Excursion question

[Doug R.]

Be aware that there are some operators that do not sell to cruise passengers, despite offering a lower price independently, due to their contracts with the cruise lines.

[lenquixote66]

We always book through the ship .A family member was on a cruise in 2013 and booked a tour through the ship .The bus broke down and they returned 90 minutes after the ship (NCL Gem) was due to leave .The ship waited for them to return.

 

[Ontariotrekker]

Some thoughts -

 

Does Carnival still price match their excursions?? We found they same tour at a cheaper price from a local and Carnival gave us the difference.

 

Find your roll call for the cruise. Often folks are looking for someone to share the cost of a local tour.

 

Use Trip Advisor to get past reviews.

 

Puntarenas - our group paid $70 for a 7 stop tour. The ship broke down those stops into 2 excursions each costing about $55. Yes, the group got back in time and were able to tell the local guide 'No shopping."

 

Shar

[zqvol]

Here is an example:

 

Excursion: Turtle Farm Tour in Grand Cayman

Carnival's Price: $54.99

Tickets directly at the gate: $45.00

Tickets online at the company's website: $36.00 ($45 - 20% discount of $9.00)

 

BUT Carnival includes transportation, and if you go on your own you have to add that into the cost.

 

Things where you can really save are beach breaks, where the cruise line is basically charging you a large fee for transportation, and not much else.

[OCruisers]

BUT Carnival includes transportation, and if you go on your own you have to add that into the cost.

 

Things where you can really save are beach breaks, where the cruise line is basically charging you a large fee for transportation, and not much else.

 

Good point! When you do it own your own, you do need to factor in your cost of transportation. ;)

[clarkg]

We have done both ship board excursions and independent ones. You'll find the ship board ones are going to have more people and you'll be herded around. The independent ones are smaller, more personal.

One drawback to the independent is that if you miss the ship, they don't wait. On the shipboard ones, they do wait.

I would suggest you find a cruise tips web page, there are a lot right here on cruise critic, or buy a book. Either would help you out.

[Heartlands1]

Just a note for Aruba. They have an excellent bus service which will get you to the beach for US $5 return. At San Juan, Puerto Rico there is a free hop on hop off trolley bus.