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If you've done your research and have decided that you want to do a specific excursion offered on your cruise, think carefully about whether to book in advance or onboard. It's best to book in advance for must-do tours and limited-availability excursions (like almost every excursion on an Alaskan cruise or flightseeing while docked on a cruise to Hawaii). 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. Too many tours in a row with early departures or long days in port can be exhausting.
Do you take your passport on shore excursions?
I've signed up for hikes that were actually quick walks and spent more time in buses when I wanted to be out exploring the sights. I've overpaid for tour experiences that I could have done more cheaply on my own. Shore excursions titled "panoramic," "easy" or "highlights" are often bus-focused tours where you'll view most sights from your window. If the write-up does not specifically say you'll venture inside an attraction or building, assume you'll only view it from the outside. Just make sure you read the fine print regarding tour cancellation policies. Also, in some cases, you cannot use onboard credit to pay for tours booked before sailing.
The Different Types of Shore Excursions to Consider on Your Cruise
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On the flip side, hardcore athletes should assume that most active cruise excursions cater to the lowest common denominator. The bike tour will likely be on flat roads and set at a leisurely pace. A hike on a cruise full of retirees is possibly a 20-minute walk on a boardwalk or paved surface. You will not be happy if you book a cruise excursion only to discover you're physically incapable of participating fully in the tour — or that the activity is much easier than you imagined.
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When looking at daytrips from your port of call to a destination outside the city, add up the transit times before subtracting them from the length of the tour. My personal goal when venturing ashore on a cruise is to spend as little time as possible in transit and more time exploring. Folks with mobility issues, on the other hand, might prefer tours that let you sightsee exclusively by bus. Read the tour description carefully and then read between the lines to discover the truths about the excursion hidden behind all the promotional language.
Do you have to do shore excursions on a cruise?
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.
Our Shore Excursion Partners:
You can skip the caravan of four large tour buses and trade up for a more exclusive experience. Not all shore excursions involve busloads of tourists dutifully following flag- or umbrella-waving guides. You will find these types of sightseeing tours, as well as athletic endeavors overseen by dive masters or hike leaders. However, some tours simply bring you to a destination where you're free to explore until it's time to meet the bus to go home. Others feature guided components, followed by an hour or two of free time. Remember that shore excursions look different in different parts of the world.
You don't want to book three days straight of all-day excursions, nor do you want to plan to skip a port for a quiet day on board after you've just spent a day or two at sea. Many cruise lines also offer slightly different versions of the same tour, such as a beach break with all-inclusive and less-inclusive options. Determine which inclusions or activities you will actually use before deciding which specific excursion will provide you with the best value for money. Before you book that shore excursion, compare the tour price to doing the same activity on your own or with an outside tour operator.
How much do shore excursions cost?
Your cruise director or the daily newsletter will usually inform you if it's necessary to take your passport with you on a shore excursion. It’s also wise to take along the information provided by the ship about their agent in each port and the contact information for the local consulate. If you miss the ship’s departure, life will be easier with a passport. The same would be true if you are injured and unable to contact the ship.
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. Another option for shore excursions are intimate tours that are limited to 25 or so passengers. Many lines offer these boutique-sized excursions, which could be cooking classes at a renowned French cooking school or visits to Native American villages in Alaska. Many lines also offer car-and-driver packages (so you can customize your own tour) or have concierges to arrange shoreside activities exclusively for your travel party.
Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. If the excursion truly is demanding, the tour description will make sure that's abundantly clear in order to scare off anyone who isn't up to the challenge. Take your adventure underwater and discover a whole world that’s teeming with life.
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If your excursion costs more than the credit amount, it becomes a discount. Take a high-level look at your schedule, and make sure you have a nice mix of low-key and high-octane activities, organized tours and days to wander around or relax. If possible, try not to book any shore excursions until you're happy with your vacation plan as a whole. Choosing and booking shore excursions for your upcoming cruise should be simple. Pick a port, read the list of options provided by your cruise line, choose an activity you enjoy and then sign up. 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.
The tours can be booked onboard at your ship's excursions desk or online before you depart on your trip. 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. Don't forget to come up with a Plan B, in case your desired tour gets canceled or is sold out.
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? Don't compromise and pay for a tour you're not thrilled about because there's usually a better option out there. Make sure you understand what you're getting with each excursion choice and that you and your travel companions are both able and excited to participate fully in the listed tour activities.
Read the tour description carefully to determine if the activity level is right for you. If you like independent touring and merely want an excursion for the transportation and someone to get you pointed in the right direction, book tours titled "on your own." In a similar vein, compare the amount of free time you'll have to explore on your own on a tour against how much time you'll be following a guide.
There are instances when you might be limited to excursions provided by the ship. These usually are cases where local restrictions simply do not allow cruise passengers to freely wander the streets. Your cruise line will advise you in advance if this might be the case in any of your scheduled ports of call. Some first-time cruisers believe you must book a ship's tour in every port to get the most out of your cruise. A four-hour tour to an attraction an hour from the port equals two hours on a bus and two hours at the destination. Determine whether that's an acceptable ratio or if you'd make better use of your time sticking closer to the port.
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