Cruise Ships - best way to settle the bill

Andypandyboy

harz99 wrote: »

Andypandy, we've also travelled a lot, so just off the top of my head - some of the small Norwegian Fjord stops, and Sochi as an example of each of the things I quoted.


I get that you don't like ship tours, and as I said we are not keen ourselves, but some times needs must.

https://www.toursbylocals.com/Sochi-Tours

We used the above for a private tour in Sochi for our group, really personal experience and a fraction of the ship's tour costs.

We just do our homework beforehand and often join up with those on the Roll call for the sailing on Cruise Critic to make small groups max 10.

I genuinely can't think of anywhere we have cruised to that we couldn't DIY.

stoneman

Athens. The Acropolis. Pick up public bus at the end of the tour busses at the port on the main road. Cost about 4 euros into Athens. When you get to the entrance keep to the left and walk against the traffic of people coming out.
That leads to the exit where there is no barriers and you just walk in.

Not endorsing it of course but it is in the public domain.

harz99

stoneman wrote: »

Athens. The Acropolis.
Not endorsing it of course but it is in the public domain.

Really, Greece is broke and you want to encourage people to bilk the pretty low charge that the rest of us are happy to pay to be able to see and appreciate this wonder of the ancient world.


That info maybe out in the public domain elsewhere but there's no need to repeat it here.

Voyager2002

joerugby wrote: »

We paid about £4,000 for two persons (excluding travel from UK).

Try pricing up two weeks full board in five star hotels in prime locations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, KL and Mumbai plus seven business class flights for two persons and see how far you get.

Of course you might be able to do it cheaper with fewer locations and lower quality travel and accommodation, but this was top quality and great value

I don't think that is a fair comparison... I have never cruised, but doubt whether most cabins can be compared with a five-star hotel room. And in terms of location: a cruise ship is NOT in a prime location in most cities: while it can dock in the heart of Hong Kong, it will be a long way from Bangkok and even further from major attractions (such as Angkor Wat) that are not built by the sea.

In terms of cost comparisons: you can get a four-star hotel (with pool) in Bangkok or KL for under thirty pounds a night; flights within the region for between ten and fifty pounds (or a long-distance train with a bed for the night for a similar price!); and delicious local meals cost virtually nothing. Only alcohol, or anything at all in Singapore, will cost a significant amount.

No: I am sure that cruising is an amazing experience, but it is unlikely to be a cheap way to see the region.

PompeyPete

Voyager2002 wrote: »

No: I am sure that cruising is an amazing experience, but it is unlikely to be a cheap way to see the region.

The weather can also play havoc with a cruise itinerary, and leave people disappointed and short-changed. Acts of God together with Elf n Safety of passengers and crew can be a major player.

Lucy_Lastic

I'm thinking of booking a cruise/tour with Princess Cruises round Japan next year.

Does anyone have any knowledge of tours of Japan/Diamond Princess?

duchy

PompeyPete wrote: »

You only got glimpses.

I've always felt that's what the ports of call on a cruise are all about , a series of tasters . Enough to help you decide where you will visit in the future in more depth.

There were places I've visited on cruises where a day was enough, others I returned to because I wanted more.

duchy

PompeyPete wrote: »

The weather can also play havoc with a cruise itinerary, and leave people disappointed and short-changed. Acts of God together with Elf n Safety of passengers and crew can be a major player.

Cruise ships have the ability to change ports of call to avoid hurricanes etc and nowadays the technology to have the time to do so, probably less disappointing than losing an entire holiday because your hotel for a fortnight issitting in the path of a hurricane and your airline won't even fly to your destination.

Any holiday can be hit by an act of God not just cruises after all.

divadee

I have been on 5 cruises and love the way of travel with them, but, I also call them a bit like holiday tapas. You see a small part of a place and want to discover more. We have since done 3 holidays to places we visited for a day on a cruise for a longer stay.

melanzana

I want to and yet don't want to do a cruise.

I'm afraid of being stuck with the same people at food times etc, as I don't really relish having to be on best behaviour all the time, or have people latch on if you get me!

We are going to try a five day trip next year and see. I can rant all I want, but don't knock it till you try it I suppose!

Must haves for me are a relaxed environment and little need for evening gowns and tux lol. Eat where you want, and move tables or be seated as two only.

Anyway, cruising is an enigma to me. So many love it as hate it. So I have to have a go and see I suppose. But that also fills me with dread. Sorry, being cooped up for days is just a bit of a dilemma. I don't think I would like it much.

Anyway, I did a Nile cruise as part of a larger itinerary and survived. But it was not on the open seas for days either! And I was glad to get to an hotel after too.

Lost cause am I?