Excursions…usually book with the cruise line? Maybe it’s time for a change.

The Mediterranean is one of my favourite cruise destinations.  Whether you choose western or eastern, there are so many ports to choose from all with so much to offer, all so unique. I must admit when I go off on a cruise I tend to shy away from booking any of the cruise lines own organised excursions. The tours often look fantastic but I think that alot of the time they are shall we say overpriced. I tend to go off and explore myself and don’t get me wrong I love doing it this way but is there another way to book your excursions and do the tours that you really want to do on your cruise and save money?

I have recently been looking at one of the companies we recommend for shore excursions. They offer an alternative to booking your tours with the cruise line direct and I for one think they are great value and not only that they come with all the guarantees the cruise lines offer.

A popular way of booking your excursions is to choose a package, 3 or 4 or even more excursions booked together for your cruise. You can choose from a wide selection in each port, put them together and save even more money by booking them this way.

Sound good? Yes I thought so too. Take a look at this package and see what you think.  This is an example of a 3 p0rt shore excursion package to suit a 7 night med cruise on board P&O’s Ventura this summer. Explore Corfu, Rome and Corsica.

Corfu–Corfu Flavours & Sights – this excursion will give you a chance to see the pretty Corfu countryside and also visit Corfu town itself. A visit to a distillery will be included in the excursion and you will be able to buy some of the famous liqueur produced here. As you can see from the photos there are some amazing views of the Ionian Sea and I’m sure you’ll be able to take some  fantastic photos to show everyone at home. The second part of the trip will take you to Corfu town itself where you can enjoy what this pretty Greek town has to offer.

Civitavecchia– Rome Highlights- when you visit Rome there is always so much to see and do. One of the these excursions will give you the chance to get the best out of your time there.  You will be able to visit the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, St Peters Square and of course the not to be missed the Colosseum. This tour is around 8 hours in total and gives you the chance to pack in as much as possible.

Ajaccio–Corsica Mountains & Train – I have been told Corsica is a really beautiful place to visit and a port not to be missed, I have yet to visit on a cruise but I’m sure I will get there. This excursion includes a 40 minute train ride which is great way to see the mountain sights and countryside. Again a perfect chance to take photos. There is a real contrast of country side and mountains scenery here and this excursions allows you to see it all. You will also be able to visit Ajaccio town and spend time relaxing and enjoying this pretty town.

This package of 3 excursions costs £133 for an adult and half price for a child. I think this is excellent value and after looking at lots of the excursion packages there is definately something to suit everyone. This package is just one of the examples, take a look and you will be amazed at the huge choice. There are 1000’s of excursions offered in 100’s of ports.

I know from talking to my customers about excursions, the idea of booking them with someone other than the cruise line is usually surrounded by lots of concerns. What if we don’t get back in time for the ship? What if I have booked an excursion and the ship is unable to dock at that port? Will the guides speak English?

No need to worry, here are the guarantees that give you peace of mind in booking these excursions…a guarantee to get you back to your ship in time, tours guides who speak your language, all excursions are fully insured, full refund if the ship doesn’t dock at the destination, convenient collection points and members of ABTA.

So what do you think? How do you book your cruise excursions?

Have you always booked through the cruise line? Well if your answer is yes, maybe it’s time to change. Get in touch and find out more, I would love as always to hear from you.