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Just returned from our March 2015 cruise and had a blast! While in Grenada, we decided to take a water taxi to Grande Anse Beach as we had done this on previous trips. I found it interesting that the taxi guides were pushing the return tickets, telling people that if they did not have a prearranged land taxi, they would not be able to return to the port....WRONG! It is a quick bus ride back to the port at a fraction of the price of a return water taxi. Just walk to the road and wait for bus.

 

The water taxi guides were really promoting certain people to go to for chairs and an umbrella. Clearly a kick back for them, but who really cares.

 

If you want a quieter area of the beach and guaranteed good and honest service from a humble lady......turn left once off the pier and find Ann. You'll find her within a short walk of the pier. She charges $20 for two chairs and an umbrella and will set you up with a trusted food and drink person if you choose to indulge.

 

Ann keeps the annoying sales people at bay, ensuring that you have an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Ann is the type of person you want to give business to. Will be visiting again in two years and look forward to spending time in the same spot.

We will be there in November. I hope I can find Ann. I am for anyone who will help keep the sales people away. I know they need money, bit i need some R&R!

I would absolutely recommend it for you. They will expertly fit you with equipment, including prescription mask if you wear eyeglasses, and partial wetsuits if you wish. They divide up into three groups of experienced, moderate, and beginner. We went with the beginner group because of some minor health problems and being a bit out of shape, and it was very easygoing. We still saw everything, though, including several see turtles and a seahorse. Dee led our group, and she actually towed one lady who could not swim well! They take incredible care of their guests in a small-group setting.

 

The only problem with doing their tour as your first snorkel is that if you like it, you will forever be disappointed with any other tour operator after the wonderful experience you have with Woodwind and the beautiful reefs off Klein Bonaire.

Thank you. I appreciate the encouragement and now I can't wait!

Does anyone know what is across from these cabins on Dolphin deck. Generally I like to book across from interior cabins. Nothing is shown towards the aft of the elevators. Thanks!

I ditto the above.....you MUST snorkel in Bonaire, it's the best there is in the Caribbean.

I also booked with Woodwind in December of last year, and they are the best there is. Dee and her staff are fabulous. My husband is 72 and I am 60 and we had only snorkeled once before, but she made sure we were with her group and kept an eye on us.

 

She'll take you to see the sea turtles on the second leg and I agree the photographer took some amazing underwater pictures, it was $35 for the thumb drive. Don't forget to bring cash with you to purchase it and hopefully tip the amazing crew she has.

Is this a tour for someone who has never snorkeled? My husband and I could swim, but never really snorkeled. Would you still recommend this tour? Since this is what this island is famous for, I would like to try. We are 67 and 68. Thank you .

Ok, so heres my dilema.

Have been to Sorento on land trip, taking in a part of Almalfi. We took a local bus and did not have a lot of time to explore.

 

So this time we will be on a cruise, having a day to explore.

 

Heres my question. Is there no other way than booking thru Roma Limo and others like them (expensive for 4 people), to see ravello, positano almalfi??

 

It is the cost, which I,m not saying is'nt worth it, but just wondered if someone had another experienced suggestion. :)

 

I know some will say why not get another 4 together from the ship, but I dont want to be responsible . Also nervous of doing a 9 hr tour and making it back on time. :eek:

Thanks in advance.....Joan.

WE just returned from a cruise where we had a day in Naples. There were four of us and we booked with APTOURS. I highly recommend them. Quickly answered my e-mails, waiting for us at port with my name on a sign and very professional. Back in plenty of time for sailing. We did Pompeii with a private guide, a trip down the coast to Positano and a stop in Sorrento. You can pick the tour you would like. It was worth the money. As a first time traveler to Italy and Greece, I was not comfortable with DIY planning. I did , however, book all private tours and they were all wonderful.

looking for private tour guides for Corfu Santorini.Katakolon Duprovnik Split and found toursby locals .com but cant find recommendations on cruisecritic

 

have anyone used them or have alternative suggestions

I have just booked with them for a Dubrovnik tour in October. When you visit their website, you can pick your city and tour and guide. There is information and reviews on the site. My guide has been very responsive to all my e-mails. I would also be interested in hearing from others who have used them.

I have been appreciating all the information that has been posted. I have also posted questions on another thread that is similar to this one.

I have an iphone4 with ATT. My main interest in Mobal is their coverage. Is it true they always work, since they connect to the nearest tower? There are places in the states where I can't get service with my iPhone. I want the dependability of the Mobal, if what they advertise is true.

I am not a really technical person and all the talk about changing sim cards, using free wifi to connect with FaceTime etc is a bit too much for me. Mobal sounds easy to use for connecting with tour guides and maybe a QUICK call home. If someone must call me from the states with an emergency, the last thing I will be thinking about is the cost of the call.

Thanks for all the comments. Since everyone's situation is different, there appears to be choices for all of us.

Hi Sherri,

Thank you so much for your quick reply and for answering all my questions. You are so helpful!!

I also enjoy your NYC blog. I have been going there for 20 years to visit my sons who live in NYC. I must admit, I have not done nearly as much as you did in your one vacation there. I will now be incorporating your tours in my visits there : ))

Nancy

Hi sherri!

I too am benefiting from your Med. blog. I can't imagine where you get the time to plan so thoroughly and then do such a fabulous job of documenting it!

I am doing a PK tour in Athens and have a few questions. I booked a minivan for 12 and filled it from our roll call. Did you pay in euros or USD? Potoula noted USD are preferred. When did you collect the money from your fellow passengers? Did each person tip the driver and/or guide separately? Did each person pay their own way into the Acropolis and museum? I know the price is not included.

I only booked the private guide for the Acropolis and the museum although ours is a full day tour with driver. From your experience, do you think this will be fine. Some on my tour noted they wanted some time on their own.

Also, do you think it wise to meet our tour group on the ship and then leave together rather than hoping everyone shows up at the pier? There are only 12 of us.

Thank you. I really will appreciate your answers. Hope you are well

Nancy

Thank you everyone for your positive reviews of Ephesus Shuttle. We are booked with them in the fall. If they deliver a fine tour with no side trips to carpet or leather stores, I think we should continually recommend this company on CC and trip advisor. Perhaps the companies that "kidnap" their guests will take notice when people stop booking with them.

We did book the Terrace Houses and also the tour offering the traditional Turkish lunch. Has anyone done this tour? I am hoping for a good experience and hope I didn't make a mistake with the inclusion of the Turkish lunch. Thanks for any input!

Just home. We used AP Tours for our Amalfi tour.... would recommend them highly... we had a wonderful day!

What did you include in your Amalfi tour with AP? Pompeii? Sorrento? Positano? Where did you decide to eat? Thank you!

We did Ephesus Shuttle two weeks ago and they were great. No deposit.

I am thinking about using them. Did you have to go to a carpet, ceramic or leather demo? I prefer not to and hope they don't strongly encourage it.

i am looking forward to the ruins, terrace houses and Virgin Mary's home. If there is time for a lunch stop not affiliated with the carpet demo, I would like to do that also.

Thanks!

Dubrovniktravelady, took your advice from another thread and booked a local tour guide. Figure it is our only stop in Croatia and we want to make the most of it. He has us doing the walls last around 4 pM since it is such a crowded port day. Will see the panorama, do some local sightseeing, then go to Cavtat and come back for the walls. Hope it sounds like a good plan to you. I am excited.

Thanks for your input.

Would you mind telling me what website you visited to find a listing of local guides. Do some pick you up at the port and then return you to the ship? I am a little worried that it may be hard to find a cab for the return trip. Thank you.