packing2go

7th, 8th and 9th August 2014

Our party of 6 chose 3 private tours for our shore excursions whilst on a cruise with HAL - each in an 8 seater van, and tailor made to our request. From the first email enquiry, through the booking process, and the tours themselves, we cannot speak highly enough of our experience. We'd totally recommend Joe Banana Limos in a heartbeat! The vehicles were clean, air conditioning worked beautifully in the very hot weather, and we enjoyed the flexibility of a smaller vehicle instead of travelling in a bus with 50 other people. The tours were very cost effective, sharing between three couples.

We enjoyed all three tours very much – they were all different, but special in their own way. One definite advantage was that each of our drivers were from the area, so their knowledge was first hand and accurate. Their professional appearance and manner added to the confidence we felt at the first meeting with each of them. Payment was made in cash at the end of each tour, directly with the driver - we appreciated that we did not need to use our credit card via the internet to book the tours.

In Livorno, Nicolette was very efficient, and made sure we were able to fit in stops for photos, and see all of the sights, enjoy a lunch on the run, organising entry tickets as required, time for shopping, as well as advice in regards to leather goods, and gave us lots of information along the way.

For Rome, Georgio was also great – gave us heaps of information, took us to all of the places we wanted to see, and took us to a wonderful little restaurant for lunch. We had thought we’d just do a lunch on the run again, but were so glad he suggested the restaurant, as the atmosphere was great, food was awesome, cost was good, and he helped us with ordering our meals too. We’d heard that the traffic between Rome and the port can be lengthy, but Georgio ensured we were back at the ship in plenty of time, and reassured us early in the tour, so we weren’t worried at all. We appreciated the effort he took to make sure we saw everything we wanted.

Our last tour from Naples was the one we were at little concerned about, due to the change of the ship schedule, but Alberto was fantastic too. He rearranged the schedule, and also assured us we would be back at the ship in good time, which we were. He also recommended a lovely restaurant in Sorento, which we enjoyed too. It was good to go to the restaurants and have a little rest – our feet really appreciated it!

We enjoyed the company of each of our drivers, and hope they had a fun day with us as well. We could listen to them speak our language for ever - the Italian accent in English is delightful - Mamma Mia, Alberto!

A special thanks to Cindy – we truly appreciated the calls towards the end of each tour to check everything was ok – a fantastic customer service. We wouldn't hesitate to use this company if travelling in Italy again, and would definitely recommend them to anyone. We wouldn't change anything - a totally positive and memorable experience, and the absolute best way to utilise our time in each port.

Our first cruise was on Superstar Virgo, November 2007, 5 nights, Singapore to Phuket and back to Singapore. We chose this cruise as a 'taster' to see if we'd like cruising as much as we thought we might. Well, we're off on Volendam in 34 days - we have well and truly caught the bug, and have a very long wish list of cruises we want to do - only have to save up enough $ now! :D:D:D

Our first cruise was on Superstar Virgo, November 2007, 5 nights, Singapore to Phuket and back to Singapore. We chose this cruise as a 'taster' to see if we'd like cruising as much as we thought we might. Well, we're off on Volendam in 34 days - we have well and truly caught the bug, and have a very long wish list of cruises we want to do - only have to save up enough $ now! :D:D:D

I look forward to writing my 'cruise' diary each evening before bed - only time I write a diary is on holidays! Then I know I'm on holidays.....mmm not long to go now!