robndine

Just to clarify, the G7 summit was held in May. That is what prompted us to consider Taormina as part of our tour(. I mention this because someone said my post was suspicious, since it was held so many months before we were there.) We are upset because we waited over an hour not a few minutes to be picked up. We also called him and he did not return our call. It was crunch time and we had to make a decision, since he didn't answer the phone. We were up and down the streets looking for him while others waited where the pick up point was. This tour company did not show any compassion for the situation that got out of hand because of no communication from the driver. It was not our first cruise, our first tour, we are Diamond status as well as I see you are TeeRick. My friend travels to Italy every year for an Archeology project. My point is, we are not inexperienced. Threatening arrest after this experience was unbelievable. I could go on, but my purpose was only to let folks know that things can happen, when you don't get the right tour company. We have had many in other countries, that have been wonderful. p.s. We did get our belongings back, which were souvenirs bought along the way, as part of the negotiation for payment. We got them when we were in port in Naples.

Our last cruise, Oct 8th,2017 Jewel of the Seas, we booked a tour in Sicily, using Tours by Mario. We were left stranded by the driver in Taomirina. We thought he would stay with us and show us the Greek Ampitheater and other sites. The G7 summit had just been held there. It was the last stop on the tour, and he left us off on our own to shop, and would be back at 530pm to return us to the ship. We thought he would stay and take us to see these sites. Something seemed off to me, and I mentioned it to the others I was with. We left all our belongings in the vehicle, as we expected to meet the driver where we were left off. We called & waited as long as we could. Since he didn't call us, we had no recourse but to get a cab back to the ship. We had to leave asap, and the driver had to "fly" to get us back to Messina where the ship was docked. Shortly after we were back on board, my friend got a call from guest services and had to meet with ship security because someone other than our driver was on shore demanding payment or she would be arrested. She had proof we called, and also that our property was still on the vehicle. It was never our intention to not pay, as we were accused by Mario. We had to pay 100 EU for the cab, and settled on 200EU vs. 300EU.

Even that was too much, since we were left stranded and the tour incomplete. I posted comments on Trip Advisor. Mario said it was a river of lies. Never once did we get an apology. Never once was he concerned why this driver left us. He took his side not ours. NEVER AGAIN. Fellow cruisers, there must be a reason Royal Carribean doesn't use this tour company.

If I need to get off the ship at a specific time, can I indicate it so my luggage tags will reflect an earlier disembark time? I need to meet a driver for private shuttle to Rome. We have a party of 4.

Also, is it difficult to walk off the ship with your luggage. I am 69 years old with back issues, I've had my knees replaced so I can walk... just concerned with how difficult it may be. I did it in NY once, and swore I'd never do it again. lol

Those who have recently cruised with Jewel and disembarked at Rome port, Citiavecchia......please advise what the earliest time passengers could leave the ship to meet their ground transportation needs at the end of the trip. We are taking a car service to Rome as we are staying an extra day, and the company needs us to provide a time for pick up. They charge extra if we do not show on time. Ship gets in at 5am, needs to clears customs, so, can you estimate or remember what time you got off the ship?