Question about booking excursions

[Jaakar]

Hello, We have a cruise booked on the Noordam for October and when visiting the HAL website to peruse available excursions there seems to be rather slim pickings. I'm assuming this is because its still too far out for them to all show as available yet. Is this correct? If true, how long before departure are they typically added for booking?

 

Thanks kindly.

[CruiserBruce]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

That is possibly the issue. Where is the cruise to? Is it a unique location, where HAL doesn't sail often? If its a common, frequent destination, the excursions typically come up sooner.

[Jaakar]

Thanks for the reply. It is the 34 day South Pacific Crossing from SAN to SYD departing Oct 8th

[REOVA]

I would check back about 90 days prior but in the meantime research the ports and see what you may want to see. You may be able to book private excursion (refundable deposit, pay as you go,etc) until HAL posts their excursions. And then if HAL doesn't post something you want to see, you are already covered. Many of the island ports might be small and not have many excursions and in those cases you may find a driver in port that will take you around. Just be aware that port changes and delays will affect private excursions so find options where you don't lose money up front. CC has forums with different destinations where posts are made about what cruisers have done. Also join roll call to see if anyone is coordinating tours. 

[ski ww]

You should also join / start a roll call for this cruise. There is always lots to learn there about private tours.