Book excursions thru Carnival or on your own?

[acanadiangirl]

I'm sure you will get responses both ways, but our preference after 38 cruises is to book through Carnival. You can save some money by booking through a private tour but my thought is if you are spending a $1000+ for a cruise,a few extra dollars is not enough to risk being left on shore. If a Ship's tour is late getting back the ship will wait for you. On a private tour,if for some unforseen reason they are late, you might get left. We saw 3 couples get left in Cozumel because their taxi had a flat tire and was late arriving back at the ship. Whatever you decide, HAVE A GREAT CRUISE.

 

I couldnt agree more.. I will pay more for the comfort in knowing they will wait... I am starting to realize that the older I get the more of a control freak I am.. lol.. and I want everything (that is within my reach) to go smoothly, and if paying more ensures this part goes smoothly then I am in!!... this just takes the stress out of it for me..

[mprucha]

For us it depends on the port. If we aren't in a port very long and getting to the ship is an issue, I book through Carnival or if the port has a "rough" reputation. If not either of these things, then going independent is less expensive.

[Carnival Game]

If you purchase trip insurance, wouldn't that cover your expenses/transportation if for some reason the independent tour company had an incident and couldn't get you back to the ship on time?