October05
January 9th, 2005, 03:00 PM
Hello -I am interested in any tips for sightseeing on the eastern med cruise - Prinsendam ports. Shall I take the cruise suggestions or wing it by taxi? Any other tips for keeping budget down would be appreciated. Whats the deal with Alcohol - san it be bought or brought onto the ship. Traditionally we hit the carribean and love our rum and all inclusive islands...but we are looking to broaden our culture (rather than sunning all day). This will be a first time cruise experience and looking to get the most from it. Any tips appreciated.
Thanks!
RuthC
January 9th, 2005, 04:52 PM
First and foremost---welcome to the HAL board! I hope you find us an interesting bunch. Our bark is (usually) worse than our bites.
I don't know your ports, but that won't stop me from trying to answer your questions about touring! Ask yourself:
How many in your party? If you are a solo or a couple will you be comfortable going off on your own or do you want to be taken care of?
Are you comfortable with foreign languages/currency? Again, a HAL tour takes the responsibility off you.
Do you like to see what you want at your own pace? Do you mind being part of a busload of people shuffled through?
It can be cost-effective to research and book private tours, but it is also time consuming. We all have different preferences and comfort levels of risk. I travel solo, so I like being part of the HAL crowded tour. There's company and safety. Others may know the port and don't mind heading off on their own.
Just remember, if you are on your own and don't get back to the ship on time it will not wait for you. The ship will wait for a HAL tour delayed in returning.