What Are Shore Excursions? Need-to-Know Basics + FAQs
If you’re a first-time cruiser, you might wonder, “What are shore excursions?” These are tours or activities available at each port-of-call for an extra cost, allowing you to explore beyond the ship.
Cruise lines offer shore excursions for an additional fee. You can book them through the cruise line or independently for more flexibility.
We’ve had the fortune to visit many destinations and experience some amazing excursions. We took a UTV tour in Aruba that guided us through Arikok National Park. In Bimini, Bahamas, we swam with sharks, an experience we never thought we’d ever have. In Mazatlán, Mexico, we embarked on an unforgettable food tour that took us around different barrios to taste local dishes.
In this article, we’ll explain what shore excursions are and answer some frequently asked questions.
What are Shore Excursions?
Shore excursions are the special tours and activities you can join upon arriving at a port-of-call. They’re perfectly tailored for cruisers looking to make the most of their day ashore. These excursions can be organized into larger group tours, smaller groups for a more intimate experience, and sometimes even private tours can be arranged, which are more customizable.
These excursions provide a fantastic opportunity to familiarize yourself with the destination. You can immerse yourself in the culture and discover the area’s history through walking tours, taste the local cuisine, or engage in popular outdoor activities for which the area is famous.
Local tour companies usually run excursions sponsored by the cruise line, which they have carefully selected and vetted. These tours generally cover everything from transport and entrance fees to other logistics—read the fine print to see exactly what’s included.
What is the Advantage of Booking a Shore Excursion With the Cruise?
The main advantage of booking with the cruise line is convenience and peace of mind. When you book through the cruise, they take on the responsibility of making sure you return to the ship on time. The cruise ship will not leave without you, making it a stress-free option.
Can You Book a Shore Excursion Independently?
Yes! If you want more flexibility or the cruise line’s offerings don’t match your interests, you can book an independent shore excursion. Independent tours usually cost less than cruise lines, which often mark up their prices. Booking on your own can help you save some money.
Remember, you may need to handle transportation to and from the port independently when you book. The tour company can often assist with this, which might even be included in your tour package, but it’s important to double-check.
We almost always book our shore excursions through independent companies. Our biggest tip for independent bookings is always leave enough time to return to the ship on time.
Cruise Tip: Booking last-minute shore excursions at the cruise port can be fun and spontaneous, but it’s not always advisable. The best tours and activities tend to fill up quickly, so to ensure you don’t miss out, we recommend booking in advance as you prepare for your cruise and before embarkation day.
Can You Use a Travel Agent to Book Shore Excursions?
Yes, you can. If you prefer the convenience of using a travel agent, they can handle booking your cruise excursions for you, whether through the cruise line or independently.
What are the Most Popular Types of Shore Excursions?
While the most popular shore excursions often depend on the destination, common favorites include visits to beach clubs, water activities like snorkeling, and guided walking tours.
What are Examples of Excursions?
Here are some popular type of shore excursions you might consider:
- City Exploration: Take a walking or driving tour through a famous city.
- Sail and Snorkel: Combine a peaceful sailing trip with exciting snorkeling adventures.
- ATV & UTV Adventures: Explore rugged terrains and scenic paths on an ATV or UTV.
- Ziplining: Experience the thrill of ziplining through a jungle canopy or a picturesque beach.
- Water Sports: Jetskiing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
- Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare local dishes under the guidance of local chefs.
- Food Tours: Let a local guide introduce you to the local cuisine.
- Scuba Diving Adventures: Dive into the deep blue to discover underwater worlds.
How Long is a Shore Excursion?
Shore excursions usually last between three to five hours, but some can extend up to seven hours, depending on how long the ship is docked and your specific tour. Always check the duration you’ll be in port to ensure you don’t book an excursion that exceeds your available time ashore.
How Much are Shore Excursions on Cruises?
The cost of shore excursions varies significantly based on the duration, what’s included, and the tour’s popularity. On average, prices range from $50 to $100 per person, though they can be higher for certain activities.
Private tours, offering a more personalized experience, tend to be more expensive, while small group tours can be more economical and nearly as personalized.
Luxury cruise lines, like Viking, often include shore excursions in your cruise fare, which is a great perk if you’re sailing with them—though it’s worth noting that their overall cruise fares are usually higher. On the other hand, mainstream cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, and similar generally do not include shore excursions in the base fare.
How Shore Excursions Work
Excursions Booked Through the Cruise Line
If you book a tour through the cruise line, you will receive tickets in your cabin. These tickets include instructions on where and when to meet for the tour. Sometimes, you might be required to meet at a specific location on the ship for check-in before meeting your tour operators outside. In other cases, you’ll be directed to meet at a designated location outside the ship as soon as you exit into the cruise terminal. They will take you on your guided tour and have you back in time before the ship departs.
Independently Booked Excursions
If you book an excursion independently, you will typically need to meet your tour operator outside the cruise terminal. After booking, you will receive meeting instructions via email or text, providing all the details for your tour. Have all this information handy on the day of your excursion. Once you meet your tour guide, you’ll be on the way to experience the tour you booked. These tours usually guarantee having you back on the ship on time, but it is your responsibility to make sure you do.
Are Shore Excursions Worth it?
We find them worth the time and cost as they offer a fantastic way to make the most of your time in each port-of-call and experience what the destination offers. While there’s something to be said for exploring on your own, shore excursions provide a structured, convenient option, especially if you’re uncomfortable venturing out independently or pressed for time.
Additionally, booking a shore excursion is often necessary for more adventurous activities like ziplining, kayaking, or jet skiing. These experiences are typically arranged to ensure safety and access, making them ideal for those who love adventure.
What Do You Do on a Cruise if You Don’t Book an Excursion?
Booking a shore excursion isn’t mandatory; it’s just one of the optional extras offered on a cruise. The port cities are often conveniently close enough to walk off the ship and explore independently. Alternatively, you might consider taking public transportation or renting a car for more flexibility.
We always suggest researching the port destination before your cruise to determine the best way to explore each port city independently. This planning can help you make the most of your time ashore without the structure of a guided tour.
If you decide not to book a shore excursion and stay on the ship, there are still plenty of things to do. You can explore the ship’s amenities, participate in onboard activities, indulge in delicious food and cocktails, or relax by the pool.
Cruise Tip: Many cruisers choose to stay on board while the ship is less crowded. If a particular port doesn’t spark your interest, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy spa specials or relax on a half-empty pool deck. Remember, there’s no requirement to disembark at every port—feel free to enjoy your cruise your way!
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.