Q1. How are EuroPanache shore excursions different from
those offered by the cruise lines?
The shore excursions offered by
EuroPanache are all high-end, fully, privatized and customizable to the
passengers requests. You will have your own driver and vehicle. We will 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.
Our guides 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 can be customized to your
special interests and needs.
You can’t compare our tour to the tours
offered by the cruise line simply because we give you the far more attention,
cater to your very specific needs and bring you to high-end venues.
Although we have extraordinary itineraries suggested, we can tailor and even
create a shore excursion together with you to address your specific interests
and needs.
Q2. What is offered/included in the shore excursion?
We use the latest models of luxury sedans and minibuses available in each city and port. All are equipped with air-conditioning system and comfortable seats. We assign an English Speaking guide/driver for small groups of up to 8 persons. Other languages may be available on certain tours.
Meals are often not included in the price. We suggest
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 party.
Entry for the Vatican guidelines have changed recently. The
new rules dictate that groups may submit their request for group entry in
advance for a specific date and time. Requests may not be answered by Vatican
authorities for up to 48 hours before the requested visit time. As a
result we cannot 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 the Accademia museum in Florence may be booked
through us with sufficient notice.
Q3. Do you have to be a cruise ship passenger to be able
to take your excursions?
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.
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 a $100 booking fee per group. No refunds
will be issued for cancellations less than 14 days prior to your departure
date.
Q5. Do the shore excursions qualify for agency
commissions?
Yes, any travel agent with a valid
IATA/CLIA number and/or official license in their state as a seller of travel
is eligible for a commission on shore excursions booked with us. Commissions depend on volume and
affiliations (Virtuoso, Ensemble, etc).
You should register on our agent site in order to be known to us and
indicate that you are a travel agent when you book.
Q6. Will there be time for shopping?
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 lunchtime
and at the end of their tour if time permits.
Q7. What are the port meeting instructions?
Our representatives will be waiting
at the pier 15 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.
Q8. Will you be able to accommodate passengers with
wheelchairs?
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
responsible 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. However certain venues may not be wheelchair-accessible and
flexibility will be required.
Q9. Will there be a specific dress code for some places?
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 headdress. Please
enquire about the different needs in different destinations and always be
sensitive to your hosts.
Q10. What are the times of the tour and when do we have
to return to port?
The tour generally starts about one
hour after the ship’s arrival and ends at least 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 a
timely return to the ship.
Q11. Do you provide transfers?
For an extra charge, 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 a 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 2-3 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.
Q12. Do you offer any Pre and Post Cruise services?
Yes, before and after your cruise we
offer hotel, transfer, tours, and restaurant booking as well as special events
for groups.
Q13. How is payment structured/What currency is used?
Prices can be presented in both EUR
and USD. Charges will be applied in EUR or USD and appear on your credit
card statement as "SAS EuroPanache" or "EuroPanache LLC".
Q14. Medications and special needs
Please make sure to carry your
medications with you at all times. Most tours are catered to persons in
good health and may require walks of up to 20 minutes at a time. You
should be aware of the trip itinerary and of your capabilities. Please do
not embark on a tour if you feel that you are not fully capable to handle long
rides and walks. Some cities are as far as 2-3 hours drive from the
ship. Please exhibit discretion 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.