Cruise Ports

[mfnorth]

Hi everyone. Apologies if this is a boring question!

I have booked my first cruise for next year and doing a bit of research.

I have watched quite a few cruise clips on youtube etc with tips and advice, but none of them ever say anything about specific excursions or ports (none that I can find anyway).

Cruisers just seem to miraculously appear in the city they have stopped at, there is never any information about what you do when you get off the ship.

Having looked at where the ports I am visiting are located, some if not all of them, seem a fair distance (not within walking distance) of where you would want to visit. My idea was rather than spend a lot of money (I am guessing, as excursion information seems like a big secret) there would be an option to use public transport or some other hints or tips to getting around. 

Does anyone know any cruisers that do clips on youtube about this? Or maybe just some general advice on the following...

 

E.g does the cruise line (Royal Caribbean) provide basic transport into the city location?

 

 

Ravenna....Long long way from Venice I have realised, so staying in Ravenna night before the cruise (good idea?)

Split... Looks the nearest port to actual city, are you able to walk into city?

Santorini...What are the options for getting to Thira and Oia when you get off the ship?

Mykonos... Any public transport or taxi etc?

Dubrovnik...How to get into city, public transport?

[TheOldBear]

Scroll a bit down the page, and you will find the 'Ports of Call' section - for the Med, forums are under https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/472-mediterranean-eastern-amp-western/

 

 

[ldubs]

39 minutes ago, mfnorth said:

 

Ravenna....Long long way from Venice I have realised, so staying in Ravenna night before the cruise (good idea?)

 

Don't really know.  Do the larger cruise ships still leave from Venice?  I thought they were using alternate ports these day.  

 

39 minutes ago, mfnorth said:

Split... Looks the nearest port to actual city, are you able to walk into city?

 

We were tendered and were dropped right there in town.  

 

39 minutes ago, mfnorth said:

Santorini...What are the options for getting to Thira and Oia when you get off the ship?

 

We used the ship's shuttle going up to Oia and then to Thira.  Took the tram back down the hill to catch a tender back to the ship.  

 

39 minutes ago, mfnorth said:

Mykonos... Any public transport or taxi etc?

 

First time we took a shuttle bus from the pier to the town.  Second time we took a small ferry boat.   

 

39 minutes ago, mfnorth said:

Dubrovnik...How to get into city, public transport?

 

We took a shuttle bus (short ride) to the town.  

 

 

I like TheOldBear's suggestion to visit the ports-of-call forums.  There will be a lot of detail there.  

Edited May 12, 2022 by ldubs

[Hlitner]

The Old Bear gives good advice so we will not repeat much port info in this thread.  But Ravenna is different since it has become a more important port because of the recent rules prohibiting cruise ships from docking in Venice.  Where best to stay depends on your specific cruise line.  Some lines will provide bus transfers from Venice to the pier at Ravenna.  In such a case we would recommend staying in Venice (for at least 2 nights).  If a transfer is not provided then the situation becomes more complicated depending on your spirit of adventure, budget, etc.

 

Hank

[George C]

We did Ravenna on a rccl cruise, they charged for a bus ride but it wasn’t much , nice small city. You should join your roll call and see what your fellow cruisers have booked, when we did Europe most of our tours were small private groups of 8 or less with fellow passengers. There were bus that took you from port to Dubrovnik also , that was a very interesting walled city.

[mom says]

Good advice by the PPs.  As a first time cruiser, these unknowns can seem a bit daunting. Your cruiseline's website  should have links to the excursions and transfers offered for each port on your itinerary. The Ports of Call forums can be very helpful, and your Roll Call may have offers to join private excursions set up by your fellow cruisers.

 

I recommend getting a copy of the Rick Steves Mediterranean  Cruise Ports Guidebook for information and tips about independent port exploring. He also has a 30 min video on the subject : https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/cruising-skills

[jsn55]

Terrific advice above!  It does all seem daunting, but eventually you'll gather all the info you need.  Libraries are a good source of travel books, very helpful for the big picture as you start your research.  I just keep digging around for information online in the months before the cruise, and usually get enough to be comfortable that we'll do it right.  CruiseCritic is a super source of all the little ins and outs, and the ability to ask questions is priceless.  I'm a points & miles junkie, so we spend at least two nights in a hotel on arrival and after disembarkation.  When it comes to first and last day transfers, we take taxis; we build that cost into our budget.  Last thing we want to think about is getting to and from the ship, we want it simple.  "Usually" the cruise line has thought of solutions to most of your questions, unless you're sailing on Cunard.  They seem to take delight in not telling first-time pax much of anything.  I remember a 'map' of a Norway port which consisted of a great grey blob with some lines around the edges and the name of the port at the top ... we think it was supposed to be a lake.  Cunard really wants you to take their Shore Xs.  I know that cruise line ShoreXs are pricey, but there's something to be said about not having to worry about the details.  Know that all your questions will be answered from lots of sources, and you'll have a good handle on it all before you leave home.

Edited May 12, 2022 by jsn55
clarity

[cruizergal70]

A quick bit of advice. Please plan on doing or seeing something memorable (to you) and/or unique to the particular country/area. So many people just get off the ship, look around for 10 minutes and then get back on the ship. As if the location meant nothing.

[Essiesmom]

I second the suggestion of getting a copy of Rick Steve’s’ Mediterranean Cruise Ports.  He tells you what there is to do and see, and how to DIY.  He also has lots of TV shows about travel in Europe.  I just watched one last night on PBS that visited Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes from a cruise ship.  In Mykonos, you might dock, in which case there will be a shuttle into town which may or may not be free.  Or you might tender, which will drop you right in the middle of town.

I have tendered into Split twice, which let you off right in town, but I understand there is now a dock suitable for more than the smallest cruise ships and ferries.  

[mfnorth]

Thanks for everyones help with this!

[edinburgher]

I have watched quite a few cruise clips on youtube etc with tips and advice, but none of them ever say anything about specific excursions or ports (none that I can find anyway).

 

Hi,I don't know where you looked before, but the info is all out there, you only need to look for it in places you didn't look before.  I am unsure if I can give you the names of the websites, but if you  simply internet search something like "cruise ports info" or "cruise ports guides" you should get several in the results.  One we really like gives the impression from its name that it will only tell you which ships are in port, but it gives much much more than that and is our "go to" site.

 

As for excursions, your cruise line should have info available for your sailing.  Even if you would rather not have a shorex, they are useful for giving an idea of what is possible.  And there are companies which specialise in shorex, although they are really only the "middlemen" as they subcontract. to local companies. To find these, simply internet search something like "shorex from ???" or "cruise tours from ????"

 

To DIY shore visits, search Tripadvisor and others, and don't forget local Tourist Info Offices, as many have excellent suggestions. These will give you info on what others have found to do and it is up to you to decide what appeals to you. Some castles, museums etc will have "how to reach us" info on their websites.

 

And don't forget the CC SEARCH option. for Q and A's asked by others over the years.

The search facility is very easy to use. Go to  the relevant forum for the country in which each of your ports is. but  not to your own thread.   Log in, and just below your user name, you will see the empty search box.  Input the name of your port, (being careful with the spelling.) then   tick "on this forum" from the drop down underneath the box, then hit the little magnifying glass.  All previous threads containing that word will appear in the results and you can read them at leisure.  Obviously you only enter one of your ports at a time.

 

 

  CC used to have info on many many ports of call,  where docked, transport, etc etc, but it appears to have disappeared in recent times, or if it is still there, I cannot find it so now use the alternative methods above, some of which I hope you find helpful..

Edited May 13, 2022 by edinburgher

[edinburgher]

E.g does the cruise line (Royal Caribbean) provide basic transport into the city location?

 

For best replies  you should  ask  this question on the Royal Caribbean thread.

Edited May 14, 2022 by edinburgher

[bbwex]

I realize that this is a bit redundant, but Old Bear's advice is very solid.  Go on the "Ports of Call" section, and spend a lot of time reading about the ports you are going to.  You will get a sense of what tours and tour operators are good, but you have to read a bunch, as one or two reviews can be deceiving. 

 

Also Rick Steves books are useful.  We were going to Monaco and the French Riviera, and he gave the name of an excellent tourguide, who was not busy when we were going to be there, so it was great advice. 

 

You will find that this is not all that daunting after you start following these steps.  Previous cruisers really do tell you what they know.

[John Bull]

Follow Edinburgher's steps to search the Ports of Call forums.

(it takes a few seconds for the cogs & wheels to load the magic).

This is what came up when I typed "Dubrovnik" into the "other Mediterranean ports" forum ..................

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=dubrovnik &quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

JB 🙂

[Blondilu]

There's a lot of good info above.  Another option I didn't see mentioned (my bad if I missed it) is a website developed by a guy who has cruised a lot and has put all the information he has gathered into that website.  I'm not sure if it's OK to mention websites either.  I thought the rules only applied to tour companies and travel agencies, but since I don't know rather then give the actual name my suggestion is for you to Google "cruise port guides".  His site should be the first one to come up.

 

Good luck in your planning.

[jsn55]

John Bull ... your line made me laugh out loud at 6am.  I spent ten full years with a passport photo that looked just like a little piggy.  I was so relieved to get a new one in 2014 ... couldn't believe how vain I am.

 

Anyone who looks like their passport photo is too ill to travel (Will Kommen)

[bonsai3s]

On 5/12/2022 at 8:02 AM, mfnorth said:

Hi everyone. Apologies if this is a boring question!

I have booked my first cruise for next year and doing a bit of research.

I have watched quite a few cruise clips on youtube etc with tips and advice, but none of them ever say anything about specific excursions or ports (none that I can find anyway).

Cruisers just seem to miraculously appear in the city they have stopped at, there is never any information about what you do when you get off the ship.

Having looked at where the ports I am visiting are located, some if not all of them, seem a fair distance (not within walking distance) of where you would want to visit. My idea was rather than spend a lot of money (I am guessing, as excursion information seems like a big secret) there would be an option to use public transport or some other hints or tips to getting around. 

Does anyone know any cruisers that do clips on youtube about this? Or maybe just some general advice on the following...

 

E.g does the cruise line (Royal Caribbean) provide basic transport into the city location?

 

 

Ravenna....Long long way from Venice I have realised, so staying in Ravenna night before the cruise (good idea?)

Split... Looks the nearest port to actual city, are you able to walk into city?

Santorini...What are the options for getting to Thira and Oia when you get off the ship?

Mykonos... Any public transport or taxi etc?

Dubrovnik...How to get into city, public transport?

Just back from a Royal Caribbean cruise with stops in Santorini and Mykonos. We try to DIY at every port:

 

* Santorini - tender to the island. You have 3 options to get up to Fira/Thira.

1. Ride a donkey.

2. Walk...a bit over 500 steps and avoid donkey dung.

3. Cable car...we chose this option...8 minutes, €6/person/each way.

 

At Fira/Thira, we took the local bus to Oia, approxinately 30 minutes, €1.60/person/each way. Absolutely breathtaking views of the "blue domes".

 

* At the dock, there is also an option to take a boat to Oia...bus up to Oia, then bus back to Fira...€30/person.

 

* Mykonos - we had 2 options to get to town....walk (30 minutes) or take the "Sea Bus".

 

We took ths Sea Bus, €2/person/each way, 10 minutes. Embraced getting lost around the narrow streets and alleys...ultimately making our way to the windmills.

[Hlitner]

On 5/25/2022 at 11:20 AM, Blondilu said:

There's a lot of good info above.  Another option I didn't see mentioned (my bad if I missed it) is a website developed by a guy who has cruised a lot and has put all the information he has gathered into that website.  I'm not sure if it's OK to mention websites either.  I thought the rules only applied to tour companies and travel agencies, but since I don't know rather then give the actual name my suggestion is for you to Google "cruise port guides".  His site should be the first one to come up.

 

Good luck in your planning.

I do think the CC folks have a pretty good attitude about mentioning some web sites.   In the case of the site to which you refer (Toms Port Guides),  the owner of that site is simply an avid cruiser/traveler who has compiled an amazing amount of port info especially useful to those of us who prefer DIY.  His site does not accept advertising and is not selling anything (which seems to be an important criteria when it comes to what is allowed on these boards.

 

Speaking of Tom's Port Guides, we once were on the same cruise as Tom and somehow managed to not meet the guy.   As an avid independent traveler I can only admire the effort he has put into his port guides.

 

Hank

[ontheweb]

4 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I do think the CC folks have a pretty good attitude about mentioning some web sites.   In the case of the site to which you refer (Toms Port Guides),  the owner of that site is simply an avid cruiser/traveler who has compiled an amazing amount of port info especially useful to those of us who prefer DIY.  His site does not accept advertising and is not selling anything (which seems to be an important criteria when it comes to what is allowed on these boards.

 

Speaking of Tom's Port Guides, we once were on the same cruise as Tom and somehow managed to not meet the guy.   As an avid independent traveler I can only admire the effort he has put into his port guides.

 

Hank

So, when can we expect Hank's DIY port guides?

[Hlitner]

17 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

So, when can we expect Hank's DIY port guides?

LOL, just paint me too lazy.  And Tom Sheridan does a truly fantastic job.  When DW and I are off on our own we have no desire to be taking notes or spending our time compiling all kinds of data like Tom has done for years.  What he does is obviously a labor of love.  My own passion is cruising and independent travel but other than helping some folks here on CC we will leave the writing to Tom.

 

I simply offer my thanks to the CC staff for giving us this forum.  There is no other place where folks can ask obscure questions like, "where is a laundromat in Civitavecchia, and quickly get an answer ).  And if we post incorrect info there will usually be others to make us honest.

 

Hank

[ontheweb]

6 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

LOL, just paint me too lazy.  And Tom Sheridan does a truly fantastic job.  When DW and I are off on our own we have no desire to be taking notes or spending our time compiling all kinds of data like Tom has done for years.  What he does is obviously a labor of love.  My own passion is cruising and independent travel but other than helping some folks here on CC we will leave the writing to Tom.

 

I simply offer my thanks to the CC staff for giving us this forum.  There is no other place where folks can ask obscure questions like, "where is a laundromat in Civitavecchia, and quickly get an answer ).  And if we post incorrect info there will usually be others to make us honest.

 

Hank

How about a compilation of the best of Hank's posts on cruise critic instead?

[Mary229]

I use Whatsinport and Tom’s port guides to understand logistics from the ports.  I also use google maps and AllTrails to find walkable areas from the port if possible.  Whatsinport and Tom’s are pretty good explaining if you need a shuttle, transport or can simply walk off.  There is also a Dutch couple on YouTube who does very good videos on where the port is and how to walk or find transport.  Perhaps I can find their videos with a little work

[Hlitner]

One problem with port guides and advice is that many things (port wise) are always changing.  We often see too many posts here and elsewhere where folks dispense advice that is completely out-of-date and wrong.   In the past few weeks we have seen two good examples of changes.  Recently, the shuttle bus at Civitavecchia has changed its route which will have an impact on many cruisers.  And we ran into a similar situation last month when we were in Nice and decided to use public transportation to get to St Paul de Vence.  It used to be that the #400 bus (which goes from Nice to St Paul de Vence) left from the bus station in Nice, moved through several down town stops, headed out towards Cagnes sur Mer and eventually made it to St Paul de Vence.  But alas, since Nice has added some local tram lines that $400 bus no longer originates from the bus station...but now starts at a smallish bus terminal near the airport.  In fact, Nice has re routed quite a few bus routes since they added their tracked tram lines.  The goal was to minimize public buses moving through the congested downtown area and they did a good job improving routes and reducing bus congestion.

 

I mention this because folks do need to be careful where they get their info and do their own due diligence to verify that the info is up to date!  Lately we have noticed too many CC posts offering advice (on cruise lines and ports) that date back prior to COVID.  Things have changed and pre-Covid information will often need to be updated.  

 

Hank

[DarrenM]

Ah Dubrovnik. My new.favourite place in the whole world.

 

The old town is.5-10 minutes away from the port.

 

Dont miss out though. It's a wonderful place.

 

Winter is coming.

[broadwaybaby123]

I'd check with the cruise line, they usually offer shore excursions there.  However, some may not allow you to book them until your sail date is closer.  Royal, for example, wouldn't let me book a zipline until a week ago and I'm due to sail with them next month.