Do Passengers On Cruises Go On Excursions At Every Port?

Mediterranean cruise passengers can choose to book shore excursions in each port or explore on their own. To make the most of their time in port, it is essential to be savvy about tour planning and avoid rookie mistakes when booking shore excursions. Ports of call are a major part of a cruise, and a shore excursion can help make the most of your time.

Choosing and booking shore excursions for your upcoming cruise should be simple. Pick a port, read the list of options provided by your cruise line, choose an activity you enjoy, and then sign up. Cruisers who have booked ship-sponsored shore excursions, suite guests, or upper-tier loyalty program members can explore each port of call independently or on a guided shore excursion, depending on your personal preferences and individual destination.

Excursions can be taken either independently or on a guided shore excursion, depending on the port. Many experienced cruisers prefer to take independent tours or DIY exploration, depending on the port. However, it is incumbent upon the individual to do sufficient research. Cruise lines offer a full schedule of tours and activities in port, but the process of choosing and booking cruise shore excursions can be overwhelming.

There are two ways cruise passengers can book shore excursions: directly through the cruise line or with independent tour operators based at the port. Consider the pros and cons of the two types of shore excursions as you sift through the choices on a cruise line’s website. Ship tours have their place, as do independent shore excursions and DIY exploration. Most ports also have plenty of tour companies waiting outside the ship to sell tours or shuttle buses to get you into town.

Is it cheaper to buy excursions on the ship?

Ship-sponsored tours are often more expensive than directly offered tours through the operator, as the cruise line serves as the middleman and inflates fees to take a cut before paying the tour company. Independent tours take smaller groups, allowing for more personalized experiences. When booking a private tour, you may be one of fewer than 20 people, compared to the smaller group sizes of third-party tours. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right tour option for your travel needs.

Do cruise ships wait if you are late from an excursion?

The ship may wait for passengers returning from a cruise-line organized excursion if it is running late. This is because the excursion is supposed to take place within the allotted port time. Two recent incidents have highlighted the issue of delayed returns. On March 27, eight Norwegian cruise passengers were stranded on São Tomé and Príncipe after their private excursion arrived more than an hour after boarding closed.

On May 13, a couple sailing in the Mediterranean with the same cruise line were left stranded in Motril, Spain, after an hour bus delay due to rain. Cruises allow travelers to experience multiple destinations on one trip with port stops for exploring new places.

What are the disadvantages of shore excursions?

Cruise line excursions offer advantages such as traveling with a group of passengers and comparing notes with fellow shipmates. They are also reputable and licensed, unlike independent tours. However, downsides include potential long lines, crowded buses, and long stops at souvenir shops. Port tours can range from free on cruise lines like Viking, Crystal, and Uniworld to over $100 per person for higher-priced options like golf, helicopter rides, seaplane rides, and visits to ancient ruins.

Some lines even offer overnight excursions to swanky hotels or private limo tours. Traditional shore excursions are worth it for exploring sites far from the cruise dock, accessing historic monuments, forts, or castles, and learning more about a region.

Do you go through customs at port of entry or final destination?

International trips involve both customs and immigration processes. Immigration involves traveling from one country to another, often referred to as passport control or border control, and customs involves the items being carried. Immigration is a mandatory process at many airports, requiring a stamp from an immigration officer, while customs is optional. If you have nothing to declare, you don’t need to speak with an officer. Immigration can be done without luggage, but customs is located after baggage claim.

Can you do two excursions in one day?

Two excursions can be done in one day, but an hour between them is required to avoid booking issues. For example, the Ancient History of the Shetlands tour and the included Shetland and ponies tour can be combined. However, two included tours in one day are not allowed, and one tour per port is not allowed, even if offered multiple days. For instance, in Bergen, there are two included tours, a panoramic tour and a walking tour, but only one can be booked. The advertised promise is one included tour per port.

Do you have to show your passport at every port on a cruise ship?

When going ashore, it is generally not necessary to show your passport, but it is advisable to bring a photocopy of your original passport. This is useful for police stops or boarding trains. Memorizing your passport number and expiration date is also acceptable. Another option is to take a photo of your passport I. D. page and email it to yourself, making it easily accessible. If you venture ashore independently and use a local bus or train service, remove all documents and cash from your bag and never leave your passport unattended. These tips help protect your passport and other belongings while ashore, but it is crucial to always leave it on board if you don’t need it.

When on a cruise do you have to go through customs at each port?

It should be noted that guests are not obliged to undergo immigration procedures at each port of call during their cruise, as they have already provided their passport details on the Guest Information Form. Immigration officers may board the vessel to conduct the requisite inspections based on the information provided in the ship’s manifest. In certain instances, guests may be required to present their passports at the port of departure.

Are cruise ship excursions worth the money?

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but a mix of guided tours and independent exploration can be the most value. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and consider both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. If you want to stay on board while your ship is docked in a port that doesn’t interest you, that’s okay. There are several guides to choosing a cruise line, including the 5 most desirable cabin locations, the 8 worst cabin locations, the ultimate guide to packing, the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks, top ways cruisers waste money, and the ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin.

Can you get off a cruise at port without an excursion?

Carnival does not require passengers to book shore excursions to leave the ship, as public transportation is available at each port. Instead, passengers can visit local libraries, bookstores, or websites to determine their desired destinations. Carnival does not offer alternatives from its established shore excursion program, but all excursions sold through Carnival are coordinated with reputable tour operators and include popular sites.

Booking excursions through Carnival guarantees the ship’s presence in port until all guests return, while independent excursions may not be recognized. Additionally, some ports may have visa requirements that may prevent passengers from venturing off on their own.

Do you take a passport on excursions?

It is not advisable to carry one’s passport on shore excursions unless the tour specifically requires it, as there is a risk of misplacement or theft. A driver’s license is a more suitable form of identification in such circumstances.