This blog series is for travelers who are beginners to cruising.
10 tips for Planning Your Own Cruise Excursion
This information is based on my personal experiences and research.
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If you are first time cruiser, you may get sticker shock when you see what is not included in your fare and how much the extras cost. One of those costs is the excursions: activities that you do while in port. Cruise lines charge extra for excursions and you may be led to believe that they are mandatory. Check out my tips below.
Bonus tip: You don’t have to get off the ship! Check out the newsletter for the day and enjoy the peace and quiet, along with available deck chairs at the pool.
Extra bonus tip: Be aware of how much time you have. If you have a long time (6 hours or more), get off and explore the town, come back to the ship to eat lunch and then get off again to catch a cab to a great free public beach.
Here are my top tips:
1. You do not have to buy the ship’s excursions but there are some advantages: they have already researched reputable and reliable companies they're guaranteed not to leave you behind (the ship will wait for you) it’s easier for the more exotic day trips, like parasailing, zip-lining and ATVs.
2. Stop at the port information desk when you disembark. They have maps and brochures. They will also guide you to the more reliable excursion vendors.
3. Explore your options about ports before your cruise (don’t waste precious data while onboard if you bought the internet package). Travel guidebooks that combine several ports in one book are economical (hard copy or electronic) and are also a wealth of information.
4. Don’t be afraid to rent a car and explore. Check with your insurance company to see if you are covered. Stick with well-known companies and reserve before you set sail. Don’t waste your mobile phone data using the GPS, use a map, the rental companies will give you one. And don't forget to gas up before you return the car. You might want to get a little local currency if you don't want to swipe your credit card at a foreign gas pump.
5. The above tip being said, be aware of which countries drive English style and which drive American style. Sometimes you get a right-hand drive car, sometimes not. Don't worry, you will get the hang of it.
6. Many places have public transportation. When a ship is in port, buses might be available when you dock. Tell the driver where you want to go and when you need to be back onboard. He or she will tell you what time you should catch the bus back. Take an earlier bus just to be safe (remember the tip about getting left behind).
7. For the less ambitious, a cab or van will take you to a location and will pick you up at an agreed time. Get a price before you get in, don’t be afraid to bargain. A cab to a beach will probably run you half of the price of the cruise excursion price. Hiring a van for a group can be more economical: they'll give you a tour and take you to a local beach. Settle on the price before you get in and make sure they will return for you.
8. You can arrange your own excursion with a company in advance from home. However, do your research. And be careful of trusting the reviews. And remember it will be your responsibility to get back to the ship on time!!
9. Some sightseeing that you can do on your own are museums, shopping, public beaches (the local cabbies will know which ones are safe for tourists), or even day passes at resorts (Atlantis, for example).
10. The more you visit a port, the more familiar and safer you will feel. Talk to experienced cruisers. Many haven’t bought an excursion in years, yet they have explored everywhere.
Happy Travels!
Back to The NYC Traveler Blog
Next: Cruising 101, Part 6: Hidden Costs
Part 1: Top Ten Facts to Know
Part 2: 5 Tips for Booking Your Cruise
Part 3: Behind the Scenes on a Ship
Part 4: What to Pack for a Cruise
Part 5: Plan Your Own Excursions
Part 6: Hidden Costs
All photos and text copyright Marcia Crayton, All Rights Reserved, 2021
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