shore excursions POA 3/15/16 from SF?

[fieldtrips]

Hi. I just learned of Cruise Critic on our last cruise (Oct in Europe), so joined before going this March 15,2016, on Pride of America from SF back to Hawaii. Are there any shore excursions that CC members book for small groups (like in Europe) that beat the heck out of NCL offerings? Best sites that offer shore excursions with back-to-ship guarantees? (We've used Viator, and they have some, but not that many). Thanks- fieldtrips

[Susan-M]

Welcome to Cruise Critic:)

 

Private tours are frequently discussed here - suggest scrolling through several pages of threads and read the ones that sound of interest - you'll get a lot of great information.

 

You might also want to consider renting cars in some ports - it's a very economical way to explore, and fun, as long as you have some plans worked out before getting there.

 

A guarantee of getting back to the ship on time isn't as critical in Hawaii as it is in Europe (although I'm sure that private tour operators make this a priority) - should you inadvertently miss the ship, the next island is only a half hour flight away (plus the $ to get there.)

 

Be sure to join your roll call to see what others on your cruise will be doing in port - some of them might be looking for others to join them in small group tours. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2225188

Edited January 18, 2016 by Susan-M

[punkincc]

Hi. I just learned of Cruise Critic on our last cruise (Oct in Europe), so joined before going this March 15,2016, on Pride of America from SF back to Hawaii. Are there any shore excursions that CC members book for small groups (like in Europe) that beat the heck out of NCL offerings? Best sites that offer shore excursions with back-to-ship guarantees? (We've used Viator, and they have some, but not that many). Thanks- fieldtrips

 

Welcome aboard! We are on your sailing as well. I see you found our roll call. Read up a little on the internet about what there is to see and do in Hawaii so you will know what interests you. Sites like the sister site of Cruise Critic, Trip Advisor, is a good one. Most everything is doable in Hawaii for the price of a rental car. No need to book a way more expensive tour. Book in advance through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. The shuttles pick you up at the dock. The driving is very easy. We really never use ship tours there. We book the occassional independent tour. Check their ratings on Trip Advisor. Most are very reliable and will get you back in plenty of time.

 

One independent tour we do like is in Hilo, for Volcano National Park and lots of other stops as well. Full day for about 6 people in a small vehicle vs a big huge bus. Mary Lou's Big Island Tours. Family owned and operated by Mary Lou, husband Ken and son Kyle. Only 3 vehicles, so very limited availability. Very highly rated. Like being with family. They do Kona the following day as well.