What's the Longest SHORE EXCURSION You've Ever Taken? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

LuLu · 08-30-2009, 03:30 PM

What's the LONGEST Shore Excursion you've taken?

Did you enjoy it?

nealberk · 08-30-2009, 03:39 PM

In to Paris from La Havre. The bus trip was forever in both directions with very little to do except view generic countryside.

But I am very glad we did it otherwise we would not have had a chance to see Paris.

Texashorselady · 08-30-2009, 04:06 PM

Our longest excursion was a trip from St Petersburg Russia to Moscow. On a very old Russian airliner.

It was a long excursion because of the hours involved (before dawn until way late at night) but also because of the transportation logistics. We went from a bus by the ship to the airport, walked through the airport, then boarded another bus get us to our plane which was on the other side of airport. (I think we went in circles) Then after we landed we boarded another bus to go see the Kremlin...all day on a bus seeing sights in Moscow...and then did the same thing in reverse to get back to the ship. That was one long day!

And if that wasn't enough, we were sure we were going to crash when that rickety old Russian plane took off vibrating violently and popping and creaking the way it did.

Did we enjoy it? Oh yeah! I think it was the most fascinating place I have ever been. It would have been better to have a few days to see it all, though.

LuLu · 08-30-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nealberk

In to Paris from La Havre. The bus trip was forever in both directions with very little to do except view generic countryside.

But I am very glad we did it otherwise we would not have had a chance to see Paris.

Neal, we did that very same thing! Prior to this, I'd only been to Paris so I rather enjoyed seeing the French countyside from an comfy bus. DH slept!

If there's a next time, do think we'd enjoy doing something around / close to La Havre. The little I saw of it, I really liked.

Char · 08-30-2009, 04:53 PM

I think our longest tour was 12 hours in Morocco. We went into the Anti Atlas Mountains and I would not have missed that experience for anything! Landscape like I have never seen before. Small villages and an oasis or 2 plus we ate lunch in a tent with sofas and cushions. Saw the local markets and a rug factory and silver school. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was NOT a ships tour and our group of 11 only paid $52 PP for that 12 hour tour!

LuLu · 08-30-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texashorselady

Our longest excursion was a trip from St Petersburg Russia to Moscow. On a very old Russian airliner.

It was a long excursion because of the hours involved (before dawn until way late at night) but also because of the transportation logistics. We went from a bus by the ship to the airport, walked through the airport, then boarded another bus get us to our plane which was on the other side of airport. (I think we went in circles) Then after we landed we boarded another bus to go see the Kremlin...all day on a bus seeing sights in Moscow...and then did the same thing in reverse to get back to the ship. That was one long day!

And if that wasn't enough, we were sure we were going to crash when that rickety old Russian plane took off vibrating violently and popping and creaking the way it did.

Did we enjoy it? Oh yeah! I think it was the most fascinating place I have ever been. It would have been better to have a few days to see it all, though.

Julie .... Thanks for this.

The cruise we were on cancelled this excursion at the last minute because there had been THREE crashes on the same sort to planes the previous week.

We had already decided to stay in St. Petersburg ... which was still a long day BUT totally enjoyed. Lots, because as growing up, I never expected to be allowed to go to Russia.

Our good friends tood a Riverboat Cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg with pre and post stays. They said that if they could have only gone to one it would have been St.Petersburg. Which did you like the better of the two ... or were you able to see any of St.Petersburg?

LuLu · 08-30-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

I think our longest tour was 12 hours in Morocco. We went into the Anti Atlas Mountains and I would not have missed that experience for anything! Landscape like I have never seen before. Small villages and an oasis or 2 plus we ate lunch in a tent with sofas and cushions. Saw the local markets and a rug factory and silver school. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was NOT a ships tour and our group of 11 only paid $52 PP for that 12 hour tour!

Char, what a great experience!

Was your ship in Morocco for the night?

Char · 08-30-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuLu

Char, what a great experience!

Was your ship in Morocco for the night?

No! We sailed at 10PM. We were gone from the ship from 8AM till 8PM.

It was only supposed to be a 10 hour tour, but our guide was very eager to show us things and would have extended it even longer, but we were ready to get back to the ship and have a bite to eat before we sailed.

Lanky Lad · 08-30-2009, 05:20 PM

It was Alexandria to the pyramids, was about 12 hours.

Did not enjoy the coach ride at high speed, even worse on the way back as it was dark. I would not do it again but I am glad I did it. A nice touch, when we got back to the ship the Captain came out to welcome us home. Also they were hading out water and orange juice as we waited in line to get back onboard. Took quite some planning as there were 40 coachs.

houch · 08-31-2009, 12:37 AM

Have done some 8-10 hour tours on our last 2 cruises. Baltic and Med. Loved them all and would do them again! Looks like I will have some more long ones on our Holy Land in Nov. I'm ready for them!