Tagged: shore excursion RSS

  • Tom Baker 9:00 am on August 18, 2011 COMMENT
    Tags: Greece, Santorini, shore excursion   

    Santorini Sailing! 

    I have taken about every type of shore excursion while on a cruise that ranged from bus tours with 40-50 uncommon travelers to private car and driver. While that is my preferred way to see the sights of the world, it is very expensive and can run up to 1500 euro a day in some parts of Europe!

    This past July, I hosted a group on an 8-day Greek Isles and Turkey cruise from Venice. I decided to invite my group to take a special cruise on a chartered catamaran and sail around the ancient volcanic Greek island of Santorini. I was able to negotiate a charter on Captain Ted’s largest boat, the Dream Catcher. She is a state-of-the-art catamaran that offers a smooth and delicious sailing experience around this marvelous gem of an island.

    Photo: Tom Baker | A stunning sunset on our ride back to Fira

    Our excursion was the most amazing way to see this island that was destroyed many millennia ago by one of the strongest volcanic explosions in recorded history. We boarded our luxury boat where we were invited to sit on the nets, swim in the aqua blue color of the Aegean Sea and enjoy a sumptuous Greek meal with fresh seafood prepared by the amazing crew. Oh, and lets not forget the constant flow of cocktails.

    The water was extremely refreshing and the scenery was remarkable with the towering cliffs of the island around us at all times. It was impressive, exciting, invigorating and I know that every one who joined in had one of the best shore excursions days ever! I sure did.

    At the end of the day, the group was sad to leave but the ride back to Fira at sunset was remarkable. I normally don’t ‘gush’ about excursions but this one was tops.

    If you get the chance to visit Santorini, this is the one excursion not to miss!

    http://www.santorinisailing.com/index.htm

     

    Tom

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    • Robert Stevens 6:55 am on August 31, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Tom, you are correct. The Dream Catcher was truly a “delicious” sailing experience. While I have not traveled nearly as much as you, I would put this excursion at the top of the list. It was truly amazing. Marc and you are the best as is Aquafest. I can’t wait for the next adventure.

  • Randall Shirley 11:42 pm on July 22, 2011 COMMENT
    Tags: beaches, , , , shore excursion, zip line   

    How to plan your own group cruise, Part 3: Shore excursions 

    Planning your own shore excursions

     If you want to organize a group cruise and perhaps sail free, it is possible! If you do it right, you may end up several free cruise cabins! Starting last week, and continuing over the next three weeks, I’m providing a series of tips for planning your own group cruise with specific sensibilities for the gay cruise traveler.

    One of the best things about having your own group on a cruise is the fun of shore excursions – planning that time together*.

    It’s easy to find things to do on the ship, and a sea day or two on any itinerary tends to be a favorite of many gay cruise passengers.

    But what about things to do in port? Everyone knows that the cruise lines offer pre-arranged shore excursions, and sometimes they’re the right fit for you. But when you’re travelling with a group, a whole new world opens up.

    Maui Little Beach is essentially a gay beach in Hawaii

    Maui Little Beach is essentially a gay beach in Hawaii.

    On our group cruise to Hawaii, we knew we wanted to spend time at Maui’s Little Beach – a famous clothing-optional spot with a popular gay beach area. So, we rented three cars, and we all went to Little Beach. Having several cars gave us the flexibility for the group to split into smaller groups later in the day as some people grew tired of sand ‘n surf and wanted to go shop or eat. We simply split the cost of the rental cars among all members of the group. It’s worth paying a bit extra (if required) to add an extra driver, and the insurance might be a good idea.

    Horseback riding, Finca Daniel, Costa Rica is a great self-arranged shore excursion

    Horseback riding, Finca Daniel, Costa Rica is a great self-arranged shore excursion. © Randall Shirley

    Zip Line in Costa Rica, Finca Daniel over canyons and waterfalls

    Zip Line in Costa Rica, Finca Daniel. © Randall Shirley

    On my Panama Canal cruise, I arranged a Puntarenas, Costa Rica zipline shore excursion for 16 people. It was not available through the cruise—in 2004 zipline and canopy tours were still relatively new. The excursion was a full day at a ranch / coffee plantation / canyon, and they picked us up at the pier. The day included horseback rides, amazing ziplines, learning about coffee growing, a picnic in the jungle, and more…all for just over $100/person. It was exceptional value, and we all had a blast. Back on the ship it was very clear that we had waaaaay more fun that day than most other passengers. As organizer, I was offered a discount for my own excursion (not free, but saved a bit).
    Learn more about this type of shore excursion.

    How do you find shore excursions? Easy. Check guidebooks and websites for the destinations you’ll visit. Call or email ahead to tour providers you’re interested in, and let them know you’re bringing a group onshore from a cruise ship. Ask what they can provide (pier-side pickup is important!), and what they can do to help create a great experience for you. Negotiate on price.

    Risks.

    • I suppose there’s the possibility that a provider won’t show up. It might be worth checking with the city or region’s tourism office about the reputation of providers.
    • The chance that you miss the ship. It’s crucial that you inform the tour provider of your ship’s required all-aboard time. But even so, if something goes wrong (a van breaks down, unexpected road closure, etc.), and you miss the ship, you will be responsible for getting yourselves to the next port.
    • Make sure everyone in your group is aware of these risks!

    Tip: Make sure your group members offer an appropriate gratuity at the end of the excursion!

    Tip: If your group is big enough to fill a van or even a bus, and you are interested in having the cruise line arrange your excursions for you (which will qualify you for their various guarantees—like the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion was booked by the cruise line), ask your travel agent to look into it—or to put you directly in contact with the shore excursions company who handles the cruise line’s onshore tours. Be sure to ask for discounts and a couple of free tour passes for yourself (no promises, but you never know).

     Next week: dining together on ship and ashore

    *In fact, that’s one of my favorite things about connecting with other gay cruise passengers via MeetMeOnBoard.com before a cruise…the chance to plan shore time together.

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  • Randall Shirley 12:01 am on June 6, 2011 COMMENT
    Tags: activity, , shore excursion   

    Dykes on Bikes in Cruise Ports…why not? (Ideas for gay cruise passengers) 

    Here’s a trend that might have extra appeal to our lesbian sailors! Rent a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for your day in port. It’ll take a bit of doing, but imagine the possibilities once you’re on the bike. Of course, you butch gay guys are welcome to do it, too.

    Who knows…for some of you die-hard biker babes, knowing these ports offer such a po

    Seeing a cruise destination by motorcycle might just be the thing for you lesbians... and gay cruise passengers too!

    Seeing a cruise destination by motorcycle might just be the thing for you lesbians... and gay cruise passengers too!

    ssibility might actually influence where you choose to cruise…would it? Comment below, please!

    Note: the dealers may be a fair distance from the port, and there will be plenty of paperwork and liability details to deal with…ride carefully and at your own risk.

    U.S. WEST COAST cruise ports where lesbian and gay cruise passengers could rent a Harley-Davidson

    Anchorage, Alaska, area:
    House of Harley-Davidson
    4334 Spenard Road
    Anchorage, AK 99517
    907-248-5300

    Seattle, Washington, area:
    Eastside Harley-Davidson
    14408 NE 20th St
    Bellevue, WA 98007
    425-702-2000

    Los Angeles, California, area:
    Orange County Harley-Davidson
    8677 Research Drive
    Irvine, CA 92618
    949-727-4464

    U.S. CARIBBEAN cruise ports where lesbian and gay cruise passengers could rent a Harley-Davidson

    Houston / Galveston area:
    San Jacinto Harley-Davidson
    3636 E. Sam Houston Pkwy S.
    Pasadena, TX 77505
    281-991-4275

    New Orleans area:
    Crescent City Rentals at New Orleans Harley-Davidson
    6015 Airline Drive
    Metairie, LA 70003
    504-736-9600

    Tampa, Florida, area:
    Manatee River Harley-Davidson
    624 67th Street Circle E.
    Bradenton, FL 34208
    941-745-2429

    CANADA cruise port where lesbian and gay cruise passengers could rent a Harley-Davidson

    Saint John, New Brunswick, area:
    Eldridge’s
    1230 Fairville Boulevard
    Saint John, NB E2M 5T7
    506-635-1223

    AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDcruise ports where lesbian and gay cruise passengers could rent a Harley-Davidson

    Brisbane, Australia, area:
    Morgan & Wacker
    54 Ross Street
    Newstead, QLD 4006
    61-7-3252-5691

    Auckland, New Zealand, area:
    Auckland Motorcycles & Power Sports
    234 Khyber Pass Road
    Newmarket, 1023
    64-9-300-7500

    Christchurch, New Zealand
    Rolling Thunder Harley-Davidson
    35 Manchester Street
    Christchurch, 8011
    64-3-366-0129

    EUROPE cruise ports where lesbian and gay cruise passengers could rent a Harley-Davidson

    Rome, Italy
    Harley-Davidson Roma
    Via Silvio Spaventa 15/17
    Roma, RM 00187
    39-064880452

    Oslo, Norway
    Lazy Boyz Harley-Davidson
    Strømsveien 266
    Oslo, N0 668
    4722907800

    Valencia, Spain
    Harley-Davidson Valencia Nave
    Av. de la pista de la Silla, 26
    Massanasa (Valencia),
    46470 34961251025

    Ibiza, Spain (it couldn’t get better than this!)
    Harley-Davidson Ibiza
    Av. Ignacio Wallis, Nº 31
    Ibiza (Baleares), 07800
    34971318080

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  • Randall Shirley 11:19 am on October 21, 2010 COMMENT
    Tags: , , , shore excursion   

    National Cruise Month: gay cruise passenger tip #3 

    At MeetMeOnBoard, we’re celebrating “National Cruise Month” with Seven Tips for gay cruise passengers. Watch this spot for more tips in the coming days.

    Tip #3: Plan your own gay group? If you have a group of friends who want to sail together, you may be able to get special group pricing, or if your group buys enough staterooms you may get a free or heavily-discounted cruise for yourself. You will need to work with a cruise travel agent to make this successful.

    It’s also important to know your limits—do you want to feel responsible for the group? Do you know the people well enough to travel with them? Are you still willing to go if you don’t qualify for a free cabin? Will you take the freebie or simply spread the savings among your group?

    It’s “National Cruise Vacation” month in the U.S. That most likely means your travel agent is trying to up his quota and will be pushing email “deals” your way. We say: GO FOR IT! And don’t forget to add your cruise(s) to your profile to increase the chances of connecting with other MeetMeOnBoard.com members.

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  • Randall Shirley 12:56 pm on October 7, 2009 COMMENT
    Tags: , , , , , , shore excursion   

    Cruise Ports of a Lifetime? 

    Randall above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; truly a "place of a lifetime"
    Your Editor above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; truly a cruise destination of a lifetime!

    I just got my new National Geographic Traveler magazine (October 2009), and they’re reviving the 50 places concept. It’s been 10 years since they first created their list, and now they’ve added another 50–so technically it’s their list of 100 places of a lifetime.

    I’ve pulled out the places from their list that you can visit by cruise ship, and have bolded the spots I’ve personally visited. (Note: I’ve only kept places that are actual ports or easy shore excursions, not nearby major cities).

    In the future we’ll do a survey on your favorite cruise places of a lifetime. Now, what do you have to say about the Nat Geo choices?

    • Athens, Greece
    • Barcelona, Spain
    • Dublin, Ireland
    • Hong Kong
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    • New York, New York
    • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • San Francisco, California
    • St. Petersburg, Russia
    • Tokyo, Japan
    • Vancouver, Canada
    • Venice, Italy (soon, I hope!)
    • Aleutian Islands, Alaska
    • Amazon Forest
    • Antarctica
    • Arnhem Land, Australia
    • Auyuittuq National Park, Canada
    • Galapagos Islands
    • Papua New Guinea’s Coral Reefs
    • South Georgia Island, South Atlantic Ocean
    • Venezuela’s Tepuis
    • Aitutaki, Cook Islands
    • Amalfi Coast, Italy
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil
    • Greek Islands
    • Hawaiian Islands
    • Kerala, India
    • Lord Howe Island, Australia
    • Mayreau, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Molokai, Hawaii
    • Pacific Islands
    • Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
    • Salina, Italy
    • Seychelles
    • Torres del Paine, Chile
    • Yap’s Outer Islands, Micronesia
    • Asturias, Spain
    • Azure Coast, Turkey
    • Canadian Maritimes
    • Cordillera Terraces, Philippines
    • Danang to Hue, Vietnam
    • Gaspe Peninsula, Canada
    • Montenegro
    • North Island, New Zealand
    • Norway’s Coast
    • Easter Island, Chile
    • Karnak, Egypt
    • Leptis Magna, Libya
    • Pyramids, Egypt
    • Sagrada Familia, Spain
    • Vatican City

    Of course, not all these interesting spots are fully gay-friendly…I’m interested in your take on that, too!

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  • Randall Shirley 9:47 am on August 25, 2009 COMMENT
    Tags: Broadway Across America, , , , , Miami, New Orleans, , Seattle, shore excursion, Wicked, Wicked musical   

    Alaska sailing this fall? Don't miss Wicked (at recession pricing!) 

    If you’re sailing from Seattle to Alaska (or repositioning) this fall, you may want to arrive a day early and catch the

    Gay-popular Wicked will play several cruise ports this season

    Gay-popular Wicked will play several cruise ports this season. Image courtesy Broadway Across America.

    Broadway touring musical Wicked at the Paramount Theatre. Of course you’ll get lots of great entertainment on your cruise, but Wicked is musical theatre at its best.

    If you’re not familiar with Wicked (and it’s hard to imagine a gay person who isn’t), it is the re-imagined back-story of the two witches from The Wizard of Oz. And it’s simply brilliant.

    Amazingly, Seattle ticket prices start at just $27…a number you’re unlikely to find on Broadway, and a price we likely will never see again once the recession is over.

    Ports where you could see Wicked in the coming months:

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  • Randall Shirley 8:12 am on April 8, 2009 COMMENT
    Tags: , , , , , shore excursion, zipline   

    Panama Canal Cruise: planning tips for gay cruise passengers 

    A gay friend just asked me for suggestions on upcoming Panama Canal cruises. If you’ve followed this blog, you should

    You can actually touch the side of the Panama Canal from your cruise ship, as my partner Kevin is doing.

    You can actually touch the side of the Panama Canal from your cruise ship, as my partner Kevin is doing.

    know that both my partner and I consider our 2005/06 canal cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas our best-ever vacation, for many reasons.

    Perhaps the biggest reason was the many gay men we met on board — about 40 of them, mostly couples — some of whom we had “pre-met” through Internet searches… long before MeetMeOnBoard.com was born. Many of us dined together each night in 4s and 6s, but still at larger tables with straight passengers… it was a BLAST. (We’re still friends with many of them, and still travel to see each other).

    The gays also took shore excursions together, including one that I had pre-arranged privately — a really remarkable zipline experience in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Check it out in the list below.

    Anyway… I could go on and on about what a great cruise it was. But I suggest you go book your own! Here are a handful of tips for that trip:

    Ziplining in Costa Rica is a great "gay group" shore excursion.

    Ziplining in Costa Rica is a great

    1. Do a full-transit sailing, not a partial.
    2. Go east to west (start in Florida, end in California) so you’re always adding hours to the clock.
    3. Stay on the ship through the entire canal–that’s what you’ve paid to experience. Guests who get off at/in the canal to do shore excursions miss the complete wow of having sailed between the two oceans.
    4. If your ship stops in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, arrange privately for a full-day zipline & waterfall tour with http://www.finca-daniel.de/
    5. If you stop in Acapulco, you MUST see the cliff divers show.

    Bon voyage! Randall

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  • Randall Shirley 2:04 pm on March 12, 2009 COMMENT
    Tags: , gay ski, glacier, shore excursion, Whistler   

    Unique shore excursion: ski in the middle of summer! Sea to sky, baby 

    Take a shore excursion to Whistler and ski/board in the summer!

    Take a shore excursion to Whistler and ski/board in the summer!

    Just when gay travelers think we’ve done everything, here’s a new one. Glacier ski in the middle of the summer!

    It’s a true Sea-to-Sky experience.

    If your Alaska-bound ship (trips are on sale this year! Book now!) visits Vancouver, BC, consider a really unique shore excursion: go skiing! Whistler is the place to do it. It’ll take all day, and it’s NOT a package excursion. But it’s easily done.

    Whistler is one of the most gay-friendly resorts in the world (home to a HUGE gay ski week every February). At the top of the resort’s Blackcomb Mountain, the glacier is groomed and skiable generally well into July. You ride a combination of lifts to get to the glacier, and at the glacier two t-bars move you back up the skiable portion.

    I (Randall) have done it, and it’s a blast! The skiing/boarding is actually quite good. Plus you can get a great tan in about 30 minutes! (Wear lots and lots of sunscreen!). Here’s a link with more info.

    To glacier ski as a shore excursion:

    • It will work best if your cruise begins and/or ends in Vancouver
    • You’ll need to pre-arrange a rental car. Major agencies are near Vancouver’s main cruise terminal, Canada Place.
    • Whistler is approximately 1.5 hours drive from downtown Vancouver. Unfortunately, public transportation is not currently available between Vancouver & Whistler.
    • You can rent equipment at Whistler. Be SURE to buy the relatively inexpensive damage insurance!
    • Lift tickets are available at the resort, price per person for a half-day of skiing/boarding is about CDN $52 (2009 prices not yet published).
    • Fill up your car–take some non-skiers along too. They’ll LOVE shopping around the village, jumping into multiple activities (zip line, cycle, hike) or a ride on the dazzling new Peak2Peak gondola…the world’s highest, longest gondola. Wow.
    • For lunch in Whistler, the food and ambiance at Elements Urban Tapas is hard to beat, and most tourists don’t know about it.
    • If you’re staying into the evening, consider a Whistler Tasting Tour. The adorable male duo (straight but not narrow!) who run these tours will take you to 5 different, outstanding restaurants for amazing tastes, all paired with luscious BC wines. It’s a very good value, and a lot of fun.

    Written & photographed by Randall Shirley

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