paying in advance for excursions/carrying cash, cc, tc

[Spring1onu]

DH and I will be taking our first cruise on 12/3 on the Freedom and we are happily counting down the days! My plan was to pay for independent excursions prior to arrival, but none of my emails have been answered yet :( So, this may mean that I'll have to pay once in port (is that even advisable?). Ideally, we'd like to at least have a reservation for the excursions as opposed to getting off the ship and trying to do it the day of. Does anyone know if this can be done or how it may work? My 2nd question has to do with only taking cash or TC or a CC. I am planning to take a credit card for the ship and cash (though not too much). Are travelers checks accepted on the ship, can they be cashed? A good idea or not? Thanks in advance for any help!

[firefly333]

I would never pay for private excursions ahead of time... what if you miss the port?? Happens more than you might think.. and getting a refund can be chancy. I think pay when you get there.

 

I bring cash myself, but hear travellers checks are accepted.

[idiebabe]

My experience is most Independents take cash at the end of the tour. I would be leery of paying ahead of time especially if one wants you to wire transfer or Western Union money. Some of the bigger Independents will take a credit card. We usually take only one credit card off the Ship with us and a little more than enough cash to pay for the excursion, etc.

 

When I book through Carnival I buy the excursion in advance which helps having a bigger S&S account.

 

Not sure on Traveller's Checks...never bring them.

[Spring1onu]

Thank you for the information. I went back and looked at the excursions we plan on booking and have requested reservations and only one says they require a deposit by credit card, which I'm leery of. The other says payment can be given on the day of the excursion and either by cash or travelers check. I have asked the other if payment can be done in the same manner. If not, then I will seek another tour company as I'm just not comfortable giving my cc information out and prefer to pay by cash. I really wanted to make sure that we would have a reservation, so we wouldn't be wandering around wasting time thinking of something to do :D I completely worded that incorrectly in my original post. Thanks again!

[DebbieNIU]

Depending on the tour/company you could get all the background you need from the knowledgeable people on this site. I know from personal experience I can trust Native Way and Captain Marvin. Basked on people on here I will trust Nachi and give them my info. What are you looking to book, maybe people could tell you of their good/bad experiences with the excursion providers.

[Spring1onu]

Thanks DebbieNIU - we are looking at Tortola Charters and Island Marketing. I've read good reviews for both, but IM is requesting the cc info for a deposit. I'm okay with going with another company if they insist on the cc info, but would really like to book with Tortola Charters and it looks like we will be able to - if they'll ever return my email! :-)

[QTPieRye]

I know from personal experience I can trust Captain Marvin.

 

Back in 2004, our group had prepaid for a excurusion with Captain Marvin's and due to Hurricane Ivan, we were not able to make the port! We received 100% refund :)

 

We always book outside excursions and always prepay for them.... we have not had any problems. I always ask for their refund policy in advance regarding what happens if the ship cannot make port, for any reason! I then make sure I have it in writing prior to paying!!

[Foundrygirl]

I have used Island Marketing for excursions in Cozumel, Roatan and Grand Cayman and have had the best service. My credit card company offers a "shop safe" where I am given a credit card number for the amount that I want for that purchase...ties it back to my main number...so also do that. :)

[iTouch]

Alot of well known tour companies will require a deposit. And they will refund if need be. There is no reason to be afraid of giving them your cc info. It is no different then ordering anything online at home with your card.

I'm not sure if I would even mess with TC's. CC and cash and you are good to go. And if you need more cash they have atm machines or you can get it from the casino.

[buddylover]

Back in 2004, our group had prepaid for a excurusion with Captain Marvin's and due to Hurricane Ivan, we were not able to make the port! We received 100% refund :)

 

We always book outside excursions and always prepay for them.... we have not had any problems. I always ask for their refund policy in advance regarding what happens if the ship cannot make port, for any reason! I then make sure I have it in writing prior to paying!!

 

We too, always book outside excursions whenever possible, I have given my CC to hold a reservation, but I too, always ask for cancellation policy in writing (email etc) and make certain that if ship does not come into port it will NOT be charged. Most independents we have dealt with do NOT charge you for the tour until you have taken it, and we pay at the end. Be sure that the CC is just to "hold" your reservation and will not be charged onto the card. That is how most we have dealt with have worked it. We NEVER prepay however, just a CC number to hold reservation if necessary. Just be certain to use a touring company that others speak highly of and have used.

[B and C Blake]

We cruised a month ago. Took minimal cash, CC and TC. Guest Services will gladly cash your TC no problem.

[golfadj]

As a general rule will not prepay for excursions using private guides. Will pay at the end of the tour.

 

Only exception has been island marketing for Nachi Cocum where we gave them small deposit.

[theneals4]

Congrats on your Cruise! You will have a wonderful time!!

 

Can ask, what kinda of shore excursion you are looking for??

 

I know every shore excursion we have done outside of the ship ask for at least a 30-40 % deposit up front on a credit card. And will give it back IF your ship doesnt make port. And you pay the rest with cash.

 

If you would like, i could send you some links in a private message to some on shore excursion places that have good reviews.

 

I hope you have a great cruise and find something you would really like to do. :cool:

[Spring1onu]

Congrats on your Cruise! You will have a wonderful time!!

 

Can ask, what kinda of shore excursion you are looking for??

 

I know every shore excursion we have done outside of the ship ask for at least a 30-40 % deposit up front on a credit card. And will give it back IF your ship doesnt make port. And you pay the rest with cash.

 

If you would like, i could send you some links in a private message to some on shore excursion places that have good reviews.

 

I hope you have a great cruise and find something you would really like to do. :cool:

 

That would be great if you could send me some info! We are just looking for some nice beaches, snorkeling, and possibly renting a couple of jet skis. Nothing major. We really want to take advantage of spending time soaking up the sun and being beach bums :) would also like to possibly take the skyride (I hope that's right) in st. Thomas for some nice pics. Dh might want to parasail too. Thanks to everyone who provided such good advice! Much appreciated! I will be contacting my cc company tomorrow to see what they can advise :)

 

 

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[Spring1onu]

I have used Island Marketing for excursions in Cozumel, Roatan and Grand Cayman and have had the best service. My credit card company offers a "shop safe" where I am given a credit card number for the amount that I want for that purchase...ties it back to my main number...so also do that. :)

 

Will be checking tomorrow - great advice! TY!

 

 

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