A Life on the Ocean Wave

This week an enquiry came in for a family who will be visiting Edinburgh as part of a cruise itinerary. I had a few of these last year, most around August and all were enjoyable. Depending on the size of the ship, it might berth at Ocean Terminal or, if it is too big for there, South Queensferry. The August cruises, usually have a visit to the Military Tattoo as part of their Edinburgh visit, so I'd like to give some tips to anyone reading my blog and planning a tour of the city during the day.

The ship usually anchors at around 7.00am and passengers disembark on tenders around 8.30 am. Many have booked coach tours as part of their package but those who have not need to get to and from Edinburgh under their own steam, so to speak. There are shuttle buses but long lines might be encountered and so public transport is a more pracicable alternative. This takes time though and, depending on traffic conditions, it might be 10.00am before you get to Edinburgh.

Given that passengers have to get back to the ship by 4.00 pm to be fed and get to the Tattoo, This only leaves around 5 hours for a tour of the city. The point I am making is that a walking tour will take around 2 hours and at least an hour each for any of the attractions. Then there is any time taken for food and drink. Please take these factors into account when planning a walking tour with a guide. This is why I offer consultancy to any prospective clients to help them build their experience. It has taken Edinburgh around 5,000 years to get to where we are today, you can't see it all in an attenuated day. Bon voyage