Five Myths About Shore Excursions

We offer shore excursions that get you easily to the top sights and activities at each port of call. The idea is making the most of your time – even if your goal is just to sit under an umbrella at the beach, this is a hassle-free way to do it.

On the other hand, shore excursions, mostly conducted with local operators, can add considerably to your cruise vacation costs. So are they worth doing?

Here we examine five myths about shore excursions to help you decide.

Myth 1: Shore excursions are a rip-off

Shore excursions are a practical way to see sights within a set time period (while the ship is in port) and can represent significant value – especially in places where top attractions are far from the pier. When looking at cost, you need to review what's included: transportation, a guide, admission fees and any extras (such as lunch and drinks). Consider the time you save in DIY planning, and that with an excursion you don't need to think about finding a cab, speaking the local language or exchanging money. You are also paying for vetted operators – you aren't taking off with some random dude and his magnificent flying machine.

Myth #2: Shore excursions always involve bus tours and crowds

Bus tours work well for some cruisers – particularly those who want to at least glimpse the top sights in a city but can't do an extensive walking tour. Buses are also a convenient way for a cruise ship to disperse crowds of passengers – one bus might bring a group to a nature center for a hike, while another heads off to explore Mayan ruins. If you just hate buses or want a smaller group experience, shore excursion lineups are full of various other ways to see the sights – including escorted van, boat, floatplane, helicopter, bike and walking tours.

Myth #3: Shore excursions are boring

What you do on a shore excursion may be a highlight of your cruise vacation. We're talking once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as kissing a dolphin in the Caribbean or viewing the French countryside from a hot air balloon. You'll find a bunch of options that are far from sedate – deep-sea fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling, horseback riding, ziplining and ATV tours, to name a few. Book an Alaska cruise and you can land on a glacier to go dogsledding. Those seeking a taste of local culture will find cooking classes, dance performances and visits to local artist studios among the offerings.

Myth #4: Expensive shore excursions are better

On any excursion, commentary can be hokey, entertaining or intellectually stimulating. If a meal is included, it may be a gourmet feast or a boring buffet. Likewise, some activities are more worthwhile than others – with weather sometimes a factor, for instance in boat tours. It pays before you book to go online and read what other passengers are saying about the excursions.

Myth #5: You don't need to book in advance.

You should book in advance for a few reasons. First of all, you'll be able to do research including carefully reading any fitness requirements of the tours, and can contact us with any questions. Secondly, you can plan out your budget and time – you'll know which days you're on a tour, which days you're on your own exploring and which days you'll be kicking back. Thirdly, you'll assure you'll get on the excursion you want. Local operators may be able to add extra buses and time slots for popular tours and activities. Still, do you really want to take a chance that the one thing you really want to do on shore will be an excursion that sells out?

Happy Cruising!


Excepts from USA Today