Is there an alternative to visit the Falls without going on the Oceania excursion?? I would really want to see the Falls but think $899 per person for the overnight excursion ridiculous. Generally you can find local excursions at much better prices but this may be the exception. Any thoughts??? Thanks -- Jan

There are many alternative companies that do this for less money..I am sure your Travel agent can give you a list
Jan

Please give me some direction - My agent knows of no other options - knows only of going on the cruise ship excursion. Would we be better going from Rio?? Thanks

The price for the Iguazu Falls trip is about right. Remember, you have air fare each way and an overnight at the Sheraton with meals and a cocktail party, if it's the same tour that Radisson does from Buenos Aires. We're doing it pre-cruise before boarding the Mariner in BA in Feb.

I have never been there, but suggest you do a google search and see what you can find on your own, as RSSC overnight excursions are very expensive, albeit convenient. I usually don't bend, and book on my own, but when transportation is involved by coach for an overland, sometimes you just have to pay and bite your tongue, like I did in January in New Zealand pre and during the cruise. That being said, RSSC does take very good care of you if you are in their hands. But for just a hotel room pre- or post cruise, I never book with them.

Doug, I think you are going on the cruise that hits Puerto Monte? We did that with Ngaire a couple of years ago, and had the BEST day with a private guide that Todd found. We covered so much more ground than the ship's excursion, and still got back in time for that late lunch caper at the restaurant that had the webcam and everyone watched our lunch on cc! There is beautiful countryside outside this port, and I really recommend that you and Lynn get another couple or two and spend the day with this lady Patricia. We went to Petro... Falls, Emerald Lake, saw Mount whatever, visited Patricia's town, and opted to just drive through another on a lake. Best day of the cruise, although it was our one port stop for our 6 day mini-segment!

Ana Galli from Representour is an excellent tour guide http://www.representour.com
You go from Buenos Aires..
Jan

One consideration is whether you are doing this trip during the cruise or if it is a post-cruise. If it is a post-cruise and you go with a local operator that may be a great idea. However, if you are planning this trip during the cruise you need to know that if you book through the ship and for some reason it runs late in getting you back, the ship will take care of you. If you book it on your own and there is difficulty, the ship is not responsible. I agree with Doug that this appears to be a standard price. While I do not tend to do lots of ship tours, there are certain places and tours that ship tours are the way to go.

Susan, You and I certainly agree..I know someone that went to the falls in the middle of a cruise and missed the ship..the ONLY way people should do this trip on their own is before or after the cruise!!
Jan

Jan,
While I have never missed a ship I have come close. I booked my own guide in Costa Rica. There was a major accident and the only road to the port was blocked for an extended period of time and I had even allowed an extra three hours of time. We literally made it to the pier at departure time. Also, one difficulty I have found is sometimes an independent will promise you an English speaking guide (as they did in Costa Rica) and all they can say is hello, goodbye, and thank you. I prefer to stick with ship tours where I know they speak English or with an independent tour guide that someone else has offered a positive recommendation. In my opinon, excursions in countries such as Brazil to outreaching areas are best with an established company.

I have a list of people I corresponded with before we did SA in Feb.
We were going to do the falls on own, but as it was on Oceania mid cruise opted out..
hubby didn't want to leave ship during cruise for 2 days and give up OS..

in any event here are 2 companies you might try. would also agree that if mid cruise go with ship, all that did had a great time and said it went perfect.. if you will do it pre or post cruise than you have lots of flexibility to really do what you want.
http://www.kontiki.org
http://www.southstartours.com