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Ridiculous price for excursions!

Ladysilver

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Ladysilver

Ladysilver

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It's been quite a few years since we've bought any excursions while on a cruise so when I started searching for my upcoming one on the Navigator, I experienced a HUGE case of sticker shock! Almost $200 for 3 adults to spend 5 hours on a beach? Am I crazy or does anyone else feel this way? :(

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superduper123

superduper123

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It's been quite a few years since we've bought any excursions while on a cruise so when I started searching for my upcoming one on the Navigator, I experienced a HUGE case of sticker shock! Almost $200 for 3 adults to spend 5 hours on a beach? Am I crazy or does anyone else feel this way? :(

Yeah, I've never booked a ship sponsored excursion for this reason. Seems to me I can get it cheaper (not always) going on my own.

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Rufferto

Rufferto

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It's been quite a few years since we've bought any excursions while on a cruise so when I started searching for my upcoming one on the Navigator, I experienced a HUGE case of sticker shock! Almost $200 for 3 adults to spend 5 hours on a beach? Am I crazy or does anyone else feel this way? :(

 

 

I agree that it is expensive. I try to arrange my own excurtions where possible.

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TEXASMUNK

TEXASMUNK

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Tabayana is great, but you can taxi over to the the West End. We head to a place called Foster's. Yes here is a fee, but it includes stuff!!

Google Roatan...and start the hunt..you can do it for much less and there are tons of taxis to get you there and back!

Glad you came back and replied!

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Ladysilver

Ladysilver

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Tabayana is great, but you can taxi over to the the West End. We head to a place called Foster's. Yes here is a fee, but it includes stuff!!

Google Roatan...and start the hunt..you can do it for much less and there are tons of taxis to get you there and back!

Glad you came back and replied!

 

 

Thanks, I'll do that! :)

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kc320

kc320

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Also check out the Ports of call section here on CC,,,LOT'S of great infor on tours you can book on your own in each port...I only consider a ship tour if it is going to an area far away from the ship...or my time in port is limited...otherwise I book my own tours...

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Arzeena

Arzeena

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It's been quite a few years since we've bought any excursions while on a cruise so when I started searching for my upcoming one on the Navigator, I experienced a HUGE case of sticker shock! Almost $200 for 3 adults to spend 5 hours on a beach? Am I crazy or does anyone else feel this way? :(

 

No YOU are not crazy! But the charges of the excursion sure are!!!:rolleyes:

TexasMunk has a great suggestion! We got a taxi/van from port with 5 other people. The driver took us for a short ride around, then to a supermarket since someone wanted to buy water/sodas, and then he gave us a short tour of the west end where the American expats live. Then he took us to a great beach with lots of food and fun and came back to pick us up. I heard someone mention that Tabayana beach was right next door? same beach differnt entry point? something like that!

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QuickGold

QuickGold

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Like others have said, use this board and trip advisor to see what beaches are out there to do on your own. If all you want is transportation to the beach and back, I definitely think you can get something cheaper.

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COMBOY

COMBOY

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It's been quite a few years since we've bought any excursions while on a cruise so when I started searching for my upcoming one on the Navigator, I experienced a HUGE case of sticker shock! Almost $200 for 3 adults to spend 5 hours on a beach? Am I crazy or does anyone else feel this way? :(

 

Well...I pull this up on the RCI website regarding this tour:

 

Tabyana Beach Break - RT47

 

Relax on crystal white sand and swim in the beautiful turquoise waters. Package includes admission to the beach, round-trip transportation and a Bar-B-Q style lunch. A cash bar is also available. Travel time is approximately 35 minutes each way over a scenic road in non-air conditioned bus. Lockers, banana boats and kayaks are available for rent from the resort on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional activities are available at an extra cost and are not part of the tour package.

 

So this tours includes beach admission and lunch for $62pp with transfers. Also remember the cruise lines markets up the tour price by 20-40% for their profit margin. Shore excursion are a major profit center for the cruise lines just like the bars or casino. You are paying for the convenience and assurance that you will return back to ship in time for departure. RCI makes sure they are a reputable company with liability insurance for your protection. RCI organized everything for you in advance. Pricey...yes. However, you can always just take a taxi over to a beach or book an independent tour outside of RCI and save $$$. Many people do this...but you will have to do the leg work and make sure they are reputable company and always use a credit card with an independent tour company for your protection. Remember if you book an independent tour or leave the ship on your own - if something should go wrong the cruise line can not assist you. You have the weigh your risk level when touring a foreign country. Cruise line monitor the tours and if something goes wrong you have recourse through the cruise line. Cost vs Convenience vs Risk.

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negc

negc

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It's been quite a few years since we've bought any excursions while on a cruise so when I started searching for my upcoming one on the Navigator, I experienced a HUGE case of sticker shock! Almost $200 for 3 adults to spend 5 hours on a beach? Am I crazy or does anyone else feel this way? :(

 

If everyone else feels that way, few if any will book and the prices will eventually drop to a more realistic level. We rarely book a beach or shopping excursion through a cruiseline and have found we can pretty much duplicate what they offer at a much lower price by negotiating with the local tour guides when we get off the ship. There are instances, however, where conditions might dictate that using a ship's excursion is a better option especially if there could be problems getting back to the ship on time . If the ship's tour includes transportation to and from the beach, any admission fees, chairs, umbrellas etc. the total cost of doing it on your own might not be that much better. Just make sure you factor in everything when comparing a ship sponsored excursion with one you do on your own.

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CruisinDawn

CruisinDawn

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Try this I have used him several times http://boddentours.com/

That is who we used too. Much more personal a way cheaper! The beach area was WAY to crowded for us but our driver let us see the area. We spent our day touring the island, visiting the monkeys and relaxing but with a private excursion you have the driver for the day to do as you please, if that is the beach then there ya go. Excursion your looking at does include a BBQ so you have to take food into account when comparing prices.

 

BonVoyage

Dawna

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palofmine

palofmine

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I will never pay for a beach excruison... cheaper to grab a bus or cab on your own.

 

 

It's been quite a few years since we've bought any excursions while on a cruise so when I started searching for my upcoming one on the Navigator, I experienced a HUGE case of sticker shock! Almost $200 for 3 adults to spend 5 hours on a beach? Am I crazy or does anyone else feel this way? :(
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publicpersona

publicpersona

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Contrary opinion: I'm probably the cheapest skinflint on earth, and we always cruise the bargains. I'm a master at pinching a penny.

 

However, I frequently (but not always) book shore excursions through the ship. There are a number of advantages including not having to worry about the consequences of missing the ship, and also I've had hassles trying to pay independent vendors on occasions.

 

Would I pay $60 to go in a crowded van to Seven Mile Beach? No. Or pay through the nose to go to an all-inclusive that I can just as easily book myself? No. But for many excursions where timing may be tight, and there is elevated risk of not getting back, I don't mind paying an extra $15-$20 per person to book through the ship. Sorry. I can't even believe I'm saying that myself. But we do.

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lah66

lah66

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I was looking at the Tabyana Beach Break in Roatan ( $192 ) for 3 adults. :eek:

 

Also look at Bananarama...I think it is $32 per person for transportation to and from the ship and a beach chair. They are just down the beach from where the ships excursions go...Tabayana Beach. The beaches are public so you can swim anywhere...

 

Also you can hire Ronys or Boddens driver for $40 for the entire day and they can bring you around the island and to the beach. Get tired of the beach? They can drive you to the West End. They will sit on the beach and watch your stuff while you are in the water. Gives you freedom to do what you want, when you want! And if it rains, you can escape to see other things!

 

Oh....Labadee Dragons Breath Flight line is absolutely worth it. The entire "excursion" start to finish is a riot! Well worth it! Of course, I think it was only $72 when our family of four went on it!

 

Lauri

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CFD130

CFD130

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OK $62 for a 35 minute ride to the beach, chairs,etc, lunch and a ride back. Plus you know its safe, you will be returned to the ship on time and all you have to do is click a button to purchase and that's HUGE sticker shock?

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