soggy1975 Posted January 2, 2017 #1 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Wasn't sure whether to post here or in the port of calls bit but here goes. We're a family of 4 going on our 1st cruise in Aug17. We're spending 2 nights in barcelona before a 7nt w med cruise on ncl epic stopping at;naples,rome/civitsvecchia,pisa/livorno,cannes & palma. I was looking at a guide book to help plan our on shore excursions and i've bookmarked the following; Fodors european ports of call Dk cruise guide to Europe and the med Rick steves med cruise ports Med by cruise ship by anne vipond Which one do you advise? Thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookwife Posted January 2, 2017 #2 Share Posted January 2, 2017 my standby has always been Frodor's. but just hit the local brick and mortar bookstore( yes there are still some around!) and start thumbing through. some can be laid out differently and offer you a more personalized experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Essiesmom Posted January 2, 2017 #3 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Rick Steves. He targets cruise passengers and DIY. He has audio tours to download to ipod/mp3 on his website (free) and you can print out maps to go with. We used them in Florence, Venice, Pompeii, Rome...EM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WorldTravellerz Posted January 2, 2017 #4 Share Posted January 2, 2017 (edited) Rick Steves. He targets cruise passengers and DIY. He has audio tours to download to ipod/mp3 on his website (free) and you can print out maps to go with. We used them in Florence, Venice, Pompeii, Rome...EM Rick Steves books for cruisers are great! Also Google Toms port guides online and free! Sent from my iPad using Forums Edited January 2, 2017 by Phayyte Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted January 2, 2017 #5 Share Posted January 2, 2017 We have also used Rick Steves book and loved it. It is great for DIY. Gives specific directions from the ship to the various sites and then around the site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted January 2, 2017 #6 Share Posted January 2, 2017 If you plan on doing anything on your own then the Rick Steve's guides are the best. And we should also mention that fantastic Cruise Critic Ports of Call Boards where you can find out just about anything. If you have a specific question just ask it here on CC and you will soon get very good answers. Hank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soggy1975 Posted January 2, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Just looked at toms port guides..excellent freebies thanks Think I'll buy rick steves. I've looked on his website and its only palma thats missing..does anyones have any links for palma onshore excursions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoncom Posted January 2, 2017 #8 Share Posted January 2, 2017 (edited) Fodors has good maps. Frommers good all around. Lonely Planet will discuss public transportation and budget things.RS just kind of bla to me. Tripadvisor.com too. Your library should have all of them. They all have websites too.also GOOGLE port names for more info.One guide book not comprehensive enough. Edited January 2, 2017 by zoncom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calliopecruiser Posted January 2, 2017 #9 Share Posted January 2, 2017 When I did land trips in Europe, I didn't find the Rick Steves' guides held up to all the fuss. Rather boring and uninspiring....I guess if you want just information that would be fine, but I wanted ideas and inspiration too. My favourites were the DK Eyewitness Travel books (especially Top 10 Barcelona). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted January 2, 2017 #10 Share Posted January 2, 2017 You have plenty of time, so you might not want to limit yourself to just one source. You can google each port and region on the internet, you could check your local library for material on each port - -and take notes on elements which interest you, you should talk it up on your cruise's roll call - some of your shipmates might have good information, and you might find one or more with whom you would want to share a tour or expedition. You could certainly get some tips as to where to spend the night(s) before embarking - as well as debarking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted January 2, 2017 #11 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Footnote: for Livorno, think about Lucca rather than Pisa. Aside from the tower, Pisa has little of interest while Lucca, just a bit further, is a beautiful walled medieval city with much more to see and experience - just my 2 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted January 3, 2017 #12 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Hit up your library..check the ALL out...after you get a taste of each, buy the one that suits you. Libraries are a fantastic resource! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calliopecruiser Posted January 3, 2017 #13 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Hit up your library..check the ALL out...after you get a taste of each, buy the one that suits you. Libraries are a fantastic resource! Yes - even if the library has older editions, they will still give you an idea of what each publisher's books are like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JVilleGal Posted January 3, 2017 #14 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Don't laugh but we loved the Rick Steves Mediterranean Ports book. Order on Amazon and get a better price than on the RS website, the latest edition is dated Sept 2016 so it is very up to date. Link to it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1631213814/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483406510&sr=1-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rick+steves+mediterranean+cruise+ports&dpPl=1&dpID=51zLekLxEcL&ref=plSrch Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted January 3, 2017 #15 Share Posted January 3, 2017 We use the AAA book and occasionally Frommer's , Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted January 3, 2017 #16 Share Posted January 3, 2017 When I did land trips in Europe, I didn't find the Rick Steves' guides held up to all the fuss. Rather boring and uninspiring....I guess if you want just information that would be fine, but I wanted ideas and inspiration too. My favourites were the DK Eyewitness Travel books (especially Top 10 Barcelona). We get both the DK "top 10" small books and the e-version of the Rick Steves regional book if available. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TruckerDave Posted January 3, 2017 #17 Share Posted January 3, 2017 (edited) The interweb.....it's free and more up to date than a book. {insert favorite search engine here} is your friend. Edited January 3, 2017 by TruckerDave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leen50 Posted January 3, 2017 #18 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Two websites I use, whatsinport.com & cruiseportinsider.com. Also TripAdvisor where you can "plan" & print all you want to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calliopecruiser Posted January 3, 2017 #19 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Whether you're using a book or the internet, you can always photograph what you want and keep it on your phone.....but I've found it's not as helpful for some reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soggy1975 Posted January 3, 2017 Author #20 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Definitely plan to research online and have already found loads of useful stuff..just fancied a guide book also but not sure if this is necessary now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted January 4, 2017 #21 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Whether you're using a book or the internet, you can always photograph what you want and keep it on your phone.....but I've found it's not as helpful for some reason. Only if you have a phone with that capability ,I do not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calliopecruiser Posted January 4, 2017 #22 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Only if you have a phone with that capability ,I do not. Yes, you're right.....it only applies to 80% of US cell phone users Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted January 4, 2017 #23 Share Posted January 4, 2017 The first time we took DD to Europe was a Eurorail vacation when she was 9 years old. As part of her "travel training" I asked her to research all the places we were planning to visit (in 4 countries) and think about ideas of things to do. When we got to Paris for a few days, our DD informed us that she had left her dress shoes home (it was intentional on her part) because her research found that it would be easy to buy nice shoes in Paris! Suffice it to say..she got her wish. And we never again told her to "research" trips. Hank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John Bull Posted January 4, 2017 #24 Share Posted January 4, 2017 I dont know fodors, but.............. Tom,s port guides are done by a willing amateur. So they,re limited to Tom,s own experiences, so they,re limited in scope and often a little out-of-date. No criticism, kudos to the guy for taking the trouble and it,s truly from the tourist,s perspective. Rick Steves books - sorry, but they have their limitations too. I,ve read stuff on various places that I know well, including my home city of Southampton, England - some reports are overly-biased (for or against), a little is out-of-date, and some is just plain wrong. Whatever source you want to use, if it,s an international one (like those two) , read about places you know well - that,ll give you an idea of how useful it is for your destinations. JB :) (Travelling, so limited by my iron-age I-Pad) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JVilleGal Posted January 4, 2017 #25 Share Posted January 4, 2017 My love for Rick Steve's is because I know they are updated and info is very recent. And of course most all Med Ports in one single book makes it easier. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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