We booked your tour after reading the great reviews on trip advisor and expedia and felt it would cover everything we wanted to see in LA during our one day stop as part of a cruise. (Advice if traveling with Princess book their tour as other passageners raved about it !)
When we arrived at the cruise terminal, John who was very courteous, welcoming, engaging greeted us. We were however not booked on his bus but on Alberto’s and after he arrive 20 minutes late was not apologetic. Alberto informed use we would not visit the observatory as the roads are shut ! However we later discovered this was an out right lie and he clearly could not be bothered to drive us there. We know this as on returning to the ship we spoke to several people on John’s bus who explained that they had been to the Observatory! So we had to view the Hollywood sign from a shopping mall platform off of Hollywood walk of fame.
The running commentary soon began to turn sour… Alberto was clearly very well informed about films and filming locations, which was of interest. Alberto was keen to point out classic cars, which was relevant to the history of LA. However we had not travelled half way around the world to hear about Fords decision to only make SUV’s and why he didn’t feel the new SUV for Porsche and so and so etc.…. aren’t worth the money!!!! This theme continued for the rest of the day along with complaining about the amount of holiday you get in America and his finances, his new car all intertwined with conversation’s about his wife.
The diner was a nice place to stop and a good landmark, which was the highlight of a bad day! But this could also be due to the good company of the other passengers on the bus.
We went to Venice beach I have never been to somewhere so run down, unhygienic, smelly and I felt unsafe. As for the iconic muscle beach, I have seen metal in better condition in a scarp yard! After a brief walk around we returned to the bus early.
I have never posted a positive or negative report on trip advisor before and have travelled significantly. Our tour returned to the ship at 4.00pm, which was earlier than expected especially when considering we left late and that Johns’ bus returned at 6.00 2hrs later than ours, I feel cheated and upset.
I feel this has been a very negative experience and although it was clear Alberto was knowledgeable about LA (and he may just have been having a bad/ off day) it was to our loss and expense. This was a once in a lifetime holiday/ opportunity/ experience that can never be repeated, and I want to ensure you’re aware of our disappointment and the impact your tours will have on people. We felt CHEATED and LIED too.
We contact Sun seekers direct but have had no response
Відповідь від хоста
Jul 2022
Thank you for making the time and effort to share your comments concerning your experience with us. First, I am concerned about your last comment indicating you contacted Sunseekers direct but have had no response. I have no record of that contact and assure your that I am very concerned with your saying your felt cheated and lied to. That is VERY disturbing to me. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with honest and good service. The tour was scheduled to go from 9 to 4. John returning after 6 was exceptional. I asked him about it and apparently there were traffic issues that he encountered. Alberto was able to by-pass those conditions. We try to adjust our commentaries to fit the interests of the passengers. Apparently, we failed in that effort with you. With respect to Venice, yes, it is not very clean or attractive. We stop there due to frequent requests from our guests. We cannot do much with how good the "metal" at muscle beach is. I am very sorry that you had such a bad experience. I do, however, thank you for taking the time to complete this form and allowing me to know of the issues you presented.