The proverbial shore excursions dilemma…with whom do you book your excursion when taking a cruise? With the cruise line? With an independent tour operator? Strike out on your own? What do you do?
There is so much discussion about what’s best here. Do your own research and book with the locals? Or book with the cruise line and have the confidence if your late getting back to the ship they will wait until you’re on board? Well, there is merit for both, really. Let’s break it down.
First Time Cruisers ~ If you are new to cruising and have never been to a port, booking with the cruise line is highly recommended. You get a tour guide for the new destination, you can get your bearings of what’s close by the cruise terminal and you know you will meet the deadline of being back on board before the ship sails.
Excursions That Are High Risk ~ You’re an adventure seeker and want to go ziplining, parasailing or take a helicopter to a glacier. All sound great and you could save money booking on your own. Savings aside, consider this. If you have not purchased Travel Insurance with medical coverage, you might just want to book with the cruise line where there is an extra layer of protection. Cruise lines book with trusted and vetted tour operators and hold them responsible for quality control. And if the cruise line knows you are on a certain tour, they will wait if necessary for you to return before setting sail. **A side note here…you should always purchase Travel Insurance with medical coverage, especially when traveling outside the U.S. Your personal medical insurance may not cover you and the cost of an accident can be catastrophic to your finances.
The City Center Is Right Outside The Cruise Terminal ~ If all you want to do is walk around and experience the ambiance of the port you are visiting, by all means do it on your own. You can find the eateries and shops you want to experience, rather than being herded into the places that pay cruise lines and tour operators to bring you there. Believe me, I have cruised many times, and I too have been duped by the Shore Talks onboard. **Another side note…the shore talks can be informative, but don’t get caught up in the speakers promise of ‘these shops are safe and will treat you well’ speech. Take the map, it will be a good reference and help you find you way back. Just be wary of the highlighted stores.
The Cost Of An Excursion Is Less Expensive Through A Local Tour Operator ~ This can be true, it can’t be denied. If you have been to a certain port more than once or twice, you probably have a good handle of what is available to you. And there are always people onboard that are willing to share their experiences and offer suggestions. Which is all good, but proceed with caution. Again, the cruise line excursions, while costing a little more, have an extra layer of protection because they have been to the port thousands of times.
When A Third-Party Supplier Comes In Handy ~ When booking your cruise with your Travel Advisor, yes, we will recommend excursions outside of the cruise line…with trusted Suppliers. Like Viator or ShoreTrips. Both of the companies are much like the cruise lines. They vet the local tour operators and ensure that they will comply with the ship’s strict policy of when it sets sail. And they ensure the operators have the proper insurance to operate as a tour business. Your Travel Advisor in no way wants to put you in harms way. We want you to have a great vacation experience and have the confidence and peace of mind when you’re off the ship exploring and having fun. **One more side note…not matter how much research you do yourself on the internet, your computer will never care as much about you and your vacation as your Travel Advisor does.
So what is the bottom line? You have to do what YOU are comfortable with. Not your neighbor or someone you just met by the pool bar. You and only you are responsible for your safety and happiness. My suggestions are:
1 ~ Book your excursion with a reputable Tour Operator. You do not want to miss the ship by getting back late – and yes, this does happen frequently, so be aware. You also want to be confident you will not be led astray. There are plenty of locals that will tell you they will take you to the perfect shop or restaurant for a small ‘fee’. Just be cautious, you are in a foreign country and you must watch your own back.
2 ~ Always take your passport along with you when you go ashore, no matter what you are doing. If something happens and you get stuck in port, if you do not have your passport you will have problems getting back home.
3 ~ Always purchase Travel Insurance. You never know when something can happen, be it a delay in your flight to the cruise ship or an accident while you are dog mushing. For the small cost of an insurance plan, you can rest easy that if something out of the ordinary does occur, you are protected 24/7.
What ever way you choose to do your excursions, make sure you book your cruise with Infinity Travelaz. We are your Cruise Specialists! Ocean or River, Mega Ship or Intimate Yachts, Premium or Luxury ~ Infinity Travelaz books them all!