Naples ... tell me about Marcello

[Moondawgie]

We are thinking of booking [url="http://www.seesorrento.com"]www.seesorrento.com[/url] with Marcello. Please tell me your experience with his tour.

He promises Amalfi Drive, Pompeii (guide extra), lunch at local restaurant (pay on own), etc.


Splendour of the Seas - Med
<applet code="countdown.class" CODEBASE="http://*************/java-sys" width="203" height="25">
<param name="font" value="lcdb0">
<param name="year"value=2004>
<param name="month"value=6>
<param name="day"value=19>
<param name="hour"value=8>
</applet>

[ppiew]

We are on Silverseas Whisper and have booked Marcello for the same tour. He has gotten many favorable reviews on the cruise critic boards, and I have spoken to him personally and he speaks perfect English. We return May 16. If that isn't too late, I would be happy to let you know our experience. My email is [email]gwitting@chartermi.net[/email].

[MVPinBoynton]

Moondawgie,
On our website, we have a review that discusses his wonderful tour and you can also see pictures of him. He is the best.

Mike


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[Mike Andrews]

Having visited Naples on just a few occasions I have to say that I personally recommend Salvatore of DriveAmalfi (driveamalfi@hotmail.com) and have used him on our two last tours and appreciated his calm approach to driving on the roads of the Amalfi coast. Most tours from Naples include a visit to Pompei which should not be missed as are the towns of Positano,Amalfi and Ravello.

Mike

[cactusrose]

We have Marcello booked in early June. I've read great things about him. The review on Mike and Carol's website is not to be missed.

1972 - Song of Norway, Caribbean
1980 - Hawaii American Curise line, Tahiti
09/01/2002 - Veendam, Alaska
05/29/2003 - Pacific Princess, Alaska
11/26/2003 - Star Princess, Australia/New Zealand

5/28/2004 - Star Princess, Venice to Barcelona
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;05;28;21;0;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

11/06/2004 - Diamond Princess, Mexican Riviera
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2004;11;06;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

[cactusrose]

MVPinBoynton

Mike,

Do you happen to remember the name of the restuarant that Marcello took you to?

1972 - Song of Norway, Caribbean
1980 - Hawaii American Curise line, Tahiti
09/01/2002 - Veendam, Alaska
05/29/2003 - Pacific Princess, Alaska
11/26/2003 - Star Princess, Australia/New Zealand

5/28/2004 - Star Princess, Venice to Barcelona
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;05;28;21;0;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

11/06/2004 - Diamond Princess, Mexican Riviera
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2004;11;06;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

[MVPinBoynton]

Cactusrose,
Thank you for the nice comment on our review. As far as the restaurant goes, I will never forget the name of it. It was so special. You don't really need to know the name, since he will take you to it. Everyone wants to go to it. If you are concerned that he might go somewhere else, you can email him and tell him to make sure he takes you to the same restaurant that Mike and Carol went to. Marcello asked that we not disclose the name o the restaurant and we have abided by his request. You will be eating above Positano before you know it. Enjoy and say hi to Marcello for us.

Mike


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[Aviendha]

We, too, have booked Marcello for the month of June. I can't comment about the tour since we haven't gone yet, but I will report when we return.

What I can say about him is that he has been very professional (and very sweet!) to deal with. In fact, if his emails are any indication of what he's like in person, this will be our favorite tour!!! I can't wait to meet him.

Mike, your very thorough review is one of the things that prompted me to contact Marcello. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience.

[dperales]

We also booked Marcello for our trip this July on the Brilliance. It was mostly because of Mike and Carol's review. We are looking forward to our trip!
Donna

Brilliance of the Sea First time to Europe!
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;07;25;19;00;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

[MVPinBoynton]

Aviendha and dperales,
You will love your day with Marcello. I was also quite enthralled with his emails. He has a lot of personality. He is very hard to say good bye to. You feel like you have made a very special friend. When you return, please email me to let me know how you you enjoyed your day. My email address is on our website home page. Have a great cruise and excursions.

Mike


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[ClaudiaF]

Okay..don't tell the name.. but would you please tell us if there is a terrace to sit on for dining ( with a view?) or not..thanks

Barcelona to Venice on Oceania - "Insignia"
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;5;3;18;00;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]
Buenos Aires to Rio Oceania - "Insignia"
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;2;2;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-0300[/img]

[img]http://www.gifs.net/animate/mermaidswim.gif[/img]
[img]http://jammerbabe.com/images/gifs/icon_treasurebox.gif[/img]

[Moondawgie]

Thank you all so much for your comments. I am anxious to go. To those who have offered to do a review, please do. I can't wait to read it.

I am off now to read Mike and Carol's review.


Splendour of the Seas - Med
<applet code="countdown.class" CODEBASE="http://*************/java-sys" width="203" height="25">
<param name="font" value="lcdb0">
<param name="year"value=2004>
<param name="month"value=6>
<param name="day"value=19>
<param name="hour"value=8>
</applet>

[MSBYRDY]

We had Marcello's driver Adriano and he was fabulous, so if that were a concern, don't give it a second thought. The restaurant does not have a terrace to sit on, but the tables at the windows are awesome. The windows are huge and are open, so just the same as sitting outdoors. Don't order off the menu, let them fix you their "special". It was awesome.
Marilyn

[MVPinBoynton]

Marilyn is correct about the view. You are sitting next to these large open widows that let the cool breezes refresh you before the next amazing course. Gosh, I want to go back. Since you are on the side of the mountain, there isn't a place for a terrace. You will have a great view during a very special meal. Also, by not being on a terrace, you get to watch some of the cooking and communicate with the family.

Mike


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[dburger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Andrews:
Having visited Naples on just a few occasions I have to say that I personally recommend Salvatore of DriveAmalfi (driveamalfi@hotmail.com) and have used him on our two last tours and appreciated his calm approach to driving on the roads of the Amalfi coast. Most tours from Naples include a visit to Pompei which should not be missed as are the towns of Positano,Amalfi and Ravello.

Mike<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Got Salvatore booked for June 1st..can't wait

[Mike Andrews]

Hi,

You will have a wonderful day with Salvatore of DriveAmalfi (driveamalfi@hotmail.com0,he is from Amalfi and will ensure that you have a relaxing day on the Amalfi Drive. Make sure you get to visit Ravello and the small village of Pontone where we had a great lunch on the terrace of the San Giovanni restaurant(buy some of their own Limoncello to bring home)

Mike

[petersonwith3]

we are also using marcello based on mike and karens recommendation. We leave on May 25th, so I will gladly post our opinion of the tour. With all of mikes photos and commentary it is hard to imagine a better time.

Carnival Jubilee 5/94
Disney Magic 5/01
Star Princess 5/03

Carnival Conquest 12/03
RCCL Brilliance 5/04

[cactusrose]

MVPinBoynton

Mike,

Thank you for your response. I respect your desire to honor Marcello's request not to disclose the name of the restaurant and admire your integrity.

Can you tell me if we need to let Marcello know in advance that we would like to dine there or will that option present itself on the day he picks us up?



1972 - Song of Norway, Caribbean
1980 - Hawaii American Curise line, Tahiti
09/01/2002 - Veendam, Alaska
05/29/2003 - Pacific Princess, Alaska
11/26/2003 - Star Princess, Australia/New Zealand

5/28/2004 - Star Princess, Venice to Barcelona
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;05;28;21;0;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

11/06/2004 - Diamond Princess, Mexican Riviera
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2004;11;06;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

[MVPinBoynton]

Cactusrose,
Thank you for understanding my respect for Marcello's wishes. From the comments I have read, it sounds like he always goes to the same place unless someone has a different place they want to eat at. I believe he likes to stick with the same place because everyone loves it so much. But if you are concerned, just email him and tell him you want to go to the same restaurant that Mike and Carol went to and he will have no doubt which one you are talking about. I don't know if the restaurant is ever closed.

Mike


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[Texed]

We will be with Marcello on June 6th. We will be on Millennium, and we are looking forward to it very much. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Texed

[MVPinBoynton]

Texed,
It sounds like you will have a wonderful vacation. The Millenium and Marcello are a great combination. Have a ball. I am a Texan also, but from Dallas.

Mike


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[SteveS]

Last year I took Mike's advice and toured with Marecllo. We loved it. Tell him to stop in Sorrento even if it is a "tourist trap". Be sure to buy some Limoncello. And say say Hi from Betty and Steve. You can read the details at[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=109097554&m=1733095637"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=109097554&m=1733095637[/url]

Dawn Princess 11/97
Regal Princess
Grand Princess 7/99
Renaissance R4 7/13/00
Rotterdam 7/20/01
Radiance of the Sea 12/22/01
Royal Princess 8/10/02
Brilliance of the Sea 7/23/03
Golden Princess 12/27/03

[MVPinBoynton]

Mermaid2,
I have only had one day with Marcello, so my opinion can only be based on that day. Numerous people have sent me emails following their tours with Marcello and thanked me for the recommendation. I am not sure how many tours you have had with Marcello, but if you were displeased with him, I don't understand why you would continue to book with him. I also can't understand why you would whitewash a recommendation and then change your story. Additionally, some folks might assume that since you didn't provide an honest opinion originally, why should they believe you now?

As with any recommendations for tour operators, one should not depend on only one person's recommendation. Look at many people's opinions and pick the operator that has the least negative reviews. There are no guarantees that you won't have a tour when your operator is having a bad day; since they all do eventually.

Mike


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[CAPinBoynton]

I feel that I must also comment on Marcello. As we stated in our review and as Mike has said numerous times, we feel that Marcello is a wonderful tour operator. This is our personal opinion, and anyone may take it or leave it.

One must always remember that any private tour you take may be tailored to your wishes. You are the one who is paying, and it is what you make it. If you tell Marcello that you want to go shopping in Sorrento, then that is what you will do. That may be what suits you, but you won't have the same tour we did. We told him that we wanted him to show us "his Italy". We didn't care about the touristy spots, we wanted him to take us to what he thought was the best part of the Amalfi coast. He did, and it was wonderful.

It all boils down to [B]your[/B] wishes. If you tell him what you are interested in or not interested in seeing, and be explicit, he will deliver. Basically, we told him what we didn't care about; and we let him chose the rest.

[img]http://www.thepreismans.com/carolpaint.gif[/img]


See our reviews and pictures at [url="http://www.thepreismans.com/"]Mike and Carol's Website[/url]

Costa Classica 3/94
Celebrity Mercury 4/98
Carnival Destiny 4/99
Crown Princess 7/01
Norwegian Star 11/01
Grand Princess 12/01
Sun Princess 3/02
Celebrity Constellation 11/02
Brilliance of the Seas 6/03
Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Jewel of the Seas 06/04
Tahitian Princess 02/05

[petersonwith3]

WOW, what a weird string of emails Mermaid. Not sure what position you hold???? You know what they say: Fool you once, shame on them! fool you twice, shame on you! Not sure why you would continue to book with someone who you werent happy with.

We are booked with Marcello on June 5 and we will certainly post on our experiences. I used Carol and Mike as an opinion when making our choice but, in the end, I will be in ITALY for gosh sakes! Is it possible to be miserable there?

Tina

Carnival Jubilee 5/94
Disney Magic 5/01
Star Princess 5/03

Carnival Conquest 12/03
RCCL Brilliance 5/04