Don't be afraid to try things on your own!

[luvtocook]

Yes Hank, that is exactly what he recommended we do. I think we will have the perfect day there for the short time we have available.:D

[Cruise Aficionado]

Hank, I would love your advice. Landing in two weeks in Nice (Villefranche). Any ideas how to get to Monte Carlo to take in those sites and visit some casinos? J

I enjoy monitoring this board and reading everyone's advice. A few years ago I used to contribute lots of help here for those who wanted advice on how to do any of the European ports on their own (we have been to most of these places multiple times). I stopped most of my help because I got tired of being flamed by others who insisted that the only way to do anything is on an organized tour (this is true for some folks). However, given the very high price of tours (the low value dollar does not help) I am surprised to see almost everyone resigned to tours. Western Europe is pretty easy to navigate on your own although it helps to do some homework. The advantage of being on your own is you avoid the "cattle like" mentality of some tours, get to do what you want when you want with who you want, and usually you will save money. In fact, on a 12 day Med cruise you can easily save over $1000 (or more) by doing things independent of tours. The down side of independent travel is that you do need to do your pre-trip homework,, but to some of us that is part of the fun. My main problem with most tours is that they try to crowd too much "touring" into a short period of time without giving you a chance to see the real Europe. A lot of the joy of visiting some cities (Rome, Paris, etc) is spending time at an outdoor cafe enjoying local cuisine, wine and people watching (this is how many Europeans enjoy themselves). Personally, when in Rome I would quickly give-up seeing some site in order to have time for lunch or a snack at one of the cafes in the Piazza Navona. But, I guess this is where the "different strokes for different folks" saying reigns surpreme.

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

Hank, I would love your advice. Landing in two weeks in Nice (Villefranche). Any ideas how to get to Monte Carlo to take in those sites and visit some casinos? J

 

All questions should be so easy. Getting to Monte Carlo from Villefranche is quite easy and can be as cheap as 1.3 Euros. You have two choices. You can take the local bus that runs from Villefranche to Nice (this is on the bus route which runs between Nice and Monte Carlo) which costs 1.3 Euros (I heard they raised the price from 1 Euro) and gives you some views of the region (it takes about 1/2 hour each way). You would want Bus #100. Your other option is to take the train from Villefranche to Monte Carlo. Both the bus and train are within easy walking distance from the tender pier, but the train does cost more and does not run as often.

 

Hank

Edited October 7, 2009 by Hlitner

[hat776]

Regarding the Casino at Monte Carlo - check out the opening hours. When we were there in June, it was closed and they wouldn't even let us in to have a look round.

There were cleaning staff, so maybe they close they foyer for a certain time.

[Hlitner]

My wife reminds me to add that we personally dislike Monte Carlo. Yes, we understand that many have dreamed of seeing Monte Carlo and its popular with some tourists, but to us, it is probably our least favorite place in the entire region. For us, we would prefer being at St Paul de Vence, Nice, Eze, or even Antibes. But, that is why they say different strokes for different folks. As to paying to get inside a casino (not to mention having to adhere to their silly dress code) we have never met any casino worth paying an entance fee. In fact, they should pay me to enter a casino since they will usually get my money anyway :)

 

Hank

Edited October 8, 2009 by Hlitner

[PenelopeCorelli]

My wife reminds me to add that we personally dislike Monte Carlo. Yes, we understand that many have dreamed of seeing Monte Carlo and its popular with some tourists, but to us, it is probably our least favorite place in the entire region. For us, we would prefer being at St Paul de Vence, Nice, Eze, or even Antibes. But, that is why they say different strokes for different folks. As to paying to get inside a casino (not to mention having to adhere to their silly dress code) we have never met any casino worth paying an entance fee. In fact, they should pay me to enter a casino since they will usually get my money anyway :)

 

Hank

 

You're quite right about an entrance fee for a casino! But there is so much mystery/history about the place that many people want to check it out once. You probably did go there the first time wanting to see what it was all about? Then decided once was enough. Or in your case, apparently more than enough!:D

 

All I knew about Monte Carlo was the idea of it. The little country, the prince & princess, the movies, the glamour, Cafe de Paris, etc. It's a fifties thing (though I was a little girl then). It's disappointing how things change. Roman Holiday, American in Paris, Grace Kelly...ahh, nostalgia.;):)

[sillysailor 1955]

......But in Europe most of the next ports are just a overnight train ride away. We always take our passports with us, and money just in case.

 

We were on a Eastern Mediterrean cruise last year and NCL took our passports (and held them) when we boarded in Barcelona we did not get them back until Egypt (towards the end of the cruise)...

We were glad to have organized tours, as we had never been to those ports before and may I say this was especially true in Egypt.:o

[hat776]

We will be in Marseille on a Sunday in November.

What suggestions for our DIY day out ? Marseille itself doesn't seem to be worth much of a visit.

It's a pity the ship docks there and not in the Cannes, Villefrance area.

[Hlitner]

We will be in Marseille on a Sunday in November.

What suggestions for our DIY day out ? Marseille itself doesn't seem to be worth much of a visit.

It's a pity the ship docks there and not in the Cannes, Villefrance area.

 

This is a difficult question to answer. I guess we should first assume that you will have decent weather and not an awful November day with the mistral winds. When we are in France we have various places we like to go on Sundays, but none of them are very close to Marseille. In your situation I might try to get off the ship very early (if possible) and get a rental car (if any of the rental car dealers are open on Sunday) and than we would drive about 1:15 min to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue where they have a great Sunday market. It is one of the best antique markets in France and there are also plenty of food and other venders. However, we never go to France after October so I am not 100% sure that the market is fully operational in November (you could send an e-mail to the local tourism agency to get a definitive answer). Like most French markets, the one in this town does close by 1pm so you really need to get to the town by 11 at the latest. If you would decide to try this little adventure make sure you reserve a rental car that does not need a deposit or have a cancellation penalty. If it turns out to be a bad weather day you might want to simply stay on the ship.

 

Hank

[hat776]

Hank - I can't understand why MSC chooses Marseille as there are so many better places on the French Riviera.

I much prefer those Ports that if you want a lazy day you can just get off the ship and wander about for a while eg Genoa.

We had taken your advice regarding Civitavecchia and agree with you about Livorno. We love Rome and the train is so easy. In Marseille the shuttle drops you off at quite a distance from the station.

[mrspaper]

Hank - I can't understand why MSC chooses Marseille as there are so many better places on the French Riviera.

I much prefer those Ports that if you want a lazy day you can just get off the ship and wander about for a while eg Genoa.

We had taken your advice regarding Civitavecchia and agree with you about Livorno. We love Rome and the train is so easy. In Marseille the shuttle drops you off at quite a distance from the station.

I would either rent a car or hire a guide/driver to take you to Arles, and other places in Provence. It really is a lovely area, not to be missed. I would sooner see you hire a guide, than stay on the ship. If you read the ports of call, I'm sure you will find someone knowledgeable to take you around and others on CC can join you

 

Linda

[Hlitner]

Hank - I can't understand why MSC chooses Marseille as there are so many better places on the French Riviera.

I much prefer those Ports that if you want a lazy day you can just get off the ship and wander about for a while eg Genoa.

We had taken your advice regarding Civitavecchia and agree with you about Livorno. We love Rome and the train is so easy. In Marseille the shuttle drops you off at quite a distance from the station.

 

Your comment about he distance to the train station (from Shuttle) got me thinking and you are right if people do not want to walk. It is about 3/4 of a mile from the old port (shuttle drop) to the station so I guess I should not have said it was a short walk. For us, its a nice 20 min stroll, but there are many cruisers who do not like to walk. For those folks they would be better-getting a taxi from the pier. Another option is to take the local bus from the old port area (shuttle drop) to the train station.

 

Hank

[hat776]

I think our problem is that we normally take a plane somewhere (Malta is an island) and then hire a car and tour for a week or two. We had gone to Provence when we based ourself in Menton and drove all round.

However, when cruising I don't think I would be at ease because I would be always worrying about missing the ship (even though we now have our own GPS)

That's why I like ports that we can just walik around.

We were thinking of either taking a train/bus to Aix, or taking a taxi to Aix which I understand is about eur 50.

[mrspaper]

I think our problem is that we normally take a plane somewhere (Malta is an island) and then hire a car and tour for a week or two. We had gone to Provence when we based ourself in Menton and drove all round.

However, when cruising I don't think I would be at ease because I would be always worrying about missing the ship (even though we now have our own GPS)

That's why I like ports that we can just walik around.

We were thinking of either taking a train/bus to Aix, or taking a taxi to Aix which I understand is about eur 50.

There are many beautiful towns to visit. I recommend hiring a car or getting a driver for the day to cover ground. You won't be able to visit several places if you use the train. One town (I can't recall the full name), I think it's Bateau something or other, sits on cliffs and is nice to walk around, has good views, shops to make purchases and I ate a meal at a restaurant that was to die for. I will look for my pics and post the name of the rest here in a day or two

[Hlitner]

There are many beautiful towns to visit. I recommend hiring a car or getting a driver for the day to cover ground. You won't be able to visit several places if you use the train. One town (I can't recall the full name), I think it's Bateau something or other, sits on cliffs and is nice to walk around, has good views, shops to make purchases and I ate a meal at a restaurant that was to die for. I will look for my pics and post the name of the rest here in a day or two

 

I suspect you are referring to Les Baux which is located pretty close to St Remy. While having a car/driver is an ideal situation, many are not happy when they discover the cost of that option (often more than $600). We do think that the best way to see Provence (its really the only way to really see Provence) is in a car which is why we recommend simply renting a car if you want to see the countryside. A rental will generally save you about $500 over hiring a car/driver. Driving in France is quite easy (they have very good roads) and is now made even easier with a GPS rental.

 

Hank

[suzieque]

Hi Hank,

Just a quick question. I always arrange my own guides in the ports,too, but I have to ask how you remember such amazing detail about all the places you've been. I have a hard time remembering the sites and restaurant names, and actually directions of how we got around are usually fuzzy to me about 3 months after the trip! I'm not old (59) and not demented, but I marvel at your amazing recall!!! What's the secret? And do you and your wife want or need a travel buddy?;_)

Suzie

(you can respond via email if you prefer. sprovo@gmail.com)

[Hlitner]

Hi Hank,

Just a quick question. I always arrange my own guides in the ports,too, but I have to ask how you remember such amazing detail about all the places you've been. I have a hard time remembering the sites and restaurant names, and actually directions of how we got around are usually fuzzy to me about 3 months after the trip! I'm not old (59) and not demented, but I marvel at your amazing recall!!! What's the secret? And do you and your wife want or need a travel buddy?;_)

Suzie

(you can respond via email if you prefer. sprovo@gmail.com)

 

Fair question and my wife often wonders the same thing since I usually cannot remember where I leave my keys, hat, etc. To be honest, I have no idea why I remember all this detail. We have been active international travelers for about 40 years and I usually remember most details. One reason is that we almost always do our own thing on our own. We have also spent a lot of time in Europe (almost always driving our own rental car).

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

I think our problem is that we normally take a plane somewhere (Malta is an island) and then hire a car and tour for a week or two. We had gone to Provence when we based ourself in Menton and drove all round.

However, when cruising I don't think I would be at ease because I would be always worrying about missing the ship (even though we now have our own GPS)

That's why I like ports that we can just walik around.

We were thinking of either taking a train/bus to Aix, or taking a taxi to Aix which I understand is about eur 50.

 

We have never missed the ship on any cruise (we have probably been on more than 30 cruises in Europe) but have come close on two ocassions. We actually use a strategy in planning that depends on where the ship will be the next day. If we are on the mainland of Europe, and the ship will be in another port the following day than we might cut things a bit close because we know we could always catch-up to the ship the next day. If we are on an island (such as Malta) we are more conservative and will usually get to within walking distance of the port at least 1 1/2 hours before we need to be on the ship. When planning independent travel we always suggest that cruise passengers go to their furthest point early in the day and than work their way back towards the ship as the day progresses. We also try to have a back-up transportation plan such as using a taxi if the trains stop running. As to going from Marseille to Aix, it is a very easy trip with frequent train service in both directions. You might be able to a get a taxi to make the trip for 50 Euros (one way) although many will try to make a deal to take you round trip and wait (several hundred Euros).

 

Hank

[ddoc]

This is one of the best postings I've seen on CC. Thanks to all who participated.

[jms2362]

Hank, have you ever been to the Galapagos Islands we are seriously considering going there and want to get there on our own either to Quito or Baltra?

[Sweetpeajoey]

Wow, what an excellent thread. I am all for DIY ports but we always have the "fear of missing the boat" syndrome so always get back at least an hour before sailing!!

 

I wonder if you might be able to help me out with my ports on the cruise we are going on in September this year. There are 6 of us, all adults (well we try to be anyway!). This includes my 82 year old Gran who used to lurve long walks but now can't manage alot of walking (she is the picture of health though and isn't frail in the least). We love to sit with a coffee and people watch and we also like window shopping. :)

 

Here are the ports and docking times, any help would be greatly appreciated:

 

Seville (Cadiz), Spain (8am - 4pm)

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy (9am - 4pm)

Split, Croatia (9am - 5pm)

Venice, Italy (7am - 5pm)

Dubrovnik, Croatia (11am - 8pm)

Sicily (Palermo), Italy (7am - 3pm)

Malaga, Spain (10am - 4pm)

 

Thankyou!!! :D

[potteryshop]

Hello Hank, I've been reading through many of your posts and it seems you are well schooled in getting around Europe by car. Do you have a favorite car rental agency that is reliable and inexpensive? My family is booked on the Crown Princess June 8th sailing and we hope to rent cars at several ports. Cannes is one of them. Thank you for taking the time.

Donna

[Hlitner]

WOW! We cannot believe that this thread keeps getting resurrected. Regarding the Galapagos question, no, we have never been to those islands but sure want to go there on a future trip (have looked hard at the Celebrity Expedition cruise). Regarding Donna's post we do strongly recommend autoeurope.com and its sister company Kemwel.com for rental car deals that are longer then 3 days (they do not handle 1 day bookings). For renting a car during a port stop we like to shop around and reserve before we leave home. In Cannes we generally rent from Hertz which has an office on the Rue d'Antibes. We can walk from the tender pier to that location in about 25 min (you get to take a long walk through the heart of Cannes) although we suppose one could find a taxi and save the walk. There are several other major rental car companies in the city and it never hurts to check prices on Europcar and Avis. We suggest carefully looking at rental car locations and generally choosing location over price when on a cruise. Also pay close attention to the open hours of the agencies (if they close before you return you can usually arrange to drop the car). Also be aware that it can be difficult to rent a car with automatic transmissions (and a lot more money if they are available) and that many rental car offices are closed on Sundays.

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

Wow, what an excellent thread. I am all for DIY ports but we always have the "fear of missing the boat" syndrome so always get back at least an hour before sailing!!

 

I wonder if you might be able to help me out with my ports on the cruise we are going on in September this year. There are 6 of us, all adults (well we try to be anyway!). This includes my 82 year old Gran who used to lurve long walks but now can't manage alot of walking (she is the picture of health though and isn't frail in the least). We love to sit with a coffee and people watch and we also like window shopping. :)

 

Here are the ports and docking times, any help would be greatly appreciated:

 

Seville (Cadiz), Spain (8am - 4pm)

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy (9am - 4pm)

Split, Croatia (9am - 5pm)

Venice, Italy (7am - 5pm)

Dubrovnik, Croatia (11am - 8pm)

Sicily (Palermo), Italy (7am - 3pm)

Malaga, Spain (10am - 4pm)

 

Thankyou!!! :D

 

Thank you for mentioning your "Gran" and the physical limitations because this really does have a major impact on ports. Since you are a group of 6, you certainly should consider booking private excursions with your own car/driver. This will normally cost less then comparable cruise line tours and give you total control over your itinerary. This would be particularly true in Palermo and Malaga. As to Dubrovnik, we do not know anyway to really see the old town by other then walking. It is easy to take the shuttle or a taxi from the port to the gates of town, but then it must be walked. You could probably grab some seats at an outdoor cafe and then a few of your could go off and do some explorations of the wall. The highlight here is walking the walls, and this would be something that your "Gran" will not be able to do. Venice is also a walking city although you can certainly use the Vaporettos (water buses) to reduce the amount of walking. You might want to take your ships water shuttle (if they have one) or the Aligunia boat from the port direct to St Marks Square. We also recommend taking a vaporetto to the Rialto Bridge neighborhood (lots of shopping and eating in a compact area). We have not been to the port of Cagliari or Split so others will have to help you for those ports.

 

One other thought about Palermo. There is a very interesting (many would say macabre) place in that city called the Capuchin Catacombs which is usually open to the public (you can Google this place). It does involve walking down (and back up some steps) but the place if truly unforgettable. If "Gran" can handle some steps you might want to visit this place, which would not be a problem if you have a private guide or you can even do it on your own by using a local taxi.

 

Hank

Edited April 19, 2010 by Hlitner

[potteryshop]

Thank you Hank

Donna