Are there multiple ways to book excursions?

[1st4our25th]

We will be cruising for the first time this November. I was wondering if you can only book excursions through the cruise line or are there other places online to do that? Thank you.

[Capt_BJ]

You can book excursions thru the cruise line - this is often the expensive option as the cruise line adds $ to the cost for their efforts OTOH if something happens, say the port is cancelled for some reason, the cruise line will get you your refund immediately while if you've done something else, maybe not.  There is also a presumption that an excursion arranged thru the ship will NOT be left behind should something happen like a bus breaking down for example where a private tour might get back late only to see the ship has already departed without . . . This is usually the easiest option, other than no tours at all!

 

You can book excursions <aka tours> on your own. Many folks will tell you they get a better deal, save money yada yada.  On gotcha as mentioned above is the potential for changes and you don't go to the port where you booked a private tour.  Also many times if a tour is offered as an excursion thru the cruise, they are contractually proscribed from offering the same tour directly to folks coming from the ship/line.  Some people book private tours ahead of time and some others just wait until they arrive at a port and often there are tour vendors on the pier ready to service your needs. How do you find private tours?  Sites like trip advisor are a start.

 

And of course many folks don't do excursions or tours at all.  Some may just walk about the shopping near the piers other will have done a lil research and just take a taxi to a 'place', beach, bar .... whatever; or even more adventurous may even hop a bus

 

ask 5 people which way is best and expect to get 7 answers

Edited January 26, 2019 by Capt_BJ

[1st4our25th]

Thank you so much. Your information was very helpful. 

[vacationlover_mn]

One easy thing to do in Nassau on your own is: walk around the shops, go to the straw market, then go to Junkanoo Beach. We’ve done this before, but it’s a little crowded- but inexpensive :).  This time we’re booking a ship excursion to Pearl Island, for something a little more relaxed 🙂

[mjkacmom]

We like to pay for day passes at hotels at this stop. The beaches are beautiful, there are many within a 15 drive, and I really dislike the port/shopping area in Nassau. I think a lot of folks who get off of the ship without a plan are the ones who say Nassau is a one and done stop.

[Capt_BJ]

Here's what I recommend for a first timer to Nassau

 

Exit the cruise terminal and look for a line of horse and buggy ... these will offer short city tours.  Price is negotiable based on how long you want to go.  I find 30 to 45 minutes gives a decent tour of the city area.  Ask to be dropped off at the Pirate Museum .... this is a better attraction than many like it you'll find in the island in that it is really a museum!  You just may learn something.  It is also on the edge of the shopping area so after a visit walk back towards the ships and you'll see the shopping, straw market and a few places where you could have a drink or a bite. (if worried about safety: I've done this with my kids several times over the years .. when they were pre-teen)

 

If you want to gamble you can take a taxi to Atlantis .. there is no admission charge to use the casino ... one reason cruise ships stay LATE in this port as compared to some other places like Cayman where no casino = depart b4 dinner time!

Edited January 27, 2019 by Capt_BJ

[1st4our25th]

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. 

[royalcfan]

We did the horse and buggy ride once and it was fun to see the sights.  We did an Atlantis tour once.  I would not do that again.  We have done snorkeling and enjoyed that also.

[cruiseapril]

We have enjoyed The Melia at Cable Beach.  There are many good hotels

on Cable Beach to choose from.

Have been to several of the other beaches- Cable is best in our opinion.

[royalcfan]

Does anyone have a favorite beach to go to or favorite tour company?

[vacationlover_mn]

14 hours ago, royalcfan said:

Does anyone have a favorite beach to go to or favorite tour company?

We did Pearl Island via a ship excursion, and liked it.  If you do a search in this forum, you can find my review.