Tips on "selling" small group tours to fellow shipmates?

[donaldsc]

Most tour guides will take payment at the time of the tour ..in my experience it is at the conclusion of the tour

If at that point you decide you are not paying then you have the problem with the tour guide & possibly the authorities

 

Most people that organized tours on the roll call will exchange emails & a meeting place once onboard to discuss further details

 

Very few guides ask for payment upfront ..there are some that do & the person booking the group may pay a deposit & hope all that signed up for the tour show

 

I have booked many tours & filled most of them via the Roll calls

Only 1 guide required a deposit which I paid all the others on the tours paid the guide after the tour

 

YMMV

 

I set up and took several tours in Brazil. Everyone of them required a 50% deposit in advance. What I did was give the payment details to the people who were taking the tours w me and each of us paid our own deposit.

 

It was interesting - one tour asked for a check made out to their US bank account. One tour would accept a credit card but wanted too much personal details including a copy of my passport; this tour would not accept PayPal so I cancelled on this one. Two other tours accepted PayPal deposits.

 

I have done private tours in many other countries and Brazil was the only one that universally wanted a deposit.

 

By the way, all of the tours I set up in Brazil went well and everyone in my group was happy with the tours.

 

DON

[whogo]

"Tips on 'selling' small group tours to fellow shipmates?"

 

Your thread title put me off. I do not visit Cruise Critic to be sold anything. Be cautious about selling tour space onboard ship. Holland America's cruise contract states that they can put you off the ship if "you solicit other passengers or employees for commercial or professional purposes or advertise goods or services on board the Ship without our prior written permission." I assume that other cruise lines may do the same.

 

 

[BlueRiband]

Having organised many shore tours with onshore operators I organised several small group (maximum 8 passengers) for our July W. Mediterranean cruise. We are 2 months away from sailaway. I feel like I am hitting my head against a brick wall trying to fill the last 2 seats on a few tours in several ports. I can't understand what most of the passengers do when in these ports ...do they go swimming or just stay onboard?

 

I've never had problems filling tours on any of our other 10 cruises and would appreciate any encouraging tips.

 

Just one reason, but not the only one, why I don't do roll calls - pressure from somebody who wants to fill a private tour. I don't know how reliable these private tours are, whether there is a hidden priority or agenda (brought up in another thread), or how punctual they are about returning to the ship. To each his/her own.

[LHT28]

I set up and took several tours in Brazil. Everyone of them required a 50% deposit in advance. What I did was give the payment details to the people who were taking the tours w me and each of us paid our own deposit.

 

DON

 

Good way to handle the one with deposits

 

Like I said I have only used one company that required a 50GBP deposit ..that I paid

All others on my tour paid cash for their share of the tour

[LHT28]

"Tips on 'selling' small group tours to fellow shipmates?"

 

Your thread title put me off. I do not visit Cruise Critic to be sold anything. Be cautious about selling tour space onboard ship. Holland America's cruise contract states that they can put you off the ship if "you solicit other passengers or employees for commercial or professional purposes or advertise goods or services on board the Ship without our prior written permission." I assume that other cruise lines may do the same.

 

 

 

Maybe the OP shopuld have said "promoting" a private tour

That is one reason to join a roll call prior to the cruise ..those that want to join private tours can do so those that do not just ingnore the post

 

There are other reasons people are joining roll calls

Not for everyone

[wwcruisers]

"Tips on 'selling' small group tours to fellow shipmates?"

 

Your thread title put me off. I do not visit Cruise Critic to be sold anything. Be cautious about selling tour space onboard ship. Holland America's cruise contract states that they can put you off the ship if "you solicit other passengers or employees for commercial or professional purposes or advertise goods or services on board the Ship without our prior written permission." I assume that other cruise lines may do the same.

 

 

 

Good point. Celebrity and RC also frown on this practice. People are always cautioned not to collect $$ for tours at the official Meet-n-Greet events. Makes perfect sense, as you are setting yourself up in direct competition with the ship-sponsored tours.

 

We also prefer contacting the tour operator individually, to make deposits and reservations. That way, nobody gets stuck with the bill for passengers who don't show up for the tour.

[LHT28]

Good point. Celebrity and RC also frown on this practice. People are always cautioned not to collect $$ for tours at the official Meet-n-Greet events. Makes perfect sense, as you are setting yourself up in direct competition with the ship-sponsored tours.

 

We also prefer contacting the tour operator individually, to make deposits and reservations. That way, nobody gets stuck with the bill for passengers who don't show up for the tour.

 

I agree that you should not outright sell a tour on the ship

 

If it is a lump sum to be paid to the tour vendor I collect the cash on the dock or during the tour to have it ready

If not a lump sum everyone pays the tour guide at the end of the tour

 

I have only mentioned a private tour if people are at loose ends at the port stop & I have room to share

Some people will ask to join others do their own thing

 

Use your own judgement but I would never put a sign up advertising private tours on the ship :eek:

[bigenna]

We have joined several excursions organized by people that we had never previously met. They always posted the details which we were able to easily verify ourselves and have not had any bad surprises.

Never any money changed hands but to the tour operator on the day of the tour.

If there is any risk, in my opinion, it would be only if not all the people who said they were coming did not show up. (That has never happened to us yet). That would make it more expensive for the remainder who did show as the price is usually on a per tour basis, so less people would make the cost per person higher.

I don't see any incentive for the organizer to lie about anything, they would easily be found out. I appreciate someone doing all the research and organizing they do for nothing.

 

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[chipmaster]

A few years back in didn't fill up my two vans till close to sailing. IMHO better partially filled then some bozos. I was clear in my roll all as to the vendor, our interest and detailed plan and sights. I was clear as to ymmv but that I was driving and we ended up with four other wonderful folks that shared with us in four ports

 

Good luck

[spookwife]

That's a little harsh. I book with reputable companies in the ports e.g. Rome in Limo and do not collect any money. Furthermore, I do not set up the itinerary...the operator does.

 

 

no it isn't. I still have no idea who you are. and I can call the tour company myself just as easily.

 

I won't even make solid plans with strangers on a Roll Call. tentative ones, sure.. we all plan on meeting after Muster for a drink at a certain bar on board. but no one will be in in a difficult position if we don't show.

[Talisker92]

I am not sure where Mrs. Pete and spookwife are coming from. They are both very active on the board, but appear almost unaware of a lot of the roll call activity.

I can speak from the experience of a recent 31 day South American cruise. Our roll call had over 2500 posts. A number of fellow passengers took the time and trouble to organize small group tours, for which I am grateful.

We met about a half hour ahead of the meet and greet to finalize arrangements and meeting places. All the information was posted on the roll call, and people would sign up with the organizer. No money changed hands, so it kept things low key.

[cruisemom42]

I am not sure where Mrs. Pete and spookwife are coming from. They are both very active on the board, but appear almost unaware of a lot of the roll call activity.

I can speak from the experience of a recent 31 day South American cruise. Our roll call had over 2500 posts. A number of fellow passengers took the time and trouble to organize small group tours, for which I am grateful.

We met about a half hour ahead of the meet and greet to finalize arrangements and meeting places. All the information was posted on the roll call, and people would sign up with the organizer. No money changed hands, so it kept things low key.

 

Yes, exactly.

 

I think there's misunderstanding of how these private tours are generally arranged in the Med ports (particularly Italy and France, from my experience).

 

The agencies mostly want to deal with ONE point of contact. They won't deal with 8 different customers for a single tour. (A very few of them will, but the majority will not.)

 

The business model for many of the frequently recommended and used agencies is that they are basically supplying you with a vehicle and a driver for a set amount of time. It is up to you to fill that vehicle in order to make the cost reasonable.

 

For example: one extremely popular agency for Italy might charge about 600 euro for their vehicle that holds up to 8. If you only have two people, that's a mighty expensive day. If you divide it among eight, you have a more reasonable cost.

 

And sometimes the "big bus" tours just can't get you the same experience (for example, the Amalfi Coast) as a smaller minivan or car.

[canadarocks]

This is certainly an interesting thread and clearly shows how differently we can all feel about private tours and Roll Calls.

 

My husband and I try to avoid the overpriced and overcrowded ship excursions. I've organized groups of Cruise Critic members from our Roll Calls in many different countries. They have all gone wonderfully and we've met some great friends. Never once have I handled anyone else's money, or received any discount on our tours.

 

If someone else on our Roll Call offers up availability on a private tour, I do some research to make sure it's a reputable company and then I gladly join.

 

Personally, that is the main reason I read and post on Roll Calls. :)

[spookwife]

it's just not something that appeals to me. I don't need anyone else trying to convince me to do something that THEY want to do.

 

I have done group tours through the ship, booked them privately and done the independent wander around on our own thing as well.

 

 

no matter how it is presented to me, sorry but I just have no interest in glomming on to another person's shore excursion.

[iahawkize]

We either organized or joined 6 different small group tours during our two weeks in the Med last summer. Rome In Limo is a favorite, partly because each participant makes a commitment on their website (via credit card) that they will show up. (Cash paid to driver at the end of the day).

 

Helpful hints:

1) Be specific about the tour -- refer to the website if you can, detail the itiniery and payment expectations. Where to pay, in what form, and to whom.

 

2) Volunteer your objectives for the day: "minimal shopping, less time at Vatican, more time at Coliseum, no restaurant lunch, maximize time at venues". We went on to say that our core group wanted to see ruins and architecture, as opposed to museums and artwork.

 

3) Volunteer your own mobility (fit, semi-fit, slow walkers, mobility challenged) and whether your group includes kids, so that others can match ability levels to yours.

 

The more accurately you describe your day's adventure, the more likely like-minded souls will be to connect.

 

The cruise ships frown on actively selling tours on board...

4) Posting a sign on your door "Group Leaders - XYZ Tour on Tuesday" with our picture and a printout from the website. People recognized us in the casino and at dinner, and we ended up with full vans each day.

 

Hi There How are things going these days? You did an AWESOME job getting our Private Tur organized. Check out our Carnival Splendor Group The Splendorifics thread and check outthe Awesome spreadsheet Angela Bailey put together for the private group tours. As of now we have over 200+ cabins in this group Ken. PS Cricket s doing well in PA and we'll remain good friends but no more than that

[wassup4565]

I've had mixed experiences with these small-van excursions set up by someone on CC roll calls. In general now, I avoid them, for two reasons.

 

Somehow, I always end up with the worst seat on the van - the one over the wheel well or with no window. In my experience, people are pretty aggressive about grabbing the best seats and then staking them out for the whole excursion, by leaving their stuff on the seats when they get off at stops. I have never, not once, had someone offer, "You got a pretty bad seat. Would you like to take mine for awhile?" Never happened.

 

There is always someone who is a pain in the butt. They come back late at every stop. Or they whine about their health issues. Or they hold the whole van up while they have a lengthy negotiation about the price of a junk necklace. Or they monopolize the guide with their opinions and questions.

 

Really, no, if I can find any better alternative, I give these van excursions a miss. I don't go on vacation to be irritated in these ways.

[cruisemom42]

I've had mixed experiences with these small-van excursions set up by someone on CC roll calls. In general now, I avoid them, for two reasons.

 

Somehow, I always end up with the worst seat on the van - the one over the wheel well or with no window. In my experience, people are pretty aggressive about grabbing the best seats and then staking them out for the whole excursion, by leaving their stuff on the seats when they get off at stops. I have never, not once, had someone offer, "You got a pretty bad seat. Would you like to take mine for awhile?" Never happened.

 

There is always someone who is a pain in the butt. They come back late at every stop. Or they whine about their health issues. Or they hold the whole van up while they have a lengthy negotiation about the price of a junk necklace. Or they monopolize the guide with their opinions and questions.

 

Really, no, if I can find any better alternative, I give these van excursions a miss. I don't go on vacation to be irritated in these ways.

 

So odd. :confused:

 

Less than an hour after you posted this, you are answering a post on the Italy boards with what sounds like a recommendation for small, private tours....

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=42451792&postcount=8

[ldubs]

We think you are being a bit presumptuous when it comes to analyzing your fellow passengers. We have literally spent years cruising and traveling in the Med region and have seldom to ever taken any kind of tour. Personally, the last thing DW and I want to do is get crammed into a van or mini-bus with a group of strangers. The only time we take a tour is when it does something we want that we cannot reasonably do on our own. So what do we do in ports? Well gee, sometimes we walk, sometimes we use local/regional trains, sometimes we rent cars, etc. When in places with great cuisine we might spend 2 or 3 hours enjoying a nice lunch. Oh, and yes, we have been known to go swimming in some ports :).

 

As to filling your tours, you can certainly post on your CC Roll Call (we assume you have already done this). Otherwise I guess you will just have to hope you meet some others aboard the ship who want to join your group.

 

Hank

 

We think you are jumping to an incorrect conclusion about the Op's question. We don't see it as presumptuous. The Op has experience with 10 previous cruises that is different than this particular cruise and is asking for advice. Even though different wording might have been preferred, the Op's meaning is pretty clear. At least that is what we think.

[cavydad]

We have arranged as well as joined tours through the cruise critic bulletin board on six cruises and they have always turned out great.

 

We begin by posting the itinerary as well as the name of the tour operator. The number of people that will be on the tour as well as the individual cost is given. Up front we give the price if we fill the van as will as if we do not fill it.

 

We have had great tours in Ephesus, Sicily, Falkland Islands, Panama, as well as other places.

 

The only challenge that I have ever had was in the Canary Islands. The cruise critic organizer could not say no to the other bulletin board members. The eight person tour resulted in three 40 passenger tour buses, nearly every cruise critic member aboard the ship joined the tour.

 

What we have discovered is the more experienced traveler will leap at the chance of joining the small tour group.

 

If you cannot fill the tour split the cost four the in filled seats and enjoy the smaller tour group.

[Mytime2014]

That's a little harsh. I book with reputable companies in the ports e.g. Rome in Limo and do not collect any money. Furthermore, I do not set up the itinerary...the operator does.

 

How is that harsh? maybe to you its harsh but everyone has an opinion and a choice. I think you sounded a little pushy, so that would alienate me at 1st speak - they should know I'm okay, I'm good at this, its not guaranteed but hey, I'm making the plan so trust me kind of thing.

 

I can't imagine jumping in a bus with people I don't know on a trip that wasn't guaranteed. Call me scaredy-cat - I will admit I am not intrepid. But I would be in that little group that had 3 flat tires and only half a spare watching the ship sail away. nonononono

[sherilyn70]

I have to say that someone in our roll call joined just to push their private tour. No hellos, no information on who they were, they just jumped right in with asking for additional people to join them on two private tours. That turned me of greatly. It did however get me thinking about private tours and my husband and I ended up booking the same tour worth just the two of us. Things I definitely want to know about a private group is age range, primary interest or focus on the trip, and how much mobility is required. I have special needs so we decided to go without a full group. Should I find others interested in a tour that focuses on history and photography and will also have the patience for some of my mobility issues they will be welcome to join us, but we are not dependent upon them for our tour to be successful.

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[wassup4565]

So odd. :confused:

 

Less than an hour after you posted this, you are answering a post on the Italy boards with what sounds like a recommendation for small, private tours....

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=42451792&postcount=8

No, I did not recommend that on the Italy board. The OP on that board asked if it was usually best to take a ship's excursion, and I replied there are many other options, and plenty of info on CC about those options.

 

Thanks for keeping an eye on the situation though ;)

Edited April 16, 2014 by wassup4565

[canadarocks]

No, I was not suggesting that on the Italy boards - sorry if I gave that impression. What I was recommending was hiring a car and driver for a private tour.

 

Really? :rolleyes: I understand cruisemom42's confusion:

 

No. Your best option is not sitting on a huge bus, and waiting again and again for the lame, the weak, the halt and the selfish to lumber off the bus and then show up late to get back on it. That's what the ship's excursions give you.

 

There is a wealth of info here on CC and also on the sister Trip Advisor site that will help you figure out the best options for you in every port. You can hook up with others on your Roll Call for smaller, more tailored group tours. Or you can do the research and figure out your own strategies.

 

I would certainly take that as a recommendation for Roll Call tours. And not the nicest of comments about the people on ships tours! :eek:

Edited April 16, 2014 by canadarocks

[donaldsc]

 

I can't imagine jumping in a bus with people I don't know on a trip that wasn't guaranteed. Call me scaredy-cat - I will admit I am not intrepid. But I would be in that little group that had 3 flat tires and only half a spare watching the ship sail away. nonononono

 

Lots and lots of people do what you are scared to do. They all can't be wrong.

 

I once almost missed a plane flight because the cab had a flat tyre and their spare was also flat. Does this mean that I never take a cab again - no.

 

BTW - what was the 3 flat group that you mention? Where did you hear about it?

 

DON

[wassup4565]

Are you intending to respond to the OP's original question, CanadaRocks? Because that's the purpose of the thread.

 

I stand by what I've said, here, and on the Italy board. The larger the vehicle and the more people the more time you will spend waiting...waiting...waiting for people to get on and off the vehicle, and for latecomers. And the greater the likelihood you will get stuck in a bad seat for the whole trip because no one will ever offer you a better one.

 

Certainly, I advised the OP to discuss with the Roll Call group. That was not an endorsement to sign up for the van tours people there have organized. You can get a lot of info from your group about their plans - which might include, for instance, info about taxi and rental car options, local transport, DIY suggestions, and so on. And I suggested people do their own research, which could include looking at walking, bicycling, local ferries, and so on. None of that was intended to recommend small-group van tours. Or not. People should do what suits them.

 

Finally, ha ha, too funny! One Canadian accuses another of not being polite enough! Epic!

Edited April 17, 2014 by wassup4565