first time cruise

[readygreg]

this is our first time cruise, and we have booked several excursions outside of our cruise line.... how do I calm the fear of not getting back to the ship in time for its departure. the company I booked with best on bahamas guarantee but not in writing that we will be fine is scary. does anyone have any advice. how to preplan

[firefly333]

Have they said how long the excursions are?? Do they go very far into the afternoon? I like to start excursions early so I have lots of time left at the end to shop or whatever if there is extra time.

 

Are you going very far from the port. Some of the ruins are the only time I would book thru Carnival, just to feel safe because I know they are some distance from the cruise port.

[Tbay-eh]

I am with Firefly on this - if it is a close to the ship excursion ie taxi from beach etc then fine but if it is further ie ruins etc a long bus ride and coming back later in the day (close to departure) then definitely rethink and do a Carnival excursion. Until I had a cruise or two under my belt and knew what was doable I was cautious as most of us are.

[canner2u]

I would take a look at times and distance as suggested. I give you credit for the courage to book outside of Carnival being this is your first cruise, I would not do it, I have a couple of cruises behind me, and still would not do it. That being said, there are plenty that do with no issues was so ever and are back on the ship with no problems.

 

If you are having second thoughts now, no matter what is said you will continue to be concerned and the excursions will not be as enjoyable, just my opinion.

[skylock]

I suggest you wear a watch set to ship time. Be your own time keeper and don't rely on other people. Be aware of how long it will take to get back to the ship. Allow extra time for traffic, flat tires, and the likes. If you feel the excursion is going to run late, tell the operators.

 

I make it a point to tell whoever is running my tours of what time I must be back at the port. I have never even been close to missing the ship and that includes the time a bad storm popped up and the ship left the port early. (As soon as I saw the storm approaching, I insisted we return to the port)

 

If you are still worried, cancel the excursions and book with the ship. The extra cost can be considered insurance to not miss the ship.

[salty dingo]

You never forget your first time... unless you're drunk... which you probably will be on a cruise... but you can always pretend!

[cccer]

After five cruises we booked out excursions on our own and all was fine. But as others have said you need to be smart and look at the time.

 

three years ago we did a panama canal trip and we were delayed three hours, luckily this one was a ship excursion and they hold the ship. Not much to do to get them to hurry up when you are in the middle of the canal.

[Cruise Cat]

Watch the time. Also have the number of the port authority contact that they list in the Capers for the day of departure, you can call them on your cell phone if you are coming back late and they MIGHT help you.

 

Also, check out the ports of call threads and see what kind of a reputation the tour operators have.

[Scott_F]

Six cruises now and I've yet to book outside of the cruise line. I guess it makes me nervous. Make sure you have your passports and credit cards with you.

[nbsjcruiser]

this is our first time cruise, and we have booked several excursions outside of our cruise line.... how do I calm the fear of not getting back to the ship in time for its departure. the company I booked with best on bahamas guarantee but not in writing that we will be fine is scary. does anyone have any advice. how to preplan

 

Any excursions you plan that are NOT ship sponsored would be best planned for the morning. You'll be back to the ship around noon'ish. You an go back to the ship, grab a bite to eat and then do some shopping or hit the beach if there is one nearby, in most cases there is.