"Seehorse Video" wrote:
>
>"George Leppla" wrote in message
>news:ha29j60k1v@enews5.newsguy.com...
>>
>> "John Sisker" wrote
>>
>>> Likewise, we also recommend sticking to the cruise lines shore
>>> excursions vs. shopping on your own elsewhere with the goal of trying to
>>> save a few bucks. The is because the excursions organized and sponsored
>>> by the cruise lines are licensed and insured, where you don't really know
>>> what you're getting with some other private operations.
>>
>>
>> This is totally wrong... and a common misconception.
>>
>> The cruise lines take no legal responsibility for the operation of the
>> shore excursions they sell. The cruise lines do not "sponsor" shore
>> excursions... they have no say in how the shore excursion companies are
>> operated. They just act as a ticketing agent with no responsibility for
>> safety, quality or any losses.... even if the tour people have the cruise
>> line logo on their uniform. At MOST... they will delay departure time
>> for a late returning excursion.
>>
The other thing they do is charge the excursion company a fee for
using them. That's why you can often do it cheaper on your own. I
suspect the easier it is to do on your own (or the easier it is to
check on the fees) the less they take off the top.
>> Look at
>> http://www.carnival.com/CMS/Static_Templates/ShoreExcursionsTC.aspx
>> "Carnival acts only as an agent for the independent tour operators
>> supplying excursions or services. Independent contractors operate all
>> shore excursions, including any related transportation. Carnival neither
>> supervises nor controls their actions, nor makes any representation either
>> expressed or implied as to their suitability. Carnival sells tickets for
>> all excursions as a convenience to guests only. Tour operators,
>> transportation providers, and their employees are neither agents nor
>> employees of Carnival, notwithstanding their use of any signage or
>> clothing which may contain the name "Carnival" or other related trade
>> names or logos. It is understood and agreed that Carnival assumes no
>> responsibility for, nor guarantees performance of, and in no event shall
>> be liable for, any loss, damage, injury, or death in connection with said
>> excursions or transportation. Please review your ticket for further
>> information regarding your rights and obligations as well as those of
>> Carnival. "
>>
>> Other cruise lines have similar policies. Look up the passenger contract,
>> etc. The info is all in fine print, but it is there.
>>
>>
>> --
>> George Leppla
>>
>> Countryside Travel http://www.CruiseMaster.com
>> Blog http://cruisemaster.typepad.com/my_weblog/
>> Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CruiseMaster
>>
>>
>> --
>> George Leppla
>>
>> Countryside Travel http://www.CruiseMaster.com
>> Blog http://cruisemaster.typepad.com/my_weblog/
>> Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CruiseMaster
>>
>
>George, you're not saying a newbie should disregard the cruise line
>excursions, are you? I understand the point about assuming responsibility,
>but there are places, like Columbia, where I would only take a
>ship-sponsored tour. And especially if I don't speak the language, I feel
>better if the cruise has to get me back on time. As far as responsibility,
>I'm a big boy and the risk is mine, but I think I benefit that the cruise
>line has done some "vetting" which I can't do. You've got me a little
>worried because I agreed with most of what John said.
>
>Harry Cooper
>
Actually in Columbia I didn't take a ship's tour. I just went down to
the tourist office set-up on the dock and asked them to find me a taxi
driver who would take me to specific places I wanted to go (marked on
the map - the Cathedral for one). Even though we didn't have a
language in common, the driver we got took care that we didn't get
into trouble and there were enough police around that we didn't feel
unsafe.
I take the ship tours if they go where I want to go and if the price
is reasonable OR if the itinerary is such that I think there is a
chance that there might be a delay in getting back. A very long
excursion (like from the port to Berlin which was 13 hours), I took
the ship tour although I would have liked to sign on with someone who
had arranged a private tour which might have been cheaper but the tour
I took was satisfactory. If they don't have stuff to do that I want
to do, I don't take them.
|