or Florence. We do local transportation most ports, but only when the trip back to the ship can be made by foot or easy taxi service.

[Orator]

Verify before booking any of the on-board excursions that they are not going to waste your time at some stupid shopping stop. We had one cruise where we wasted an hour in a leather shop even AFTER asking about it. On our last Florence "on our own" the meeting point was a leather outlet, but then you could at least opt-out.

 

We have visited Florence on our own many times. It is easier to take a cab to the train station and take the train to Florence. . . . quote]We've visited Italy often enough to know that with train strikes' date=' changing schedules, and the occassional breakdown that going with an "on you own" excursion does give some extra sense of security.

 

On one Italy cruise, we were without our tablemates one evening. Their "express" train from Rome made an unscheduled stop and they missed the ship. But on our Baltic cruise this summer, our cabin was directly above the ship entrance and we sat on our balconey while the departure was pushed back over 45minutes because a ship sponsored tour bus was caught up in a traffic jam.

 

 

Just some added piece of mind when the distance is as long as it is in Rome or Florence. We do local transportation most ports, but only when the trip back to the ship can be made by foot or easy taxi service.[/quote']

 

Those shopping stops are really annoying to me and I try to avoid them. However, no worry on the Florence on your Own tour. The bus makes a quick rest stop on the way only if people want it. Last time we were with Trudy she asked and no one wanted to stop so we went straight to Florence.

[Lsimon]

Those shopping stops are really annoying to me and I try to avoid them. However, no worry on the Florence on your Own tour. The bus makes a quick rest stop on the way only if people want it. Last time we were with Trudy she asked and no one wanted to stop so we went straight to Florence.

 

We've done the excursion in 2007, 2010 and 2012. The first time we stopped a long time at a leather factory outside Florence and complained bitterly to the excursion desk and on evaluation forms afterwards. No stop at all in 2010, and on our last trip enough people requested a bathroom stop that we did stop just outside of Florence. But it wasn't a sales stop and we were on our way after about 20 minutes.

Our personal desire is always to get to Florence ASAP where our first stop is to find a cafe where we can enjoy a great Cappuccino, some pastries and the restroom. I don't know if the coffees are really that great there or if it is just the fun of being in Florence, but they always seem fantastic.

 

The end of day meeting place the last two trips has been at a leather store on the Santa Croce Plaza not no forced stop. The tour guide did give a big pitch for the store on the bus ride to Florence but it wasn't too bothersome. The sales pitch was actually a bit amusing as it had some ridiculous claims that made for good conversation later.

Edited November 7, 2013 by Lsimon

[Orator]

We've done the excursion in 2007, 2010 and 2012. The first time we stopped a long time at a leather factory outside Florence and complained bitterly to the excursion desk and on evaluation forms afterwards. No stop at all in 2010, and on our last trip enough people requested a bathroom stop that we did stop just outside of Florence. But it wasn't a sales stop and we were on our way after about 20 minutes.

Our general plan has been to get to Florence ASAP and our first stop is to find a cafe where we can enjoy a great Cappuccino, some pastries and the restroom. I don't know if the coffees are really that great there or if it is just the fun of being in Florence, but they always seem fantastic.

 

the meeting place the last two trips has been at a leather store on the Santa Croce Plaza not no forced stop. The tour guide did give a big pitch for the store on the bus ride to Florence but it wasn't too bothersome. The sales pitch was actually a bit amusing as it had some ridiculous claims that made for good conversation later.

 

Larry:you are very wise to stop for a Cappuccino. my DW takes me directly to Vaggi on the Ponte Vecchio and it's not just to visit Mr. Vaggi.

Edited November 7, 2013 by Orator

[hajekfam]

But on our Baltic cruise this summer, our cabin was directly above the ship entrance and we sat on our balconey while the departure was pushed back over 45minutes because a ship sponsored tour bus was caught up in a traffic jam.

 

Just some added piece of mind when the distance is as long as it is in Rome or Florence. We do local transportation most ports, but only when the trip back to the ship can be made by foot or easy taxi service.

 

Have to agree with the peace of mind - in fact that is one of the selling points of ship's excursions. But it wasn't always that way!

I sailed on the Century maiden voyage back in 1995 before Celebrity had you key card off and on the ship - you could come and go at will while in port. We were in San Juan at Christmas and DH & I were on the top deck watching passengers running to make the ship. We left on time and in the middle of the night DH woke me up saying we arrived at our next port and were tendered. We didn't have any tenders on this cruise so I told him he was dreaming and go back to sleep. The next morning he looked out the window and told me that wasn't what he saw in the middle of the night and we were docked. After talking to several staff we found out what happened. Evidently one of the ship sponsored tour buses got caught in holiday traffic and missed the ship. The ship didn't know it as there wasn't a Celebrity staff on the bus and nobody knew that a whole busload of passengers didn't make it back to the ship as they didn't track goings and comings. So the captain had to turn around and head back to San Juan. He couldn't dock as Celebrity would have to pay another docking fee, so he tendered and they had to bring those stranded passengers out to the ship on the pilot boat. After they got those passengers, we still made it to our next port early.

Edited November 7, 2013 by hajekfam

[Onessa]

Have to agree with the peace of mind - in fact that is one of the selling points of ship's excursions. But it wasn't always that way!

I sailed on the Century maiden voyage back in 1995 before Celebrity had you key card off and on the ship - you could come and go at will while in port. We were in San Juan at Christmas and DH & I were on the top deck watching passengers running to make the ship. We left on time and in the middle of the night DH woke me up saying we arrived at our next port and were tendered. We didn't have any tenders on this cruise so I told him he was dreaming and go back to sleep. The next morning he looked out the window and told me that wasn't what he saw in the middle of the night and we were docked. After talking to several staff we found out what happened. Evidently one of the ship sponsored tour buses got caught in holiday traffic and missed the ship. The ship didn't know it as there wasn't a Celebrity staff on the bus and nobody knew that a whole busload of passengers didn't make it back to the ship as they didn't track goings and comings. So the captain had to turn around and head back to San Juan. He couldn't dock as Celebrity would have to pay another docking fee, so he tendered and they had to bring those stranded passengers out to the ship on the pilot boat. After they got those passengers, we still made it to our next port early.

Wow, that is a great story!

[ipoder]

I am on Reflection TA April 26. I am trying to figure outnwhat is the best way to see the cemetery. At present it seems a ship's transfer to Florence on your own" and then abbus to the cemetery. Has anyone ever done this?

Jerry

[Ex-Airbalancer]

We were in Livorno last month and planned to take the train to Florence. However, right on the dock there was a cab company putting together fixed price round trip rides to Pisa and Florence. With 8 people in a minivan, the price was 40 Euros per person, which sounded like a good deal to us. We made a short stop in Pisa (about 45 minutes) just to take photos - the minivan parked about a 2 minute walk from the Leaning Tower. We got to Florence a little after 10 a.m. and the driver left us off right at the square with the Duomo and told us he would meet us there at 3 p.m. and gave us his cellphone to call if everyone was back earlier. We had about 5 hours to explore Florence and we already were at the Duomo. Our group was very considerate/responsible and everyone was back at the meeting place by 2:45 p.m., the minivan arrived minutes later and we were back at the ship a little after 4 p.m. (Our driver was Fabrizio.) Although this was a little more expensive than taking the train, it was a hassle free day without having to mess with taking the shuttle into Livorno, bus or cab to train station, train to Florence, walk from station to sites in Florence and then repeat the process to return. We used the train on a previous trip when we were younger and the minivan was much easier. Bottom line - if you don't mind sharing a minivan, this makes for a pretty easy way to get to Florence with a quick photo stop in Pisa.

That is how we did it last year, but we did not do Pisa since most people where there already, instead he drove in the Tuscany country side , it was very nice

It was about 10€ more then taking the train

Also with a small van he was able to drops right in Florence

[mickey89]

Celebrity have the absolute cheek to charge for their shuttle from the dockside into the town when there is little other options. The port is in a heavy industrialised area, you are not allowed to walk and the taxis want to take you on much longer journeys, so you hve little option but to take their shuttle bus.

Suggest you demand a refund of the charge from Guest Relations on your return, we did.

[Host Jazzbeau]

There's a leather shop on Santa Croce square that has free restrooms. They are not pushy about selling either - unless you start looking at stuff they let you walk right in and out.

 

If you want to go to the Academia or the Uffizi, buy (timed) tickets online before you leave home. We were able to pack twice as much into our Florence On Your Own as any of the ship's guided excursions.

 

We used Rick Steves to figure out what we wanted to see and the plot a path that let us choose good times for those two museums. We didn't get in to the Duomo though because the lines were very long.

Edited December 29, 2013 by jazzbeau

[Redtravel]

Italy has strikes. They happen. We have been on trains that just stopped and waited. In the middle of nowhere, you are stuck. It can be hours. I have taken the train from Livorno to Florence. It is quick and cheap. It is a gamble. If you do it, take your passport, credit card, and phone # of the cruise line local agent. If you miss the ship, you will need these to find your own transportation to the next port. I would take the bus.