OldBoot

set up an email address that you can use specifically to post on your roll call for tour partners to contact you

that way you minimise junk mail or if your usual email contains your real name you don't lose your cruisecritic anonymity

I can do that. Silly follow-up question then....I would post my email address in my roll call message board post, right?

So I took the plunge and am organizing a private tour. I just ran into a small snag...I'd like to communicate with my tour participants via email. It appears the Cruise Critic message board does not allow private messages? What am I missing?

Might I ask you to edit my info? The date is missing.

April 22, 2014 Rotterdam, 17 day Mediterranean Rivieras, Athens to London

Thanks!

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I agree. We are from Canada and thought we were fine with the minimal cold weather clothing we packed for end of May, beginning of June. We ended up buying jackets on board to supplement our layers. Our weather was good too. Depending upon what type of wintery weather you are used to, bring thermal layers as well as waterproofs. Please also know it will be totally worth it!

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Once again, thank you! Cab it is.

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Thanks cruisemom42. The bus is a good option. But I think you are right. After a long TA flight, its likely I'll have less than half my wits about me. I believe I'll arrive in style this time.

Now, about the return trip to the port to join our cruise....I believe we can do public transit. What can you recommend?

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Thank you! I was having a little Do It Yourself guilt. Your replies have cured me. :)

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I am debating whether to hire our hotel's car transfer or to use the metro when we arrive in Athens pre-cruise. We arrive around midnight on a Saturday night after a long international flight from Canada. We are staying at the Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square. There is a metro station across the square, but I am leery of dragging luggage around publicly late at night. The cost of the car hire is high, but perhaps a bargain for peace of mind. What would you do?

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Resurrecting this thread, as we are visiting Athens Easter weekend, pre-cruise. There will be many attractions with very limited opening hours, so we are also looking for other things to do. Staying on Syntagma Square, so have easy access to the Plaka.

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Thank you so much Maryann. I'll be tracking you down.

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I can see a small group would be manageable. I was beginning to have visions of travel agent 101. Lol. Sorry to hear you've had bad luck trying to get HAL cruisers interested in private tours. I wonder if I'll have the same experience.

On another note, how do you select your tour's departure time? If the ship is in port at 8 am, for example, and you want to get an early start, is a tour time of 8:15am do-able? (Tour operators give leeway for disembarking time?)

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Oh, MrsPete, things are getting a bit like being on the job. I'm having second thoughts about the extra bother!

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Hi,

 

I have done lots of private tours for just the two of us. I have arranged a few in which I advertised on the roll call for folks to join in on semi private tours. However, I only used tour companies where the individuals interested needed to contact the tour company directly, Provide their information and agree to payment. That way you and the others who show up are not responsible for the no shows. (Barcelona Day Tours was a great company to work with. Private Greece Tours is also excellent)

 

Also, do not use a company that requires you to pay in advance.

 

Most important, if there is free time, make sure everyone knows the exact meeting time and place. Be politely firm on this.

 

It is a lot of fun to join a small group. You will find people very happy to go with you and you will see so much more than the ship tours.

 

Where are you going?

Sounds do-able. I am starting to get a bit of a headache contemplating rounding up potential strays though. We're sailing HAL's Rotterdam from Athens to London.

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Thank you so much cruisemom42. Those are exactly the kinds of tips I was looking for! And, it sounds very much like the voice of experience talking. I can do that!

I've only ever used the cruise lines shore excursions. I see that many of you are veterans when it comes to using private tour operators instead. There are some names which keep popping up as reliable tour operators and I'm game to try.

When it comes to booking something and looking for other cruisers to share the tour, what are some tips to keep in mind? I understand about sharing the info on a roll call, but am wondering more about making sure that folks enjoy the shared time together on a private tour.

Care to share your tips?

Thanks JB. That was very helpful and cost saving advice.

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We're in Athens 2 nights pre-cruise. This is also the Easter weekend, so I understand many attractions will have very limited opening hours. Was thinking the HOHO might be a good idea in this case to get a city tour?

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If you can, dine on the train! The food is lovely.

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That's a nice suggestion, bit I find it so hard to see at night in the dark! Lol

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Last time we sailed, we borrowed DVDs from HAL. Admittedly the tv channels are less than desirable, but HAL does offer a large selection of movies that you can request. We found the list of available titles in the information in our stateroom.

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I've heard many good things about the Kenai Fjords excursion! Have you considered taking the train all the way to Denali? We loved it. Its a sightseeing excursion all on its own. The Denali bus trip is awe inspiring, but be prepared for a school-bus type bus not a motor coach. Well worthwhile!

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Yes! You are right. I forgot that important bit. :o Thanks for picking up on that and thanks for the nice welcome!

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April 22, 2014, Mediterranean Rivieras (17 day) Pireaus (Athens) to Southampton (London)