flygirl8

We have used Tours by Locals (book with a local guide with whom we can correspond ahead of time) in cities and on shore excursions for years-never an issue, always a great experience. They are fanatics about getting you back to the ship on time. You can buy cancel for any reason insurance if needed and if you take the tour, the company refunds your premium as a credit for a future tour. The guides are vetted and they like working with Tours by Locals. Although it is pricey, when we have traveled with other couples and split the cost, it is not that much more than the per person ship offered excursion and we get all the benefits of a private tour-can customize, flex the time, don't have to wait for a large group to use the rest rooms, have the opportunity to eat in local places, etc. I would not recommend booking any tours or shore excursion if you can't book and communicate directly with the guide.