To book or not to book excursions?

[JPerry]

I have heard that it is less expensive to book the excursions once you get off the ship instead of booking them through the cruise line. Is this true?

[Leo Jay]

The price is usually (always?) somewhat more expensive if you book through the cruiseline, but one benefit of booking through the ship is that you can (theoretically) hold the cruiseline accountable (for whatever that's worth) if something happens to go wrong on your excursion (injury, aborted trip due to mechanical failure, etc.). Also, if you book through the ship, you know for sure that the ship won't leave without you if the jeep breaks down on the other side of the island 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to depart. Some people think that that protection is overrated, and that the likelihood of missing your ship due to circumstances is slim to none. Your money, your gamble.

 

Anyway, if you choose to book independent of the cruiseline, you need not have to wait until you debark. Many tour operators take bookings over the internet in advance. Research the Port of Call boards for suggestions.

[hajekfam]

If you are doing touring excursions, it may be OK to wait till you get off the ship. But if you are doing an activity excursion like a helicopter ride and glacier landing in Alaska or the BOB excursion in St. Thomas - there is a limit to the number of passengers those excursions can take due to the equipment and time constraints so you would be better to book those through the ship or if you want to do your own, book ahead of the cruise.

If you are going for a ship excursion, I would book the ship excursion as soon as possible before sailing - especially if you are doing a popular excursion like a helicopter in Alaska(there are only so many people that can accommodated due to weight restrictions).

[clackey]

We booked our first 2 excursions through the ship. The other dozen or so have been through independants. Besides saving 30%-45% we have had fewer people with us. If we ever miss the boat we will either fly home or find a way to the next port. That is why God made plastic.

[jlp20]

By accepting a booking on a cruise ship, you agree to a contract with the cruise line. You will get a copy of the contract with the other paperwork. If you go to the website of the cruise line your considering, you should be able to bring it up. In a nutshell they ARE NOT LIABLE for ANYTHING that happens off the ship concerning third party carriers. All of the excursions we have been on were by third party companies, whether booked through the cruiseline or not.

 

Advantages of booking through cruiseline:

1. The cruiseline has done some investigations into the third party company and has met whatever standards they have set.

2. Cost of the excursion goes onto your shipboard account, it is not paid for ahead of time. If the excursion is cancelled, you are not charged.

3. If you are delayed while on the excursion for any reason, the ship waits for you, not question.

 

Advantages of booking on your own:

1. You may save some money.

[98Charlie]

• Saving Money - Yes, it is generally more expensive to book through the cruise lines.
  
• Cruise Line Liability - Every cruise line has a liability exclusion clause in the contract that you sign. It covers all transportation including tours, transfers to/from the ship/air arraingements, etc.
  
• "Must Do" Excursions - If you have an excursion that you really want, book in advance either through the cruise line or online. I wouldn't take a chance on it not being available when we get ashore.
  
• Prepayment - Some independant operators will want a deposit, some don't. Cruise lines generally charge your shipboard account. However, I believe that if you reserve pre-cruise with Carnival they now charge your card immediately. If you are going Carnival, check before you book if this is important to you.
  

 

Charlie