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Sometimes an excursion will take you to sites within walking distance of your cruise; on other occasions, they might take you on a day trip to a nearby city. Instead of spending hours reading up on a port, crafting the perfect eight-hour activity schedule or researching local tour guides, you can simply choose from a list of curated tour options. One drawback to booking shore excursions yourself is the need to have lots of cash on hand. Many independent vendors require cash payment and many of the world's ports-of-call might require local currency.
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If you are taking a tour that includes a dinner show or entertainment, there may be restrictions regarding the use of flash photography and videotaping during the performance. If you're a first-time cruiser, it can be helpful to have a few hacks to make your shore excursion experience amazing. Keep these tips in mind when booking, preparing for and embarking on your tour.
How much do shore excursions cost?
While you're free to explore any port on your own, many cruisers opt for organized excursions for their knowledgeable guides, access to restricted locations and unmatched convenience. Most excursions pick you up at the pier and drop you back off at the ship so you don't have to worry about transportation at port - or about arriving late and missing your ship. Start by browsing our destination to learn about their ports of call and the most popular things to do in each, or contact our experienced cruise consultants for help selecting the best excursions for you. Explore the possibilities for shore excursions on your next cruise below. Remember that shore excursions look different in different parts of the world.
When it comes to tours, weaving a good story is vital - Seatrade Cruise News
When it comes to tours, weaving a good story is vital.
Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:40:56 GMT [source]
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The benefits of booking a shore excursion through your cruise ship are many. You can skip the hassle of arranging your own onshore activities, you'll know the tour provider has been vetted by the cruise line and is licensed and reputable. The ship also won't leave until all of its tour buses have returned -- even the tardy ones. And you might meet shipmates whose company you'll enjoy back on the ship. While luxury lines, river cruises, small coastal ships, expedition ships and even some premium cruise lines include some shore excursions in their fares.
Should I tip my shore excursion guide?
Shore excursions may be easily booked online in advance of sailing on the book shore excursions page. If tour details are not yet finalized, please check again closer to your departure date. Shore excursions may be booked and prepaid online up to three days before sailing. Your Digital Tour Tickets will be available under My Account in Navigator.
BOOK A SHORE EXCURSION
Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers. Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities. Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.
Guided Excursions vs. Free Time:
If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for. For those looking for a more personalized adventure, there’s Private Journeys. Our Destination Insiders leverage extensive knowledge and years of travel expertise to hand craft one-of-a-kind private tours with you in mind. You can customize an existing tour that catches your eye, or work with an Insider to create an exclusive tour experience that’s completely unique to you or a small group. Celebrating a special occasion, chasing a lifelong dream, or looking for ways to rediscover a favorite destination? If you had a problem with a tour you booked independently, you can report the issue directly to the tour company or write reviews of the excursion on Cruise Critic or TripAdvisor.
How do I book a ship-sponsored shore excursion?
With few exceptions, you are free to walk off the cruise ship and do your own thing. However, if you prefer guides or easy transportation, a shore excursion is probably for you. To give you the skills to make the most of your days in port, read on for our advice on what to expect from shore excursions and maximize the fun on your cruise vacation. If you're still unsure, check with someone at your cruise line before booking. Note that not all excursions -- even bus tours -- are wheelchair accessible.
First-Timers' Guide to Shore Excursions
A shore excursion is a group tour or activity aimed at cruise travelers who can only spend a limited time in each port they're visiting on their itinerary. The knowledge and efficiency of tour operators vary, and some tour offerings are simply duds. You'll also pay a premium for letting the cruise line arrange your day. Ship-arranged excursions also tend to have broad appeal, so if you're interests in a given port are more specific or niche, you may want something outside of the cruise line's offerings. Prices can range from as little as $40 per person to hundreds -- or even thousands -- of dollars, depending on what's included or how exclusive the experience is.
Their reputation and livelihood depend on getting passengers back on time. Help preserve the destination and support the local community on tours that emphasize local history, culture and environment. The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date.
Say, something should go array on your excursion and you can't get back to the boat before departure. Well, if you book your trip through the cruise line, you're guaranteed not to be left if the trip is delayed. But if you make your own arrangements, you run the risk of missing the boat should something go off schedule. To avoid this, book 1/2 day excursions and leave yourself plenty of time on the backend for delays. If it's a snorkeling trip the next bay over, you can probably catch a cab ride back if a mishap arises.
Local tour operators and cab drivers do not provide child car seats or child restraints. Most vehicles do have seat belts, but you should check your individual vehicle when you board. If a child seat is important, it is your responsibility to bring it and properly fit it in the vehicle. Most ships have a shore excursion team through which you can get detailed information about the available tours and purchase excursions. Several lines do offer tours specifically geared toward children and teens; other excursions have age, height or weight restrictions that might rule out younger cruisers. You can disembark and explore each port on your own if you'd like -- on foot or by cab, public transit or rental car.
In the very rare event that your tour is late and the ship must leave, we will arrange at our expense to get you to the next port of call. With independently booked tours, you are responsible for rejoining the ship at the next port of call. If a tour is waitlisted and space becomes available, an email notification will be sent to you at which time you will have 72 hours to book and confirm the tour. Many tours have limited availability, and booking tours in advance reduces the chance of disappointment. Tours are booked and paid with a credit card and a confirmation will be sent to your email address.
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