Med Cruise.

by **frimmy7** on Fri Feb 27, 2009 12:51 pm

We are booked to go on a Med cruise in May visiting Valetta Malta, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno in Italy and Cannes France and wonder if it is worth booking tours off the ship or whether it is better to leave the ship and travel by either bus or taxi to see some of the major attractions in each place. The reason for asking is that the tours from the ship seem to be a bit expensive.

by **paulinewales** on Fri Feb 27, 2009 14:38 pm

Hi there. If you just want to spend some time in Valetta this is very easy on your own as you should dock right in the Grand Harbour. Naples is also very easy if you just want the city,literally just off the boat and a few minutes walk. If you want Capri or Sorrento the tickets can be bought at the tickets booths on the dockside. I would suggest you make an early start for either of these as you need to give yourself plenty of time. Civitavecchia and Livorno as far as I can remember there are shuttle buses that take you into town. Livorno is nice but once again go early so you can EXPERIENCE the market. Nothing really in Civicavecchia. Cannes we have not done so can not help you there. Are you sailing on the Jewel? If so lucky you.

by **HW tenpin** on Fri Feb 27, 2009 15:49 pm

Hi Frimmy,

As Pauline said most are okay to do yourself, the exception is Civicavecchia. if you are use to trains. you can get a taxi (or walk) to staion and then a train into ROME which is why they dock in Civicavecchia. about 10 euros.

Your best bet however is to get the ships tour bus into town, which is just a way to get you there the rest is up to you. the bus/train journey is about one hour.

In all these places if you are clever just watch the seasoned travelers (like me) and follow them to the towns. easy to spot they don't look everywhere just start walking.

by **frimmy7** on Sat Feb 28, 2009 11:16 am

[b]Thank You both for your quick responce and Pauline we are travelling on the Gem for the cruise.
Perhaps I may pose another question and that is we are not so much lovers of ancient ruins such as Pompeii but would we miss something that really needs to be seen. I am a lover of taking photos of the outside and insides of cathedrals etc but as this will be our last big holiday (prices at the moment are killing the holiday as we knew it) we want to experience everything that is on offer but without the cost going through the roof.
To give you an example of some tours around Naples covering "The Flavours of Sorrento and Pompeii" can cost FROM $187 per person but "The Treasures of Naples costs FROM $99, but as you say Pauline Naples can be discovered by walking off the ship so these examples are available where ever the ship docks. Mind you the first tour is 8.5hrs and the second 4hrs.[/b]

by **paulinewales** on Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:27 pm

We have not sailed on the Gem, but twice on the Jewel. From what I know the boats are practically the same so you should have a wonderful time. Please make sure you try the Italian as I is great, but make sure you book well in advance.

by **steveburns** on Fri Apr 24, 2009 16:56 pm

Hi,

we are travelling on the Gem on 24thMay from Barcelona.

I have researched other tour options and found this:
http://www.marcopisa.it/

They provide a Mercedes car or minibus for up to 8 people, with driver. For e.g.Euro330 (total, not each), they take you to Florence, to the museum door, get you in, pick you up, off to the next museum etc. The service sounds very good, and a lot better priced

. They also do Rome trips (I think the same price).

If you are travelling on the 24th Cruise, maybe you want to share the 8-seater?

I am still searching for other taxi/chaeuffer companies, I'm sure they are out there, for the other Ports.

E-mail me (no obligation) at godgaveyougrace@hotmail.com

Steve.

by **frimmy7** on Sat Apr 25, 2009 16:16 pm

This has just been sent to me in return for a quote.

Hello Jim ,
thanks for your quotes request.

Transfer Civitavecchia Cruise PrinsedamTerminal to Rome Centre.
The price for 2 passengers complete service,
is 120 Euro include,all taxes luggage and fees, no extra charge.
Quotes are complete and NOT per person.
(for payment cash Euro at end service no deposit require)

Personal driver and new big comfortable MiniVan.
Time drive to Rome 1 hour 15 minutes.

In Civitavecchia Dock we will have a sign with your name so you can
recognize us as soon you leave your cruise ship.

To book service send e-mail and confirm details name cruise ship, date,
time you want pick up in Civitavecchia Dock
One phone or mobile number where in case if need can contact you.

So I will book your service,and send to you the Voucher Transfer Reservation Number,
with all details for your transfer.

If you require any future information please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely Marco.

Italycab
italycab@hotmail.it