Table Of Content
The benefits to a cruise line's shore excursions are that they depart from and return to the ship; you don't need to figure out where to meet a guide in a port you've never visited. Better still, should an unexpected problem (traffic, a medical emergency) occur during your outing, the ship will not leave port until all of its own tours have returned. 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 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.
How do shore excursions work on cruises?
The Strangest Cruise Ship Shore Excursions We've Taken - Cruise Critic
The Strangest Cruise Ship Shore Excursions We've Taken.
Posted: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The two sites can usually be visited on a half-day excursion, and both are typically included in any full-day bus tour of the island, which oftentimes is combined with a beach stop and lunch. 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. All tour bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does Holland America Line offer accessible shore excursions?
Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Just be sure to read up on the area around the dock so that you know whether you'll be pulling right up to the center of the action or if sightseeing on your own requires a shuttle or a cab. Grab a tourist map, or use a map app on your phone so you don't get lost.
Progreso: Half-Day Tour to Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins and Cenotes
And while it's great that there are tons of Caribbean shore excursions, it doesn't make the decision-making process any easier. Some cruise lines, such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, include the cost of basic shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you don't care to do any specialty tours, you might be able to get all your port activities for free.
5 Independent Shore Excursions For Cruise Visitors In Flåm, Norway - Forbes
5 Independent Shore Excursions For Cruise Visitors In Flåm, Norway.
Posted: Sun, 03 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Already have your cruise booked?
The best way to explore it as much as possible is to embark on an active excursion. When you explore Europe’s ancient cities, every arch and alleyway tells a story. In Sicily, you can bike across the rim of Mount Etna, which the ancient Greeks believed was home to the legendary Cyclops. In Spain, learn how to prepare tapas like a true Malagan, then savor every single bite. And venture deeper into nature — literally — as you explore the magnificent Lipa Cave in Montenegro. No matter where your journey takes you, these experiences will make every moment memorable.
Is there a dedicated resource I can speak with about shore excursions?
Some — like St. Tropez or Mykonos — are truly lovely places to wander, get lost in the shop-lined streets and end up at an alfresco restaurant for a long, wine-soaked lunch. One of the biggest highlights of visiting Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is climbing up Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot-long waterfall that flows into a pool by the beach. You can combine a climb up the falls with a number of other activities, including a dolphin swim, beach time or snorkeling.
Group Tours
Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions. Waiting might be a good idea if you're not inspired by the shore excursions you're seeing on your cruise. Some cruise lines charge penalty fees for canceling shore excursions onboard or within 24 to 48 hours of the port call, so you might want to wait to see how the weather is before booking. You may also get some good word-of-mouth tips on board the ship that change your mind about what tour you'd like to do.
Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I've skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, in some destinations, a shore excursion, or independently operated guided tour, is highly encouraged. This could be in places where it's difficult to navigate as a foreigner who can't speak the language or understand street signs or where the tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed. In most cases, you don't need to book a shore excursion to explore a port of call.
The experience incorporates a high-tech twist via special handheld power units that utilize propellers to guide snorkelers along on their underwater adventure. A highlight of any Cozumel port of call is a visit to Tulum or Chichen Itza, the ruins of ancient Mayan cities. Situated atop oceanfront cliffs, Tulum offers fascinating history and gorgeous scenery. Chichen Itza, further inland, is dominated by a massive and magnificent step pyramid. The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for.
Cancellations for pre-paid tours are allowed up to 3 days prior to cruise embarkation and will be refunded to the credit card used for the purchase. If within 3 days of embarkation, all changes/cancellations must be done onboard the ship and refunds will be applied to your onboard account. If the credit is not fully utilized during the cruise, the balance will be paid to that passenger by the ship's Purser at the end of the voyage. If cancellation occurs onboard after the cancellation deadline for specific shore excursions, a 100% cancellation fee will apply. The ship's shore excursions office will be able to advise you of the cancellation deadline applicable to each tour.
Not only could it be less expensive than five or six shore excursion tickets, but you'll also be able to create a tour based on your interests. Buck Island Reef is officially a national monument, and the 19,015 acres of land and sea lie just off the north shore of St. Croix. A typical shore excursion features a 45-minute bus ride across the island, followed by a 40-minute scenic powerboat cruise out to the reef. With so much located near the port of Curacao, you can squeeze a number of activities into a single day with a combination excursion. Take a scenic island tour to visit highlights like the Hato Caves with their underground limestone formations and pools. These tours often include a visit to a distillery where the island's namesake Curacao liqueur is distilled (do try a sample of the blue drink).
