So you have finally decided on that perfect cruise, and have booked that perfect cruise. Now, the next thing to do…research shore excursions!
To me this is the most fun part of a cruise vacation. There are so many options for each and every port of call which is exciting, but can make it easy to get overwhelmed.
A question I hear quite a bit is,”Should I reserve my excursions through the cruise line or are independent tour companies okay?”
Well there are benefits to both.
- Booking directly with the cruise line is typically more expensive, however, you do have the peace of mind that the ship will wait for you if the excursion runs late. The ship has a set departure time, if you don’t show up they wait as long as possible but will ultimately leave! So you could be stuck if your tour bus gets a flat on the way back, for example.
- If you have purchased a cruise line tour, they know your whereabouts and are in communication with the ship so they will not think you just loved the country so much you decided to stay
.
- Another benefit, the cruise line will confirm that all vendors used for shore excursions have up-to-date equipment and the proper insurance.
- Cruise lines give you the option to book in advance OR onboard the ship. I must say, my suggestion is if there is an excursion that will make or break your vacation you should absolutely purchase and confirm it ahead of time so you don’t run the risk of it closing before you get onboard. If you are up in the air then wait until you get on the ship and speak with the very knowledgeable Shore Excursions Desk. These agents can point you in the right direction on what tour would be perfect for you.
- Depending on the cruise line you will have to pay for the excursion when you reserve it, or some will charge it to your onboard account. Each cruise line is different, so check with your cruise guide.
- TIP: If you plan to visit the Atlantis Resort in Nassau, purchase this excursion in advance. It is capacity controlled and sells out quickly.
These are HUGE benefits for booking your shore excursions direct, however, there are a few compelling reasons to search and book with independent shore excursion vendors.
- If purchasing shore excursions separate from the cruise lines you will most likely spend less and the tour will be a much smaller group, providing a more intimate and rewarding experience. Many times they even use the same suppliers as the cruise line.
- For me, it depends on the actual port of call whether or not I feel comfortable booking an excursion separate from the cruise line.
- For example, your are required to provide a visa if you are porting in Russia and if you book a shore excursion with the cruise line they provide a blanket visa so you do not have to acquire that visa on your own prior to your departure. If you decide to venture out in Russia on your own for the day, just make sure you have a visa or you will not be allowed off the ship.
- Another factor could be if the port of call has facilities such as transportation, restaurants and so on, near the cruise terminal. If there is not much near the cruise terminal and you have to travel far to reach an excursion’s destination, I would typically book direct with the cruise line as again, you don’t want to be late getting back. The further away–the greater the risk. But, if the boat docks right in the middle of a large city I might opt to book with an independent vendor or just venture out on my own, there will be plenty to do right near the port.
Ask your cruise guide what they suggest depending on your destination, we can help steer you in the right direction and save you lots of time! This is what we’re here for and LOVE to do!
Honestly, my best piece of advice is have FUN researching your excursions. If you get frustrated with the options, step away from it for a day or two. This is going to be the BEST part of your trip, so relax, enjoy and ALWAYS ask your cruise guide if you feel like you’re in over your head.
**Way to Save: Book with CruiseNow.com and Receive 10% Off your Shore Excursions!**
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