Excursions - Off-ship Fun
One of the best things about cruising is that you get to sample a number of different ports in a short period of time. You can use the time to explore the culture, history, and landscape of the ports you visit. If you happen to love on port in particular, maybe you'll choose to go back for an extended stay.
Excursions are the main method by which you'll get to have these experiences. Excursions can be purchased through the cruise line or separately from providers not affiliated with the cruise line you are sailing on.
1. How to book an excursion
For first time cruisers, we strongly recommend that you book through your cruise line. Experienced cruisers reading this may want to send us a nasty email, but for your first time, use the cruise line. You might be asking why. The cruise line has done the work to vet the providers that they rely on to ensure they provide a safe, quality service. Additionally, most cruise lines guarantee that they will not leave port without you if you are on an excursion purchased through the cruise line. Finally, if something happens and the ship isn't able to make it to the port, refunds are easy and stress-free.
Each cruise line website will provide a (usually) large list of options for excursions in each port. For most ports, you'll find tours to all the main attractions, options for shopping, and guided walking tours. In tropical destinations, you'll also have beach days, snorkeling, scuba, and other active options. It's almost certain that you'll be able to find an excursion that you find interesting, is timed the way you'd like, and matches your physical capabilities.
Pricing through the ships may be slightly higher than with off-ship options but it is usually competitive. Some cruise lines also offer price-matching, so if you happen to find a very similar excursion from a third party vendor, it's worth asking the cruise line if they'll match the price. In most cases, we that that even without price matching, a small premium is worth it for the simplicity of the experience.
As a last note, keep in mind where you are in the world when selecting excursions. In researching the decision to book a cruise, you might have come across articles about tragic accidents involving cruise passengers. Infrastructure and safety standards are not the same world-wide, so be conscious of the level of risk that you're willing to take. Even with cruise-sponsored excursions, accidents can happen. Having said that, it's very rare and we don't want to discourage anyone from experiencing a new adventure.
2. What to take with you
You are going to leave your floating hotel and experience the outside world for a few hours. You'll need a few things to make sure you're equipped to enjoy your time away from the ship.
The basics:
- Ship card or wristband
- Driver's license
- Photocopy of your passport
- Some local currency*
- Credit card
- Cruise line contact number**
- Phone in airplane mode
For sun destinations:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun lotion
- Bottled water
- Book/e-reader
- Beach towel
- Change of shorts/pants***
- Activity-specific gear (such as snorkel mask, flippers)
For historic destinations:
- Bottled water
- Fresh socks
- Questions for the guide
- Map (downloaded to your phone, perhaps)
Excursions are a great way to experience a port and get some inside information on the area from knowledgeable guides. If your guides provide you with a great experience, remember to give them a tip at the conclusion of your excursion.
* A widely accepted currency such as U.S. dollars in the Caribbean can also work well and helps avoid the need to get multiple currencies.
** In each port, the cruise line will have a "handler" that can be contacted in case of emergency. They are able to work with the cruise line to address your needs.
*** Transportation providers prefer people be clean and dry in their vehicles, so it's a courtesy to them to ensure you are dry when entering the vehicles. The easiest way to accomplish this is to simply put on dry clothes.