Cruise shore excursions: What you need to know

Taking a tour around the ports your cruise ship visits is an integral part of the cruise experience. Here's how to tackle finding and booking an amazing shore excursion.

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[rpto]

I will be a first time cruiser and I think I will book with Royal just to be safe

[beachymamaadventures]

I always watch (several) port stop YouTube videos to see what’s available to determine what I want to do on an island or port stop.

[Hazerdismop]

Going to Alaska in June. Found a tour that we liked with cruise ship but the tour left at 8am, much earlier than we’d like to up. I found the same tour with the provider but starting at 11am. We are in port until 9pm so I have no fear for getting back in time. Same price as ship but better time!

[taradunspaugh]

I think when in Italy, it's safer to book a tour through RC since the cities are so far inland. I'd be too nervous about getting back on time!

[bigmikes]

Safety First!! Do some research on the port and the area you will be visiting. There is often a bus/taxi/etc ride well away from the port. Know where you're going and what to expect when you get there.

[SkyBlu]

I find your videos are really helpful and well done. Also, you have such a great voice for this. Great job!

[jonnham]

Thank you. I’ve never actually been on a cruise but I have some friends that are starting to convince me. Just doing a lot of research. Great videos.

[dianamoore]

We have a cruise coming up in August to New England/Canada. Sadly, the excursion we paid for in Halifax/Peggy's Cove got cancelled. RC was awesome though, full refund and an additional credit. Now, we are going to research the what-to-dos in that port.

[bigboy]

Always so helpful and ful of great information thanks 👍

[dchenkin]

My first cruise was a group cruise booked through a friend. He had been to Bermuda before so knew a great beach accessible by taxi van; otherwise he was basically useless as towards helping find excursions. Definitely will be doing research on ports and using a travel agent the next time I go on a cruise.

Quick question, do travel agents work with reputable third parties? Would definitely consult with a good travel agent before booking an excursion.

[simonbayford]

We use a cruise tour if ship is docked along way from city etc eg Bangkok is a 2 hour drive from port. However in Caribbean we have never booked a cruise tour as local cabs/ tours are plentiful when you get off and much cheaper. They usually know what time ship departs as well. Often we have arranged for them to return and pick us up from a beach as payment is made when we return to the ship so no issues with being stranded.

[randyo]

Great advice as always! Very thorough and informative. I’ve book the water park Arawak in labadee for my kids and a private cabana for cococay July. I usually go on TripAdvisor a lot to see what others are doing. Thx again

[kevinodonnell]

Did my first cruise on NS which was a great trip. Did a good tour from the ship

[carlotsuka]

We have viewed Vloggers’ private, non- Royal Caribbean tours off the ship and have booked the same tour and was very satisfied with the tour. Like Matt said, we were not surprised, and also were able to stop at a fire station to buy some shirts. (This was a private tour, rather than a group tour) Just needed to ask if we could take a short detour.

[mortpes]

Do not buy a shore excursion if you use a cane or walker or wheelchair. Instead hire a personnel guide for select ports.

[paullambert]

My question is when the ship goes to port how do u know where to go to do your excursion.. ?? Please help

[kevinlougachi]

Going on a Greek island cruise. I found the well Caribbean shore excursions lacking since they don’t provide an itinerary and are not clear on whether the shore excursion includes tickets to major attractions. Calling royal Caribbean was frustrating since there customer service people do not know anything about the shore excursions and just read back the description from the website. Seems like an area where a lot of work still needs to be done.

[ModernMyths]

Honestly, next time I go to the Grand Caymen. I would love to take a tour of the National Trust. It's a wildlife sanctuary of animals on the Island. Including the beautiful Blue Iguanas as well as other beautiful animals on the island. But they don't have ship tours for it. Then again, it's on the other side of the island.

[AmandaMcLeish]

Wondering if the shore excursions work the same way as the drink package when booking in advance. If I book now and the price drops, can I cancel and rebook at the lower price or is the risk of it filling up before you can rebook to great?

[amvpv]

Can you get into full detail of the excursions ? The ones you’ve done ? For example I want to do the snorkeling with 1 hour open bar - it doesn’t say if alcohol if complimentary for an hour lol