RevRyan

On 3/7/2023 at 6:34 AM, FionaMG said:

Hi @RevRyan and welcome to the boards!

We will be getting off Anthem as you get on. We were actually planning on doing this TA back in 2021 but of course it got "covidated" and we couldn't make the timing work for us this year.

Anyway, on to your question.

I have not done this excursion myself but I can tell you that just by looking at the logistics it's likely to be a huge waste of money.

To start, it's about a 2-hour drive from Le Havre to Paris, plus at least an hour for your lunch stop and time wasted waiting for the inevitable stragglers at any stops you make.

That said, I agree that it's a good idea to use a ship-sponsored excursion when you're that far away from the port. If you really want to visit Paris while you're there, see if there is a "Paris on your own" excursion showing in your cruise planner. These "on your own" excursions are typically the cheapest option as they effectively are just a transfer from the port to the city centre. There will usually be a guide on the bus, who may (or may not) point out a few landmarks during the ride.

Once you get to the drop-off point in the city, the guide will tell you what time to meet the bus for the ride back to the ship. And then you are literally on your own, hence the name. You're free to see and do what you want to do, without having to wait around for 50 other people.

Just be sure to keep an eye on your watch and leave yourself enough time to get back to the meeting place for the bus back to the ship. If you miss it and have to get a taxi, you'll need a bank loan to pay for it!

If there isn't an on your own tour, see if there's another cheaper excursion that will get you to Paris, maybe without an included lunch. While you can't avoid the time lost on the drive there and back, you really don't want to be wasting a further hour of your limited and precious time on a lunch you don't need. Instead, grab a freshly-baked crispy roll from one of the many bakeries with windows open to the street and eat it as you go or while you rest your feet for a few minutes on a park bench.

I hope this helps and you have an amazing trip! 

Thanks for the advice! 

Yeah I think I agree with you on all of that. Unfortunately, there is not an "on your own" option, as the for sure would be our preference. Every other excursion to Paris is also unfortunately sold out. Im checking back each day to see if the "Paris tour without lunch" opens up, as its about $100 less per person. 

A bit of a bummer to be paying that much if no other spots open, but I can imagine another chance for a long time that we will be able to get over to France, so we might just go for it if nothing opens. Appreciate the input!!

Recently booked this cruise and so excited to visit Paris and our good friend in Southampton! What is everyone most looking forward to doing?

Hey there!

My wife and I are going on the May 1st TA cruise on Anthem of the Seas. We are super lucky to be going on this cruise in the first place, so want to knock off some bucket list items, including visiting Notre Dame in Paris and attending a Southampton Saints EPL game. Anyways, we booked this excursion thinking it could be a great and simple way to see the major sites in Paris. However, the description seems a bit vague. 

Does anyone have any experience with the excursion? Is it a "Hop on/Hop Off" Bus tour? Is it just drive bys of these major landmarks? We aren't too interested in the Eiffel Tower, but much more on the ancient chapels and architecture. How long did you all get for shopping, grabbing a snack from a bakery etc.

Thanks in advanced!