Santorini??

[willow surfside]

Santorini will be one of our ports on a cruise in April. Can anyone please give info. on a tour or if you need a guide, etc. Thanks

[High C's]

The answer to that depends on many things. The short answer is that Santorini is very doable on your own. You will be tendered to shore, and once you make your way up to Fira (either by cable car or donkey) you can spend your day there, take a cab or the public bus to Oia, or rent a car and drive around the island. Many people do this.

 

One thing to keep in mind, however, is how many other ships will be in Santorini that day. There is only one way up and one way down. So if it is just your ship, the lines won't be as bad. But if there are several ships in, keep in mind that they all tender to the same dock to use the same cable cars (or donkeys).

 

That's when an excursion has its benefits. If you are on a ship's excursion, you are tendered to a different location where you board your tour bus. You do not go to where the other tenders take the passengers who are on their own. Just something to keep in mind.

[twoatsea]

I just posted a thread on Santorini. Here's the link. Lots of good photos of the cable car & other good info.

 

I agree with High C's - if you want the maximum time & don't want to worry about transportation issues, such as a traffic jams on the streets & at the cable car, preventing you from returning to the ship on time, a ship's tour is the way to go. We don't usually take ship's tours, but in this port we will just to get ahead of lots of other people.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=830119

[ILuvCruisin']

willow surfside: we are back from our 8/9 cruise on Splendor...You asked a question on two over there...Check out my short reveiw on the Thread...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=727028&page=2

[Hlitner]

Santorini will be one of our ports on a cruise in April. Can anyone please give info. on a tour or if you need a guide, etc. Thanks

 

 

The simple answer would be you do not need a tour or a guide anywhere in Western Europe (or much of the world). The question is do you want a tour of a guide? It just comes down to personal preference. We have traveled in over 70 countries and seldom used tours or guides except in places like Egypt and China. On the other hand, there are plenty of folks who do not feel comfortable more than a mile from their home without a tour or guide. As to Santorini, it is a very tourist-friendly place where its pretty easy to do things on your own. Most first time visitors spend their time in the towns of Fira (Thira) and Oia, and these two villages are connected by a cheap and efficient public bus line (about 2 Euros). There are also taxis for those that do not want to use the bus. If you want to see the island outside those two towns you would need to rent a car or join some kind of tour.

 

Hank

[macaroni]

Will be there next summer. Trying to decide between the walking trail from Fira to Oia or renting a car. Want to spend some time in Oia for sure.

[nancycoop1]

We used the bus to Oia when in Santorini. It was easy to catch and very cheap. The only problem was that it was very crowded and if I were to do it again, I would take a cab.

[CoralReef]

Does anyone have pics or links to some on Santorini?

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/563671535xsFJyz?start=112

[twoatsea]

willow surfside, we are going to Santorini in November. Regarding taking a tour or go on your own, I was surprised to discover that those on a ship's tour get off of the ship at a totally different port than the other passengers. The ship's tour folks get off first, go to buses, & then on their way, before the other folks have even anchored at the other port.

 

Then once anchored at the 2nd port, there's the waiting for a tender, tendering, & then waiting on the cable car line to go up to the towns -which with so many getting off the ship at the same time, the line can be quite long. While all of this is going on, the ship's tour group is already enjoying Oia - without so many people!

 

So, even though we usually do ports on our own, we are taking a 3.5 hour ship's tour (shortest one) in Santorini just to get the early start advantage. That leaves the rest of the day & evening to tour on our own, plus we'll get some Santorini info from the guide as an extra.

 

So, that's just one way to look at it.

 

You can go to porttime.com to see how many other ship passengers will be waiting for that cable car.

[jstducky]

willow surfside, we are going to Santorini in November. Regarding taking a tour or go on your own, I was surprised to discover that those on a ship's tour get off of the ship at a totally different port than the other passengers. The ship's tour folks get off first, go to buses, & then on their way, before the other folks have even anchored at the other port.

 

Then once anchored at the 2nd port, there's the waiting for a tender, tendering, & then waiting on the cable car line to go up to the towns -which with so many getting off the ship at the same time, the line can be quite long. While all of this is going on, the ship's tour group is already enjoying Oia - without so many people!

 

So, even though we usually do ports on our own, we are taking a 3.5 hour ship's tour (shortest one) in Santorini just to get the early start advantage. That leaves the rest of the day & evening to tour on our own, plus we'll get some Santorini info from the guide as an extra.

 

So, that's just one way to look at it.

 

You can go to porttime.com to see how many other ship passengers will be waiting for that cable car.

 

 

That is interesting. When I was in Santorini with Briiliance of the Seas everyone got off at the same place in Santorini. As in, there were two different tender services going. The ship's tour folks tendered off the bow of the ship, and the rest of the independent passengers tendered off the midship area.

 

The ship's tours passengers are taken to a dock where the buses are waiting for them to drive them up to the top of the caldera and then on their way to their tour.

 

The independent passengers are dropped off at the regular tender dock where you can then decide between the cable car or the donkey.

 

When I was there, I decided to do Santorini on my own. I was actually off the ship on the first tender (without having to wait for a tender ticket) and on land before the ship's passengers tenders had left the ship.

 

I found the bus station after a 10 minute walk. There was a bus leaving to Oia within 10 minutes. We got on the bus for the very very cheap, 30 minute drive to Oia.

 

When I got to Oia it was still early morning. The businesses were open but the tourists hadn't yet arrived.

 

I spent over an hour in Oia on my own before ever seeing the ship's tours groups in Oia. Then after about an hour or so the ships tour passengers were gathered up and left Oia, and once again I had Oia to myself. It was nice.

 

I never encountered lines or crowds or any of that. The use of the bus was efficient, easy and cheap.

 

It was the perfect day.

[twoatsea]

OH NO, jstducky :eek: After struggling with Santorini, I thought I had this all figured out. I got that info from CC - two ports, ship's tours off much faster, long cable car line, et al! Now I am back at the drawing board!

 

Well, we are in a suite, so we can get off the ship fast, I assume. However, we would have to take the cable car both ways & both of us are afraid of heights - but we decided to endure the cable cars with our eyes closed! So, that can be accomplished - unhappily.

 

But.....also heard it is hard to get a bus or taxi back from Oia???? We are going in November & I think the buses only run once every hour - at least that is what I got from CC. And supposedly the taxis are very busy & hard to come by.

 

What do you think? We would love extra time in Oia because we love to take pictures :cool: But we don't push & shove, not even to get on a bus or taxi - so would it be difficult for us to get back to Fira?

[jstducky]

OH NO, jstducky :eek: After struggling with Santorini, I thought I had this all figured out. I got that info from CC - two ports, ship's tours off much faster, long cable car line, et al! Now I am back at the drawing board!

 

Well, we are in a suite, so we can get off the ship fast, I assume. However, we would have to take the cable car both ways & both of us are afraid of heights - but we decided to endure the cable cars with our eyes closed! So, that can be accomplished - unhappily.

 

But.....also heard it is hard to get a bus or taxi back from Oia???? We are going in November & I think the buses only run once every hour - at least that is what I got from CC. And supposedly the taxis are very busy & hard to come by.

 

What do you think? We would love extra time in Oia because we love to take pictures :cool: But we don't push & shove, not even to get on a bus or taxi - so would it be difficult for us to get back to Fira?

 

 

Uh oh. I don't want to ruin your plans. Maybe things have changed since I was in Santorini. I don't want to give you mis-information.

 

Perhaps the lines for the cable car and the buses and taxis has to do with the number of ships in port that day? When I went to Santorini, Brilliance was the only ship there.

 

As for getting off the ship fast, I'm not sure that being in a suite has any bearing. Since this is a tender port, generally, they just ask you to pick up your tender ticket at a lounge or dining room when your party is ready. When the tender is ready they will call your number and escort you to the tender loading zone. If you want to get off quickly, just be ready to pick up your tender ticket first thing in the morning. Check the daily program to see what time they will handing them out.

 

In my experience, I didn't encounter any lines anywhere.

 

With the bus schedules, they are posted at the bus station in Fira and the bus stop in Oia. The bus stop in Oia is the end of the line stop. I believe you are right in the fact that the buses only run about once an hour in the afternoon.

 

When I went, I got to Oia around 8:00 am. We stayed there until about noon and then came back. We had consulted the bus schedule so we knew in advance which bus we wanted to take back. The bus was about 5 minutes behind schedule and there were others waiting for the bus. However, the bus wasn't like a bus. It was more like a motorcoach style bus. It seats 40-50 easily. There were probably less than 10 people waiting for the bus in Oia to come back to Fira. But you are correct. While waiting in Oia, I didn't see a taxi at all. The only taxis I saw were taxis dropping off passengers who had come from Fira. But there weren't taxis in Oia waiting for fares.

 

By the time I got back to Fira, I had about 3 hours to walk around Fira on my own, see the sights, grab a bite to eat, and do some shopping. When it was time to take the cable car back down to the tender dock, there were maybe 20-30 people in line ahead of me. I didn't wait more than 10 minutes as about 6 people fit in each cable car. The tenders were right there and waiting for us and I got on one right away. I thought it was a completely efficient and smooth process.

 

Oia completely made our trip to Santorini. If you think that a picture is worth a thousand words, than Oia in person is worth a million words. The pictures are awe inspiring, but seeing it in person will absolutely take your breath away.

 

Again, things may have changed since I was in Santorini 2 summers ago (06). But that is exactly how I remember our experience being. I don't want to make you alter your plans or give you mis-information that could make your time in Santorini stressful.

 

Oh and, the cable cars are part of the experience of Santorini! Hopefully you'll love them and just enjoy the wonderful view!

[twoatsea]

jstducky, what view - with eyes closed! :o

 

No, I really appreciate your input. I know we will get on the 1st tender as suite occupants, because that is one of the perks. We go to the concierge lounge & get priority tender tickets. Haven't been in a suite before, but that is what I've been told. Luckily, since we have 3 of us (me, DH, & adult DS), a suite was cheaper than 2 balconies, considering the double price for the single guy. So, the suite makes it even more exciting!

 

But, not as lucky as you with no other ships in port, but at least there is only one other ship in port with us. I need to check & see when they arrive. We are scheduled to be there at 7am. So we probably can get to the cable cars & the bus fairly fast.

 

Ummmm, I'm leaning towards ditching the tour - which we would rather not have a tour.

 

Thanks for your help. I might call the RCCL Crown & Anchor Society folks & see if they know how the 2 ports/tender system works. My 2 guys are going to love it if I change my mind - AGAIN on tour or no tour in Santorini! :rolleyes:

[Travelgrrl]

If it's any help, the cable car system is HUGE, it's not like a gondola at Disneyworld that sort of sways on a wire track overhead. It's completely attached to the machinery overhead and very smoothly takes you down (& up, I assume, though we did the donkeys that way).

 

The donkeys were terrifying. Several times I thought I was going to be pitched over the edge. However, having done it, I'm glad I did. But next time: cable car both ways.

 

But I think you will feel more comfortable in the cable car than you think.

 

We just wandered around Fira and had a ball.

[Cruiser Forever]

Does anyone have pics or links to some on Santorini?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a picture my DH took last year when we took a tour on Santorini. It was our 2nd time there it is so pretty. We booked a RCI tour and had a great time.:)

 

 

[Paul&Kathy]

Has anybody tried any of the boat trips in Santorini - I think you can go to a volcano and hot springs on neighbouring islands ? I don't think DH will get on the cable car so we are looking for alternatives. Just wondered whether the boat trips are easily available on arrival ? If anyone has walked the volcano from the boat trip I would love to know how far/high/steep it is.

 

Many thanks in advance for any help.

[twoatsea]

Travelgirl, that is encouraging!

 

Cruiser Forever, the colors in your photo are beautiful - great shot. Please tell me about the RCCL tour. I just posted another thread. I'm trying to decide whether to take an RCCL tour or do on our own. Did the ship tour last about 3.5 hours, Oia with snacks & wine time, & leave off at Fira?

 

Did you get enough time in Oia - some have complained of not enough time for photos, etc.

 

Paul&Kathy, would your DH get in the cable car just to go down? If you take a ship's tour, so I've been told, you don't have to take the cable car up - go to a different port & take a bus. I plan on closing my eyes on the cable car, maybe you can convince him to do the same! Of course, there are always the donkeys or walk with the donkeys! :eek: Good luck.

[jstducky]

 

No, I really appreciate your input. I know we will get on the 1st tender as suite occupants, because that is one of the perks. We go to the concierge lounge & get priority tender tickets. Haven't been in a suite before, but that is what I've been told. Luckily, since we have 3 of us (me, DH, & adult DS), a suite was cheaper than 2 balconies, considering the double price for the single guy. So, the suite makes it even more exciting!

 

But, not as lucky as you with no other ships in port, but at least there is only one other ship in port with us. I need to check & see when they arrive. We are scheduled to be there at 7am. So we probably can get to the cable cars & the bus fairly fast.

 

Ummmm, I'm leaning towards ditching the tour - which we would rather not have a tour.

 

twoatsea ----

 

you know, all of this talk of Santorini has made me long to go back there so much, I booked a cruise this weekend for July 09 that will take me back to Santorini! I'm so excited.

 

so now, I too want to know if this is true that there are 2 different stops and they let off the tour pax off at the first stop first! I am hoping that the system is still the way it was when I was there in 06! 2 different tender ports, but everyone gets off at the same time.

 

In your situation, its great that you get priority tender tickets. that should really help in getting off the ship first. and if you are there at 7 am, I don't think you need to worry about crowds for the cable car, the tenders or the bus to Oia.

 

good luck!

[Tammiko]

twoatsea ----

 

you know, all of this talk of Santorini has made me long to go back there so much, I booked a cruise this weekend for July 09 that will take me back to Santorini! I'm so excited.

 

so now, I too want to know if this is true that there are 2 different stops and they let off the tour pax off at the first stop first! I am hoping that the system is still the way it was when I was there in 06! 2 different tender ports, but everyone gets off at the same time.

 

In your situation, its great that you get priority tender tickets. that should really help in getting off the ship first. and if you are there at 7 am, I don't think you need to worry about crowds for the cable car, the tenders or the bus to Oia.

 

good luck!

 

The only problem is that if they do tender in two different places (and it looks like they do), getting there at 7:00 am makes no difference as the last tour doesn't get off until 8:30. So I guess the rest of us won't be getting off until after 9:00 am.

 

Knowing this, I'm starting to sway towards taking the tour, even though I really didn't want to do that. So, I would like to add a question about RCCL's tour, if I may.

 

I know that at the end of the tour they are supposed to take you to a local winery and then leave you in Fira... what I want to know is if the Winery is in Oia? I'm now thinking that after the tour, but before they take us back to Fira, that we will 'jump ship' ;) :rolleyes: and maybe grab a cab and go to some of the other areas we want to see. Is this doable? Thanks!

 

BTW... Hi Julie. Good work here! As usual!

[Paul&Kathy]

Twoatsea, I very much doubt my husband will get in the cable car either way and he definitely will not get on a bus if he thinks it is going up anything higher than a molehill (OK slight exageration but he does have a serious height problem and we don't want a panic attack on this holiday) and I daren't even suggest a donkey, so I think we are stuck at sea level. I am sure you are not as bad as him so I really hope you are OK with the cable car - I am it will be great.

 

If anybody else is interested I have had a reply from one of the boat trip companies, their tours leave from the same port as the ships tenders arrive. They wanted me to book in advance but agreed that we could join and pay on the day provided they have space. It is 18 euros to go to the volcano island and the hot springs.

[hezzy]

I know that Santorini is easy to do without a tour guide but we went together with 6 other people from our ship and used Oceanwaves tours. The guide was excellent and took us all over the island. I would recommend them anytime.

[jstducky]

The only problem is that if they do tender in two different places (and it looks like they do), getting there at 7:00 am makes no difference as the last tour doesn't get off until 8:30. So I guess the rest of us won't be getting off until after 9:00 am.

 

 

I guess then that the real question is whether or not the ship makes 2 stops, lets tour passengers off at the first stop, and then continues on and makes the second stop where they let the other passengers off.

 

However, my belief is that this isn't the way it works. That wasn't how it worked when I was there in 06, and from another thread that was posted this past weekend regarding this issue, it seems that others who have recently returned from Santorini also say that this isn't the way it works.

 

The way it should work is that the ship drops anchor once. There are 2 different tender locations on the ship, one for the tour passengers and one for everyone else. If you are on a tour you are taken to a different dock on land where the buses come to meet you. If you aren't on a ship's tour, you are taken to the dock on land where the cable cars/donkeys are.

 

This way, everyone can get on land when ever they choose to. The independent passengers don't have to wait for the ships tours passengers.

[agabbymama]

I don't know for a fact because I haven't gone yet, but I booked an excursion through Princess for Santorini, and my time of departure isn't until 1:00pm, so if they stop first for tour groups, then go on to Cable car pier, then they would have to go back to the other pier for my 1:00 excursion, so I don't think that is how it will be done.

 

I think they pull into the caldera and anchor, then the tender boats take off to the two different locations.

 

Anybody been on Princess that knows for sure?

[Hawks11]

Does anyone have pics or links to some on Santorini?

 

These are quite nice:

 

http://www.urban75.org/photos/santorini/santorini021.html

[twoatsea]

jstducky, did I read that correctly that you are going soon on this new cruise? If so, that is unreal - you must be retired (we are too). But have never been so spontaneous with Europe! Good for you; have a great time. How did you do on air tickets?

 

Hi Tammiko. I think it is looking like the ship only docks ONCE - thank goodness & I hope! I meant to call the RCCL Crown & Anchor Society, but haven't gotten to it yet. Also, since there are 2 tender areas & 2 ports, I don't think the "cable car" folks have to remain onboard until all of the ship's tour folks are gone.

 

For those interested, there was a post some time back that one can take the cable cars up, walk to Fira, & there are tour agencies right there. Go in & get quotes on tours & just select one onsite. So that is a tour option too.

 

PAUL & KATHY - Re: the boat tour for height challenged folks - that sounds like a great tour. Do you get off of the boat at Oia to tour & then return to the boat, or is it all an on-the-water tour? I'd love to see the island/caldera/ etc. from the water. So, I'm interested if some of it is onland in Oia - so please post the link.