Tour Guides Remembered - how cruise lines influence tour companies to use specific guides for their passengers

Sometimes who shows you is more memorable than what you saw

"Oooh la la! Welcome to Provence. Too bad you have to sail away so soon. We could have lunch on the Prince's yacht, spend the afternoon in the casinos, or just bask in the sun. But you Americans are always in such a rush!" So, Danielle chided us on our tour of Cotes de Provence. She advised us on what to buy and which shops have the best merchandise in St. Paul de Vence. We spent hours strolling through narrow stone streets, soaking up the atmosphere.

Of course, we remember the day, but perhaps most remarkable was Danielle. Her charming French accent, phrases, mannerisms, and vivaciousness made her the main event for us. Of all the shore excursions during our Windstar cruise of the Ligurian Sea, the day in Cotes de Provence was most memorable. So outstanding, we have returned to retrace our steps and experiences. Invariably, it includes thoughts of Danielle.

It may be true that the tour guide is the most important element of the tour. Regardless of locale, the guide can make it fun, fascinating, or just factual.

Although cruise lines choose reputable and reliable tour companies, they usually can't pick the individual guides. Ship lines do, however, offer feedback to the tour companies, especially if there are a number of complaints on the cruise evaluation forms. Poor reports can lead to a change in companies. Princess Cruises has recently instituted an awards program for shore-excursion companies, setting guidelines and principles to extend shipboard courtesy and hospitality to guests' shore experiences.

Hotel barges on European waterways often provide guides--usually attractive, knowledgeable young people. Continental Waterways takes the worry out of touring France, with all-inclusive vacations on luxurious hotel-like river barges including guided exploration of the countryside. We visited famous abbeys, chateaux, and museums, accompanied by a charming English-speaking guide the entire time. She pointed out places, recounted historic tales, and encouraged us to learn French. Taking care of us, she would suggest, "Dress like an onion. Wear layers to peel as the day warms."

On our six-day cruise around Paris along the Seine on the barge Anacoluthe, we also learned about our worldly guide. Born and raised in Cognac, France, Severine Seguin became an exchange student as a teenager, staying with a family in Alabama. Back in France, she studied international business and worked at a travel agency before spending four years as a river-barge guide. During tours, Severine would act as our overall guide, but when we arrived at a site, such as the Palace of Versailles, a resident docent with specific knowledge would lead us through.

Some tour leaders understand our customs, like Severine, but some don't. During a pre-cruise weekend in Istanbul on a Radisson Diamond Mediterranean sailing, our guide explained, "Turkyie is our country, turkey is what Americans eat New Year's Eve!"

During our China cruise on the Royal Princess, we toured Beijing for three days. Our tour guide had studied in the United States, and his English pronunciation was excellent. But when it came to saying farewell, he blew it, wishing us all, "Welfare!"

We lucked out in Jamaica. Starting from Montego Bay, or Mobay as the locals call it, we drove east along the north shore to visit Rose Hall, Good Hope, and Greenwood Great Houses. Later, we gently floated down the Martha Brea river on a bamboo raft. As we traveled the long stretches of highway between points of interest, our guide Raphaelita asked, "What would you like to know about Jamaica?" We piped up, "Tell us about the music."

That really hit a responsive chord. She punctuated the rest of her presentation of Jamaica's history with island music. Between the Spanish and the English, we learned about Bob Marley. She spent an hour relating his life, as we became reggae converts while she played her tapes on the bus sound system. In Mobay, Raphaelita took us to a record shop where we bought Marley's Songs Of Freedom (Island Records; TGCBX 1:512 280-2; 4-CD set). A day to remember!

In Aruba, we were fortunate to have a school teacher as our tour guide during summer vacation. Gwen helped us learn a few words in Papiamento, where "bonbini" means welcome.

Some tour guides have catch phrases that grab your attention. So it was with Charles of St. Thomas, who liked to say, "You will discover." At Bluebeard's Castle he pointed, "Over there you will discover an iguana perched above the doorway." And after delivering a truism about life on the island, he underlined with, "And that's the way it was and that's the way it is!"

Anthony of Barbados, who conducted a tour of Bridgetown and environs, also caught our ear with his "you are free" phrase. "You are free to ask any questions. My name is Anthony--you are free to call me Tony!"

When the serious touring is over, invariably there is shopping. In Alaska all stops include a gift shop! In Trinidad, we were brought to a trinket shop--most likely a relative's store. If the guide inspires confidence, if the shop appears reputable, and the merchandise and price appeal to you, this might be an opportunity to buy a local craft item or an important gift. But as always, you, the buyer, must beware.

Although you may not need cash onboard ship, it's a good idea to bring dollars when touring, as you may wish to tip the guide and bus driver. If so, how much? This remains a personal choice. But when the driver stops briefly at scenic points for a photograph, rather than forcing a "grab shot" through the window of a moving bus, or the guide offers special insights or makes us feel genuinely welcome, that's when we believe a gratuity is appropriate.

Our tour of Trondheim, Norway, was notable for no stops. Our inhospitable guide (to be nameless) informed us of historic sites as we whizzed by, saying, "You must return here on your own." On the other hand, Michelle, our guide during a wine tour in southern France, volunteered her grandmother's recipe for the local classic, ratatouille.

In general, these gratuity suggestions will serve you well. For a brief city tour, guides usually receive three to five dollars per couple, to be shared by the guide and driver. That figure could rise to $10 for an exceptional experience on a full-day bus tour.

The real artists among tour guides are not only entertainers and educators, but ambassadors, having the knack for making foreign visitors comfortable. After only a few hours, they can establish bonds of friendship.

COPYRIGHT 2001 World Publishing, Co. (Illinois)
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group