Anyone have experience with "Exclusive" shore excursions on Mediterranean cruises?

[Fuzzyegg]

We are booking for the first time on Celebrity (Century June 27, 2010 12 night Mediterranean cruise) and I'm checking out the shore excursions. I noticed for several cities they had "Exclusive" excursions that were quite a bit more than the others, i.e. $345+/person. Anyone been on those and can let me know what the differences are? Thanks!

 

Wendy

[Lsimon]

The only one I can tell you about was the Exclusive Amalfi Coast tour. This was pretty expensive but extremely nice. It was in smaller vans rather than a big bus. Each van travelled separately other than meeting at a central lunch location. This made for a smaller group with a single tour guide. The smaller van was also able to get into the smaller streets in places like Positano where a large bus could not go.

 

The lunch for this cruise was fantastic - at a nice hotel on a cliff overlooking the coast starting with Prosecco and appetizers and then a nice al fresco several course lunch on the patio with great food.

 

I have posted a review on the Italy board back in 2007 but a copy of it is on my photo site along with pictures: http://simon-pics.smugmug.com/Cruises/Europe-Sept-07-Millennium-Med/Naples-Amalfi-Coast-Positano/3581218_X26aJ#203433743_EEoPC

 

It kind of had all the benefits of both a private and cruise sponsored excursion all in one.