Tours in port. Use ship tours or private?

[mizzmoo]

We are doing the E. Caribbean for the first time (Have cruised to several other places) on the Celebrity Solstice. We are wondering about booking tours--either via the ship or possibly with an island vendor. We love history, shopping, beaches and would love recommendations as to which route is better. My one concern is: getting into San Juan PR at 3 pm and would love to see El Morro--does a tour allow for this as it it seems places may be closing a couple of hours later. Would a private operator be better for this? Tips anyone?

[Riversedge]

We never book ship excursions anymore. Don't like the "herding" atmosphere and the prices are about twice as much. We've had excellend luck booking our own. The best way is to look on the board on Cruise Critic for each of your stops and get recommendations from others. If you read several pages on each port there will usually be one or two tours that stand out above the rest.

 

To see El Morro, just take a taxi and see it yourself. No need for a tour. Depending on where your ship is docking you may be able to walk there. It's definitely not to be missed. I bet if you google it you can find out their closing time. You could easily spend an hour or two there.

[blue_water]

For a tour of a specific area like the fort you can do that on your own, that is right by the port.

 

If you want a great island tour in the short time available to you I would Google the various independent tour operators that come highly recommended. They can provide a great sightseeing tour and also tailor it to fit your personal desires. We have some favorites on other islands but we have not used any in PR as it is very easy to get around when staying there.

 

Some excursions accept bookings only thjrough the cruise line, while others accept them if you provide a cabin number and ship sign & sail card or hotel room key. Depends on the operator.

[Colorado Kat]

We always book private tours, not ships tours. (Though a good trick is start by viewing the ship's tours to see what is available, and then research private tours on your own.)

 

El Morro is something you can easily do on your own.

[mizzmoo]

Thanks all! Looking forward to the cruise and the ports.