Tips for Choosing the Shore Excursion Type that is Right For You

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Tips for Choosing the Shore Excursion Type that is Right for You

By Lisa Plotnick

For some cruise travelers, the itinerary is of greater importance than the ship. This is the case especially when traveling internationally or to any destination that is far from one’s home. When itinerary is a key element of the cruise decision, finding shore excursions that are the best fit becomes a crucial part of the planning.

Generally, shore excursions can be segmented into three types: those offered through the cruise line, those offered through an independent company, and those that are completely self-guided. Several factors go into the decision, including cost, level of personalization, and comfort. Many cruisers select a combination of these on a single voyage, depending upon the individual ports of call.

Cruise line shore excursions: All cruise lines offer a variety of tours in port, ranging from general sightseeing from a bus to adventurous activities requiring physical stamina. The cruise line contracts with local tour companies to provide these options to passengers.

The benefits of a tour through the cruise line include:

Your ship will wait for you if your tour is delayed. Generally, a member of the crew travels with each shore excursion and is in regular contact with shore excursion managers on the ship. (In the very rare circumstance that the ship must leave before your return, the cruise line will arrange your transportation to the next port of call. Again, this is a very rare occurrence.)
he assurance (almost always) that your guide can communicate in your language. Tour guides do more than narrate; they will also answer your questions.
n some ports, you will generally be the first off the ship, allowing you more time in port if there is time after the excursion.
If the tour is cancelled, reimbursement will be made with no hassle.

Drawbacks:

The cost per person is generally higher than that of independent tour companies.
Offer the lowest level of personalization—generally none.
Passengers report a feeling of being herded from one place to the next.

Cruise line shore excursions are best-suited for:

A first visit to a port of call in which a general overview is satisfactory.
Ports in which key attractions are not within walking distance of the pier.
Ports of call in which the ship will be spending a short time (less than four or five hours).
Ports of call in which you do not speak the language.
Passengers who prefer to have itineraries pre-planned.

Independent tour companies: For passengers who want the security of professional guide along with some room for customizing the itinerary, booking directly with a tour company may be an option.

The benefits of booking with an independent tour company include:

The cost per person is generally lower than that of the excursions arranged by the cruise line.
Group sizes may be smaller; for example, passengers might travel in a van rather than in a bus.
Ability to select from a number of tour companies to best suit your preferences.
The potential of discounts on multiple-port packages.

Drawbacks:

Requires pre-cruise research that includes reading recent reviews, checking safety records, and—in some cases—looking for fellow cruisers to round out the minimum size of your tour group.
As the cruise ship personnel will not know where you are, a delay such as traffic or a mechanical failure can result in missing the ship. (These instances are rare, however, yet it is your responsibility to return to the ship by the time posted by the crew.)
Keeping track of whether your ship is on local time or ship time.
Occasionally, a group of passengers on the tour will know each other and their conversations drown out the commentary.

Independent shore excursions are best-suited for:

A first or subsequent visit to a port of call in which a customized tour is preferable.
Ports in which key attractions are not within walking distance of the pier.
Ports of call in which the ship will be spending more than several hours (yet be sure to allow at least a two-hour cushion between the time your tour returns you to the ship and your ship’s departure time to allow for traffic or other delays).

Self-guided tours: As the term indicates, passengers will be completely on their own in ports. This can involve seeing the sites on foot, using taxi or train service, or touring by a hop-on-hop-off bus.

The benefits of self-guided tours include:

Customization—see only what you want to see.
Costs that are, for the most part, under the passengers’ control.
No early morning schedules. Leave the ship when you desire—yet, you still need to re-embark by the time posted by the crew!
The ability to take your time while exploring, viewing the sights you walk by rather than staring at a sign carried by a guide.

Drawbacks:

Requires, in most cases, researching train schedules, taxi rates, walking routes, and other modes of transportation.
The cruise ship personnel will not know where you are and will not be able to hold the ship if you return late.
he passenger must keep track of whether the ship is on local time or ship time.

Self-guided shore excursions are best-suited for:

A repeat visit to a port, where you are already familiar with the general area.
Ports in which key attractions are within walking distance of the pier.
Ports of call in which the ship will be spending more than several hours.
Ports of call in which you speak the language.

No matter how you plan to explore ports of call, pre-cruise research is essential. Even if you are going on a guided tour and will, therefore, be provided with commentary, you can make the most of your tour by learning about your scheduled stops in advance. And, for those who will venture on their own, reading the shore excursion descriptions can be helpful in determining places to see, thereby saving you time while in port. Most importantly—enjoy!