In May/June wife and I and 11 yo grandson will on a 12 day cruise. Information is wanted on day trips from Cork (Cobh), Ireland to Kinsale and Blarney Castle and from Inverness (Invergoron), Scotland to Loch Ness. The Princess cruise line day trips seem expensive. We ar looking for 1/2 day trips (the cruise line offers 8-10 hour trips. Thank you, Dorsey
Posted by
Berkeley
3 posts
I'm sorry I can't offer specific advice but I can say that I went on a Princess cruise a few years ago and had your same urge about arranging my own excursions because the cruise trips seemed expensive. Also, I didn't think I'd enjoy a generic tour. In the end I gave up doing the planning myself and just opted for their trips instead, and I was really glad I left it to them. The guides were always friendly and well-informed, and the trips efficiently managed and headache-free. Whatever extra $ I might have spent on their excursions was mitigated by the headaches I was spared managing the details myself. The buses always met us right at the docks in port, and I never noticed any nearby car rental agencies or local bus stops anywhere close. Many ports are nowhere near town centers or places of interest to tourists. We went to several different countries and this was true for most of them. Taxis might be an option, but there's the extra expense. Just thought I'd chime in- hope it provides some perspective to add to all the ideas you are bound to receive. Bon voyage!
Bobbie
Posted by
ocala
4 posts
My husband and I were on the same cruise 2 years ago. Rather than a shore excursion in Cobh, we booked Cork Airport Taxis - www.corkairporttaxis.ie. We were picked up at the ship (Tony) and had a wonderful day - went to Blarney castle, Kinsale, and sights along the way. We were out until after lunch, but we stopped in a small villiage for lunch. Riding in a beautiful new Audi certainly was an improvement over the bus. Cost was less also... We got this info from cruise critic, so were comfortable choosing these folks. Be sure to use "ie" (Ireland) for the website. Have fun!
PS there will be tons of taxis off the ship, but I think its better to book ahead.