We are taking a Princess cruise in Sept was wondering if anyone knows how the excursions work as far as "skipping the line". The descriptions don't actually say cruise tours skip the lines. I called Princess and they didn't know what I was talking about, (which is a little concerning). We have excursions in Florence to Duomo and Pisa, Naples to Pompeii and Genoa to Cinque Terre. Has anyone done these excursions and had to wait in lines?
Posted by
Edmonton Canada
327 posts
I have been on several Princess cruises with Italian ports and shore excursions offered by the ship, but not the specific itinerary you mentioned. We docked in Livorno twice and went to Cinque Terre (CT) the first time and to Lucca the second time (had already been to Florence and Pisa on a previous trip). For Pompeii, we docked in Salerno. However, we did not experience any tour lines, with the exception of boarding the boats between the towns in CT, and our guide was excellent in keeping us ahead of the crowds as best he could. I have to say all the guides Princess had for us were real pros! We often do our own arrangements as well, but chose to do the ship excursions for these particular destinations.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2296 posts
Have you asked this question on cruisecritic? They may have more people with those specific experiences.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The short answer is generally yes - ship excursions have a schedule to maintain -- BUT not always.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5431 posts
I hope you realize that all of the places you have described, except the Duomo and Pompeii are towns or cities, not actual attractions. Pompeii has an entrance (or 2) but there isn't usually much of a line there. The Duomo (the Cathedral, not the Baptistry, Campanile, dome climb or museum) doesn't require a ticket, and there isn't usually much of a line.
Pisa is just a town. Does the excursion say you'll actually be able to climb the tower? Most likely you'll just stand there and look at it. CT is a collection of towns. What lines were you expecting to encounter (other than the ones for bathrooms or the boat).?
If there are attractions that you will be entering, your guide will lead the way. Sometimes there are entrance lines specifically for group tours. You can NEVER skip the security lines.
Posted by
OP
Aldergrove BC, Canada
8 posts
Ok, thanks everyone. You have been helpful.
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
By and large this is not a cruise crowd. We avoid booking excursions through the ship as they are very expensive and there are many alternatives. Get this book https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/mediterranean-cruise-ports and start researching.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4261 posts
Or you can book a private tour guide. We use toursbylocals.com when we cruise, especially when we are 4 or more people. It usually works out to be cheaper. You can ask the guide you choose for suggestions or tell them what you want to do. They will advise you if they will purchase the needed tickets or if you can do it.