Carnival excursion VS Nativeway tour

[phyzz]

excuse me if this has been answered before .

 

I am trying to book our excursion for grand cayman . Please could someone compare these for me . What is the advantage of booking the pirvate tour company over the ship .

 

Are we expected to tip our guide at the end of the tour ?

 

I hear lots of wonderful things about the private tours . What are your thoughts ?

 

Thanks

Phyllis

[sassycruiser]

Its really a personal preference sort of thing.

 

My husband HATES booking independently because he is always sure we will be late getting back to the ship (we never have been in 13 cruises). I like booking independently because I think you get a better price and better service.

 

I have done private and cruise line trips on GC. Both were wonderful. So its more a comfort level than anything else.

[JohninDC]

No matter if you book through Carnival or on your own, it's always a good idea to tip for good service. My general guideline is about 10% of the cost fo the tour for good service, more if they do something specail to help me or my family.

 

In general the private companies (Nativeway, Moby Dick, CAPT Marvin, etc.) will be on smaller boats and will cost less than booking through the cruise line. Good luck!:)

[KenMo]

With the ship excursion, you'll be packed in like sardines. We've used Nativeway several times and the most we've had on the boat was about 10 people. Last time it was just the three of us.

 

Plus, lunch is included with Nativeway. For me, it's great fun to watch the sticker-shocked faces of the Carnival excursion people when they are told the bill for lunch! Kinda like watching people run down the pier trying not to miss the ship.

 

Everybody wants a tip.

[Mooloo]

Avoid Nativeway.

 

We were booked with them last year & all the ships docked late that day. They took the first set of people off the first boat & set off, leaving us stranded. Had to make alternative arrangements on the dock & Nativeway uninterested in helping sort out alternatives or giving suggestions.

 

Unimpressed.