Cruising 101, Part 5: Plan Your Own Cruise Excursions
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
This blog series is for travelers who are beginners to cruising.
10 tips for Planning Your
Own Cruise Excursion(s) This information is based on my personal experiences and research.
If you are first time cruiser, you may get sticker shock when you see what is not included in your fare and how much the extras cost. One of those costs is the excursions: activities that you do while in port. Cruise lines charge extra for excursions and you may be led to believe that they are mandatory (they are not) . Check out my tips below.
Bonus tip: You don’t have to get off the ship! Check out the newsletter for the day and enjoy the peace and quiet, along with available deck chairs at the pool. There will still be activities, the amenities, such as the ropes course, the water slides, the rock wall, the race track and even the arcade will be wide open. Extra bonus tip: Be aware of how much time you have. If you have a long time (6 hours or more), get off and explore the town, come back to the ship to eat lunch and then get off again to catch a cab to a great free public beach. You'll save money on a meal and the cab will be glad to point out important sites along the way.
Extra extra bonus tip: if you are exploring on your own, and if you get back late, the ship will leave you! Have a credit card with enough money to fly yourself either home or to the next port.
Extra Extra Extra bonus tip: Pay attention to how many ships are in port when you come in. This means certain areas will be crowded and traffic near the cruise terminal may be heavy. This will cut into your time in getting back to the ship.
Here are my top tips: 1. You do not have to buy the ship’s excursions but there are some advantages: they have already researched reputable and reliable companies, they're guaranteed not to leave you behind (the ship will wait for you) and it’s easier for the more exotic day trips, like parasailing, zip-lining and ATVs. The companies want your business and since the pandemic, have done even better in providing the services. The companies are not owned by the cruise lines. But, the cruise lines will listen to your concerns and their reputation is on the line if they mess up. We have not had any issues with any excursions and tours since the pandemic and they have been safe, and honest in what they will provide. Some smaller tours have some flexibility with time and perhaps allowing the guests to make some small adjustments in the tour (like skipping yet another "souvenir" stand).
2. Stop at the port information desk on shore when you disembark. They have maps and brochures. They will also guide you to the more reliable excursion vendors. Some of the port information desks are actually run by that country's department of tourism. Tour companies want to stay in good with them and they want the privilege of leaving their brochures there, so they will do the best they can for your excursion. The tour companies also know what ships are in port that day, when you have to be back on board and what excursion will be best for the time you have. The companies that hound you when you first get off the ship may cost more. Then, there will be more as you walk out of the cruise terminal into town. You can put your spidey senses on: some of them may not be reliable or even safe. The solution: vet your own companies if you plan to create your own excursion, stick with the cruise line excursions or use the companies recommended by the tourism booth. 3. Explore your options about ports before your cruise (don’t waste precious data while onboard if you bought the internet package). Travel guidebooks that combine several ports in one book are economical (hard copy or electronic) and are also a wealth of information. If this is the first time visiting this port, don't just rely on the cruise excursions for touring. Read the descriptions, do your own research and make an informed decision.
4. Don’t be afraid to rent a car and explore in some countries. Check with your insurance company to see if you are covered. Stick with well-known companies and reserve before you set sail. Don’t waste your mobile phone data using the GPS, use a real map (the rental companies will give you one). And don't forget to gas up before you return the car. You might want to get a some local currency if you don't want to swipe your credit card at a foreign gas pump. Click our link above for our article about renting a car when you travel.
5. The above tip being said, be aware of which countries drive English style and which drive American style. Sometimes you get a left-hand drive car, sometimes not. Sometimes the roads are well paved, sometimes not. Stick to the main highways and stay safe.
6. Many places have public transportation. When a ship is in port, buses might be available when you dock. Tell the driver where you want to go and when you need to be back onboard. He or she will tell you what time you should catch the bus back. Take an earlier bus just to be safe (remember the tip about getting left behind). Traffic is a serious concern in busy months at busy ports, so pay attention when a bus driver tells you what time to catch the bus. If you are docking at a major city, you have even more options.
7. For the less ambitious, a cab or van will take you to a location and will pick you up at an agreed time. Get a price before you get in, don’t be afraid to bargain. A cab to a beach will probably run you half of the price of the cruise excursion price. Hiring a van for a group can be more economical: they'll give you a tour and take you to a local beach. Settle on the round trip price before you get in and make sure it includes a guarantee that they will return for you. You won't have to even look far for this transportation: they will be waiting for you when you disembark. 8. You can arrange your own excursion with a company in advance from home. However, do your research. Be careful of trusting the reviews. And remember it will be your responsibility to get back to the ship on time!!
9. Some sightseeing that you can do on your own are museums, shopping, public beaches (the local cabbies will know which ones are safe for tourists), or even day passes at resorts (Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas, for example). In fact, many cruise terminals are now putting in more cultural experiences right near the cruise terminal so that everything is in walking distance: Nassau, Bahamas; Costa Maya, Mexico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, New York City, Portland, Maine; Bar Harbor, Maine; Barcelona, Spain; Kotor, Montenegro; Aruba; Croatia; Fira, Santorini, Greece; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Royal Dockyard, Bermuda; for example. Other terminals have the fun just a short cab ride away (easy to get back to): Freeport, Bahamas; Miami, Florida; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Mykonos, Greece. Look at map app before you sail to see what is within walking distance (besides shopping and restaurants).
10. The more you visit a port, the more familiar and safer you will feel. Talk to experienced cruisers. Many haven’t bought an excursion in years, yet they have explored everywhere.
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