Shore Excursions include transportation according to the itinerary, meals, refreshments, guides, and entrance fees as indicated. Fares for Shore Excursions are subject to change without notice. All prices quoted are based on tariffs and exchange rates current at the time of booking, and are subject to increase with or without previous notice consequent upon any increase in the basic tariff and/or exchange fluctuations, which may accrue prior to commencement of the tours.

 

Prices of shore excursions are quoted per person and generally include available local transportation, ranging from coaches, taxis, limousines, and boats. Meals and local taxes are included where specified. Where tours are operated by car, 2 to 3 persons are allocated to each vehicle. Prices do not include any expenses incurred in returning to the ship should it be elected to leave the group before the tour is completed.

 

Most tours will meet in a lounge on board the ship prior to departing. When the ship is at anchor, staff will be on hand to assist you to the departure point.

Timings have been established according to information received from the local operators but are subject to alterations should the tour vessels arrival time at the port be delayed or circumstances arise whereby the itinerary for a particular excursion must, necessarily, be amended. Guests should be mindful of the fact that at ports where the ship lies at anchor, the afternoon excursions commence from the dockside, not the ship. Guests should, therefore, allow at least 30 minutes for the tender ride to shore.

When booking more than one tour in a day, please allow at least 60 minutes between the return of the first tour and the departure of the second tour.

 

Tour departure times may vary from those listed on the order form, especially in ports where the ship must tender guests ashore. Please check your tour tickets for the time and location of departure. No announcements for the tours will be made on board the ship.

 

All guests are required to be back aboard ship no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, which is listed in the Daily Program and posted at the gangway. The scheduling of all Shore Excursions conforms to this requirement. If you leave a tour en route; however, it will be your responsibility to secure transportation and return to the pier on time. If for any reason a ships excursion is delayed, the ship will be notified and await the tours return.

 

Standards of transport vary considerably; however, Shore Excursions utilize the best quality transportation possible in each port. Air-conditioned vehicles are not always available nor do all tour buses have restroom facilities on board. Please note that some countries have local restrictions and/or zoning laws that prohibit the use of the on board facilities and prohibit the idling of engines while parked at the various venues. The air-conditioning systems may not be to North American standards. Please also bear in mind that cars, taxis or mini-buses may be used in some ports where coaches are not available or are limited.

 

Guests wishing to travel with friends should proceed to the point of departure as indicated on your shore excursion tickets, as this will help the tour staff to allocate space in the same vehicle.

                                

Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional; however, in some countries, these personnel may anticipate that if you are pleased with their services, you will reward them in a monetary way. A commonly accepted guideline is USD $15.00 per person per day for tour guide & 7-10 per person for driver.

 

Some countries may have more conservative ideas about dress than you are accustomed. So as not to offend local opinion, it is suggested that you dress conservatively. When visiting places of worship (temples, mosques, etc.), you should avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes at all times. When visiting ruins or walking on cobblestone streets, wear rubber-soled shoes. It is also smart to wear a sun hat, protective sunscreen, and sunglasses.

 

Whenever possible, shopping time has been allocated within the framework of the excursions. However, tours are not designed for shopping and time is limited.

 

Conservative attire is recommended when going ashore on this tour. No exposed shoulders or knees. Short pants and tank tops are not acceptable.

 

Time permitting, limited shopping is available during the tour.

 

Dress attire on all tours is casual but conservative. Clothing (no tank tops or short shorts) that covers both the shoulders and knees are suggested. The sun can be quite strong during the day so sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended. A light jacket is suggested for the return journey as the evening temperatures can be cool.

 

Local vendors may offer guests the chance to be photographed on a camel or to take a camel ride at the scenic overlook on the Giza Plateau. These items are not part of the excursion package (unless specifically stated in the provided description) and will need to be paid for directly to the vendor.

 

Motor coaches are required to travel in a police escorted convoy to/from Cairo and may be subject to security delays.