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| 1. How are shore excursions offered by the cruise line different from that of PortTrips? |
| 2. What is offered/included in the shore excursion? |
| 3. Do you have to be a cruise ship passenger to be able to take your excursions? |
| 4. What is your cancellation policy? |
| 5. In St. Petersburg will there be a VISA available for the tour? |
| 6. Will there be time for shopping? |
| 7. What are the port meeting instructions? |
| 8. Will you be able to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs? |
| 9. Will there be a specific dress code for some places? |
| 10. What are the times of the tour and when do we have to return to port? |
| 11. Do you provide transfers? |
| 12. Do you offer any Pre and Post Cruise services? |
| 13. How is payment structured/What currency is used? |
| 14. Medications and special needs |
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| Q1. How are shore excursions offered by the cruise line different from that of PortTrips? |
Ans1. The shore excursions offered by Port Trips is private and customizable to the passengers requests. This means you will have your own driver and vehicle. We pick you up from the pier or wherever you wish to be picked up and you even have the option of adding a guide for a more personal tour of your city of choice.
• We are your home away from home. While on a short visit in a foreign city, we will show you around our front and back yards. We are knowledgeable, experienced, courteous, prompt, and reliable. We will meet you at your place of choice to embark on a tour of our cities and show you the main attractions and hidden jewels known only to us. Our tours are private therefore could be customized to your special interests and need.
• While on a port-of-call visit, we will pick you up from the port and take you on a private tour to explore our treasures. You can’t compare our tour to the tours offered by the cruise line simply because we give you the most attention and cater to your very specific needs. We do not sell tickets to existing shore excursions; we create the shore excursion together with you to address your interests and needs. Our tours are private, you and your group will be the only ones on the tour and we will not combine different groups together. This will give you the opportunity for intimate settings for your family and friends which provides for better experience. |
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| Q2. What is offered/included in the shore excursion? |
Ans 2. Transportation - We use the latest models of cars and buses available in each city and port. All are equipped with air-conditioning system and comfortable seats. We assign an English Speaking driver for small groups of up to 12 persons. For such groups, certified guide is optional at additional cost. For groups larger than 16 persons we assign a certified guide. The difference between a certified guide and an English speaking driver is that the guide is able to go on location with you to explain the sites in details. In many places the driver may not leave the vehicle and go on site with you, but he will provide commentary along the drive. A certified guide is recommended for large groups and for small group interested in a thorough tour.
Meals and entry fees are often not included in the price. In some ports we offer the option of meals and purchase of entry tickets in advance if needed, depends on location and availability. For groups that are larger than 25 persons we strongly urge to book meals and entry fees in advance to save time. We work with excellent restaurants that present local delicacies in elegant settings. Wine with meals is available upon request.
Some sites require reservations and advance booking. We will work with you individually to cater to the needs of your group.
Entry for the Vatican guideline has been changed recently. The new rules dictate that groups may submit their request for group entry in advance for a specific date and time. Requests however, may not be answered by the Vatican authorities up to 48 hours before the requested visit time. As a result we can not guarantee group admission with the uncertainty that the request may not be granted. In order to try to shorten the wait time, we try to visit the Vatican in the early afternoon when the wait time is short. For noise level control, the Vatican requires the use of headsets for group larger
than 6 persons. This can be pre reserved with us for a fee of 4 Euros per person.
Sites and museums that require advance booking and specific time slots such as the Gold Room in the Hermitage or the Accademia museum in Florence may be booked through us with sufficient notice. |
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| Q3. Do you have to be a cruise ship passenger to be able to take your excursions? |
Ans 3. No, you do not have to be a cruise ship passenger to do an excursion with us. You can schedule a tour and we will arrange for you to be picked up and dropped off wherever you please. Our tours are customizable so the itinerary is very flexible as well. We also offer transfers if you do not want to deal with the hassle of waiting in line for a taxi. |
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| Q4. What is your cancellation policy? |
Ans 4. Should you need to cancel a tour, a 100% refund is given if you cancel at least 14 day prior to your scheduled departure date less $100 booking fee per group. No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 14 days prior to your departure date. |
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| Q5. In St. Petersburg will there be a VISA available for the tour? |
Ans 5. Yes,our price includes an umbrella VISA for all passengers visiting St Petersburg. This means that YOU DO NOT NEET TO OBTAIN A TOURIST VISA IN CONTRARY TO INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SOME CRUISE LINES This umbrella VISA requires that the persons visiting stay with the guide at all times during the tour. Passenger’s passport information will be taken by us to be presented to passport control before their arrival. |
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| Q6. Will there be time for shopping? |
Ans 6. Yes, since our tours are private and customizable you can reserve time in your itinerary for shopping and free time. If you book a full day tour with us shopping is usually done during lunch or if the clients prefer, at the end of their tour if time permits. |
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| Q7. What are the port meeting instructions? |
Ans 7. Our representatives will be waiting at the pier 30 minutes prior to meeting time. On the voucher we provide for you before the trip, local contact numbers will be provided on the voucher. Please look for a sign with your group name. |
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| Q8. Will you be able to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs? |
Ans 8. In most ports we can provide services to persons who are capable of embarking and disembarking vehicles with assistance while stowing away wheelchairs that are foldable. In some ports we may provide services to wheelchair bound persons who require an access ramp or a lift to board the vehicle. Please enquire by mail or by phone. We may assist in mobilized wheelchairs by assigning a host/hostess for this purpose; otherwise we are not to be assumed responsibility for this activity.
The pace of the tour may be altered to address mobility needs. You should discuss your mobility concerns with your group members in advance to avoid unnecessary tension. We will comply with any reasonable request time and place allowed. |
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| Q9. Will there be a specific dress code for some places? |
Ans 9. We may visit religious sites or tour countries with strict dress codes. The general rule is to avoid exposure of shoulders and knees while some sites also require head dress. Please enquire about the different needs in different destinations and always be sensitive to your hosts. |
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| Q10. What are the times of the tour and when do we have to return to port? |
Ans 10. The tour starts about one hour after the ship arrival and 90 minutes before ship departure. We may alter the tours to address time concerns, traffic patterns, weather conditions, and anything that may jeopardize safe and timely return to the ship. |
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| Q11. Do you provide transfers? |
Ans 11. We will pick you up from the airport to your destination in comfort and promptness. Please have your flight information ready when booking as well as your hotel information. For cruise passengers, please reserve larger category of vehicle to accommodate for additional luggage. Book your trips to the airport according to check in requirement time. Airport authorities require check-in time of 3 hours before departure for international flights. Please contact your carrier for specific instructions. You may contact us to determine the traveling time from your location to the airport. We also provide transfers to hotels and other locations upon request. |
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| Q12. Do you offer any Pre and Post Cruise services? |
Ans 12. Before and after your cruise we offer hotel, transfer, tours, and restaurant booking as well as special events for groups. |
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| Q13. How is payment structured/What currency is used? |
Ans 13. Prices can be presented in both local currencies and USD. Please request that local currency be presented if it is necessary for your inquiry. Charges will be applied in USD and appear on your credit card statement as "PortTrips Guide" |
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| Q14. Medications and special needs |
Ans 14. Please make sure to carry your medications with you at all times. Most tours are catered to general population with reasonable health condition and require walks of up to 20 minutes at a time. You should be aware of the trip itinerary and any be aware of your capabilities. Please do not embark on a tour if you feel that you are not fully capable to spend long rides and walks. Some cities are as far as 3 hours drive from the ship. Please exhibit discursion and responsibility to address any health needs that may arise. During the tour you must address all concerns to your group leader as soon as become aware of them. Please do not subject yourself to peer pressure and compromise your health as result. |
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