Celebrity’s “small group” excursions

[NCteacherlovescruising]

Looking at this tour: Small Group: Exclusive Tour of Italy's Amalfi Coast. What does small group mean?  Has anyone taken this tour?  Just wondering if it actually takes us into Positano. The description only says a brief respite there so I’m doubting it. 

[the penguins]

7 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Looking at this tour: Small Group: Exclusive Tour of Italy's Amalfi Coast. What does small group mean?  Has anyone taken this tour?  Just wondering if it actually takes us into Positano. The description only says a brief respite there so I’m doubting it. 

X has no standard definition of "small". From numerous other posts numbers have ranged up to the mid 20's. Also the buses can be smaller making them just as crowded.

Our definition of "small" is 4 passengers or ocassionaly 6 but you can only achieve/guarantee that by booking a private guide. X offers this on some cruises (look for Private Journeys) at a very high cost. Alternatively book with a specialist company (our choice is Toursbylocals) but whoever ensure the price includes a full refund if the ship doesn't dock and get you to the next port free should you miss the ship. Enjoy

[Lena11033]

I did a small group from Naples to Sorrento and Pompeii last year. My definition of small would be like 5 or 6 people, our coach was half full so that's at least 20 people.

 

My guess is you would get some time there but you won't be spending like half a day. For Sorrento I think we were supposed to have an hour and a half but the road from Naples down if there is traffic you get backed up so we lost quite a bit of time with traffic and we had about an hour to spend there.

 

What other stops do you have?

I believe from Naples to Amalfi area you are looking at 1.5 hour drive each way. What other stops do you have? I did Rome to Amalfi after my cruise and we stopped in Amalfi itself as well as Positano.

[NCteacherlovescruising]

1 hour ago, Lena11033 said:

I did a small group from Naples to Sorrento and Pompeii last year. My definition of small would be like 5 or 6 people, our coach was half full so that's at least 20 people.

 

 

Did you enjoy it?  Did you have a guide in Pompeii?  Did you stop at Positano at all?  

1 hour ago, Lena11033 said:

My guess is you would get some time there but you won't be spending like half a day. For Sorrento I think we were supposed to have an hour and a half but the road from Naples down if there is traffic you get backed up so we lost quite a bit of time with traffic and we had about an hour to spend there.

 

What other stops do you have?

I believe from Naples to Amalfi area you are looking at 1.5 hour drive each way. What other stops do you have? I did Rome to Amalfi after my cruise and we stopped in Amalfi itself as well as Positano.

It’s $270 pp, but we do have a lot of OBC. Here’s their description: 
Your private adventure begins at the port in Naples where you'll board a private charter for a scenic drive along the coast with your knowledgeable guide. Along the way, you'll catch a glimpse of Mount Vesuvius, the tallest of a row of volcanoes visible from the coast. After a brief respite in Positano, your journey continues onward to the fabled town of Sorrento. Sorrento served as the backdrop for numerous Mediterranean myths and legend, and you'll get the opportunity to explore the iconic, picturesque destinations. Our coastal trek concludes with a stop in the ancient city of Pompeii. As we clear the city's gates, you'll feel as if you've been transported back to 79 AD. Rustic and full of character, you'll marvel at the stunning architecture and warmth of the locals.

Highlights

• Take in awe-inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast's stunning landscape on a private drive.
• Visit the preserved sites in the ancient city of Pompeii.
• Explore the fabled town of Sorrento, which is the site of many local legends.

 

Did you travel by train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?  How long did it take?  We haven’t decided how many days we can stay after our cruise. We want at least 2-3 in Rome. If we can stay longer, we aren’t sure if we should head to Venice or the Amalfi Coast. 

[NCteacherlovescruising]

5 hours ago, the penguins said:

X has no standard definition of "small". From numerous other posts numbers have ranged up to the mid 20's. Also the buses can be smaller making them just as crowded.

Our definition of "small" is 4 passengers or ocassionaly 6 but you can only achieve/guarantee that by booking a private guide. X offers this on some cruises (look for Private Journeys) at a very high cost. Alternatively book with a specialist company (our choice is Toursbylocals) but whoever ensure the price includes a full refund if the ship doesn't dock and get you to the next port free should you miss the ship. Enjoy

We are looking at a tour by Italytours.eu that someone recommended. It’s quite a bit cheaper than the Celebrity tour. They do give a full refund if we don’t dock and it says guaranteed to return to ship on time, but doesn’t mention getting us to our next port in time if we miss it. The next port is Rome, where we get off so it’s quite important we don’t miss the ship so we can pack up our belongings. 
 

Here’s the description of the tour:

Stunning Amalfi Coast Excursion – visit the 3 most important towns & pay less!

 

When your cruise ship docks in Naples or Salerno, enjoy breathtaking views of the area’s beautiful setting on this semi-private shore excursion to Positano, Amalfi & Ravello.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 1

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 2

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 3

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 4

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 5

 

 

 

 

 

Naples is the gateway to the glorious region of Amalfi. Join us for this unforgettable shore excursion.  See all the main highlights, pay less and enjoy VIP service. We are happy to offer you two options for this best-in-class excursion:

 

1) Private tour for just your party
2) Small-group excursion – only 99 Euros!

 

Enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal rides along the base of Europe’s most famous Volcano, Mount Vesuvius and arrive to the Gem town of Positano. Take some amazing photos from the view point over looking Positano and explore the central Piazza dei Mulini, connected to a narrow downhill path and a few flights of steps that lead to the oceanfront. This must-see destination offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural landscapes as well as the culture of Positano. Follow narrow streets to the Church of St Maria Assunta, a great example of medieval art.

 

Continue your trip to the charming village of Amalfi, situated right on the coast. Explore Piazza Duomo while our driver will recommend where to eat. Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch (own expense) before discovering the beauty of the magnificent Cathedral of St Andrew, named after the patron saint and protector of Amalfi. Visit the 13th-century Museo della Carta (Museum of Handmade Paper – own expense) and discover original paper presses, still preserved and in full operation.

 

As your driver chauffeurs you around the picturesque coast of Amalfi, enjoy splendid views of the small villages and the sea as you take in the beautiful scenery. Finally, you will reach the village of Ravello. Perched on top of a mountain cliff, Ravello is famous for some of the most beautiful seaside villas in Italy. Visit some of the public villas and explore their gardens, rich in sweet scents of blooming flowers and perfumes of lemons.

 

In the afternoon, your driver will return you safely to  port and in plenty of time for departure.

 

Highlights

• Full-day semi-private shore excursion (6-8 guests) to Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
• Enjoy a spectacular panorama tour of one of the nicest coast lines in the world!
• Discover the stunning Cathedral of St Andrew in Amalfi
• Visit the Museo della Carta and learn about original paper presses
• Port pickup and drop-off included
• Guaranteed on time return to your ship

Inclusions

• Private English speaking driver-guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions

• Entrance fees (if wanted)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)

[TeeRick]

12 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Looking at this tour: Small Group: Exclusive Tour of Italy's Amalfi Coast. What does small group mean?  Has anyone taken this tour?  Just wondering if it actually takes us into Positano. The description only says a brief respite there so I’m doubting it. 

You might also ask about this on the Italy Ports of Call Board here on CC.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/464-italy-ports/

[terrydtx]

10 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

We are looking at a tour by Italytours.eu that someone recommended. It’s quite a bit cheaper than the Celebrity tour. They do give a full refund if we don’t dock and it says guaranteed to return to ship on time, but doesn’t mention getting us to our next port in time if we miss it. The next port is Rome, where we get off so it’s quite important we don’t miss the ship so we can pack up our belongings. 
 

Here’s the description of the tour:

Stunning Amalfi Coast Excursion – visit the 3 most important towns & pay less!

 

When your cruise ship docks in Naples or Salerno, enjoy breathtaking views of the area’s beautiful setting on this semi-private shore excursion to Positano, Amalfi & Ravello.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 1

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 2

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 3

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 4

 

Slideshow_Amalfi Coast Tour 5

 

 

 

 

 

Naples is the gateway to the glorious region of Amalfi. Join us for this unforgettable shore excursion.  See all the main highlights, pay less and enjoy VIP service. We are happy to offer you two options for this best-in-class excursion:

 

1) Private tour for just your party
2) Small-group excursion – only 99 Euros!

 

Enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal rides along the base of Europe’s most famous Volcano, Mount Vesuvius and arrive to the Gem town of Positano. Take some amazing photos from the view point over looking Positano and explore the central Piazza dei Mulini, connected to a narrow downhill path and a few flights of steps that lead to the oceanfront. This must-see destination offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural landscapes as well as the culture of Positano. Follow narrow streets to the Church of St Maria Assunta, a great example of medieval art.

 

Continue your trip to the charming village of Amalfi, situated right on the coast. Explore Piazza Duomo while our driver will recommend where to eat. Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch (own expense) before discovering the beauty of the magnificent Cathedral of St Andrew, named after the patron saint and protector of Amalfi. Visit the 13th-century Museo della Carta (Museum of Handmade Paper – own expense) and discover original paper presses, still preserved and in full operation.

 

As your driver chauffeurs you around the picturesque coast of Amalfi, enjoy splendid views of the small villages and the sea as you take in the beautiful scenery. Finally, you will reach the village of Ravello. Perched on top of a mountain cliff, Ravello is famous for some of the most beautiful seaside villas in Italy. Visit some of the public villas and explore their gardens, rich in sweet scents of blooming flowers and perfumes of lemons.

 

In the afternoon, your driver will return you safely to  port and in plenty of time for departure.

 

Highlights

• Full-day semi-private shore excursion (6-8 guests) to Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
• Enjoy a spectacular panorama tour of one of the nicest coast lines in the world!
• Discover the stunning Cathedral of St Andrew in Amalfi
• Visit the Museo della Carta and learn about original paper presses
• Port pickup and drop-off included
• Guaranteed on time return to your ship

Inclusions

• Private English speaking driver-guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions

• Entrance fees (if wanted)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)

This is the same tour we did last year from the Reflection. We had 4 in our group traveling together and this tour was for 8, which defines what we consider a small group tour. It was an awesome tour. We are so tired of being ripped off by cruise line sponsored tours and have found so many great 3rd party ones, with help from our CC Roll Calls. Our Apex cruise in September from Amsterdam to Athens is 100% only 3rd party shore excursions all in small groups.

Edited May 29, 2023 by terrydtx

[NCteacherlovescruising]

1 minute ago, TeeRick said:

You might also ask about this on the Italy Ports of Call Board here on CC.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/464-italy-ports/

Thanks!  That’s where the private tour was recommended. I came here to ask specifically about the Celebrity tour. 

[TeeRick]

2 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Thanks!  That’s where the private tour was recommended. I came here to ask specifically about the Celebrity tour. 

OK thanks.  We have done the "small" excursions and they only thing small is the crowded minibus.

[Miaminice]

When you exit the cruise terminal in Naples you’ll find plenty of vendors and drivers offering tours and providing real small group experiences. Celebrity call 20 people a small group 😁

[NCteacherlovescruising]

4 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

OK thanks.  We have done the "small" excursions and they only thing small is the crowded minibus.

I thought that would be the case. Thanks!

4 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

When you exit the cruise terminal in Naples you’ll find plenty of vendors and drivers offering tours and providing real small group experiences. Celebrity call 20 people a small group 😁

Ok, we will go with the recommended Italytours.eu. It sounds perfect!

[RichYak]

17 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Ok, we will go with the recommended Italytours.eu. It sounds perfect!

I'm just chiming in to say I think you're making the right choice. Enjoy!

[NCteacherlovescruising]

29 minutes ago, RichYak said:

I'm just chiming in to say I think you're making the right choice. Enjoy!

I’m sure we will!  Thanks!

[Lena11033]

I was going to say the celebrity excursion based on the description you wouldn't get long at Positano, there's too much distance to cover with Pompeii being included - I think we were there for a couple of hours and we didn't even cover everything.

 

Positano I did from Rome, we took a train then the water taxi. The private tour to hit Amalfi is the better way to go.