Cruise Planners - How to Choose a Shore Excursion

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How to Choose a Shore Excursion

What you do in the ports of call is one of the ways in which you personalize your cruise vacation experience, and everyone wants to make the most of limited time in port. So here are a few easy tips to help you make these important decisions.

1. How much physical activity is involved?

The first criteria to consider is how active you want to be. Some adventurous excursions require special skills, such as the ability to swim or previous horseback riding experience. Or the tour may simply require too much walking over rough terrain.

In addition, some tours take you places you may be uncomfortable with. For example, submarines may be too claustrophic, or you may not feel comfortable with heights, flightseeing, aerial trams or ziplining. Eliminate those that you can’t or won’t do.

2. How long does the excursion take?

The second thing to think about is how much time the tour takes. Ask yourself if you’re up to a full-day tour or if a half-day excursion would be better for you. Full-day tours, even those with little physical activity can be exhausting! Plus, you have to consider how much free time you want.

Full-day excursions allow you to do and see more, and to travel farther from the ship. But your entire day is scheduled by someone else. Half-day tours have the benefit of a slower pace and allow you to explore on your own, shop and spend the time as you choose.

3. How much does the excursion cost?

And last, look at the cost and what’s included. Remember, your excursion may be offering you the only opportunity to experience something truly unique and memorable and later you won’t regret spending the money. Unfortunately, some tours may just be too cost-prohibitive, especially if you are paying for a family.

Cost is always going to be an important factor, so instead of taking an excursion in every single port, take only those that are truly a must-do and forego excursions for free time or beach time elsewhere.

Pre-booking your excursions won’t save you any money, but it will save you some time. And this way you’ll always have what you really want.

Use our link to ShoreTrips to look for that perfect shore excursion and to get the best price on a variety of fun and memorable experiences while you are ashore.

And don't forget....

4. What should I take with me?

Take pleny of sunscreen, bottled water and your towels from the ship (the ship will have towels and water available near the gangway on many ports-of-call). Take your camera, a hat or cap, backpack, identification (copy of your passport is a good idea) and cash or credit cards. Good shoes for walking and perhaps some insect repellent. If you are going to snorkel, a swim suit and we recommend good quality or professional snorkeling gear with a mask that provides a leak free seal around your face, a snorkel tube that fits your mouth and fins that are comfortable with you.

See Mark at Hydrosports for all of your snorkel and diving gear needs and tell them we sent you for a 10% discount on equipment or a free introduction to diving class with the purchase of a mask, snorkel and fins.

Art / Monica Walker

How to Choose a Shore Excursion