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FishyFam

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  1. Just returned back from a HAL cruise that started in Venice and ended in Rome. It included several stops in Greece, one in Turkey, and 3 in Italy – Venice, Salerno, and Rome. We used RomeInLimo for our excursion in Salerno and our transport to the Rome airport. This is the second time we have booked with them, and couldn’t have been more pleased. Throughout the booking process, they got back to me promptly with answers to my many questions, The vans were very nice, comfortable and clean. Both drivers were prompt and couldn’t have been more accommodating. There were six of us in the group – 5 women and one 18 year old with asberger syndrome and mobility issues. The ports on these cruises proved to be very challenging for him. Both drivers were wonderful and worked tirelessly to accommodate his needs and to make sure we had a positive experience. They more than exceeded that goal - on every count!

     

    For the Salerno stop, the ship was late getting into port due to a power outage overnight. Our driver, Diego, was there waiting for us with a huge smile and a cheerful attitude. He made some suggestions on how to rework the plan to avoid as much traffic as possible. It worked great! We went to Sorrento first, stopping along the way for a lemon slushy and some amazing photo ops along the Amalfi coast. In Sorrento, we shopped a bit, and had a lovely (and very reasonably priced) lunch at a restaurant that Diego recommended. From there he took us to the Herculaneum. We had not reserved a guide, but he recommended we have one. He found the perfect guide for us – she was knowledgeable, personable, interesting, and very engaging. Her services cost an additional 100 euros, but it was definitely worth it. I believe Diego called her on her day off, and we were a challenging group, but she was nothing but gracious throughout.

     

    Diego was wonderful! He kept us entertained with stories of the history of the Naples area, local culture, and family life. On the way back to the ship, he even had us all singing Italian songs with him. It was a very memorable end to the last port in a very action packed cruise. Definitely a highlight of the trip!

     

    I would highly recommend RomeInLimo. For about the same amount as taking an excursion through the ship, we were able to see a lot more and had a much more personalized experience.

     

    Vlad was our driver for the transport to the Rome airport. Saved some money on this option and it was so easy. Vlad was there waiting for us - took care of our bags, and had us away from the dock in no time. He was quiet, but very kind and helpful. My sister sat up front with him and really enjoyed her conversation with him.

     

    This was our second trip where we booked through RIL and have been nothing but delighted with every aspect of their service. Definitely would do it again!

  2. We booked private cars with Rome In Limo several years ago, so my information is a bit dated, but it was a wonderful experience. We booked them in Rome, Naples, and Florence/Pisa. Each experience was a little different, but each was wonderful and appropriate to the port.

     

    The driver in Rome was not terribly talkative, but really knew his way around Rome (which looked challenging), seemed to have excellent connections, and helped us with restaurant suggestions and Vatican City guide. Even had suggestions for a few off the beaten path stops there were very worthwhile.

     

    In Florence/Pisa, our driver was a young man, very chatty, and we really enjoyed our time with him as we drove through the Italian countryside. Shared a lot about life in a small Italian village. He did a great job in getting us to some of our 'must see' spots, and made some excellent suggestions, especially a view of Florence from across the river and the trip to a cemetery that was fascinating.

     

    In Naples, our driver was also terrific. He helped us get the most out of Pompeii, and we were able to fit in Positiano, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Recommended a great seafood place in Positiano for lunch that was wonderful and had attentive, quick service.

     

    We were thrilled with how much we were able to see at each port without ever feeling rushed. The drivers were all very professional and patient. With a group (there were 5 of us), it's really a great way to go. For about the price of a 'basic' shore excursion through the ship, you great a 'premium experience. We feel we were able to see so much more and get much more of an insider perspective.

     

    We are leaving for another cruise next month and are booking with them again, both in Salerno and for transport back to the airport in Rome. Just wish they provided car service in Greece, as that's where most of our stops are.

     

    Bottom line, I highly recommend them. Just go with a basic idea of what you'd like to see, and they'll help you along the way.

  3. I would recommend to everyone to wear water shoes at any beach.

     

    I would definitely agree with the recommendation on water shoes. I actually brought water shoes on the trip, just forgot them that day. Would have made the activities much more managable!

  4. My daughter and I were at Uvas Beach last week when in Cozumel on the Grand Princess. We booked the 'Beach Day' directly through Uvas rather than going through the ship excursion. It was a good deal and very easy to get to via taxi. They were very efficient and immediately had us join a group that was clear kayaking.

     

    I think they were very busy that day, because I felt a little rushed and had a tough time keeping up with the large group. Didn't see many fish as I was busy trying to coordinate the steering with my daughter. Admittedly, I'm not the most atheletic person, but I did find it a bit challenging. Getting out of the kayak, I smashed my toe on a rock, as the waves were pretty strong and the area is very rocky. I know, I sound like a real klutz! After that, we got geared up for snorkeling then walked down the beach to the starting point. No one explained that we'd be walking such a distance and I had nothing on my feet. With the smashed toe and the rocky beach, it was a struggle. Again, we started off behind everyone. I thought they did a nice job explaining the equipment and a reallly terrific job of keeping the large group together through the snorkeling and of showing us some great underwater sites.

     

    The lunch (chicken fajitas) was excellent and the drinks were plentiful. I was a little nervous about eating/drinking because I ALWAYS get sick in Mexico, but I did not get sick! The beach was lovely and quiet and my daughter loved exploring and finding lovely shells.

     

    Overall, I would do it again. Thought it was very clean, the staff was friendly, and the food was great - overall an excellent way to spend the day, beautiful and very relaxing. Other people I talked to who went to other beaches seemed disappointed by the crowds.

     

    Hope that helps.

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