If you’ve taken a cruise, or are planning to take one soon the question of shore excursions is bound to come up. Cruise lines offer dozens of shore excursions in conjunction with local operators to those on board. But, is taking one of these, sometimes quite expensive, excursions the best way to spend your time and money?
The Advantages of Ship Arranged Shore Excursions
~You know that the tour company is reputable and trusted. There’s a reason the cruise line continues to work with them, and they “know the drill.”
~The ship won’t leave until all the buses are back (in most cases).
~There’s no hassle arranging the details. Ideally if you really don’t want to take the time or hassle of sorting out arrangements this is ideal. Pick the activity you want to do, pay, and enjoy!
~It’s more comfortable if you’re not a savvy traveler, don’t speak the local language, or are not sure what to do in the area.
The Disadvantages?
~You’ll pay more for a shore excursion booked from the cruise line. The cruise line is acting as the middle man so they add in a fee to the cost.
~There’s a tendency to include “shopping” time at tourist shops.
~You could spend a lot of time on a bus with a lot of other people you don’t know and may not care to know.
~You’re stuck with the pre-determined itinerary. There’s no flexibility to make changes when you’re traveling with a large group.
~Many shore excursions have age limits for children. Often times this is 8-12 years of age. If you have younger children your options can be really limited.
If you decide to strike out alone you’ll probably have a very different experience.
There are many advantages when you plan your own shore excursions including;
~You get to decide exactly what you and/or your family does. Want to spend time shopping for souvenirs, taking a food tour, or swimming? You can do whatever you want when you plan your own shore excursion!
~It can cost a lot less. Many times you can book the same experiences as are offered onboard for a discount because the middle man is gone.
~You’re able to eat when, where and what you want. On half and full day excursions arranged by the cruise line meals are often set and you have few if any options.
~You’re not stuck in a large tourist experience and can set the pace.
But there are also the risks and disadvantages.
~You have to do much more research and legwork ahead of time. This goes without saying. But, if you enjoy this then you’ll love finding unique things to do!
~If you’re late there’s a good chance the ship will leave without you.
~You’re taking a risk with the company you use. If things go wrong then you’re largely on your own.
Whether you choose to go it alone, or take a shore excursion offered by your cruise line, take time to assess your needs and wants before putting down the cash and making reservations. There’s no right choice for everyone!
What are your thoughts on cruise shore excursions?
Masshole Mommy says
I did a few excursions when I went on my cruise and I love that everything was done for me and I didn’t have to think at all!
Amberlee Cave says
You make some great points to think about! I have been really wanting to go on a cruise, but their are so many reasons why it would be good or bad! I will have to keep this in mind for when we do decide on where to go on vacation.
Kristen @ kristenione says
I have always wondered about the excursions. I feel like I would want to do them but there are definitely both pros and cons as you have so conveniently laid out for us here! I’ve never been on a cruise…just sad!
Amber Edwards says
There seems to be lots of good and bad to going and not going. I think I would probably have do the shore excursion. I mean; travel all that way and NOT see the sites and visit? I would regret it if I didn’t.
Rosey says
This is nice to know the pros and cons. You were nice to put all out there in black & white for consideration.
Natasha Mairs says
i have never been on a cruise before but you raise some very good points about shore excursion
Ashley Gill says
I think it would be fun to do the organized tours and then go on your own. There are so many opportunities to see things in other countries! So much fun! I can’t wait to go on a cruise!
Amanda @ Erickson and Co says
I would love to go on a cruise with a rinse excursion! This sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for all the info!
Theresa says
I have never been on a cruise, but I do think I would like to do the shore excursion. While there are pros and cons, I think the pros far outweigh the cons!
Amanda says
Great post! I love going on cruises! So much fun!
Marni | Love and Duck Fat says
We took a cruse last year to Spain and the Canary Islands and were SO HAPPY we didn’t go on the excursions. They were crowded and only did the most tourist-y things.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I haven’t taken any. It is something I know I have to consider if I get to go on a cruise, which I’d really like to do.
Pam says
I have only taken one cruise and probably will not do so anymore only because I got so sick. But when we did take that one cruise we did both paid shore excursion and went on our own. Both were fun but I will say we had the most fun on our own just exploring.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I have not gone on a cruise. But it would scare me to be on my own if something went wrong.
becca says
I’ve never been on a cruise but my son wants to go on one thinking of taking a Disney trip.
Pam says
I’ve never been on a cruise so I didn’t know any of this! Great info on the pros and cons of both options.
Jennifer Williams says
I did not realize any of this, I have heard friends who have gone on cruises talk about it but never paid attention. I think just knowing you will not get left behind by not getting to the ship on time might justify the cost.
Kristen says
I would love to go on a cruise, but my husband thinks he would get sea sick.
Veronica says
I have never been on a cruise before….well maybe a one day cruise. I’d love to go on one
Denise Gabbard says
I am a landlubber, and I get violently ill when the boat is in the ocean…so no chance I’ll be choosing shore excursions anytime soon. I prefer to sit on the sand and watch the ships from there.
Mommy2Jam says
I have never been on a cruise however after reading this I really want to go. thank you so much for sharing this with us. I now have cruise fever LOL
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Lots of great points here! I’ve never cruised before, but I would love to! I’m terrified to get sick (I have severe motion sickness LOL)
Ave says
Thanks for sharing great tips! I really want to take a cruise soon. I haven’t been thinking on to shore excursions yet, so your post is really helpful!
Mina Slater says
The last cruise I went on we planned the excursions ourselves. Everything went well thankfully but I agree there are possible advantages and disadvantages each way. On our next cruise in October I’m going to go on the cruise planned excursions though.
Dawn says
Thanks for your informative list. I haven’t been on a cruise before but am hoping to take one soon. I think, based on your list, that I would book through the cruise first, just to avoid researching a country I hadn’t been to, language barriers and getting left behind *gasp*. Then, I could play it by ear after that.
Amanda mcMahon says
This also is for staying at beach resorts. They can plan things or you can.
Mel Cole says
Ship cruising is one I would love to try someday. Thank you for sharing great thoughts about the expenses.
Annie says
I haven’t been on a cruise yet, but definitely something I think about. Great thoughts on the pros & cons
Amanda Her says
Thanks for these tips! I hope to take a cruise soon and want to make sure I stay as safe as possible.
Le-an Lacaba says
I really would like to try cruising someday. Just floating and travelling sounds like heaven Awesome tips! Thanks.