This is all great information. We will be in Malaga on the Silver Cloud in April and have been anxiously waiting for the excursions to open up for booking, which I think will finally happen tomorrow (the 60 days out mark).

Fred, we have looked at them as a private driver, but so far we have not been able to find anybody else going on our cruise to share excursions with. I agree that private tours with enough people are always a much better way to go. Maybe we will still find some people to share with.

We also looked at renting a car. Less expensive than the ships tour especially if you could share it with another couple, but seemed like a hassle to find parking, figure out the turns when you get to Granada, and then having to get the car back before closing, because they do not allow for after hour drops.

Then the train. Not convenient at all, not direct, and a long trip getting there and back. Not an option.

Then there is the bus. Actually a decent option. Bus leaves Malaga at 9:00 and gets into Granada at 10:45. (Return bus at 5:00 getting in at 6:45 which is OK, since our ship doesn't leave until 11:00) Of course the downside is, you need to have a pre-reserved time at the Alhambra or you may not get in and they only give you a 30 minute window. So, if the bus is late for whatever reason, you have just wasted almost two hours going and two hours on the return!

Well, half the fun is planning anyways. Right?