Cruise Ship Excursions – Do you really have a choice?

A question I get asked a lot is – Do I have to book the Ships excursions or can I find my own?

Its a good question and it doesn’t have an easy answer. It all depends – not just on circumstances but also on the ports of call and the type of Guest really.

Many cruises I have been on have really homed in on passengers to take their excursion as its the only ones to guarantee you back to the ship, right? Well no actually.

If you have travelled a few times on your own- not with a Tour operator then you will be confident enough to venture out on your own.

Ships give a clear time each day when to be back on board for so the day is yours to do as you please.

There are a few independent operators out there offering excursions with a guarantee to get you back to the ship on time or, they will be responsible for getting you to the next port of call and failing that  will fly you home.

I have cruised many times and taken both types of excursions. I can honestly say that independent trips have proved more suitable for me. We like sometimes to just head into town and other days when walking into town isn’t an option, we have booked independent tours.

Cruise Ships usually only allow their own tour coaches at the sides of the ship. If you have booked another company then please be prepared to walk a bit further to the edge of the port normally to meet your guide.

I have had it in ports where we have been escorted onto a shuttle bus that has taken us to the port entrance where our guide was there to greet us.

The guide was a local man and very knowledgeable on the area we were visiting. He made it clear from the start that we had to stick to a time schedule and this was decided on the day and traffic conditions. We were clearly told that IF we weren’t at the meeting point at the time arranged, then they WOULD go without us.

Independent excursion companies will even offer private tours that if you are a family or group, would be a cheaper option and would take far more in that sat on a large coach.

So think on next time you want to experience a Flamenco show, Gondola ride or Zip lining in the Caribbean, give it a try and see what you think. You may save and see far more!

Until next time

Di x