Shore Excursions: A Beginner’s Guide

Many first time cruisers often wonder if they should buy shore excursions directly from their cruise line or just wing it when they get to the port. And while there will always some discord among experienced cruisers, most will give you the same answer: It depends on what you want to do and where you are going!
When planning your cruise and excursions it is important to ask yourself about your personal traveling preferences. A little research about the ports themselves will also go a long way. Here’s a quick and easy guide on picking travel excursions.

Step 1: Take a look at your itinerary and do your research
Almost every cruise line has a description of the highlights of each port and what shore excursions will be offered from the cruise line. Also there are various online sites dedicated to providing information on destination ports. Using these tools, you can find the options available for you and your traveling companions.

Step 2: Decide on which excursions and spots appeal to you
After looking at all your options, pick a few that hold your interest. You may decide on a walking tour through the city, snorkeling with the kids, or a bus tour of the historical sites.

Step 3: Compare the benefits and potential downsides
Now that you have decided on what type of excursions you are interested in, you are ready to make some decisions. This is the time when your personal preferences come into play. Do you like organized outings? Will you worry about missing the ship? If you answered yes to these two questions then a cruise line sponsored excursion is probably your safest best. These excursions often provide guides, some inclement weather insurance, and a guarantee that the cruise line will know exactly where you are and will wait if your tour is delayed. But if these two factors don’t faze you then you may want to consider other arrangements. Here are some tips:
Beach/Shopping/Local Bars: These often can be done without purchasing the excursion from the cruise line. Taxis and vans will be waiting outside the pier to take you to a number of destinations. You can just tell them what you had in mind and they will take you there and often come back to pick you up (but don’t pay them the return fare until after they drop you back off at the port). This option is especially great for ports that your research has shown is relatively safe and has nearby attractions
Water sports and city tours: With these tours you can find several options. Excursions are available from the cruise line, before you depart from home from an independent tour company or directly at the pier upon disembarking from the ship. These independent tour companies often offer the same tours at a lower price, but do not have the same guarantees that come with purchasing a tour from the cruise line. Choosing one of these tours does involve some risk on your part. They may take you to a substandard area, not provide quality tours or may be late in returning you back to the ship. If you choose to go this route it is important to use your best judgment and instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with the tour provider at any time, do not book with them or ask to be returned back to your ship.
Destination Excursions: Sites like museums, historical places or natural attractions, especially in regions like Europe and Alaska, are often best seen with a knowledgeable tour guide. This is especially true if the attraction is a "must see" part of your trip. In this case, don’t risk it. Book the excursion with your cruise line. You’ll feel better knowing you’ll visit the exact places you want to see with a reliable tour operator. And often times, the organized shore excursions from the ships offer priority entrance and tickets to traditionally high demand attractions.
After your cruise: If you are looking to book an excursion for your pre or post cruise vacation, check out GreatPorts. They provide great information on all the attractions in every North American departure port as well as information on reliable independent tour operators.