tuleia

At which port will your ship be docked? Livorno? If so, I can share transportation info from our 2008 cruise.

Our ship docked at 7:00 A.M., and our designated RomeCabs driver picked us up at the ship at 8:00 A.M. and timely dropped us off at the ship at 5:00 P.M. for a 7:00 P.M. sail-away.

The per-person cost for each member of our group of 8 was 50 Euros (tip is extra).

We were comfortably transported in a new 8-passenger, air-conditioned Mercedes mini-van.

Driver was terrific ... safely and skillfully maneuvering through the side streets surrounding the Vatican in order that we wouldn't waste any time stuck in the clogged traffic ... and dropped off 4 members of our group directly in front of the museum entrance.

We all had a wonderful day.

In June 2014, in order to maximize our meager 6-hours in Rome (all but two of us had previously been to Rome), we had arranged for RomeCabs to drop off members of our group of 8 at two locations: directly at the entrance to the Vatican Museum, and at Trastevere Square.

We ultimately reconvened at the Spanish Steps, at which our efficient RomeCabs driver was waiting to take us back to the ship at the port in Civitavecchia.

As in the past (2009, 2010, 2012), RomeCabs provided our group with timely, reliable, friendly, and safe, transportation-only service to designated stops.

Hope this helps. Have a terrific trip.

Following is the review I posted on TripAdvisor about our day at the port of Naples .... hope it helps:

The 9-hr “Simply The Best Of The Amalfi Coast” shore excursion that our group of 8 took with BENVENUTO LIMOS AND PRIVATE TOURS on June 20, 2014, was/is “SIMPLY THE BEST!!”

We were told that a “driver” would be our escort for the day. Much to our surprise and delight, we were actually accompanied by an extremely friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and funny Professional Driver Guide … MARIO GIAFFALLI … who provided a running commentary of the culture, history and beauty of the Amalfi Coast from the moment we boarded the comfortable 8-passenger mini-van until our return to the ship at the end of the day.

In addition to our numerous photo-op stops to admire the beautiful coastline, we explored the narrow streets of Positano with its numerous terrific boutiques as we wended our way toward the beach. We then proceeded Southeast past a number of picturesque fishing villages on our way to visit the town of Amalfi. Afterwards, we continued on up to Ravello for a breathtaking view of the coastline. Then … for the highlight of our day … Mario took us to a winery in Naples to taste a variety of local wine and partake of a delicious multi-course lunch. At Mario’s arrangement, one of the co-owners personally walked us through the vineyard, explaining along the way how the grapevines were nurtured by the volcanic soil.

Throughout the day, Mario was most attentive … always ensuring that each member of our diverse group (ages 28 to 71 years) was comfortable and enjoying the tour. Thanks to Mario and Benvenuto Limos And Private Tours, our visit to Naples was fabulous and memorable.

Grazie Mille

Following is the review I had posted on TripAdvisor ... hope it helps:

Since Catherine is so highly regarded, recommended and sought-after, we quickly booked her services in November 2013 for our day in Marseille seven-months later on June 16, 2014. Not only were we fortunate enough to have reserved Catherine’s personal services, but we received the added bonus of having our tour priced at her 2013 rate. Since our group of 8 was interested in visiting smaller villages, we had selected Catherine’s “The Area Of les Alpilles In Depth” tour. This was a terrific choice!

From the moment Catherine met us promptly at our ship, throughout the entire ride in her comfortable 8-passenger mini-van, until our return to the ship at the end of the day, Catherine provided a running commentary of the culture, history and beauty of Provence and, specifically, the les Alpilles region. She is extremely friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, a safe driver. We wended our way up from the Rhone valley toward the limestone peaks to the picturesque mountain-top village of Les Baux de Provence for a wonderful visit and a sumptuous patio lunch. Then, on our way to visit Saint-Remy-de-Provence, we stopped at a winery to taste a variety of local wine, and at an olive vineyard for enticing olive-oil tasting. In Saint-Remy, Catherine guided us through the hospital at which Van Gogh had spent a year.

Thanks to Catherine and Tour Designer In Provence, our stop in Marseille was truly outstanding and memorable.

Have fun planning ... I did!

Hopefully, you'll find your answers in this Marseille-Provence port website: http://www.marseille-port.fr

We were in LA SPEZIA in June 2014, and used UMBERTO CATTANI, the Guide and owner of CINQUE TERRE PRIVATE TOURS AND SHORE EXCURSIONS.

His email address is: info@cinqueterretour.it

My review of the services/tour as posted on TripAdvisor, a travel website, stated as follows:

Our fabulous and memorable day in Cinque Terre began immediately upon our arrival at the dock in La Spezia on June 18, 2014. Umberto Cattani of Cinque Terre Private Tours and Shore Excursions had arranged for our group of 8 to spend the day with his colleague, Amelia. In planning our day, Umberto had taken into account the age-range (28 to 71) and mobility (marathoner to retiree) of the members of our diverse group. Umberto did a fabulous job … everyone was happy with the itinerary and no one felt that it was lacking in any way. Amelia was OUTSTANDING. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, humor and perfect English enhanced our enjoyment of the beauty of Cinque Terre. Amelia’s colorful and informative commentary continued throughout our entire ferry ride as well as during its stops at Manarola and Vernazza. Our exploration through the streets of Portovenere and Monterroso was magical and through Amelia’s descriptions, we, at times, felt transported to another era. The restaurant in Monterosso that Amelia had recommended for lunch was outstanding … the food was delicious and the service friendly and efficient. Our return to La Spezia was by train … which gave us yet another perspective of Cinque Terre. Terrific and exceptional are but a few of the words to describe our wonderful guide Amelia … the impeccable planning/arrangements made by Umberto … and our unforgettable visit to the Cinque Terre.

Hope this info helps. Have a great visit ... we did.

Dear CATSFORKIDS,

As you requested, following is the information relating to our Marseille and Villefranche guides:

Port: MARSEILLE - CATHERINE D’ANTUONO, a Certified Lecturer Guide and the owner of TOUR DESIGNER IN PROVENCE PRIVATE TOURS.

Her email address is: tour.designer@provence-travel.com

Port: VILLEFRANCHE - SLVIE DI CRISTO, a Licensed French Tour Guide.

Her email address is: dicristosylvie@gmail.com

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

We too were on the Liberty Of The Seas … but in June 2014.

From MARSEILLE, our group of 8 chose to explore the les Alpilles region. From the moment our fabulous private guide picked us up from the ship, she provided a running commentary of the culture, history and beauty of Provence and, specifically, the les Alpilles region. We wended our way up from the Rhone valley toward the limestone peaks to the picturesque mountain-top village of Les Baux de Provence for a wonderful visit and a sumptuous patio lunch. Then, on our way to visit Saint-Remy-de-Provence, we first stopped at a winery to taste a variety of local wine, and then at an olive vineyard for an informative and enticing olive-oil tasting. In Saint-Remy, she guided us through the hospital at which Van Gogh had spent a year. We had a truly outstanding and memorable day.

In VILLEFRANCE, we explored the “Inside of the French Riviera.” From the port, we were expertly and safely driven up and up… on a breathtaking drive along a steep winding road to discover the remote and less-frequented villages of the Cote d’Azur – each of which is set among the rocky cliffs: first, to PEILLE, an attractive village entered through a medieval gateway which led to small squares, vaulted passages, and steep and narrow cobblestoned streets lined with houses and buildings whose architecture dated to the Medieval period; then, to SAINTE-AGNES, the highest-perched village in Europe … at which we were able, from the vista provided on the patio of the restaurant at which we enjoyed a delicious lunch, to revel in the amazing panoramic views of the Mediterranean Coast and the steeply-rising mountains surrounding the village. For dessert, we were taken to yet another terraced restaurant at which we devoured scrumptious freshly-baked peach, lemon, and berry tarts. Needless to say, this excursion was the highlight of our entire trip.

Hope this information helps in your decision-making. Have a wonderful trip ... we did!!

Just another resounding endorsemenet for Sylvie di Cristo. She is FANTASTIC! Our group of 8 spent the full day on June 17, 2014, exploring the "Inside of the French Riviera." From our port in Villefranche, Sylvie took us up - up on a breathtaking drive to discover the less-frequented villages of the Cote d'Azur: PEILLE - with its unique small streets and shady squares in which we were the only tourists; and STE. AGNES - the highest-perched village in Europe with its amazing views of the Coast from the patio of the terrific restaurant at which we had a fabuous lunch. She then took us to another restaurant for freshly-baked peach, lemon, and strawberry tarts. Needless to say, this private excursion was the highlight of our trip. Hope your visit to the French Riviera will be just as enjoyable.

Just another resounding endorsement for ROME CABS. STEFANO and his excellent/friendly staff in (1) 2008 provided round-trip airport/hotel transfers, round-trip hotel/cruise terminal transfers, as well as guided tours in Rome for our group of 21 cruisers, (2) in 2009, 2010 and 2012 reliably provided friends/relatives with airport/hotel transfers, and (3) on June 19, 2014 provided timely round-trip cruise port/Rome transfer services. ROME CABS is the BEST.

Thanks for the recommendation about restaurants in the Gothic Quarter. That's good to know since we'll be spending 3 nights at Hotel Colon which is in the Gothic Quarter, directly across from the Barcelona Cathedral.

Have a great weekend.

Petermack,

Thank you for the terrific advice.

Am I assuming correctly that LOS does not require non-ship excursion passengers to obtain first-come-first-served tender tickets that are for designated times ... those presumably being for times the ship excursions would have already departed?

We begin our cruise on June 15th and our party of 8 from Hawaii and California fly to Barcelona on June 11th. We're attempting to gather as much information about the cruise as possible. Don't want to be blindsided ... just want to be fully prepared/informed.

Mahalo (Thank you) for taking the time to help us.

Welcome back.

Thank you for all your helpful information.

My question relates specifically with the tender process at Villefranche.

At what time does the tender process begin?

Are there 2 tender stations … one for those on a ship’s excursion … AND … another one for everyone else?

If there is only 1 tender station, at approximately what time did the tender process begin for non-ship excursion passengers?

We are a party of 8 going on a private shore excursion ... and originally intending to meet our guide on the dock at 7:30 A.M. However, this doesn't sound like it would be doable.

Any hints/comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

FotoPeg,

Thank you for the terrific info ... really appreciate it.

Thanks for your generous offer to provide information about this itinerary.

My question specifically relates to the tender port of Villefranche.

Would appreciate receiving information … and any helpful hints … about the tender procedure.

At what time does the tender process begin?

Are there 2 tender stations … one for those on a ship’s excursion … AND … another one for everyone else?

We are a party of 8 going on a private shore excursion and intending to meet our guide on the dock at 7:30 A.M. Would this be doable??????

Thanks for your help!

Thank you both for the terrific info ... really appreciate it.

Thank you all, again, for your generous comments and suggestions. Really appreciate it! Have a great weekend.

THANKS for your comments ... and help!

I had posted the following inquiry on the France Ports board a couple of weeks ago but only received one non-specific response. Hopefully, someone on this board can help me.

During our upcoming Western Mediterranean Cruise on LIBERTY OF THE SEAS this June 2014, we are scheduled to arrive at 7:00 A.M. at the tender port of Villefranche.

Would appreciate receiving information … and any helpful hints … about the tender procedure.

At what time does the tender process begin?

Are there 2 tender stations … one for those on a ship’s excursion … AND … another one for everyone else?

We are a party of 8 going on a private shore excursion and intending to meet our guide on the dock at 7:30 A.M.

Thanks for your help!

Hi! No ... we tour Cinque Terre on June 18, 2014, while we're docked at La Spezia. I believe Umberto's website is http://www.cinqueterretour.it ... I haven't checked it out. Bet you're getting as excited about your upcoming cruise as we are about ours. Have fun!

During our Western Mediterranean Cruise on LIBERTY OF THE SEAS this June 2014, we are scheduled to arrive at 7:00 A.M. at the tender port of Villefranche.

Would appreciate receiving information … and any helpful hints … about the tender procedure.

At what time does the tender process begin?

Are there 2 tender stations … one for those on a ship’s excursion … AND … another one for everyone else?

We are a party of 8 going on a private shore excursion and intending to meet our guide on the dock at 7:30 A.M.

Thanks for your help!

During our Western Mediterranean Cruise on LIBERTY OF THE SEAS this June 2014, we are scheduled to arrive at 7:00 A.M. at the tender port of Villefranche.

Would appreciate receiving information … and any helpful hints … about the tender procedure.

At what time does the tender process begin?

Are there 2 tender stations … one for those on a ship’s excursion … AND … another one for everyone else?

We are a party of 8 going on a private shore excursion and intending to meet our guide on the dock at 7:30 A.M.

Thanks for your help.

During our Western Mediterranean Cruise on LIBERTY OF THE SEAS this June 2014, we are scheduled to arrive at 7:00 A.M. at the tender port of Villefranche.

We would appreciate receiving information … and any helpful hints … about the tender procedure.

At what time does the tender process begin?

Are there 2 tender stations … one for those on a ship’s excursion … AND … another one for everyone else?

We are a party of 8 going on a private shore excursion and intending to meet our guide on the dock at 7:30 A.M.

Thanks for your help!

A great big THANK YOU to stefanny28 for bringing the new vendor to our attention and to campolady for posting the website. Just purchased my tickets for June 12th ... t'was easy and fast. Thanks, again.