There are many types of shore excursions. However, most are categorized into “Active” vs. “Sightseeing” Tours. Shore excursions cover all levels of activity and interest and vary greatly, depending on what's available in each destination.
Active tours could be anything from water sports to zip-lining, hiking, biking and dog-sledding. Activity-based trips might feature a day at the spa or beach, a pleasure cruise on a sailboat, wine or food tasting, a cultural performance or a visit to a museum.
Sightseeing excursions are typically bus tours that take passengers to the highlights and shopping areas of the port city or nearby destinations.
Remember that excursions look different in different parts of the world. In the Caribbean, you'll find options like snorkeling with sting rays or transportation to private beaches; European tours focus more on sightseeing -- for example, full-day tours from the port of Livorno to the museums and cathedrals of Florence or multi-hour lunches, featuring local produce, meats and wine at a farmhouse in Tuscany.
One main thing to keep in mind, when visiting destinations outside of the U.S., is do not assume they will have the same facilities, infrastructure and creature comforts you may be used to here. ASK.
How do you book these shore excursions? What are my options? What are the pros/cons?
1) Go on your own? BEWARE......BUT HAVE FUN!
Shore excursions are worth it if you want to go to attractions that are located far from the pier, want a guide to provide additional insights and information, or do an activity or adventure where gear is required (biking, diving, golf). However, if all you want to do is walk around town, shop or visit the beach, it could be much cheaper and less time-consuming to get a map and go it on your own. For example, when I was in Alaska, in Juneau, we just walked off the ship and followed our map to the local tram that picked up right next to the ship, however in Sitka, when my husband wanted to go deep sea fishing for Halibut but only had 6 hours, we booked the ship tour. I knew the risk I was taking in Juneau, was that if I didn't mind my time well, I would be left behind! While booking the Halibut trip was at least a third higher than booking it independently, My husband was picked up from the ship and already on the water, before I even got on a Tender to go sight see with my friends. He was on a boat only with 4 others and they caught a 200lb whopper, had a great time, then after he was back on ship the provider cleaned and shipped his fish back home for him. Impeccable service, with no time for error.
Hiring a private taxi is often less expensive than the ship's excursion, depending on the number of people you have in your group. When hiring a taxi, be sure to negotiate a flat rate -- based on your destination and the approximate amount of time you'll need -- before you depart. If you want narration in addition to transportation, choose a driver with a good command of English. Again be careful, ask on ship what taxi services are recommended, ask for ahead for local port authority. Most ports as with airports in the biggest cities that receive alot of tourists will have a regulated taxi system.
Hiring a taxi or local guide can be a wonderful way to explore -- but you can also end up getting fleeced. Consider finding a reputable guide or tour service online and booking in advance. If not, look for or ask about licensing, or go to a big hotel and ask the concierge to hail you a cab or recommend a guide. Otherwise, just use your best judgment and be on alert.
When renting a car in port, it's always best to reserve it before departure; rates are lower, and you know the agency won't be sold out. Check with your rental company to find out whether you'll need an International Driving Permit (available through AAA and other automobile associations) or if your driver's license will suffice.
However, in big cities, foreign ports, it may be wiser to take a shore excursions, to ensure you do not get lost, venture into unwanted areas, or end up in a embarrassing situation over some language or local cultural, religious or custom misunderstanding. Having a local guide to tell you about the cultural and historical significance of your destination can truly enrich your experience, and they often get access to areas and amenities that you could not. Another point to consider in this choice is that if you arrange your own exploration, you are completely on your own. The ship WILL NOT wait for you.
A good resource for recommendations is your ship’s purser’s office and crew; after all they go there every time they are at the destination. Ask your cruise director or shore excursion manager if they are aware of any crime risks for the areas you plan to explore ashore. It is a little-known fact that the courts have ruled (in Carlisle vs. Ulysses Line Ltd.) that cruise lines are legally obligated to inform their passengers of any known dangers "that are associated with places that passengers are reasonably expected to visit."
Research the destination in advance, call the local tourism office, and check the other reliable resources available. Have a plan B. Have a plan if you miss the ship!
2) Book your shore excursions through the cruise line
Cruise lines offer organized shore excursions on all ships for additional fees. These land-based trips run from sightseeing city tours to cultural events and active pursuits. The tours can be booked onboard at your ship's excursions desk or online before you depart on your trip.
The benefits of booking ship-sponsored tours are many. You can skip the hassle of arranging your own onshore activities, you'll know the tour provider is licensed and reputable, and the ship won't depart until all of its tour buses have returned -- even the tardy ones. You may also meet other shipmates whose company you'll enjoy back on the ship.
In addition, many times, especially in ports where your ship “tenders”, you’ll get priority to get off the ship before the other passengers. So this may maximize the amount of time you have in port for your excursions.
The ship booked excursions are usually highly marked up from what the actual tour operator charges. The quality and efficiency of tour operators varies from ship to ship, and some tour offerings are simply duds. Some of these shore excursions are run to maximize the number of clients on the excursion and can feel more like a super bus ride everywhere. They can consume a great deal of your time with time-consuming bus rides with drop-offs or extra stops shopping centers to tempt you into buying souvenirs from their supported stores.
So (and this goes for all your options!) Buyer Beware, ask about what is included in your trip, will they making any additional stops besides the main attraction you signed up for? How many people will be on this trip with you? How will you be getting to and from your destination? How much actual time will you have at your destination or activity?
Read shore excursion descriptions very carefully to understand exactly how your time will be spent on the tour. Add up how much time is spent on the bus, driving between attractions, and compare that to how much time is spent at each destination. If you are unsure, ask the shore excursion manager to describe the tour in detail. You may have to decide between spending short amounts of time in a variety of places and getting an in-depth tour of one area, while missing out on several others. Some tours involve strenuous treks in hot, humid climbs or long days with lots of walking. Be sure to pick tours that you can handle physically.
If unsure ask the provider about any questions, such as are meals/snacks/water included? What kind? Are there minimum age requirements for some activities / maximum ages? Does the cost cover all fees, licenses and any additional permits or costs? Is the tip included? What type of clothing is required? Are there rest rooms available on the bus if it is a long ride? Is the bus air conditioned/heated? Is there water on the bus, at the destination? Don’t make any assumptions; if it’s not in writing… ask.
One nice family wanted a family snorkel day on the beach, and took a ship excursion, which was entitled “Snorkeling Adventure and Beach Lunch” in Los Cabos, Mexico 4.5 hrs. Well they didn’t get 4.5 hrs of snorkeling. Read on…
The guide picked them up at the ship’s pier, and waited for 15 passengers, he then escorted everyone from the 2 ships in port to a motor coach. The motor coach then drove to 5 hotels to pick up additional passengers. Then finally after an hour ride, they arrived at the beach for snorkeling. Everyone was then required to wait, until all had been fitted for their gear and had listened to safety instructions. They were then provided a boxed lunch and informed to be back on the “bus” in two hours. Once back aboard the bus, they were driven to a store of overpriced souvenirs, “for their convenience”, and were informed they would remain there for an hour. Finally, they were all driven back in reverse order to their respective hotels and dead last the cruise pier. For this “convenience” they paid over $250 per person, and provided 2 hrs of snorkeling, a cold lunch, and lots of time to get to know new people on their “bus”. They were NOT happy campers at the end of this trip with their 5 and 7 year old boys.
3) Book your shore excursions through the third party provider
You can book your own tour in advance through a third party provider such as “ShoreTrips” or a local provider. You can often save money by eliminating the cruise-line middleman, or customize the trip to your interests. However, remember that, while the cruise ship will wait for any late-returning, ship-sponsored tours, you run the risk of getting stranded in port if your independent tour gets stuck in traffic and is late returning to the pier.
When booking my shore excursions I weigh my options with my own comfort zone, take into account the risks and rewards and then venture out! Each person needs to take into account their needs and comfort zones.
Here are some resources for your consideration:
ShoreTrips
Conde Nast