Shore excursions can be a hot topic – with the cruise lines plugging their options to guarantee a return to ship (often at a premium price). Let’s talk through the options.
Booking Through the Cruise Line
Pros: If you book through the cruise line, you get priority debarkation (first off the ship), and the ship will wait for you if the tour runs late. They also vet the vendors they work with and offer easy refunds if the ship can’t dock.
Cons: They typically charge more for the convenience (30–50% extra) and you often have large lines with bigger groups. They also tend to come with more rigid schedules and are sometimes crowded.
Booking Independently (my fave when it makes sense!)
Pros: Often times more affordable and are in smaller groups which gives it a more personal experience, You are also supporting local operators and have more flexibility with timing and the length of your activity.
Cons: You are responsible for getting back on time and don’t have the cruise line guarantee. You will need to do more research to vet the operator and make sure it is a good quality experience. Also, you will need to make sure it is refundable if the port is canceled or plan on eating the cost if it is non-refundable.
My Excursion Booking Strategy for Myself and Clients
I read reviews, choose tours that get back at least 60 minutes before all-aboard, book through the cruise line if the excursion ventures too far away, and get the guide’s contact info.
DIY Ports (just explore on your own!)
Most cruise ports have plenty of transportation options ready to take you to nearby beaches or other areas, so you don’t need to book an excursion at every stop. I usually pick my top 1–2 “must-do” activities (think the Skagway train in Alaska or a scenic cruise of the Pitons in St. Lucia), and then keep the rest of my plans flexible.
Sometimes we’ll grab a resort day pass, and other times we just wander around the port, shop a little, or find a great beach. I like having a few ideas in my back pocket for each stop, but nothing so locked in that we can’t change our minds once we get there.
Your turn: Ship excursions or independent? What’s your style? Need to find some excursion ideas? Check out my Viator affiliate link, and if you want some recommendations – reach out!
P.S. Bimini has an amazing Beach Club if you ever have a port day there!
Want to learn more about cruising and how tips work? Check out this blog post.