Is it better to do cruise excursions or on your own?

Is it better to do cruise excursions or on your own? Private cruise excursions will cost less or offer more value However, you'll get better value for your money when you can customize the tour to your preferences or spend more time sightseeing and less waiting around for other people in your group.

What are the advantages of acquiring a shore excursion from the cruise line straight?

Guaranteed Return to the Port on Time When you book a shore excursion through the cruise line, you'll be guaranteed to return to the ship on time. The cruise line will coordinate with the excursion provider to ensure that the tour is timed to allow for a safe and timely return to the ship.

How long does it take to get off a cruise ship for excursions?

Bottom Line: The process of readying for passengers to leave once the ship arrives in port can take 30-45 minutes. After that, actually getting off the ship once passengers are allowed ashore takes just minutes.

Can you get off a cruise ship without an excursion?

You absolutely do not have to do shore excursions on a cruise. You are free to come and go at will from most cruise ships while they are in ports of call. Shore excursions are simply one means to explore the areas visited by the ship and to participate in available activities off the ship.

Do you take your passport on shore excursions?

Taking Your Passport Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.

Do cruises get cheaper the closer to sail date?

Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen. Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain.

How to get the best deals on cruise excursions?

Can you do 2 shore excursions a day?

Yes, depending on the length of each applicable shore tour relative to the amount of time the ships stay in port. Make sure that you allow at least 30 minutes between each tour.

How many times can you get on and off a cruise ship at port?

Yes, you can go back and forth between the ship and shore as often as you'd like, but if your ship is tendering passengers ashore, you might have to wait in line to catch a ride back to your vessel.

How to get cheap excursions on a cruise?

What floor is the best on a cruise?

In general, the most popular spot to be on a cruise ship is midship on a higher deck because these rooms are centrally located. Moreover, cabins towards the middle of the ship have the reputation of providing a smoother ride when the ocean is rough.

Is it cheaper to buy excursions on the ship?

For the most part, cruise lines do charge more than non-cruise-related tour operators for the same (or similar) outing. If you trust the company and feel confident that you won't miss the ship, it certainly makes sense to pay less by booking an excursion independently that could cost you more onboard.

Can you sleep with balcony open on cruise?

In order to keep the air conditioning working inside the cabin you do have to keep the balcony door closed on the majority of cruise lines. This is one of the reasons that many people do sleep on the balcony because in theory you can't lay in bed and keep the door balcony open.

What is the cheapest day to book cruise?

Vacations can be expensive, so naturally, whenever there's a study that suggests ways to travel cheaper, it's worth digging into. According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise.

Which floors are better on a cruise?

Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much.

How do you get freebies on a cruise ship?

What happens if you miss all aboard on a cruise?

Find a port agent. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents. These officials can help you with contacting your ship and making travel arrangements.

Do cruises get cheaper the closer you book?

Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.