Gubbahog

George:

Thanks for the information and great suggestions, very much appreciated!

Manny

Loribo;

Thanks for the information and insight, much appreciate! I also agree that it would be cheaper to DIY for a land tour, but the convenience of having someone else do all the planning is worth the extra cost, at least for us. From some of other responses, looks as if Princess really does a nice job with their land tours, other than Alaska. Again, thanks for the information. :-)

whatcruiseisnext;

Really appreciate the feedback! So far it look as if Princess does a really nice job with their land tours, other than Alaska. Your insight was very helpful, thanks.

t&atravel:

Thanks so much for the insight, much appreciate.

My wife and I are planning on taking a Princess cruise land tour in May 2017, aboard the Regal Princess. The land tour portion of the cruise is nine days (i.e., it's really seven actual touring days) from Budapest, Hungary to Berlin, Germany before taking a two-hour ferry crossing to Gedser, Denmark to board the ship in Copenhagen. We've cruised with Princess on previous occasions, but never done one of their land tours. There's tons of reviews regarding Princess Alaska land tours, but zilch on European land tours.

So, has anyone been on a Princess European land tour and are they worth the prices? Seems most meals are even included, but not all. I called Princess reservations to get an idea of what types of hotels they book (i.e., three vs. four star and are they located miles away from the center of the city, which cheaper land tour companies typically use to keep costs down), but the information was only available for those with booked reservations... very strange. Any insight would certainly be appreciated. Here's the land tour itinerary:

Budapest, Hungary (Thursday, May 25th)

Transfer to your hotel for check in. This evening join your tour director and meet your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing at your hotel. Then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Budapest, Hungary (Friday, May 26th)

Following breakfast, a local guide explains the history and sights of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world?s second largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fisherman?s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city, home to more than one-fifth of the Hungarian population. Then, visit 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church and Heroes? Square. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Budapest, Hungary (Saturday, May 27th)

After breakfast, depart Budapest and travel by coach to Vienna. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Today?s sightseeing takes you on the famous Ringstrasse. Drive past the Parliament, the Opera House, Hofburg Palace and City Hall en route to Schoenbrunn Palace for a guided visit. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon for check in. After dinner on your own, tonight?s highlight is a classical concert celebrating the music that made Vienna famous. (B,L)

Vienna, Austria (Sunday, May 28th)

Enjoy a free day in Vienna. You may choose to join our optional excursion to Vienna Woods or spend the day on your own exploring some of the city's highlights. We'd suggest the world class Fine Arts Museum, Treasury, Habsburg Burial Vault, Spanish Riding School or the Composer's Cemetery, just to name a few! (B)

Vienna, Austria (Monday, May 29th)

Depart Vienna and drive to Altenburg, the site of an ancient medieval abbey. Continue to historic Rosenburg Castle where you learn about the ancient art of falconry. Enjoy lunch in the town of Rosenburg before continuing to Prague. (B,L)

Prague, Czech Republic (Tuesday, May 30th)

Morning sightseeing with a local guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe?s most attractive capitals. See 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle Grounds, the former residence of Bohemian kings; St. Vitus Cathedral; the Old Town; the Jewish ghetto; and the Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe. (B)

Prague, Czech Republic (Wednesday, May 31st)

Drive north into the area that used to belong to the ?other part? of Germany. Stop in Dresden, the former capital of Saxony. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945, the city has since been restored to its baroque splendor. Have lunch and relax with some free time before a city orientation where you?ll love the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera. Continue on to Berlin with a late afternoon arrival. (B,L)

Berlin, Germany (Thursday, June 1st)

Sightseeing with a local guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the Ku-Damm, the restored Reichstag, monumental Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park, and a visit to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Drive along Unter Den Linden Boulevard, pass the German State Opera House and, of course, stop for pictures at Checkpoint Charlie. The afternoon is free and an optional excursion to historic Potsdam is available. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Berlin?s fine restaurants. (B,D)

Berlin, Germany (Friday, June 2nd)

After breakfast, drive north to Rostock for the two-hour ferry crossing to Gedser. Upon arrival in Copenhagen transfer to your ship for a late afternoon embarkation. (B)

Thanks and look forward to any insight!:)

Just got back from a 20-day Panama Canal Cruise aboard the Coral Princess. The Coral has a wonderful cigar lounge called "Churchill's Cigar Lounge." Princess Cruises rocked! :)

However, I must warn you. Met a Princess employee who advised that Radiance of the Seas with RCI has just banned all cigar smoking in their smoking lounge. Apparently the jazz players complained and that was the end of any cigar smoking. What's so insulting is that they're still selling cigars in the same lounge where they've banned all cigar smoking. So, if you want to smoke a cigar on the Radiance of the Seas, you need to go outside and freeze your butt off! :mad::mad::mad: