Port Guides
Planning a shore excursion from a cruise port?
- Most port information is written by people who want to sell something.
- Independent information is available from blogs, social media, and travel websites, but the posts are short with limited detail.
My goal is to describe the cruise port area:
For example, Kotor Montenegro is a two-part, 46 page Port Guide with 19 maps and 63 photos. It’s a collaborative effort with Avril Cude who researched and planned our 7-hour van tour and Carol Mills, a professional photographer, who documented the tour. The guide is packed with the detail you need to plan your shore excursion for your priorities.
- With maps so you can see the cruise ship dock relative to the tourist attractions,
- With maps that show walking tour, public transit, and rental car driving routes,
- Citing elevation change to quantify difficulty walking up/down steep streets or trails,
- With photos and descriptions of things to see and do so you can decide how to spend
your time, on your port excursion, for your priorities.
For example, Kotor Montenegro is a two-part, 46 page Port Guide with 19 maps and 63 photos. It’s a collaborative effort with Avril Cude who researched and planned our 7-hour van tour and Carol Mills, a professional photographer, who documented the tour. The guide is packed with the detail you need to plan your shore excursion for your priorities.
Where to download my FREE Port Guide e-books (PDF files)
There are several pages on this website where you can download guides:
ALL my guides are on this Port Guides web-page listed by country, region, and city.
See the cross reference list to the guides below.
Canada & New England Cruises
This web-page cites 8 compelling reasons to cruise Canada & New England with photos, descriptions of tourist attractions and links to download the guides.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/canadanew-england.html
Mediterranean Cruises
This web-page describes important, world famous sites in the Mediterranean with a map of the entire Mediterranean, and links to download the guides.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/mediterranean-cruises.html
Panama Canal Cruises
This web-page has a photo tour of the canal with tips on where to stand on the ship for the best views, a map of the canal, description of partial vs full transit, and links to download the guides.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/panama-canal-cruises.html
Transatlantic Cruises
This web-page describes and has links to download the Azores and Madeira port guides. I also discuss the issue of the seas being rough during a crossing.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/transatlantic-cruises.html
When you download Port Guides, check for other pdf files next to the guide
I often place relevant pdf maps and tourist information pdf files next to my port guide. Download all of them.
For example: Here’s the list of pdf files next to the Livorno (Florence/Pisa) Italy port guide.
Florence Area Map FlorenceCityMap FlorenceFacilitiesMap Florence Tourist Area Map
FlorenceWalkingDistanceMap LuccaMap SiennaTouristInfo
There are several pages on this website where you can download guides:
ALL my guides are on this Port Guides web-page listed by country, region, and city.
See the cross reference list to the guides below.
Canada & New England Cruises
This web-page cites 8 compelling reasons to cruise Canada & New England with photos, descriptions of tourist attractions and links to download the guides.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/canadanew-england.html
Mediterranean Cruises
This web-page describes important, world famous sites in the Mediterranean with a map of the entire Mediterranean, and links to download the guides.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/mediterranean-cruises.html
Panama Canal Cruises
This web-page has a photo tour of the canal with tips on where to stand on the ship for the best views, a map of the canal, description of partial vs full transit, and links to download the guides.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/panama-canal-cruises.html
Transatlantic Cruises
This web-page describes and has links to download the Azores and Madeira port guides. I also discuss the issue of the seas being rough during a crossing.
See https://www.tomsportguides.com/transatlantic-cruises.html
When you download Port Guides, check for other pdf files next to the guide
I often place relevant pdf maps and tourist information pdf files next to my port guide. Download all of them.
For example: Here’s the list of pdf files next to the Livorno (Florence/Pisa) Italy port guide.
Florence Area Map FlorenceCityMap FlorenceFacilitiesMap Florence Tourist Area Map
FlorenceWalkingDistanceMap LuccaMap SiennaTouristInfo
How to Download Port Guides
Downloading my port guides requires a high speed, land based WiFi internet connection. Cruise ships use satellite internet WiFi which is incredibly slow.
You can’t download my port guides using the ship’s slow internet connection. Go ashore and use land-based WiFi. Or, plan ahead and download the guides before you leave home for your cruise.
How to place the guides on your tablet bookshelf
PLEASE READ "How to download large pdf port guide files." This includes information on loading guides to your tablet so that they appear on your bookshelf. Information is included for Apple, Kindle, and Samsung tablets. These techniques should work on all tablets.
Downloading my port guides requires a high speed, land based WiFi internet connection. Cruise ships use satellite internet WiFi which is incredibly slow.
You can’t download my port guides using the ship’s slow internet connection. Go ashore and use land-based WiFi. Or, plan ahead and download the guides before you leave home for your cruise.
How to place the guides on your tablet bookshelf
PLEASE READ "How to download large pdf port guide files." This includes information on loading guides to your tablet so that they appear on your bookshelf. Information is included for Apple, Kindle, and Samsung tablets. These techniques should work on all tablets.
In addition to Port Guides, I've written a few Driving Tour Guides
Here's a comparison of a Port Guide vs a Driving Tour Guide:
The Charlottetown Canada Port Guide is 27 pages with 45 illustrations, descriptions of tourist sites with GPS coordinates, a city walking tour map to 19 points of interest, 20 shops and restaurants, all the major churches, museums, and Victoria Park. The guide covers sites outside the city including Anne of Green Gables Farmhouse, Prince Edward Island National Park, and Confederation Bridge.
The Charlottetown Rental Car Driving Tour Guide is 34 pages with 58 illustrations (photos and maps). It includes detailed maps for two driving routes:
The Charlottetown Canada Port Guide is 27 pages with 45 illustrations, descriptions of tourist sites with GPS coordinates, a city walking tour map to 19 points of interest, 20 shops and restaurants, all the major churches, museums, and Victoria Park. The guide covers sites outside the city including Anne of Green Gables Farmhouse, Prince Edward Island National Park, and Confederation Bridge.
The Charlottetown Rental Car Driving Tour Guide is 34 pages with 58 illustrations (photos and maps). It includes detailed maps for two driving routes:
- NORTH to Anne of Green Gables, North Rustico, and PEI National Park with maps, GPS, and photos of 30 road pull-offs. If you want to see where birds nest along the seashore, you'll find it on my maps.
- WEST to Confederation Bridge, Borden-Carleton Gateway Village, etc.
List of 78 Guides
© Copyright 2021 Thomas Sheridan www.TomsPortGuides.com All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2021 Thomas Sheridan www.TomsPortGuides.com All rights reserved.
It's easier to find ports of call when the list is ordered by country, state/province, and port name.
That's how I list port guides on this website.
It's common to list ports alphabetically by port name. This type of list can be confusing:
For example, the port of Saguenay in Quebec, Canada may be listed alphabetically as:
La Baie (Saguenay), Quebec, Canada
Saguenay, Quebec, Canada, or
Ville Saguenay, Quebec, Canada.
Another problem is that the port might be listed either by the most popular tourist site/city, or the port city:
As an example, the port of Le Havre, France may be listed as:
Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France, or
Le Havre, France
Another problem is the name of the port might not be recognizable to travelers, for example:
"Fuerte Amador" is the port for Panama City. Panama.
The table below cross references an alphabetic list of ports with my list by country, state/province.
You can skip this table and just scroll through the guides below listed by country, state/province, etc.
NOTE: A quick way to find any of my guides is to search Google for "Toms (port_name) Port Guide"
For example, Toms Venice Port Guide, Toms Skagway Port Guide, Toms New York Port Guide.
NOTE: ALL 78 guides are on THIS webpage are listed in alphabetical order by country, and then by port in that country. You can find ALL the guides by scrolling this webpage.
- I created the links below to help you find a guide without having to scroll this very long webpage. My assumption was that you are using a desktop computer or laptop with a large viewing screen.
- If you are using a phone or tablet with a small viewing screen, the guide you are looking for may be slightly below your screen's viewing area. Scroll down on your screen and you will see it.
|
FreAlphabetical List of Ports
Antigua (St John's) Arrecife, Lanzarote Spain Aruba ----------------------- Athens (Pireaus) ----------- Azores (Ponta Delgada) ---- Bar Harbor, Maine --------- Barcelona, ------------------ Bayonne, New Jersey ------ Bergen, Norway ----------- Bermuda-------------------- Bilbao, Spain --------------- Bonaire, Netherlands ------ Boston, Massachusetts ---- Bruges/Brussels (Zeebruge) Brussels/Bruges (Zeebruge) Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Cannes---------------------- Cartagena------------------- Cartagena------------------- Charlottetown Prince Ed. Island Charlottetown Driving Tour Civitavecchia - Rome Civitavecchia TRANSFER to Rome Cobh, Cork, Ringaskiddy Ireland (A two part Guide) Corfu----------------------- Copenhagen---------------- Corner Brook Newfoundland Dominica------------------ Dublin---------------------- Dubrovnik------------------ Florence/Pisa (Livorno) ---- Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades Fuerte Amador, Panama City Gaspé, Quebec ------------- Gibraltar -------------------- Glasgow (Greenock), ------ Greenock - Glasgow Grenada (St Georges) Haines & Skagway, Alaska ------- Halifax, Nova Scotia ------- Halifax Rental Car, Nova Scotia Ireland - Cobh, Cork, Ringaskiddy Istanbul--------------------- Katakolon (Olympia)------- Ketchikan, Alaska ---------- Kotor, Montenegro Part 1 & 2 Kristiansand, Norway ------ Kusadasi, ------------------- La Baie (Saguenay), Quebec La Palma (Sana Cruz), Spain Le Havre, France ----------- Lisbon, ---------------------- Livorno (Florence/Pisa) London (Southampton), --- Long Beach, California ----- Los Angeles, California ---- Los Angeles Joshua Tree Pk Madeira (Funchal), --------- Marseille (Provence), ------ Monte Carlo, --------------- Montenegro, Kotor (Part 1 & 2) Moorea, French Polynesia Mykonos, ------------------- Naples - Sorrento---------- New York Manhattan-Brooklyn Newport, Rhode Island ---- Nice, ------------------------ Olympia - (Katakolon) Panama City Fuerte Amador Paris/Normandy (Le Havre) Princess Cays, Bahamas --- Puerto Caldara, ------------ Puntarenas, ---------------- Quebec City, Quebec ------ Rhodes, -------------------- Rio de Janiero, ------------ Rome (Civitavecchia), ----- Rome Civitavecchia TRANSFER Saguenay, La Baie Quebec Saint John, New Brunswick Santorini, ------------------- Sept-Îles Quebec, Canada Skagway, Alaska - a 3-part guide Southampton (London) England St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands St Petersburg Russia St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Is. Sydney, Nova Scotia ------- Sydney, N.S. Driving Tour Guide Venice ---------------------- Ville Saguenay, Quebec --- Villefranche-sur-Mer, ------- |
Links to the port guides on this webpage
Antigua and Barbuda Spain - Arrecife, Lanzarote Aruba Greece - Athens Portugal- Azores (Ponta Delgada) United States - Maine - Bar Harbor Spain - Barcelona United States - New York & New Jersey Norway - Bergen Bermuda Spain -Bilbao Netherlands - Bonaire United States - Massachusetts - Boston Belgium - Brugge - Zebrugge Belgium - Brugge - Zebrugge MEXICO - Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur France - The French Riviera - Cannes-Nice Colombia - Cartagena Spain - Cartagena Canada - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Is Canada - Charlottetown Driving Tour of PEI Italy - Rome (Civitavecchia) Civitavecchia TRANSFER TO Rome Ireland Cork - Cobh Ireland Part 1 & 2 Greece - Corfu Denmark - Copenhagen Canada - Corner Brook, Newfoundland Dominica Ireland - Dublin Croatia - Dubrovnik Italy - Livorno (Florence/Pisa) United States - Florida - Fort Lauderdale Panama - Panama City Canada - Gaspé, Quebec Gibraltar Scotland - Greenock Scotland - Greenock Grenada - St George's United States - Alaska - Haines Canada - Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada - Halifax, Nova Scotia Rental Car Ireland Cork - Cobh Ireland Part 1 & 2 Turkey - Istanbul Greece - Katakolon Olympia United States - Alaska - Ketchikan Montenegro - Kotor (a two-part guide) Norway - Kristiansand Turkey - Kusadasi Canada - Saguenay (La Baie), Quebec La_Palma(Santa_Cruz)_Canary_Islands_Spain France - Le Havre Portugal - Lisbon Italy - Livorno (Florence/Pisa) England - Southampton United States - CA Los Angeles & Long Beach United States - CA Los Angeles & Long Beach United States - CA Joshua Tree Pk Drive Tour Portugal - Madeira (Funchal) France - Marseille Monaco - Monte Carlo Montenegro - Kotor (a two-part guide) French Polynesia - Moorea Greece - Mykonos Italy - Naples & Sorrento United States - New York & New Jersey United States - Rhode Island - Newport France - The French Riviera - Cannes-Nice Greece - Katakolon Olympia Panama City (Fuerte Amador) France - Le Havre Bahamas - Princess Cays Costa Rica - Puerto Caldera & Puntarenas Costa Rica - Puerto Caldera & Puntarenas Canada - Quebec City Greece - Rhodes Brazil-Rio_de_Janeiro Italy - Rome (Civitavecchia) Italy - Rome Civitavecchia TRANSFER Canada- Saguenay (La Baie), Quebec Canada - Saint John, New Brunswick Greece - Santorini Canada - Sept-Îles, Quebec United States - Alaska - Skagway England - Southampton Unites States - St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Is Russia - St Petersburg Unites States - St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Is Canada_Sydney_Nova_Scotia Canada_Sydney_Cape_Breton_Driving_Tour Italy - Venice Canada - Saguenay (La Baie), Quebec France The Riviera - Villefranche-sur-Mer |
|
Links to Download Guides
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Toms Antigua (St John's) and Barbuda Cruise Port Guide
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Antigua-08-07-2016.pdf
_Return to List of Guides
Toms Antigua (St John's) and Barbuda Cruise Port Guide
- With 365 gorgeous sandy beaches, Antigua is the envy of the Caribbean.
- Cruise ships dock in downtown St John’s, the capital city. There are upscale malls next to the ship with duty and tax free international brand name shopping plus art, jewelery, and locally produced crafts products. It’s a clean, colorful area with with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, and a great museum.
- You’ll need transportation to visit the world famous Nelson’s dockyard. British warships used the dockyard for provisions and repairs when patrolling a thousand miles along the British West Indies islands to protect the valuable sugar export business. Historic buildings have been restored for use as upscale hotels, boutiques, shops, and restaurants. The marina is packed with gorgeous yachts.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Antigua-08-07-2016.pdf
_Return to List of Guides
ARUBA
Toms Aruba Cruise Port Guide
Whether you arrive by cruise ship or plane, this port/travel guide will be useful in planning your vacation. The guide covers popular tourist sites with detailed maps, GPS coordinates, and links to the best websites for more information to plan your tour. Cruise ships dock downtown in Oranjestad, a short walk from “shopper's paradise”. The beaches and hotels are only a few miles away, easily reached by public buses.
Click here to download (2.9 MB) Aruba-02-28-2013.pdf
_Return to List of Guides
Toms Aruba Cruise Port Guide
Whether you arrive by cruise ship or plane, this port/travel guide will be useful in planning your vacation. The guide covers popular tourist sites with detailed maps, GPS coordinates, and links to the best websites for more information to plan your tour. Cruise ships dock downtown in Oranjestad, a short walk from “shopper's paradise”. The beaches and hotels are only a few miles away, easily reached by public buses.
Click here to download (2.9 MB) Aruba-02-28-2013.pdf
_Return to List of Guides
AZORES (Ponta Delgada) Cruise Port Guide - Listed under PORTUGAL
BAHAMAS
Toms Princess Cays Cruise Port Guide: Eleuthera Bahamas - 2015 Revision
It's a gorgeous, spotlessly clean, private beach. The guide includes detailed maps and photos. The revision describes locations outside Princess Property; namely, the Craft Centre, cemetery to the north, gravestones near the beach to the south, and Lighthouse Beach at the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, considered to be the most beautiful beach on Eleuthera.
Click here to download (3.0 MB) PrincessCays-01-20-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
BAHAMAS
Toms Princess Cays Cruise Port Guide: Eleuthera Bahamas - 2015 Revision
It's a gorgeous, spotlessly clean, private beach. The guide includes detailed maps and photos. The revision describes locations outside Princess Property; namely, the Craft Centre, cemetery to the north, gravestones near the beach to the south, and Lighthouse Beach at the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, considered to be the most beautiful beach on Eleuthera.
Click here to download (3.0 MB) PrincessCays-01-20-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
BELGIUM
Toms Brugge (Zeebrugge) Cruise Port Guide: Belgium
Zeebrugge is a huge commercial port. You can't walk through the port. Hire a taxi to downtown Brugge or take a bus from the ship to Blankenberge for a 15 minute train ride. Brugge is a charming, relaxing, exceptionally clean, pedestrian-friendly city with striking architecture, beautiful parks, many museums, churches, and places to shop. Be sure to buy some delicious chocolate. A canal boat ride is a must.
Click here to download (4.0 MB) Brugge_Zeebrugge-08-28-2012.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Toms Brugge (Zeebrugge) Cruise Port Guide: Belgium
Zeebrugge is a huge commercial port. You can't walk through the port. Hire a taxi to downtown Brugge or take a bus from the ship to Blankenberge for a 15 minute train ride. Brugge is a charming, relaxing, exceptionally clean, pedestrian-friendly city with striking architecture, beautiful parks, many museums, churches, and places to shop. Be sure to buy some delicious chocolate. A canal boat ride is a must.
Click here to download (4.0 MB) Brugge_Zeebrugge-08-28-2012.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
BERMUDA
Toms Bermuda Cruise Port Guide: Hamilton, Royal Naval Dockyard, St George
Bermuda has three cruise ports. The Royal Naval Dockyard port is at the north and "West End" of the island. It has the character of a huge fortress. Hamilton port is in the center of the island. It's the capital city with
many things to see and do. The Town of St George port is at the far east end of the island. It's a UNESCO
World Heritage site with some of the oldest buildings in the New World. Between these three cruise ports,
you'll find a lovely, scenic island with multi-colored pastel buildings, many beaches, championship golf
courses, gardens, impressive forts, and many places to explore. Bermuda is expensive! The best way to avoid pricey hotels and restaurants is to book a cruise that docks for two or three days on the island.
Click here to download (3.9 MB) Bermuda-07-31-2014.pdf BermudaMap2013 St-Georges-400-years
Return to List of Guides
Toms Bermuda Cruise Port Guide: Hamilton, Royal Naval Dockyard, St George
Bermuda has three cruise ports. The Royal Naval Dockyard port is at the north and "West End" of the island. It has the character of a huge fortress. Hamilton port is in the center of the island. It's the capital city with
many things to see and do. The Town of St George port is at the far east end of the island. It's a UNESCO
World Heritage site with some of the oldest buildings in the New World. Between these three cruise ports,
you'll find a lovely, scenic island with multi-colored pastel buildings, many beaches, championship golf
courses, gardens, impressive forts, and many places to explore. Bermuda is expensive! The best way to avoid pricey hotels and restaurants is to book a cruise that docks for two or three days on the island.
Click here to download (3.9 MB) Bermuda-07-31-2014.pdf BermudaMap2013 St-Georges-400-years
Return to List of Guides
BONAIRE Caribbean Netherlands Cruise Port Guide - Listed under NETHERLANDS
BRAZIL
Toms Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port Guide: Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with world famous beaches, iconic images of Christ the Redeemer statue,
Sugarloaf mountain, breathtaking mountain views, Samba dancers, Maracana Stadium (one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world), jewelery stores with an incredible selection of gemstones, etc. Unfortunately, the crime rate is high. When planning a visit to Rio, it is advisable to read and heed the travel advisories, some of which are included in this port guide.
Click here to download (1.5 MB) Rio_de_Janeiro-11-30-2011.pdf
Return to List of Guides
BRAZIL
Toms Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port Guide: Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with world famous beaches, iconic images of Christ the Redeemer statue,
Sugarloaf mountain, breathtaking mountain views, Samba dancers, Maracana Stadium (one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world), jewelery stores with an incredible selection of gemstones, etc. Unfortunately, the crime rate is high. When planning a visit to Rio, it is advisable to read and heed the travel advisories, some of which are included in this port guide.
Click here to download (1.5 MB) Rio_de_Janeiro-11-30-2011.pdf
Return to List of Guides
CANADA - NOTE New England Port Guides are listed under United States
Toms Charlottetown Rental Car Driving Tour Guide: Prince Edward Island, Canada
A rental car is the best, most flexible, and lowest cost shore excursion of Prince Edward Island from a cruise ship. This guide describes 26 Things To See & Do using highly detailed maps, descriptions of the popular tourist sites, driving routes, and GPS coordinates. With GPS, it's hard to get lost; you can deviate from the route and still find your way. PEI is a scenic, clean island with rolling hills, farms, small towns, fishing villages, lakes, parks, a coastline with sandstone carved by the sea, and much more! It doesn't get much better as a relaxing, fun place to explore, at your own pace, in a rental car.
Click here to download (4.0 MB) CharlottetownDrivingTour-09-24-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Charlottetown Rental Car Driving Tour Guide: Prince Edward Island, Canada
A rental car is the best, most flexible, and lowest cost shore excursion of Prince Edward Island from a cruise ship. This guide describes 26 Things To See & Do using highly detailed maps, descriptions of the popular tourist sites, driving routes, and GPS coordinates. With GPS, it's hard to get lost; you can deviate from the route and still find your way. PEI is a scenic, clean island with rolling hills, farms, small towns, fishing villages, lakes, parks, a coastline with sandstone carved by the sea, and much more! It doesn't get much better as a relaxing, fun place to explore, at your own pace, in a rental car.
Click here to download (4.0 MB) CharlottetownDrivingTour-09-24-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Charlottetown Cruise Port Guide: Prince Edward Island, Canada - 2014 Revision
Charlottetown is a "perfect" city for a self-guided walking tour. There are 37 Things To See and Do within a short distance of the cruise ship dock. It's a picturesque city with well maintained historic buildings, beautiful churches, many shops, excellent restaurants, pubs, a brewery, parks, boardwalks, an art centre, etc. There are also excursions to 1) Anne of Green Gables and the North seacoast and 2) a ride through scenic farm country to Confederation Bridge and a fishing village. If you're interested in biking or hiking, there are 250 miles of trails. You can rent bikes at Founders' Hall near the cruise ship dock.
Click here to download (4.4 MB) Charlottetown-09-18-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Charlottetown is a "perfect" city for a self-guided walking tour. There are 37 Things To See and Do within a short distance of the cruise ship dock. It's a picturesque city with well maintained historic buildings, beautiful churches, many shops, excellent restaurants, pubs, a brewery, parks, boardwalks, an art centre, etc. There are also excursions to 1) Anne of Green Gables and the North seacoast and 2) a ride through scenic farm country to Confederation Bridge and a fishing village. If you're interested in biking or hiking, there are 250 miles of trails. You can rent bikes at Founders' Hall near the cruise ship dock.
Click here to download (4.4 MB) Charlottetown-09-18-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Corner Brook Cruise Port Guide: Newfoundland, Canada - 2015 Revision
Newfoundland is famous for beautiful scenery of mountains, lakes, waterways, and parks. Corner Brook is strategically located in a valley of gently rolling hills providing access to scenic rides along the shore and to the Captain Cook Monument for panoramic views of the area. It's only a ten minute walk from the ship to city centre. The area is ideally suited for walking and there's a network of well groomed trails with park benches to relax and enjoy the views. The port also provides a free shuttle bus with five stops in the city.
Click here to download (2.7 MB) CornerBrook-NL-09-30-2015.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Newfoundland is famous for beautiful scenery of mountains, lakes, waterways, and parks. Corner Brook is strategically located in a valley of gently rolling hills providing access to scenic rides along the shore and to the Captain Cook Monument for panoramic views of the area. It's only a ten minute walk from the ship to city centre. The area is ideally suited for walking and there's a network of well groomed trails with park benches to relax and enjoy the views. The port also provides a free shuttle bus with five stops in the city.
Click here to download (2.7 MB) CornerBrook-NL-09-30-2015.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Toms Gaspé Cruise Port Guide: Quebec, Canada
There is a dock 1.6 miles from the city, but most cruise ships tender passengers to the Marina next to the bridge. There are two popular tourist sites. To the south, it's a 2 hr, round-trip ride to Percé Village to see dramatic cliffs and rock formations from land or boat and to visit the artist galleries, boutiques, restaurants, shops, etc. To the north, it's a 2 hr, round-trip ride to visit Forillon National Park, the “Crown Jewel” of Gaspé peninsula with 10 ecosystems, 696 plant species, 225 species of nesting and 26 species of birds of prey, seals, porpoises, 7 species of whales, and many land mammals including black bear.
Plan ahead to schedule your tour. There are ship's excursions, private tours, and rental cars.
Your tour could include a boat ride, whale watching, hiking, etc. in Percé, or Forillon National Park.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Gaspe-11-25-2014.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
There is a dock 1.6 miles from the city, but most cruise ships tender passengers to the Marina next to the bridge. There are two popular tourist sites. To the south, it's a 2 hr, round-trip ride to Percé Village to see dramatic cliffs and rock formations from land or boat and to visit the artist galleries, boutiques, restaurants, shops, etc. To the north, it's a 2 hr, round-trip ride to visit Forillon National Park, the “Crown Jewel” of Gaspé peninsula with 10 ecosystems, 696 plant species, 225 species of nesting and 26 species of birds of prey, seals, porpoises, 7 species of whales, and many land mammals including black bear.
Plan ahead to schedule your tour. There are ship's excursions, private tours, and rental cars.
Your tour could include a boat ride, whale watching, hiking, etc. in Percé, or Forillon National Park.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Gaspe-11-25-2014.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Toms Halifax Cruise Port Guide: Nova Scotia, Canada
Step off your cruise ship onto the boardwalk to explore downtown Halifax There's a brewery, farmers market, and museum next to the ship. The Historic Citadel, Victorian Gardens, shops, restaurants, and Maritime Museum are within walking distance of the ship. You'll need transportation to visit the stunning seacoast of Peggy's Cove, the Titanic Cemetery, and Fisherman's Cove.
Click here to download (2.7 MB) Halifax-06-15-2011.pdf Here is a walking tour map HalifaxWalkingMap
Return to List of Guides
Step off your cruise ship onto the boardwalk to explore downtown Halifax There's a brewery, farmers market, and museum next to the ship. The Historic Citadel, Victorian Gardens, shops, restaurants, and Maritime Museum are within walking distance of the ship. You'll need transportation to visit the stunning seacoast of Peggy's Cove, the Titanic Cemetery, and Fisherman's Cove.
Click here to download (2.7 MB) Halifax-06-15-2011.pdf Here is a walking tour map HalifaxWalkingMap
Return to List of Guides
Toms Halifax Cruise Port Rental Car Guide: Nova Scotia, Canada
There are six car rental agencies within a four minute walk of the Halifax cruise ship docks.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) HalifaxRentalCar-4-4-2017.pdf
Return to List of Guides
There are six car rental agencies within a four minute walk of the Halifax cruise ship docks.
- Unlike a bus tour, rental car touring allows you to choose where to go, when/where you stop, and how you spend your time = total freedom for independent touring!
- You can’t take good photos from a bus due to reflections in the windows, movement, and obstructed views out the windows. In a car, you can stop anywhere, roll down the windows or step outside for postcard photos.
- Car rental is inexpensive especially for two people, a family, or small group.
- My guide has detailed maps, driving directions, GPS coordinates, photos, and descriptions of Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove, Fisherman’s Cove and Titanic Cemetery.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) HalifaxRentalCar-4-4-2017.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Quebec City Cruise Port Guide: Canada - 2014 Revision
Quebec is a magnificent, beautiful port city. It's ideal for self-guided walking tours if you use public buses
number 1 and 21 between the cruise ship docks and the old city. This guide has maps showing all six cruise ship dock locations relative to the tourist sites. I've included suggested walking routes, bus stops, bus schedules, and descriptions of the tourist sites. The guide also covers popular tourist sites outside the city; namely, Montmorency Falls, Basilica Sainte Anne de Beaupre, ile d'Orleans island, and Baie Saint Paul.
Click here to download (6.1 MB) QuebecCity-06-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Quebec is a magnificent, beautiful port city. It's ideal for self-guided walking tours if you use public buses
number 1 and 21 between the cruise ship docks and the old city. This guide has maps showing all six cruise ship dock locations relative to the tourist sites. I've included suggested walking routes, bus stops, bus schedules, and descriptions of the tourist sites. The guide also covers popular tourist sites outside the city; namely, Montmorency Falls, Basilica Sainte Anne de Beaupre, ile d'Orleans island, and Baie Saint Paul.
Click here to download (6.1 MB) QuebecCity-06-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Sept-Îles Cruise Port & Travel Guide: Quebec, Canada
Sept-Îles Archipelago is “A Nature Lover’s Dream”
Sept-Îles is the only large city in this remote area of northern Quebec.
There are many things to see and do including walking tours of the city, visiting museums, restaurants, shops, plus boat tours from the marina, and rental car and bike rental to tour inside and outside the city.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Sept-Iles-3-17-2017.pdf
Download the city walking tour and HopOn Bus route map HopOnBusMap
Return to List of Guides
Sept-Îles Archipelago is “A Nature Lover’s Dream”
- It’s in 200,000 sq km of beautiful, unspoiled forest, a favorite location for hunting and Atlantic salmon fishing. Many species of fur bearing animals and waterfowl are found in the boreal forest, on the tundra, peat-lands, and salt marshes.
- Aquatic wildlife is abundant. It’s one of the best whale watching sites in the world and it has one of the most important protected marine bird sanctuaries in Eastern Canada.
- The area around the city has parks, rivers, beaches, lakes, forests, mountains, and islands offering every conceivable form of outdoor activity including hiking, climbing, canoeing, rafting, para sailing, surfboarding, horseback riding, golf, etc. in the summer plus a full spectrum of winter outdoor activities.
- It’s a 2 hour spectacular drive from Sept-Îles to Mingan National Park that has 30 islands and 1000 islets with the largest collection of limestone monoliths in Canada.
Sept-Îles is the only large city in this remote area of northern Quebec.
There are many things to see and do including walking tours of the city, visiting museums, restaurants, shops, plus boat tours from the marina, and rental car and bike rental to tour inside and outside the city.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Sept-Iles-3-17-2017.pdf
Download the city walking tour and HopOn Bus route map HopOnBusMap
Return to List of Guides
Toms Ville Saguenay (La Baie) Cruise Port Guide: Quebec, Canada
First impressions = the warmest welcome in any port, a modern, full-featured cruise terminal, a wide range of hand made products by master craftsman/artisans, etc. And that's just at the dock; it gets better! Saguenay River Fjord is the fourth largest fjord in the world. It's surrounded by forests, mountains, and parks making it ideal for site seeing and outdoor activities. There are Hop-On buses, a car rental, and helicopter rides at the port. Summer entertainment includes concerts, theatre, and festivals. It is a must visit port city!
Currently this file is NOT available Saguenay-QC-12-02-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
First impressions = the warmest welcome in any port, a modern, full-featured cruise terminal, a wide range of hand made products by master craftsman/artisans, etc. And that's just at the dock; it gets better! Saguenay River Fjord is the fourth largest fjord in the world. It's surrounded by forests, mountains, and parks making it ideal for site seeing and outdoor activities. There are Hop-On buses, a car rental, and helicopter rides at the port. Summer entertainment includes concerts, theatre, and festivals. It is a must visit port city!
Currently this file is NOT available Saguenay-QC-12-02-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Saint John Cruise Port Guide: New Brunswick, Canada - 2014 Revision
It's a short walk from the cruise ship to the indoor pedestrian walkway to explore shops, restaurants, and many tourist sites. Use the HopOn bus or share a cab with friends to explore sites around the city. A rental car is a low cost, self-guided tour around the city and to visit St Martin's Caves. To see the dramatic effect of the highest tides in the world (over 55 feet), take the ship's excursion to Hopewell Rocks Park. You can walk the sea floor around the amazing flowerpot rocks. The tides are not as high at your cruise ship dock, but you will see dock workers constantly changing the gangway to compensate for movement of your ship.
Click here to download (3.9 MB) SaintJohn-NB-05-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
It's a short walk from the cruise ship to the indoor pedestrian walkway to explore shops, restaurants, and many tourist sites. Use the HopOn bus or share a cab with friends to explore sites around the city. A rental car is a low cost, self-guided tour around the city and to visit St Martin's Caves. To see the dramatic effect of the highest tides in the world (over 55 feet), take the ship's excursion to Hopewell Rocks Park. You can walk the sea floor around the amazing flowerpot rocks. The tides are not as high at your cruise ship dock, but you will see dock workers constantly changing the gangway to compensate for movement of your ship.
Click here to download (3.9 MB) SaintJohn-NB-05-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
There are two guides:
Toms Sydney Cruise Port Guide: Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Sydney is port city for the 4000 sq. mi. Cape Breton Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Take a 7.5 to 9 hour excursion to the rugged Atlantic coastline along the Cabot Trail, or Bras d'Or lakes area, Highland Village, and Alexander Graham Bell museum. There are also excursions to Fortress Louisbourg and Miner's Museum. Excursions take time; pick a cruise ship that's in port ~ 9 daylight hours.
Click here to download (2.0 MB) Sydney-NS-02-05-2013.pdf FortressLouisbourg
Return to List of Guides
There are two guides:
- Sydney, Nova Scotia Port Guide, and
- Sydney- Cape Breton Island Scenic Driving Tour Guide
Toms Sydney Cruise Port Guide: Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Sydney is port city for the 4000 sq. mi. Cape Breton Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Take a 7.5 to 9 hour excursion to the rugged Atlantic coastline along the Cabot Trail, or Bras d'Or lakes area, Highland Village, and Alexander Graham Bell museum. There are also excursions to Fortress Louisbourg and Miner's Museum. Excursions take time; pick a cruise ship that's in port ~ 9 daylight hours.
Click here to download (2.0 MB) Sydney-NS-02-05-2013.pdf FortressLouisbourg
Return to List of Guides
Toms Cape Breton Island Driving Tour Guide from Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
This rental car driving tour guide is a companion document for the Sydney Port Guide. It's packed with detailed maps, GPS coordinates, and turn-by-turn driving directions for three routes; namely, 1) Fortress Louisbourg, 2) Around Bras d'Or Lakes to Baddeck and Highland Village, and 3) Cabot Trail North to Ingonish. Whether or not you plan to rent a car, be sure to review this guide. The maps and photographs will familiarize you with the area and help you select an excursion whether you travel by the ship's bus, a private tour in a van, or drive a rental car. If you're a photo buff, this guide is for you.
Click here to download (4.8 MB) CapeBretonTours-02-05-2013.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
This rental car driving tour guide is a companion document for the Sydney Port Guide. It's packed with detailed maps, GPS coordinates, and turn-by-turn driving directions for three routes; namely, 1) Fortress Louisbourg, 2) Around Bras d'Or Lakes to Baddeck and Highland Village, and 3) Cabot Trail North to Ingonish. Whether or not you plan to rent a car, be sure to review this guide. The maps and photographs will familiarize you with the area and help you select an excursion whether you travel by the ship's bus, a private tour in a van, or drive a rental car. If you're a photo buff, this guide is for you.
Click here to download (4.8 MB) CapeBretonTours-02-05-2013.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
COLOMBIA
Toms Cartagena de Indias Cruise Port Guide: Colombia
Cartagena is rich in history; it's a UNESCO world heritage site. The walled city is impressive and the narrow streets are lined with well-maintained, and very colorful, Spanish Colonial buildings. There are beautiful churches, attractive plazas, and upscale boutique hotels. The old defensive system includes massive walls, a network of small forts and batteries, and San Felipe Fortress, one of the best forts ever constructed. The newer section of the city features high-rise buildings, restaurants, hotels, and shopping. There is a lot to like about Cartagena, but be aware there are some travel safety concerns included in the guide.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) Cartagena-03-26-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Cartagena de Indias Cruise Port Guide: Colombia
Cartagena is rich in history; it's a UNESCO world heritage site. The walled city is impressive and the narrow streets are lined with well-maintained, and very colorful, Spanish Colonial buildings. There are beautiful churches, attractive plazas, and upscale boutique hotels. The old defensive system includes massive walls, a network of small forts and batteries, and San Felipe Fortress, one of the best forts ever constructed. The newer section of the city features high-rise buildings, restaurants, hotels, and shopping. There is a lot to like about Cartagena, but be aware there are some travel safety concerns included in the guide.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) Cartagena-03-26-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
COSTA RICA
Toms Puerto Caldara, Puntarenas Cruise Port Guide: Costa Rica - Pacific Coast
Costa Rica is an incredibly beautiful, “natural” setting. There is nothing in the port area; take the ship's excursion or a private tour. With eight different life zones along the Continental Divide, Costa Rica has many varieties of plant and animal life. There are 100 species of mammals, which include all six species of the cat family. The 400 species of birds include the resplendent quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Costa Rica preserves habitat for the birds providing opportunities for bird watchers from around the globe.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) CostaRica-02-24-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Puerto Caldara, Puntarenas Cruise Port Guide: Costa Rica - Pacific Coast
Costa Rica is an incredibly beautiful, “natural” setting. There is nothing in the port area; take the ship's excursion or a private tour. With eight different life zones along the Continental Divide, Costa Rica has many varieties of plant and animal life. There are 100 species of mammals, which include all six species of the cat family. The 400 species of birds include the resplendent quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Costa Rica preserves habitat for the birds providing opportunities for bird watchers from around the globe.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) CostaRica-02-24-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
CROATIA
Toms Dubrovnik Cruise Port Guide: Croatia
Dubrovnik Old Town is one of the world's finest and best preserved medieval cities. Defensive walls, up to 18 feet thick and 75 feet high, protected the city for a thousand years with 5 forts, 16 towers, and bastions. It's old, but it's a lived-in city with homes, shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Bazaars and markets are open in the summer. Red roofed buildings are attractive and there are Baroque churches, museums, palaces, monasteries, etc. It is a MUST VISIT, pedestrian friendly town.
Click here to download (2.4 MB) Dubrovnik-01-31-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Dubrovnik Cruise Port Guide: Croatia
Dubrovnik Old Town is one of the world's finest and best preserved medieval cities. Defensive walls, up to 18 feet thick and 75 feet high, protected the city for a thousand years with 5 forts, 16 towers, and bastions. It's old, but it's a lived-in city with homes, shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Bazaars and markets are open in the summer. Red roofed buildings are attractive and there are Baroque churches, museums, palaces, monasteries, etc. It is a MUST VISIT, pedestrian friendly town.
Click here to download (2.4 MB) Dubrovnik-01-31-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
DENMARK
Toms Copenhagen Cruise Port Guide: Denmark
Copenhagen is perfect for a self-guided walking tour. Your challenge is to plan how to spend your time. The guide covers 22 tourist sites. Four of the must see sites are Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn waterfront, Trivoli Gardens, and Stroget - the world famous shopping district. A canal boat ride is also highly recommended. Copenhagen has been called, "The World's Best Designed City" and "The City of Spires". The airport is recognized as "Europe's Most Efficient Airport."
Click here to download (4.1 MB) Copenhagen-09-30-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Copenhagen Cruise Port Guide: Denmark
Copenhagen is perfect for a self-guided walking tour. Your challenge is to plan how to spend your time. The guide covers 22 tourist sites. Four of the must see sites are Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn waterfront, Trivoli Gardens, and Stroget - the world famous shopping district. A canal boat ride is also highly recommended. Copenhagen has been called, "The World's Best Designed City" and "The City of Spires". The airport is recognized as "Europe's Most Efficient Airport."
Click here to download (4.1 MB) Copenhagen-09-30-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
DOMINICA
Toms Dominica Cruise Port and Travel Guide
Dominica is the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”, an untouched, unspoiled, lush tropical mountain range with virgin forests, gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, rivers, beaches, and views of the sea.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Dominica-5-30-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Dominica Cruise Port and Travel Guide
Dominica is the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”, an untouched, unspoiled, lush tropical mountain range with virgin forests, gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, rivers, beaches, and views of the sea.
- Volcanic activity creates thermal springs, Boiling Lake, and the Valley of Desolation with brightly colored hot sulfur springs and mini-geysers.
- The bay of Soufriere is an extinct volcanic crater with vertical walls, submerged pinnacles, and other formations where pockets of air are warmed and rise to the surface as bubbles. The reefs are healthy and home to many fish and sea creatures. Hence, the area of the bay from Champagne Beach to Scotts Head is popular for snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography.
- There are over a hundred miles of hiking trails.
- There are many things to see and do from whale watching to hiking, relaxing at a beach, strolling through the Botanical Gardens, or touring the island in a van or bus to experience a nature lover's dream in Dominica.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Dominica-5-30-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
ENGLAND
Toms Southampton Cruise Port Guide: England
Southampton is one of the largest cruise ports in Europe. Cruise ships never stay overnight. Passengers
disembark in the morning and new passengers embark in the afternoon. Hence, most passengers are interested in travel connections between the port, airports, and train stations via taxi, bus, and rental car. The guide covers travel options in detail. I've also included a description of the port area for those travelers who have time to spend exploring the museums, parks, shopping, pubs, and historic areas of the city.
Click here to download (1.9 MB) Southampton-07-16-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Southampton Cruise Port Guide: England
Southampton is one of the largest cruise ports in Europe. Cruise ships never stay overnight. Passengers
disembark in the morning and new passengers embark in the afternoon. Hence, most passengers are interested in travel connections between the port, airports, and train stations via taxi, bus, and rental car. The guide covers travel options in detail. I've also included a description of the port area for those travelers who have time to spend exploring the museums, parks, shopping, pubs, and historic areas of the city.
Click here to download (1.9 MB) Southampton-07-16-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
FRANCE
Toms Le Havre Cruise Port Guide: Paris - Normandy, France
Ships dock ~ 2.3 km from center city; take a shuttle bus or cab to the city. Le Havre was the birthplace for Impressionist Art. The Malraux Museum is excellent. The city has a modernist style architecture using concrete for reconstruction after WWII. St. Joseph's Church is an architectural masterpiece in concrete.
Popular tourist sites outside Le Havre are Honfleur = a beautiful village and harbor, Rouen = the city of museums with historic buildings and grand architecture, Bayeux = a world famous tapestry & magnificent cathedral, Normandy = D-Day Beaches and War Memorials, and Paris = a long, bus ride for a short visit.
Click here to download (5. MB) LeHavre-11-20-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Le Havre Cruise Port Guide: Paris - Normandy, France
Ships dock ~ 2.3 km from center city; take a shuttle bus or cab to the city. Le Havre was the birthplace for Impressionist Art. The Malraux Museum is excellent. The city has a modernist style architecture using concrete for reconstruction after WWII. St. Joseph's Church is an architectural masterpiece in concrete.
Popular tourist sites outside Le Havre are Honfleur = a beautiful village and harbor, Rouen = the city of museums with historic buildings and grand architecture, Bayeux = a world famous tapestry & magnificent cathedral, Normandy = D-Day Beaches and War Memorials, and Paris = a long, bus ride for a short visit.
Click here to download (5. MB) LeHavre-11-20-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Marseille Cruise Port Guide: France
Whether you're interested in history, culture, art, gourmet food, beautiful beaches, scenic villages, hilltop historic towns, vineyards, etc., you'll find it all near Marseille. Ships dock five miles from the city. I recommend the ship's shuttle bus to Vieux Port. Many tourist sites are easy to reach by walking. Use public transit or the HopOn bus to visit other sites. Aix-en-Provence is ideal for self-guided touring; buses depart every five minutes and drop you near center city. Cassis can be reached by train, but you'll need a cab to the beach. We took a private tour to Carrieres de Lumieres; it's amazing! This guide covers 38 tourist sites.
Click here to download (5.6 MB) Marseille-06-28-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Whether you're interested in history, culture, art, gourmet food, beautiful beaches, scenic villages, hilltop historic towns, vineyards, etc., you'll find it all near Marseille. Ships dock five miles from the city. I recommend the ship's shuttle bus to Vieux Port. Many tourist sites are easy to reach by walking. Use public transit or the HopOn bus to visit other sites. Aix-en-Provence is ideal for self-guided touring; buses depart every five minutes and drop you near center city. Cassis can be reached by train, but you'll need a cab to the beach. We took a private tour to Carrieres de Lumieres; it's amazing! This guide covers 38 tourist sites.
Click here to download (5.6 MB) Marseille-06-28-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Toms Cannes - Nice Cruise Port Guide: France
This port guide describes Cannes, Nice, St Paul de Vence, Eze Village, Grasse, and St. Raphael.
READ this guide FIRST, before reading the guides for Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
I've included tips for self-guided touring and information on the French train and bus system.
Click here to download (3.8 MB) Cannes-Nice-06-20-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Cannes - Nice Cruise Port Guide: France
This port guide describes Cannes, Nice, St Paul de Vence, Eze Village, Grasse, and St. Raphael.
READ this guide FIRST, before reading the guides for Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
I've included tips for self-guided touring and information on the French train and bus system.
Click here to download (3.8 MB) Cannes-Nice-06-20-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Also, see the Monte Carlo Monaco Port Guide Listed under MONACO
Toms Villefranche-sur-Mer Cruise Port Guide: France
This guide describes the port and provides information on bus and train travel to other sites along the French Riviera.
Click here to download (1.6 MB) Villefranche-sur-Mer-06-20-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Villefranche-sur-Mer Cruise Port Guide: France
This guide describes the port and provides information on bus and train travel to other sites along the French Riviera.
Click here to download (1.6 MB) Villefranche-sur-Mer-06-20-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
FRENCH POLYNESIA
Toms Moorea Vacation & Cruise Port Guide: French Polynesia
Moorea is one of the most popular French Polynesian Islands. It’s surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches, bays, and coral reefs and making it ideal for water activities including swimming, snorkeling, and diving to see colorful fish, blacktip reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, and more. There are also dolphin and several types of whales, not far from shore.
The island has eight tall volcanic mountain peaks, rain forests, and bays. You can ride around perimeter roads in a car or bus, but you’ll need a 4WD vehicle or to hike trails to travel the steep mountain roads and unpaved dirt roads to see the forests, pineapple plantations, views from Magic Mountain Overlook, and to visit the Tropical Garden.
Moorea is “shaped like a heart”. It’s a popular honeymoon destination, with numerous hotels and resorts for your “dream vacation”.
Click here to download (4.3 MB) Moorea-French-Polynesia-Port-Guide
Return to List of Guides
GIBRALTAR, BRITISH CROWN COLONY
Toms Gibraltar Cruise Port Guide
Despite its small size, Gibraltar could be the envy of many ports. Shopping is duty free, no VAT, featuring
familiar British and international names plus local shops. This guide includes a list of 113 stores with addresses, maps, and a link to virtual tours of Main Street. It is less than a mile walk from Casemates Square to the Cable Car ride to the top of the Rock for gorgeous views. The guide covers St Michael's Cave, the Ape's Den, Great Siege Tunnels, the Lighthouse, and airport. I have also provided web-links to download the "official" tourist map and to review 21 attractions including dolphin and whale watching.
Click here to download (2.1 MB) Gibraltar-02-15-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Gibraltar Cruise Port Guide
Despite its small size, Gibraltar could be the envy of many ports. Shopping is duty free, no VAT, featuring
familiar British and international names plus local shops. This guide includes a list of 113 stores with addresses, maps, and a link to virtual tours of Main Street. It is less than a mile walk from Casemates Square to the Cable Car ride to the top of the Rock for gorgeous views. The guide covers St Michael's Cave, the Ape's Den, Great Siege Tunnels, the Lighthouse, and airport. I have also provided web-links to download the "official" tourist map and to review 21 attractions including dolphin and whale watching.
Click here to download (2.1 MB) Gibraltar-02-15-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
GREECE
Toms Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port Guide: Greece
Athens offers visitors a “journey” in its 6,000-year history to see renowned monuments and masterpieces of art. This guide includes detailed maps, information on public transit for self-guided travel, and OUTSTANDING tourist information from the Ministry of Greece.
Click here to download (3.8 MB) Athens-08-12-2011.pdf
Here are some maps PiraeusMap Athens Metro Map Athens Street Map AthensMetro-BusMaps
Return to List of Guides
Toms Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port Guide: Greece
Athens offers visitors a “journey” in its 6,000-year history to see renowned monuments and masterpieces of art. This guide includes detailed maps, information on public transit for self-guided travel, and OUTSTANDING tourist information from the Ministry of Greece.
Click here to download (3.8 MB) Athens-08-12-2011.pdf
Here are some maps PiraeusMap Athens Metro Map Athens Street Map AthensMetro-BusMaps
Return to List of Guides
Toms Corfu Cruise Port Guide: Greece - 2014 Revision
Corfu, the Capital City, is one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in Greece. It's ~ 1 mile from the cruise
ship terminal. This guide provides details for a walking tour of Corfu Old Town to see fortresses, palaces, museums, churches, shops, cafes, etc. and route maps to visit tourist sites outside of the town. For sites outside of Corfu Town, take the ship's excursion, a public bus, a private taxi tour, or rent a car. Plan ahead on how you will use your limited time in port on this beautiful island. There are over 30 beautiful beaches, many villages, resorts, etc. to explore.
Click here to download (5.5 MB) Corfu-03-25-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Corfu, the Capital City, is one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in Greece. It's ~ 1 mile from the cruise
ship terminal. This guide provides details for a walking tour of Corfu Old Town to see fortresses, palaces, museums, churches, shops, cafes, etc. and route maps to visit tourist sites outside of the town. For sites outside of Corfu Town, take the ship's excursion, a public bus, a private taxi tour, or rent a car. Plan ahead on how you will use your limited time in port on this beautiful island. There are over 30 beautiful beaches, many villages, resorts, etc. to explore.
Click here to download (5.5 MB) Corfu-03-25-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Katakolon (Olympia) Cruise Port Guide: Greece
Katakolon is a tiny port with a resident population of 612. The only significant tourist site in the area is the
historic site of Olympia, 25 miles from the port. Olympia was a sacred site for worship of Zeus and the
gods. Around 776 BC, the first Olympic games were held there. The tourist area consists of the archaeological ruins at the site of the games and worship of the gods. The museum contains well-preserved masterpieces. This guide includes travel options to Olympia and detailed maps of the site.
Click here to download (3.2 MB) Katakolon-Olympia-07-24-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Katakolon is a tiny port with a resident population of 612. The only significant tourist site in the area is the
historic site of Olympia, 25 miles from the port. Olympia was a sacred site for worship of Zeus and the
gods. Around 776 BC, the first Olympic games were held there. The tourist area consists of the archaeological ruins at the site of the games and worship of the gods. The museum contains well-preserved masterpieces. This guide includes travel options to Olympia and detailed maps of the site.
Click here to download (3.2 MB) Katakolon-Olympia-07-24-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Mykonos Cruise Port Guide: Greece
Mykonos is a “picture perfect” island town; ideal to explore on your own. It's pedestrian friendly for a leisurely walk exploring the narrow streets, visiting shops, and taking postcard photos. Visit the windmills and keep an eye out for Petros the famous Pelican. Relax and enjoy lunch, one of the special Greek coffees, or drinks at a restaurant overlooking the beaches and boats in the harbor.
Click here to download (2.5 MB) Mykonos-08-01-2011.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Mykonos is a “picture perfect” island town; ideal to explore on your own. It's pedestrian friendly for a leisurely walk exploring the narrow streets, visiting shops, and taking postcard photos. Visit the windmills and keep an eye out for Petros the famous Pelican. Relax and enjoy lunch, one of the special Greek coffees, or drinks at a restaurant overlooking the beaches and boats in the harbor.
Click here to download (2.5 MB) Mykonos-08-01-2011.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Rhodes Cruise Port Guide: Greece
This guide includes step-by-step walking directions from the cruise ship for a self-guided walking tour of Medieval Old Town. Maps are included showing 100 points of interest in Old Town and Rhodes City. Put on comfortable walking shoes to explore the Old Town area. I've also described a tour to Lindos-Acropolis, the second most popular archaeological site in Greece. You can ride a donkey up to the Acropolis, but there are many steps to climb if you choose to go all the way to the top and explore inside the walls of Acropolis.
Click here to download (4.7 MB) Rhodes-02-20-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
This guide includes step-by-step walking directions from the cruise ship for a self-guided walking tour of Medieval Old Town. Maps are included showing 100 points of interest in Old Town and Rhodes City. Put on comfortable walking shoes to explore the Old Town area. I've also described a tour to Lindos-Acropolis, the second most popular archaeological site in Greece. You can ride a donkey up to the Acropolis, but there are many steps to climb if you choose to go all the way to the top and explore inside the walls of Acropolis.
Click here to download (4.7 MB) Rhodes-02-20-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Santorini Cruise Port Guide: Greece
Santorini is a beautiful Greek Island. Towns are perched on 700 foot high cliffs with spectacular views of the caldera. The tiny size of the island, 10 miles by 3 miles, makes it perfect for self-guided touring. Take a speedboat from the dock and a bus ride to up the cliff to Oia, hire a taxi, or rent a car to explore the island. Sailboat tours are also very popular. This guide includes GPS coordinates to pinpoint locations and detailed travel directions with turn-by-turn walking directions.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Santorini-07-22-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Santorini is a beautiful Greek Island. Towns are perched on 700 foot high cliffs with spectacular views of the caldera. The tiny size of the island, 10 miles by 3 miles, makes it perfect for self-guided touring. Take a speedboat from the dock and a bus ride to up the cliff to Oia, hire a taxi, or rent a car to explore the island. Sailboat tours are also very popular. This guide includes GPS coordinates to pinpoint locations and detailed travel directions with turn-by-turn walking directions.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Santorini-07-22-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
GRENADA – A 3-Island Nation State in the Caribbean
Toms Grenada (St George's) Cruise Port Guide
The guide has detail maps for a walking tour to Fort George on a hill for scenic views of the area, shopping, visiting craft shops, art galleries, the National Museum, churches, Market Square, strolling along Carenage harbor to visit cafes, restaurants, bars, etc. and enjoy boat tours. I've also included transportation options and maps to visit the famous Grand Anse Beach. You'll need transportation to explore tourist sites outside the town of St George's. I describe a half-day tour to a Laura's Spice and Herb Garden, a rum distillery, and a tour through the south part of the island near St George's.
Click here to download (2.6 MB) Grenada-06-25-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Grenada (St George's) Cruise Port Guide
The guide has detail maps for a walking tour to Fort George on a hill for scenic views of the area, shopping, visiting craft shops, art galleries, the National Museum, churches, Market Square, strolling along Carenage harbor to visit cafes, restaurants, bars, etc. and enjoy boat tours. I've also included transportation options and maps to visit the famous Grand Anse Beach. You'll need transportation to explore tourist sites outside the town of St George's. I describe a half-day tour to a Laura's Spice and Herb Garden, a rum distillery, and a tour through the south part of the island near St George's.
Click here to download (2.6 MB) Grenada-06-25-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
IRELAND
Toms Dublin Cruise Port Guide: Ireland
Take the ship's shuttle bus or a cab from the port to centre city. Once you're in the city, it's easy to walk to many of the places of interest. This guide covers 65 sites including churches, museums, monuments, shops, markets, pubs, parks, gardens, historic buildings, and more. Plan ahead to choose the sites you wish to visit and the order in which you will visit them. You'll need to arrive early to buy tickets for Kilmainham Gaol (prison) and early in the afternoon to hear music at the pubs. Ireland is a beautiful country with fantastic people, literary prowess, great pubs, and many things to see and do. Intense shades of green make the landscape picture-perfect, but require frequent rain. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Click here to download (5.1 MB) Dublin-12-20-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Dublin Cruise Port Guide: Ireland
Take the ship's shuttle bus or a cab from the port to centre city. Once you're in the city, it's easy to walk to many of the places of interest. This guide covers 65 sites including churches, museums, monuments, shops, markets, pubs, parks, gardens, historic buildings, and more. Plan ahead to choose the sites you wish to visit and the order in which you will visit them. You'll need to arrive early to buy tickets for Kilmainham Gaol (prison) and early in the afternoon to hear music at the pubs. Ireland is a beautiful country with fantastic people, literary prowess, great pubs, and many things to see and do. Intense shades of green make the landscape picture-perfect, but require frequent rain. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Click here to download (5.1 MB) Dublin-12-20-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Cork, Cobh, Ringaskiddy Ireland Cruise Port Guide Part 1 of 2
Cruise ships dock in Cobh, Ringaskiddy, and Cork City. The most convenient dock is at Cobh Town because it’s next to town center. This guide has maps, photos, and descriptions of all the tourist attractions in Cobh. You can explore on foot and/or ride the tractor pulled train along the harbor and through the town. Join an organized walking tour with an Irish story-teller; they get rave reviews. If you’re interested in a pub with Irish music, Kelly’s Pub is a short walk from the dock.
There’s a train station next to the dock in Cobh. Take a train to Cork City. You can walk and/or use Cork HopOn buses to the major tourist attractions. This guide includes the details you need for self-guided touring the Cathedrals, churches, museums, English Market, Elizabeth Fort, Art Galleries, the city jail (gaol), University, hiking trails, shopping, and pubs.
Click here to download Part1 (4.2 MB) Cork-Cobh-06-24-2015-Part1.pdf
Toms Cork, Cobh, Ringaskiddy Ireland Cruise Port Guide Part 2 of 2
This guide covers tourist attractions outside Cobh Town and Cork City. You’ll need transportation to these sites. In addition to the ship’s excursion buses, there are excellent, moderately priced bus tours available next to the cruise ship dock. Check Trip Advisor for reviews and book your tour in advance. You can also rent a car next to the cruise ship dock in Cobh. That’s what we did.
The guide includes descriptions, photos, and walking tour maps with GPS coordinates for:
1) Charles Fort a 17th C, star-shaped fort, 2) Kinsale, a colorful, fun town to visit, 3) Timoleague Friary, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Ireland, 4) Clonakilty Church of the Immaculate Conception, 5) Michael Collins statue to the “hero of Ireland”, 6) Blue Flag beaches, 7) Gallery Head Lighthouse, and 8) Dromberg ritual and ceremonial stone circle.
Click here to download Part2 (4.6 MB) Cork-Cobh-06-24-2015-Part2.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Cruise ships dock in Cobh, Ringaskiddy, and Cork City. The most convenient dock is at Cobh Town because it’s next to town center. This guide has maps, photos, and descriptions of all the tourist attractions in Cobh. You can explore on foot and/or ride the tractor pulled train along the harbor and through the town. Join an organized walking tour with an Irish story-teller; they get rave reviews. If you’re interested in a pub with Irish music, Kelly’s Pub is a short walk from the dock.
There’s a train station next to the dock in Cobh. Take a train to Cork City. You can walk and/or use Cork HopOn buses to the major tourist attractions. This guide includes the details you need for self-guided touring the Cathedrals, churches, museums, English Market, Elizabeth Fort, Art Galleries, the city jail (gaol), University, hiking trails, shopping, and pubs.
Click here to download Part1 (4.2 MB) Cork-Cobh-06-24-2015-Part1.pdf
Toms Cork, Cobh, Ringaskiddy Ireland Cruise Port Guide Part 2 of 2
This guide covers tourist attractions outside Cobh Town and Cork City. You’ll need transportation to these sites. In addition to the ship’s excursion buses, there are excellent, moderately priced bus tours available next to the cruise ship dock. Check Trip Advisor for reviews and book your tour in advance. You can also rent a car next to the cruise ship dock in Cobh. That’s what we did.
The guide includes descriptions, photos, and walking tour maps with GPS coordinates for:
1) Charles Fort a 17th C, star-shaped fort, 2) Kinsale, a colorful, fun town to visit, 3) Timoleague Friary, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Ireland, 4) Clonakilty Church of the Immaculate Conception, 5) Michael Collins statue to the “hero of Ireland”, 6) Blue Flag beaches, 7) Gallery Head Lighthouse, and 8) Dromberg ritual and ceremonial stone circle.
Click here to download Part2 (4.6 MB) Cork-Cobh-06-24-2015-Part2.pdf
Return to List of Guides
ITALY
Toms Livorno (Florence/Pisa) Cruise Port Guide: Italy
Livorno is the closest port for Florence and Pisa. It's a large industrial port, so you'll need transportation to the city via the ship's shuttle bus or a taxi. Self-guided touring is generally limited to tourist sites close to the port, unless you rent a car. Considering the complexity of travel connections and travel time from the port, I believe most people take a ship's excursion or private tour to visit Florence (Firenze), Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena or Cinque Terre. These are some of the most spectacular tourist sites in Italy.
Click here to download (5.5 MB) Livorno-09-25-2013.pdf_
Here are several maps Florence Area Map FlorenceCityMap FlorenceFacilitiesMap Florence Tourist Area Map
FlorenceWalkingDistanceMap LuccaMap SiennaTouristInfo
Return to List of Guides
Toms Livorno (Florence/Pisa) Cruise Port Guide: Italy
Livorno is the closest port for Florence and Pisa. It's a large industrial port, so you'll need transportation to the city via the ship's shuttle bus or a taxi. Self-guided touring is generally limited to tourist sites close to the port, unless you rent a car. Considering the complexity of travel connections and travel time from the port, I believe most people take a ship's excursion or private tour to visit Florence (Firenze), Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena or Cinque Terre. These are some of the most spectacular tourist sites in Italy.
Click here to download (5.5 MB) Livorno-09-25-2013.pdf_
Here are several maps Florence Area Map FlorenceCityMap FlorenceFacilitiesMap Florence Tourist Area Map
FlorenceWalkingDistanceMap LuccaMap SiennaTouristInfo
Return to List of Guides
Toms Naples & Sorrento Cruise Port Guide: Italy
Cruise ships dock downtown close to transportation by boat, bus, or train to popular tourist sites. The guide covers Naples, Capri, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast villages of Positano and Amalfi. This guide includes maps, aerial photos, and street level photos with turn-by-turn directions and tips for self-guided touring. I've included web-links to the "best" websites for information and to download FREE, high resolution maps of Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
Click here to download (4.2 MB) Naples-01-31-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Cruise ships dock downtown close to transportation by boat, bus, or train to popular tourist sites. The guide covers Naples, Capri, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast villages of Positano and Amalfi. This guide includes maps, aerial photos, and street level photos with turn-by-turn directions and tips for self-guided touring. I've included web-links to the "best" websites for information and to download FREE, high resolution maps of Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
Click here to download (4.2 MB) Naples-01-31-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Rome (Civitavecchia trains) Italy Cruise Port Guide 2018
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO PLAN TOURS from Civitavecchia to Rome, Tarquinia, Tuscania, Lake Bolsena, Civita di Bagnoregio, and Orvieto in the picturesque Lazio region of Italy. This 61-page guide has 27 walking tour maps with detailed step-by-step, turn by turn directions, with maps and photos to see and explore the most important historic sites, monuments, museums, scenic areas, churches, and shopping. Travel options by train, bus, and rental car are discussed plus a comparison of the ship’s bus tour vs. a private tour in a van.
The guide has links to the "best" websites for information and to download FREE, high resolution maps.
This guide replaces the 2012 Rome Guide
Click here to download (5.5 MB) rome-port-guide-2018.pdf
Return to List of Guides
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO PLAN TOURS from Civitavecchia to Rome, Tarquinia, Tuscania, Lake Bolsena, Civita di Bagnoregio, and Orvieto in the picturesque Lazio region of Italy. This 61-page guide has 27 walking tour maps with detailed step-by-step, turn by turn directions, with maps and photos to see and explore the most important historic sites, monuments, museums, scenic areas, churches, and shopping. Travel options by train, bus, and rental car are discussed plus a comparison of the ship’s bus tour vs. a private tour in a van.
The guide has links to the "best" websites for information and to download FREE, high resolution maps.
This guide replaces the 2012 Rome Guide
Click here to download (5.5 MB) rome-port-guide-2018.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Cruise Transfer Guide: Civitavecchia Port to Rome Italy
PLAN AHEAD! BOOK YOUR TRANSFER EARLY from Civitavecchia Port to Rome. Otherwise, you may have a 4 to 6 hour wait for a taxi to Rome. This guide describes the issues and transfer options. You can extend your vacation another memorable day by combining a private tour to some of the most beautiful sites in Italy with a transfer that drops you off at your hotel. If you are flying home the next day, consider a hotel in a quaint fishing village on the Tiber River next to Leonardo da Vinci Airport. It’s a scenic area to explore on foot, has many restaurants, and the taxi ride to the airport avoids the heavy traffic you would encounter from a hotel in Rome.
Click here to download (2 MB) PortTransfer2Rome-7-5-2017.pdf
Return to List of Guides
PLAN AHEAD! BOOK YOUR TRANSFER EARLY from Civitavecchia Port to Rome. Otherwise, you may have a 4 to 6 hour wait for a taxi to Rome. This guide describes the issues and transfer options. You can extend your vacation another memorable day by combining a private tour to some of the most beautiful sites in Italy with a transfer that drops you off at your hotel. If you are flying home the next day, consider a hotel in a quaint fishing village on the Tiber River next to Leonardo da Vinci Airport. It’s a scenic area to explore on foot, has many restaurants, and the taxi ride to the airport avoids the heavy traffic you would encounter from a hotel in Rome.
Click here to download (2 MB) PortTransfer2Rome-7-5-2017.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Venice Cruise Port Guide: Italy
Venice is an amazing, wonderful place to visit for picture perfect views, fantastic shopping, outstanding food, impressive architecture, rich history and art, grand plazas, majestic churches, and more! It's a short walk from your cruise ship to the "People Mover" monorail for a short ride to Piazzale Roma to begin your self-guided tour. You can walk and use vaporetto (water buses) to explore the city and the islands. The guide includes the OFFICIAL tourist map, vaporetto timetables, and tours of Murano and Burano islands.
Click here to download (3.9 MB) Venice-05-06-2011.pdf
Here are some maps VeniceMap VaporettoSchedules VaporretoRoutes VeniceGuide
Return to List of Guides
Venice is an amazing, wonderful place to visit for picture perfect views, fantastic shopping, outstanding food, impressive architecture, rich history and art, grand plazas, majestic churches, and more! It's a short walk from your cruise ship to the "People Mover" monorail for a short ride to Piazzale Roma to begin your self-guided tour. You can walk and use vaporetto (water buses) to explore the city and the islands. The guide includes the OFFICIAL tourist map, vaporetto timetables, and tours of Murano and Burano islands.
Click here to download (3.9 MB) Venice-05-06-2011.pdf
Here are some maps VeniceMap VaporettoSchedules VaporretoRoutes VeniceGuide
Return to List of Guides
MEXICO
Toms Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico Cruise Port Guide 2019
Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular international vacation destinations in Mexico. Compelling reasons to visit: 1) A warm climate, 2) Breathtaking views, 3) Beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, 4) It’s ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat rides, and whale watching because there are hundreds of species of fish plus sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and more, 5) Some of the best fishing in the world, 6) The town is clean & safe with luxury hotels, excellent restaurants, bars, cafes, nightlife, and shopping for jewelry, art work, and hand made products, and 7) You can walk to most sites, hire water taxis, rent equipment for kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing, and it’s easy to book private tours for your “perfect, memorable vacation”.
Click here to download (5.2 MB) Cabo_San_Lucas_MX.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico Cruise Port Guide 2019
Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular international vacation destinations in Mexico. Compelling reasons to visit: 1) A warm climate, 2) Breathtaking views, 3) Beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, 4) It’s ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat rides, and whale watching because there are hundreds of species of fish plus sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and more, 5) Some of the best fishing in the world, 6) The town is clean & safe with luxury hotels, excellent restaurants, bars, cafes, nightlife, and shopping for jewelry, art work, and hand made products, and 7) You can walk to most sites, hire water taxis, rent equipment for kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing, and it’s easy to book private tours for your “perfect, memorable vacation”.
Click here to download (5.2 MB) Cabo_San_Lucas_MX.pdf
Return to List of Guides
MADEIRA (Funchal) Port Guide - Listed under Portugal
MONACO
Toms Monte Carlo Cruise Port Guide: Monaco
Located at the eastern end of French Riviera, Monaco is a tiny city-state with an area of 0.79 sq. mi. It has scenic views, magnificent architecture, and impressive tourist sites. There is an excellent bus system for self-guided touring. I've also provided step-by-step directions to walk from the ship's dock to the top of Old Town without climbing any stairs. Popular tourist sites include the Oceanographic Museum, Cathedral, Palace, and Casino. Detailed maps are included.
Click here to download (4.0 MB) Monaco-06-20-2012.pdf This is the elevator/escalator map LiftEscalatorMap
Return to List of Guides
MONACO
Toms Monte Carlo Cruise Port Guide: Monaco
Located at the eastern end of French Riviera, Monaco is a tiny city-state with an area of 0.79 sq. mi. It has scenic views, magnificent architecture, and impressive tourist sites. There is an excellent bus system for self-guided touring. I've also provided step-by-step directions to walk from the ship's dock to the top of Old Town without climbing any stairs. Popular tourist sites include the Oceanographic Museum, Cathedral, Palace, and Casino. Detailed maps are included.
Click here to download (4.0 MB) Monaco-06-20-2012.pdf This is the elevator/escalator map LiftEscalatorMap
Return to List of Guides
MONTENEGRO
Toms Kotor Montenegro Cruise Port Guide Part 1 of 2
Reasons to visit Kotor, Montenegro:
A spectacularly beautiful port with a gorgeous “sail in” through the bay surrounded by steep mountains lined with historic buildings, churches, towers, docks, and marinas along the shore.
The region combines natural beauty of mountains and bays with the culture and history of fortified and open cities, settlements, palaces, and monasteries into terraced landscape. (UNESCO description)
Kotor has a rich history as a heavily fortified commercial port since Medieval times. It was one of the most important trading centers in this area of the Adriatic Coast.
The people are friendly and welcome tourists.
Click here to download (5.4 MB) Kotor-8-4-17_part_1_of_2.pdf
Toms Kotor Montenegro Cruise Port Guide Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of the port guide describes our 7 hour tour to sites outside the city of Kotor, Montenegro:
Sveti Stefan is one of the TOP 10 glamorous A-list destinations in the world.
Budva is known as the metropolis of tourism. We spent an hour on a walking tour of Medieval Old Town "Stari Grad"
Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the most popular tourist sites in Montenegro.
Perast is one of the most beautiful little places in Boka Bay. We had lunch on our own next to the bay.
Kotor is rated #1 as the Best Travel City for 2016. We had 30 minutes for a walking tour before returning to our ship.
Click here to download (4.3 MB) Kotor-8-18-17_Part_2_of_2.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Kotor Montenegro Cruise Port Guide Part 1 of 2
Reasons to visit Kotor, Montenegro:
A spectacularly beautiful port with a gorgeous “sail in” through the bay surrounded by steep mountains lined with historic buildings, churches, towers, docks, and marinas along the shore.
The region combines natural beauty of mountains and bays with the culture and history of fortified and open cities, settlements, palaces, and monasteries into terraced landscape. (UNESCO description)
Kotor has a rich history as a heavily fortified commercial port since Medieval times. It was one of the most important trading centers in this area of the Adriatic Coast.
The people are friendly and welcome tourists.
Click here to download (5.4 MB) Kotor-8-4-17_part_1_of_2.pdf
Toms Kotor Montenegro Cruise Port Guide Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of the port guide describes our 7 hour tour to sites outside the city of Kotor, Montenegro:
Sveti Stefan is one of the TOP 10 glamorous A-list destinations in the world.
Budva is known as the metropolis of tourism. We spent an hour on a walking tour of Medieval Old Town "Stari Grad"
Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the most popular tourist sites in Montenegro.
Perast is one of the most beautiful little places in Boka Bay. We had lunch on our own next to the bay.
Kotor is rated #1 as the Best Travel City for 2016. We had 30 minutes for a walking tour before returning to our ship.
Click here to download (4.3 MB) Kotor-8-18-17_Part_2_of_2.pdf
Return to List of Guides
NETHERLANDS
Toms Bonaire Cruise Port Guide: Caribbean Netherlands
With 86 dive sites, Bonaire is one of the best diving, snorkeling, and wind surfing sites in the world. Government environmental leadership protects and grows a healthy reef system to support 57 species of coral, sponges and 350 species of fish.
Cruise ships dock in downtown Kralendijk, a clean, picturesque, colorful town with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, dive shops, arts and crafts galleries, and more, close to the ship.
Touring the island, you’ll have an opportunity to see the flamingos, the 1000 steps dive site, the old plantation at Landhouse Karpata, Mangazina Di Rei Cultural Park, and the famous salt flats where sea water is evaporated to produce 400,000 tons of industrial grade salt per year.
Click here to download (2.7 MB) Bonaire-07-19-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Bonaire Cruise Port Guide: Caribbean Netherlands
With 86 dive sites, Bonaire is one of the best diving, snorkeling, and wind surfing sites in the world. Government environmental leadership protects and grows a healthy reef system to support 57 species of coral, sponges and 350 species of fish.
Cruise ships dock in downtown Kralendijk, a clean, picturesque, colorful town with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, dive shops, arts and crafts galleries, and more, close to the ship.
Touring the island, you’ll have an opportunity to see the flamingos, the 1000 steps dive site, the old plantation at Landhouse Karpata, Mangazina Di Rei Cultural Park, and the famous salt flats where sea water is evaporated to produce 400,000 tons of industrial grade salt per year.
Click here to download (2.7 MB) Bonaire-07-19-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
NORWAY
Toms Bergen Cruise Port Guide: Norway
Bergen is the most popular cruise port in Norway for good reason:
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Bergen-2-10-2017.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Bergen Cruise Port Guide: Norway
Bergen is the most popular cruise port in Norway for good reason:
- Colorful 12th century houses and buildings especially in Bryggen, a UNESCO site historic 12th C wharf with museums, shops, excellent restaurants, and pubs near the bustling fish and flower market
- A funicular to Mount Floyen for breathtaking views of the city, and bike rental, hiking trails, a children’s park
- Bergenhus Castle site represents 1000 years of Norwegian history
- A unique breadth of culture and experiences including theater, concerts, and impressive art museums
- The city is pedestrian friendly and you can tour by Segway, HopOn bus, or Tractor pulled train.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Bergen-2-10-2017.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Kristiansand Cruise Port Guide: Norway
Kristiansand is ideally suited for a self-guided walking tour.
Click here to download (5.0 MB) Kristiansand-10-31-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Kristiansand is ideally suited for a self-guided walking tour.
- There are many things to see and do: impressive architecture, colorful buildings, scenic parks, marinas, museums, a cathedral, Northern Europe’s largest collection of low, terraced, white, wooden houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, excellent restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, ice cream shops, great shopping, and more!
- It’s a pedestrian friendly city with flat walkways = no hills to climb nor steeply inclined streets. Streets are laid out in a grid and street signs are prominently displayed so it’s easy to find your way.
- Walking distance is not very far. The city is a square measuring 0.6 mile by 0.5 mile. You can walk the full distance north-south or east-west in about 10 to 12 minutes. The city is clean and safe.
Click here to download (5.0 MB) Kristiansand-10-31-2016.pdf
Return to List of Guides
PANAMA CANAL Port Guides - LISTED UNDER:
ARUBA
COLOMBIA
COSTA RICA
PANAMA
PANAMA
Toms Panama City (Fuerte Amador) Cruise Port Guide: Panama Canal
Panama City has had three locations. The original city was destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. The ruins are called Panama Viejo. The second location of the city was damaged by earthquakes and fires. Parts of that city have been rebuilt. The area is called Old Town or Casco Viejo. The third location is the high-rise city. It's an international banking and commerce center. All three locations are popular tourist sites, but unfortunately, they are in, or near, high crime areas. I've included excerpts from the US Department of State Travel Advisories and the Crime Report in the guide. The canal locks are not high crime areas. Plan ahead on how you will tour the Panama City area. We took a taxi tour, felt safe, and loved it. Taxi tours are very reasonably priced.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) Panama-03-26-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
ARUBA
COLOMBIA
COSTA RICA
PANAMA
PANAMA
Toms Panama City (Fuerte Amador) Cruise Port Guide: Panama Canal
Panama City has had three locations. The original city was destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. The ruins are called Panama Viejo. The second location of the city was damaged by earthquakes and fires. Parts of that city have been rebuilt. The area is called Old Town or Casco Viejo. The third location is the high-rise city. It's an international banking and commerce center. All three locations are popular tourist sites, but unfortunately, they are in, or near, high crime areas. I've included excerpts from the US Department of State Travel Advisories and the Crime Report in the guide. The canal locks are not high crime areas. Plan ahead on how you will tour the Panama City area. We took a taxi tour, felt safe, and loved it. Taxi tours are very reasonably priced.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) Panama-03-26-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
PRINCESS CAYS Port Guide - Listed under Bahamas
PORTUGAL
Toms Azores (Ponta Delgada) Cruise Port Guide: Portugal - 2015 Revision
This guide includes details and maps on the two cruise ship dock locations and 37 shops at the main cruise terminal. The walking tour maps cover 23 points of interest in the city of Ponta Delgada. Tourist sites outside the city are described including Sete Cidades, Furnas Lake and geysers, pineapple, and tea plantions. The limitation of a shore excursion is that you don't have enough time to explore and experience the magic of the Azores. Plan ahead on how you will spend your limited time in port. Better yet, plan a vacation there. The nine Azores Islands truly are "god's country."
Click here to download (4.8 MB) Azores(Ponta_Delgada)-07-28-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
PORTUGAL
Toms Azores (Ponta Delgada) Cruise Port Guide: Portugal - 2015 Revision
This guide includes details and maps on the two cruise ship dock locations and 37 shops at the main cruise terminal. The walking tour maps cover 23 points of interest in the city of Ponta Delgada. Tourist sites outside the city are described including Sete Cidades, Furnas Lake and geysers, pineapple, and tea plantions. The limitation of a shore excursion is that you don't have enough time to explore and experience the magic of the Azores. Plan ahead on how you will spend your limited time in port. Better yet, plan a vacation there. The nine Azores Islands truly are "god's country."
Click here to download (4.8 MB) Azores(Ponta_Delgada)-07-28-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Lisbon Cruise Port Guide: Portugal
When your cruise ship docks downtown, you've arrived. The city is rich in culture and history = a great place to explore. This guide covers 14 important sites in the city and a map showing ALL electric tram routes and stops, location of the funicular trams, plus ALL bus and subway stops. Excursions are described for Sintra, Cascais, and Obidos.
Click here to download (3.8 MB) Lisbon-06-29-2011.pdf Lisbon HopOn Bus Map Lisbon_Bus-TramMap-2011
Return to List of Guides
When your cruise ship docks downtown, you've arrived. The city is rich in culture and history = a great place to explore. This guide covers 14 important sites in the city and a map showing ALL electric tram routes and stops, location of the funicular trams, plus ALL bus and subway stops. Excursions are described for Sintra, Cascais, and Obidos.
Click here to download (3.8 MB) Lisbon-06-29-2011.pdf Lisbon HopOn Bus Map Lisbon_Bus-TramMap-2011
Return to List of Guides
Toms Madeira (Funchal) Cruise Port Guide: Portugal - 2014 Revision
Madeira is a beautiful, mountainous island with high cliffs overlooking the sea and picturesque villages along the coast. The year-round temperature is 64-75 F with adequate rainfall to support gardens with over 2500 species of plants and the largest laurel forest in the world. Cruise ships dock in Funchal, 2.6 Km (1.6 miles) from the city. There are HopOn buses and an excellent public bus system to tour the city and the island. Cable cars are available to ascend the mountain. Private taxi tours are my preference to explore the island.
Click here to download (4.9 MB) Funchal-Madeira-03-26-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Madeira is a beautiful, mountainous island with high cliffs overlooking the sea and picturesque villages along the coast. The year-round temperature is 64-75 F with adequate rainfall to support gardens with over 2500 species of plants and the largest laurel forest in the world. Cruise ships dock in Funchal, 2.6 Km (1.6 miles) from the city. There are HopOn buses and an excellent public bus system to tour the city and the island. Cable cars are available to ascend the mountain. Private taxi tours are my preference to explore the island.
Click here to download (4.9 MB) Funchal-Madeira-03-26-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
RUSSIA
Toms St Petersburg Russia Cruise Port Guide 2019
St Petersburg was built over centuries to rival the best cities of Europe. Mission Accomplished!! The city is “World Class” with unique architectural masterpieces, historic churches, grand palaces, world class museums, and some of the most impressive parks in the world. The beautiful canals are reminiscent of Venice, hence the name, “Venice of the North.”
I was so impressed with our private 2-day Alla Tour, I decided to write this guide to re-create our tour. I believe my pdf guide “comes alive” when you view it on your home computer and click on the links to watch the videos of St Petersburg, Peterhof Palace and Gardens, and the virtual tours of Hermitage Museum as if you were with us on the tour. I don’t know if this will work for you, but that’s my goal.
Click here to download (4.7 MB) St-Petersburg-Russia-Port-Guide.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms St Petersburg Russia Cruise Port Guide 2019
St Petersburg was built over centuries to rival the best cities of Europe. Mission Accomplished!! The city is “World Class” with unique architectural masterpieces, historic churches, grand palaces, world class museums, and some of the most impressive parks in the world. The beautiful canals are reminiscent of Venice, hence the name, “Venice of the North.”
I was so impressed with our private 2-day Alla Tour, I decided to write this guide to re-create our tour. I believe my pdf guide “comes alive” when you view it on your home computer and click on the links to watch the videos of St Petersburg, Peterhof Palace and Gardens, and the virtual tours of Hermitage Museum as if you were with us on the tour. I don’t know if this will work for you, but that’s my goal.
Click here to download (4.7 MB) St-Petersburg-Russia-Port-Guide.pdf
Return to List of Guides
SCOTLAND
Toms Greenock (Glasgow) Cruise Port Guide: Scotland
Cruise ships dock in downtown Greenock. You'll be greeted by the non-profit, Inverclyde Tourist Group who provide free, comprehensive information for self-guided touring and offer a 2-hour bus tour of the area (contributions are accepted to help defray costs). Greenock is the friendliest port I've ever visited. It earned the prestigious award for “Best Shoreside Welcome” in 2011. Explore the Greenock area, or visit Glasgow (~ 45 minutes away), or tour the lochs, mountains, villages, meadows, etc. Scotland is a beautiful country!
Click here to download (4.0 MB) Greenock_Scotland-08-28-2012.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Toms Greenock (Glasgow) Cruise Port Guide: Scotland
Cruise ships dock in downtown Greenock. You'll be greeted by the non-profit, Inverclyde Tourist Group who provide free, comprehensive information for self-guided touring and offer a 2-hour bus tour of the area (contributions are accepted to help defray costs). Greenock is the friendliest port I've ever visited. It earned the prestigious award for “Best Shoreside Welcome” in 2011. Explore the Greenock area, or visit Glasgow (~ 45 minutes away), or tour the lochs, mountains, villages, meadows, etc. Scotland is a beautiful country!
Click here to download (4.0 MB) Greenock_Scotland-08-28-2012.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
SPAIN
Toms Arrecife, Lanzarote Spanish Canary Island Cruise Port Guide 2019
Lanzarote volcanic island is 65 miles west of Africa. Cruise ships dock at Arrecife where you can enjoy a walking tour to museums, a castle, the main shopping area, cafes, restaurants, etc. Popular excursions are: 1) Timanfaya Volcanic Park, 2) Camel Rides on the Sand Dunes, 3) Cesar Manrique Foundation multi-level home built into five volcanic bubbles, 4) Haria – the lush green valley where artists and craftsmen live, 5) Jameos del Agua volcanic cavern with tunnels and a lake, and 6) Mirador del Rio observation platform for spectacular views from a mountain top at the northern end of the island.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) Arrecife-Lanzarote-Spain-Canary-Island.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Arrecife, Lanzarote Spanish Canary Island Cruise Port Guide 2019
Lanzarote volcanic island is 65 miles west of Africa. Cruise ships dock at Arrecife where you can enjoy a walking tour to museums, a castle, the main shopping area, cafes, restaurants, etc. Popular excursions are: 1) Timanfaya Volcanic Park, 2) Camel Rides on the Sand Dunes, 3) Cesar Manrique Foundation multi-level home built into five volcanic bubbles, 4) Haria – the lush green valley where artists and craftsmen live, 5) Jameos del Agua volcanic cavern with tunnels and a lake, and 6) Mirador del Rio observation platform for spectacular views from a mountain top at the northern end of the island.
Click here to download (3.3 MB) Arrecife-Lanzarote-Spain-Canary-Island.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Barcelona Cruise Port Guide: Spain
Barcelona is a magnificent city with world famous architecture, a mix of ancient and modern buildings, beautiful squares, parks, and great food. This guide includes a walking map for the Gothic Quarter, details on four famous buildings influenced by Gaudi, and the Montjuic park which overlooks the city/harbor. There are also maps for the Hop-on bus and metro.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Barcelona-07-22-2011.pdf Barcelona HopOn Bus Map
Return to List of Guides
Barcelona is a magnificent city with world famous architecture, a mix of ancient and modern buildings, beautiful squares, parks, and great food. This guide includes a walking map for the Gothic Quarter, details on four famous buildings influenced by Gaudi, and the Montjuic park which overlooks the city/harbor. There are also maps for the Hop-on bus and metro.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) Barcelona-07-22-2011.pdf Barcelona HopOn Bus Map
Return to List of Guides
Toms Bilbao Cruise Port Guide: Spain
This guide is 37 pages with 18 maps, 29 photos, and descriptions of tourist sites in Bilbao, San Juan de Gatzelugatxe, Bermeo Fishing Village, and Guernika (Gernika). Bilbao is a cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, cafes, shopping, tourist sites, historic buildings, museums, churches, and a new network of efficient, modern, beautiful, world-class public transportation. It's the perfect city to explore by a combination of walking and public transit. The guide includes many maps showing walking tours.
Click here to download (5.5 MB) Bilbao-09-30-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
This guide is 37 pages with 18 maps, 29 photos, and descriptions of tourist sites in Bilbao, San Juan de Gatzelugatxe, Bermeo Fishing Village, and Guernika (Gernika). Bilbao is a cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, cafes, shopping, tourist sites, historic buildings, museums, churches, and a new network of efficient, modern, beautiful, world-class public transportation. It's the perfect city to explore by a combination of walking and public transit. The guide includes many maps showing walking tours.
Click here to download (5.5 MB) Bilbao-09-30-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Cartagena Cruise Port Guide: Spain
Cartagena is on the southern coast of Spain, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The main dock is in center city; the alternate dock requires a shuttle bus ride. Tourist sites are densely packed in a small area. You can visit most of the popular sites by walking 1.36 miles round trip from the ship. The pathways are wide, flat, and wheelchair friendly. There are some stairs and climbing is required to see all of the Roman Ruins and Castillo de la Concepcion, but there are lifts and ramps. I'm not sure you need to do a lot of planning for your self-guided tour. Just walk the suggested route and stop at places that seem interesting.
Click here to download (4.4 MB) Cartagena-Spain-08-20-2013.pdf Here is a tourist map CartagenaSpainMap
Return to List of Guides
Cartagena is on the southern coast of Spain, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The main dock is in center city; the alternate dock requires a shuttle bus ride. Tourist sites are densely packed in a small area. You can visit most of the popular sites by walking 1.36 miles round trip from the ship. The pathways are wide, flat, and wheelchair friendly. There are some stairs and climbing is required to see all of the Roman Ruins and Castillo de la Concepcion, but there are lifts and ramps. I'm not sure you need to do a lot of planning for your self-guided tour. Just walk the suggested route and stop at places that seem interesting.
Click here to download (4.4 MB) Cartagena-Spain-08-20-2013.pdf Here is a tourist map CartagenaSpainMap
Return to List of Guides
Toms La Palma (Santa Cruz) Cruise Port Guide: Canary Islands, Spain
Santa Cruz is “perfect” for a self-guided walking tour close to your ship. The pedestrian streets are lined with duty-free shops, cafes, museums, churches, and historic sites. This port guide has detailed maps and descriptions of where to go and what to see.
You could easily spend most of the day exploring Santa Cruz.
La Palma Island is incredibly beautiful with many unique sites outside of Santa Cruz. Rent a car or take a bus tour to:
Return to List of Guides
Santa Cruz is “perfect” for a self-guided walking tour close to your ship. The pedestrian streets are lined with duty-free shops, cafes, museums, churches, and historic sites. This port guide has detailed maps and descriptions of where to go and what to see.
You could easily spend most of the day exploring Santa Cruz.
La Palma Island is incredibly beautiful with many unique sites outside of Santa Cruz. Rent a car or take a bus tour to:
- Caldera de Taburiente National Park one of the largest volcanic craters in the world with steep walls, high mountain peaks, and roads with parking lots around the perimeter. It’s a short walk from the parking lot for great views. If you have the time, there are hiking trails throughout the park.
- Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is at one of the highest points on La Palma 2,396 meters above sea level. It’s one of the best places in the world for star gazing because it has the clearest night skies on the planet. To see the inside the Observatory, you’ll need to book a tour a day ahead.
- Bosque de Los Tilos is an incredible primitive forest with broad-leaf trees that were common millions of years ago. Plan on 2 to 5 hours to hike the trails.
- Hike Parque Natural Cumbre Vieja – the Volcano Trail through 2000-meter-high mountains past all the important dormant, but active volcanic cones. From the top, you’ll have views of both sides of the island. Plan on a 7-hour, strenuous hike.
Return to List of Guides
TURKEY
Toms Istanbul Cruise Port Guide: Turkey
Istanbul is a fascinating city with a rich history, a mix of culture, phenomenally striking architecture, shopping, etc. Visit the Blue Mosque which rivals the Great Mosque in Mecca. Explore Hagia Sophia, a church turned into a Mosque that is among the greatest houses of worship in Christian and Muslim worlds. Spend time at Topkapi Palace, the power center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. Be overwhelmed by the Grand Bazaar which originated as the world trade center for the Ottoman Empire and is very active today. And enjoy the food! All these sites are close to the cruise ship dock.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Istanbul-07-25-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Istanbul Cruise Port Guide: Turkey
Istanbul is a fascinating city with a rich history, a mix of culture, phenomenally striking architecture, shopping, etc. Visit the Blue Mosque which rivals the Great Mosque in Mecca. Explore Hagia Sophia, a church turned into a Mosque that is among the greatest houses of worship in Christian and Muslim worlds. Spend time at Topkapi Palace, the power center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. Be overwhelmed by the Grand Bazaar which originated as the world trade center for the Ottoman Empire and is very active today. And enjoy the food! All these sites are close to the cruise ship dock.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Istanbul-07-25-2012.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Kusadasi Cruise Port Guide: Turkey
Kusadasi is a small resort town of 65,000. The port provides access to seaside resorts and historic sites. This guide covers ten tourist sites; namely, Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, St John Basilica, the Museum, Sirince Village, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, and Bafa Lake. To help you find the ancient ruins on maps, I've listed GPS coordinates you can copy and paste into Google Maps to find the exact location of the site. I've also created aerial photo maps with descriptive text to illustrate the sites. The guide covers shopping in the huge shopping center complex inside the port, in the city of Kusadasi, and Sirince Village.
Click here to download (4.5 MB) Kusadasi-07-25-2012.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Kusadasi is a small resort town of 65,000. The port provides access to seaside resorts and historic sites. This guide covers ten tourist sites; namely, Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, St John Basilica, the Museum, Sirince Village, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, and Bafa Lake. To help you find the ancient ruins on maps, I've listed GPS coordinates you can copy and paste into Google Maps to find the exact location of the site. I've also created aerial photo maps with descriptive text to illustrate the sites. The guide covers shopping in the huge shopping center complex inside the port, in the city of Kusadasi, and Sirince Village.
Click here to download (4.5 MB) Kusadasi-07-25-2012.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
UNITED STATES
Toms Skagway Alaska Cruise Port Guide Part 1 of 3: United States
This guide has highly detailed maps and descriptions of 35 major points of interest in the city. You can re-live history of Skagway as gateway to the Klondike gold rush by visiting historic hotels, saloons, etc. The city is colorful, clean, friendly, and inviting with shopping, restaurants, saloons, historic areas, museums, etc.
It’s easy to walk with no hills to climb, nor steep streets. There’s a SMART Bus system to travel throughout the city at $ 5 per day. There’s also a narrated streetcar tour to see everything in the city.
The scenery, mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests are spectacular. There are several hiking trails not far from the cruise ships.
Click here to download (4.1 MB) Skagway-11-19-17.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Skagway Alaska Cruise Port Guide Part 2 of 3: United States
This guide describes three options to tour from Skagway Port:
Click here to download (4.6 MB) SkagwayPart2_12-12-17.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Skagway, Haines Alaska Cruise Port Guide Part 3 of 3: United States
Click here to download (4.1 MB) skagway-hainespart3_1-16-18.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Skagway Alaska Cruise Port Guide Part 1 of 3: United States
This guide has highly detailed maps and descriptions of 35 major points of interest in the city. You can re-live history of Skagway as gateway to the Klondike gold rush by visiting historic hotels, saloons, etc. The city is colorful, clean, friendly, and inviting with shopping, restaurants, saloons, historic areas, museums, etc.
It’s easy to walk with no hills to climb, nor steep streets. There’s a SMART Bus system to travel throughout the city at $ 5 per day. There’s also a narrated streetcar tour to see everything in the city.
The scenery, mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests are spectacular. There are several hiking trails not far from the cruise ships.
Click here to download (4.1 MB) Skagway-11-19-17.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Skagway Alaska Cruise Port Guide Part 2 of 3: United States
This guide describes three options to tour from Skagway Port:
- A 2-hour White Pass Train ride from Skagway through the historic, gorgeous mountain pass to Fraser, Canada.
- A 6-hour bus tour from Fraser to the Yukon Territory with stops at Emerald Lake, Caribou Crossing Trading Post, Carcross Native Village, and a scenic drive along Klondike Highway through the mountains to Skagway.
- Renting a car in Skagway to drive the same scenic route as the 6-hour bus tour. A rental car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and stop where you chose such as Carcross Desert where the bus tours do not stop. A rental car can be inexpensive if the cost is shared by 4 or 6 passengers.
Click here to download (4.6 MB) SkagwayPart2_12-12-17.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Skagway, Haines Alaska Cruise Port Guide Part 3 of 3: United States
- Haines is “a nature lover’s paradise” with beautiful mountains, valleys, lush rain forests, lakes, and rivers with abundant wildlife including fish, whales, seals, sea lions, otters, porcupines, fox, moose, bear, heron, swans, and the largest collection of bald eagles in the world.
- The Tlingit Indians migrated to Haines. Their culture, art and craftsmanship are preserved at art galleries, museums, culture centers, and crafts shops.
- The guide cites the best sources of information to help you choose and plan your excursion for your priorities. I’ve included a walking tour of the city, information on renting a car, and using the shuttle. I describe the fast ferry between Haines and Skagway and a jet boat tour of the Chilkat river where we saw eagles and bear.
Click here to download (4.1 MB) skagway-hainespart3_1-16-18.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port Guide: United States
There are many excellent tours by land, sea, and air to view the most scenic natural areas and visit popular tourist sites. Ketchikan is the ideal port for independent travel. Most downtown tourist sites are within a 1600 x 1600 foot area next to the ships. It's an easy walk, and there's a FREE Salmon Run bus that circles between the ships and ALL downtown tourist sites. For sites outside the city, you can use the public bus from the cruise ships to ALL tourist sites in the Ketchikan Area, take a taxi, or rent a car. It couldn't be easier.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Ketchikan-02-26-2014.pdf Maps for hiking trails KetchikanTrailsGuide
Return to List of Guides
There are many excellent tours by land, sea, and air to view the most scenic natural areas and visit popular tourist sites. Ketchikan is the ideal port for independent travel. Most downtown tourist sites are within a 1600 x 1600 foot area next to the ships. It's an easy walk, and there's a FREE Salmon Run bus that circles between the ships and ALL downtown tourist sites. For sites outside the city, you can use the public bus from the cruise ships to ALL tourist sites in the Ketchikan Area, take a taxi, or rent a car. It couldn't be easier.
Click here to download (3.5 MB) Ketchikan-02-26-2014.pdf Maps for hiking trails KetchikanTrailsGuide
Return to List of Guides
Toms Los Angeles & Long Beach California Cruise Port Guide: United States
There are two cruise ports approximately 25 miles from the Los Angeles Airport; namely, the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro and the Carnival Corporation Cruise Terminal in Long Beach. Most travelers fly to Los Angeles a day or two before their cruise. This raises issues of where to book a hotel, how to find a rental car at the airport that offers drop-off near the cruise port, how to estimate taxi fares, and what to see and do in Southern California. These issues are covered in the guide.
Click here to download (2.9 MB) LosAngeles-01-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
There are two cruise ports approximately 25 miles from the Los Angeles Airport; namely, the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro and the Carnival Corporation Cruise Terminal in Long Beach. Most travelers fly to Los Angeles a day or two before their cruise. This raises issues of where to book a hotel, how to find a rental car at the airport that offers drop-off near the cruise port, how to estimate taxi fares, and what to see and do in Southern California. These issues are covered in the guide.
Click here to download (2.9 MB) LosAngeles-01-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Joshua Tree California National Park Rental Car Driving Tour Guide: United States
It's fun to "discover" scenic views as you drive through a park, but it would be helpful to know what there is to see, and where to drive, before you visit the park. This Scenic Driving Tour Guide describes points of interest using photos, descriptive text, maps, and GPS coordinates to pinpoint 69 locations in Joshua Tree National Park. With this guide, you can plot a driving route on Google maps and "test drive" that route on your computer using Google street level photos. This will help you plan where to go and spend your time in this huge park that covers 1,234 sq. mi.
Click here to download (4.5 MB) JoshuaTreePk-01-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
It's fun to "discover" scenic views as you drive through a park, but it would be helpful to know what there is to see, and where to drive, before you visit the park. This Scenic Driving Tour Guide describes points of interest using photos, descriptive text, maps, and GPS coordinates to pinpoint 69 locations in Joshua Tree National Park. With this guide, you can plot a driving route on Google maps and "test drive" that route on your computer using Google street level photos. This will help you plan where to go and spend your time in this huge park that covers 1,234 sq. mi.
Click here to download (4.5 MB) JoshuaTreePk-01-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Florida Cruise Port Guide: United States
Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, is the third largest port in the world. It has 12 passenger terminals for cruise ships! The port is only 2 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). This guide uses excerpts from the excellent websites by Broward County Florida. One of the most important maps in the guide shows wine stores within a mile of the port. Note: there is no place to store luggage at the cruise port. If you have extra time before or after embarkation or debarkation, consider a pre- or post- cruise tour of Ft. Lauderdale with your luggage stored on the bus.
Click here to download (1.7 MB) FtLauderdale-12-31-2011.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, is the third largest port in the world. It has 12 passenger terminals for cruise ships! The port is only 2 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). This guide uses excerpts from the excellent websites by Broward County Florida. One of the most important maps in the guide shows wine stores within a mile of the port. Note: there is no place to store luggage at the cruise port. If you have extra time before or after embarkation or debarkation, consider a pre- or post- cruise tour of Ft. Lauderdale with your luggage stored on the bus.
Click here to download (1.7 MB) FtLauderdale-12-31-2011.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Toms Bar Harbor Maine Cruise Port Guide + Walking Tours: United States
Bar Harbor is on Mount Desert Island which is judged one of the most beautiful islands in the world for its pristine forests, mountains, lakes, coves, and rugged Atlantic coastline. About 43% of the island is occupied by Acadia National Park. The cruise ship tender will drop you off next to the tourist office. It's a short walk around the town to visit tourist sites, shop, and find a restaurant for great seafood. There are many options for self-guided touring by land tours, boat tours, and there are activities for the sports enthusiast including kayaking, cycling, hiking, and air plane tours. PLAN AHEAD on how to spend your time in port.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) BarHarborMaine-08-21-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Bar Harbor is on Mount Desert Island which is judged one of the most beautiful islands in the world for its pristine forests, mountains, lakes, coves, and rugged Atlantic coastline. About 43% of the island is occupied by Acadia National Park. The cruise ship tender will drop you off next to the tourist office. It's a short walk around the town to visit tourist sites, shop, and find a restaurant for great seafood. There are many options for self-guided touring by land tours, boat tours, and there are activities for the sports enthusiast including kayaking, cycling, hiking, and air plane tours. PLAN AHEAD on how to spend your time in port.
Click here to download (3.6 MB) BarHarborMaine-08-21-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Boston Massachusetts Cruise Port Guide: United States
Boston is ideally suited for self-guided touring by walking, trolley tours, and public transit. It's easy to find your way around. The Freedom Trail is marked with brick and painted lines showing the route to sixteen historic sites. This guide covers 26 popular tourist sites in Boston plus many sites in the Lexington and Concord area. It's not possible to visit all these sites in the limited time a ship is in port. Plan ahead to prioritize how you will spend your time. You'll love Boston.
Click here to download (5.2 MB) Boston-04-21-2013.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Boston is ideally suited for self-guided touring by walking, trolley tours, and public transit. It's easy to find your way around. The Freedom Trail is marked with brick and painted lines showing the route to sixteen historic sites. This guide covers 26 popular tourist sites in Boston plus many sites in the Lexington and Concord area. It's not possible to visit all these sites in the limited time a ship is in port. Plan ahead to prioritize how you will spend your time. You'll love Boston.
Click here to download (5.2 MB) Boston-04-21-2013.pdf_
Return to List of Guides
Toms Brooklyn, Manhattan New York, Bayonne New Jersey Cruise Port Guide: United States - 2015
This guide covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Cape Liberty Cruise Ports. It includes links to download Visitor Guides and FREE pdf maps for tourist sites, the HopOn bus, public transit and bike routes. Travel options to/from the cruise terminals are covered in detail.
Click here to download (4.1 MB) NewYork-01-30-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
This guide covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Cape Liberty Cruise Ports. It includes links to download Visitor Guides and FREE pdf maps for tourist sites, the HopOn bus, public transit and bike routes. Travel options to/from the cruise terminals are covered in detail.
Click here to download (4.1 MB) NewYork-01-30-2015.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms Newport Rhode Island Cruise Port Guide: United States
The cruise ship tender dock is in the heart of the "Old Quarter." It's a short walk to shops, restaurants, historic sites, and the Bus Station/Visitor Center. You can spend all day in the scenic area near the harbor, but most people take Bus #67 to ride around, stop to walk around, and/or tour the mansions. There is also a Cliff Walk National Historic Trail. Wear comfortable walking shoes to visit this area.
Click here to download (2.1 MB) Newport-Rhode-Island-08-25-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
The cruise ship tender dock is in the heart of the "Old Quarter." It's a short walk to shops, restaurants, historic sites, and the Bus Station/Visitor Center. You can spend all day in the scenic area near the harbor, but most people take Bus #67 to ride around, stop to walk around, and/or tour the mansions. There is also a Cliff Walk National Historic Trail. Wear comfortable walking shoes to visit this area.
Click here to download (2.1 MB) Newport-Rhode-Island-08-25-2013.pdf
Return to List of Guides
Toms St Thomas & St John US Virgin Islands Cruise Port Guide: United States
This guide describes the arrival points on St Thomas via airplane, cruise ship, or ferry boat. I've included extensive maps and GPS coordinates showing location of tourist sites and descriptions of things to see and do. The guide includes travel to St John by ferry and descriptions of the most popular sites on that island.
Click here to download (3.2 MB) StThomas-USVI-12-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
This guide describes the arrival points on St Thomas via airplane, cruise ship, or ferry boat. I've included extensive maps and GPS coordinates showing location of tourist sites and descriptions of things to see and do. The guide includes travel to St John by ferry and descriptions of the most popular sites on that island.
Click here to download (3.2 MB) StThomas-USVI-12-30-2014.pdf
Return to List of Guides
© Copyright 2021 Thomas Sheridan www.TomsPortGuides.com All rights reserved.