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I find that the more I cruise, the less I take ship-sponsored shore excursions because they don't offer exactly what I want. Whether you're on a cruise line sponsored or independent shore excursion, a best practice is to tip your tour guides at the end of the tour. Exceptions are if tips are included in the price or if you're visiting a country with a non-tipping culture, where offering cash would be awkward. Most people organize these ahead of time through a tour operator or travel agent.
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Certain tours like scuba diving, white-water rafting and glacier trekking will provide the appropriate equipment, gear and clothing as part of the tour. Additionally, your shore excursion description will provide more clothing recommendations as well. 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.
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In some ports, cruise lines might arrange a special experience — such as Cognac blending or pasta making — that is meant for a small group. 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.
How do I book a ship-sponsored shore excursion?
The same would be true if you are injured and unable to contact the ship. Most travelers rely on carrying a copy of their passport in ports, leaving the originals locked away safely in their staterooms. There are some cruise lines that hold your passports for you throughout the cruise.
Can I book a shore excursion on my own instead of through my cruise line?
A commonly accepted guideline is $1 per person for a half-day and $2 per person for a full day.
How much do shore excursions cost?
Or, you can book a tour through an independent company, either with a large group or a private tour for just your travel party. Then the team fills in with complementary tours, which might visit other area attractions or focus on special interests like cooking or biking. Get insights from expert local guides who will drive you to the region's most memorable places. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.
Some luxury lines and most river lines include some shore excursions in their fares. Often basic city tours will be included, while more extensive tours and activity excursions are available for an additional charge. Just as Windstar does not offer just one type of tour in each port, Witsoe suggests that cruisers diversify their tours across ports. "In Japan, you could see a castle in every port of call," she says, but that would get old after the third or fourth day. You'll be more satisfied with your trip if you book a mix of tour types and change up days of full-day tours with half-day outings and even a few days to wander around on your own. Yes, you’ll find a range of experiences to suit the interests and activity levels of everyone in your family.
Ship-Sponsored Shore Excursions vs. Private Independent Excursions:
The cruise line will provide a full refund for any tour cancelled by the operators due to inclement weather conditions or in the unlikely event the ship does not visit a port of call. Shore Excursions that offer wildlife viewing opportunities are available in many destinations including Alaska, Canada / New England, Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands. Depending on your destination, you may have the opportunity to see whales, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks, bears, moose, and caribou, among other animals. However, no cruise line or tour operator can guarantee sightings, as animals follow their own schedule and may not always be visible. Don't let the romance of a tour description convince you to overlook your physical limitations. Overdo it, and you'll waste a vacation day feeling miserable — or, worse, end up with an injury.
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If you missed the purchase window, check with us on board, we'll help you find what you’re looking for. You'll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour. Add some excitement to your cruise with thrilling zip line rides, white water rafting, hiking in the mountains, and more. Immerse yourself in the culture and history of each destination on your exciting itinerary, while connecting with the locals.
They are offered in almost all cruise ports and cities and are a great way to enhance your cruise experience by allowing you seeing more of the places you visit. Shore excursions highlight the best local attractions and sight-seeing opportunities, the best places to shop, and give the cruise passenger a chance to experience the local culture. They are the best way to enhance your cruise experience by allowing you see and do more in the places you visit.
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Most cruise lines either charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean often advertises up to 30% off select tours reserved ahead of the sailing. 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. Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions. Unless it is specifically mentioned in the tour description, meals are not included.
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). Some shore tours -- such as daylong trips from Tunis to the marketplace, museum and ancient Carthage -- pack many activities into one trip. Others focus on one destination or activity, like a trip to the Mayan ruins from Cozumel. It's up to you whether you'd prefer to see many things for short amounts of time or focus on one place in depth.
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