Book excursions now or later?

[cruisemama412]

I took the plunge and booked a 5 day Bahamas cruise in July with Carnival. I am now in the "What excursions should we do?" stage. I will be booking directly through Carnival, as this is my first time planning a cruise for my family and find this to be much easier for us. My question is, should I book the excursions on their site now? Or will the cost of some excursions get lower if I choose to book on the ship instead? I will be booking our day at Atlantis immediately since it's a top priority, but we're not sure what we would like to do in Freeport and have a little flexibility. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[creative artist]

I took the plunge and booked a 5 day Bahamas cruise in July with Carnival. I am now in the "What excursions should we do?" stage. I will be booking directly through Carnival, as this is my first time planning a cruise for my family and find this to be much easier for us. My question is, should I book the excursions on their site now? Or will the cost of some excursions get lower if I choose to book on the ship instead? I will be booking our day at Atlantis immediately since it's a top priority, but we're not sure what we would like to do in Freeport and have a little flexibility. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I never book thru the ship- cattle call-and expensive- use cruise critic and trip advisor.com to find recommended private tours

[paul929207]

In general, the cost of excursions is more likely to rise than go down. The problem with Carnival (and some other lines) is that you must pay for the excursion when you book it.

[flowers12155]

I have been on this cruise and can assure you the Atlantis will Not sell out it's beautiful but it is a casino in case you were not aware. I would not recommend going anywhere on your own at this port. I have rarely seen any excursions go down or up in price but on some occasions I have gotten a code for a 10% discount. Freeport is very small we did a snorkel beach combo that also toured the island a little and the other half of our group just took a taxi around the island. We usually book most things ahead but if weather looks like it could interfere I wait to book on the ship. We always cruise carnival never had problems with the excursions. Check out my travel blog http://www.atouristlife.com

[OCruisers]

I took the plunge and booked a 5 day Bahamas cruise in July with Carnival. I am now in the "What excursions should we do?" stage. I will be booking directly through Carnival, as this is my first time planning a cruise for my family and find this to be much easier for us. My question is, should I book the excursions on their site now? Or will the cost of some excursions get lower if I choose to book on the ship instead? I will be booking our day at Atlantis immediately since it's a top priority, but we're not sure what we would like to do in Freeport and have a little flexibility. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Why don't you book Atlantis immediately since it's of most important to you.

Normally, the cost goes up as time goes by when you wait to book on the ship.

 

Freeport would be a good one to wait until you are on the ship unless there is something you really want to do thru the ship. It's easy to take a taxi to the beach there. ;)

 

Look forward to having a GREAT cruise! :D

[GUT2407]

If there is one you are going to be upset if you miss. Book it now. Another issue is "Do you have any OBC that you may not use?" [well I heard a rumour that t happens to some people] That may sway you to wait till on board.

[cruisemama412]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I am booking our day at Atlantis next week once my husband has the opportunity to look over it as well. That was an easy choice for us. Our 7 year old son loses it Every time he sees an Atlantis commercial! Freeport is where the issues lies. I'll be sure to head on over to that board for advice on what to do there. Snorkeling is a must!!

[GUT2407]

I've never seen the price increase, but I have seen them book out pretty quick.

[NMLady]

I took the plunge and booked a 5 day Bahamas cruise in July with Carnival. I am now in the "What excursions should we do?" stage. I will be booking directly through Carnival, as this is my first time planning a cruise for my family and find this to be much easier for us. My question is, should I book the excursions on their site now? Or will the cost of some excursions get lower if I choose to book on the ship instead? I will be booking our day at Atlantis immediately since it's a top priority, but we're not sure what we would like to do in Freeport and have a little flexibility. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Have you found your Roll Call in the roll call section of CC? That is a good place to find what your fellow passengersvare doing and perhaps join some og them on a private excursion rather than the pricey, crowded ship excursions.

[cruisemama412]

There is no roll call for our dates. Of course there isn't, that would make it too easy lol. I don't think the planner in me will wait until we're on board to book. I would hate to be stuck with the scraps after things book up. It now seems much better to be guaranteed something I love rather than save a few bucks. Thanks again for all the help!

[serene56]

You could book comfort suites on a day plan and get total access to Atlanis for a fraction of the cost to what carnival charges.

 

Just be mindful of the time and be onboard 30 minutes before sail away

[Krazy Kruizers]

We like to book as soon as possible.

Some popular excursions do sell out before the ship sails.

[bakersdozen12]

Since you are booked on a Carnival cruise, just know that they guarantee their shore excursion rates. If you book with them, and then find the same excursion priced lower someplace else, they'll give you 110% of the difference in OBC. Plus, you'll have the extra security of knowing that the boat won't leave without you since you are booked through them.

[springfire]

I would book your excursions now. You will enjoy knowing what you are going to do. Learn while you are on this cruise because most people will tell you to learn about private tours, they are so much better because you don't have so many people on the tour and can get to more places. Oh yeah, one more thing, private excursions are also much cheaper. If this is your first cruise, I would recommend you just do the ship's excursion, you will have less stress that way.

[first2travel]

Have been to the Bahamas many times. You do not need an excursion from the ship. You can take a water taxi to Atlantis once there purchase a day pass. in addition there are several tour operators once you get of the ship. Happy travels!

[navybankerteacher]

For Atlantis you should check on booking a room at Comfort Suites - just across the road from Atlantis - it gives you access to the water park. I am not sure if it possible for an individual to buy a day pass. Ships tours generally do not include access to the water park. For Freeport, staying on the ship is a good option: the port is industrial and ugly. You could get a taxi to take you to a beach - but aside from that, Freeport is dismal.

 

Join your roll call to talk about suggestions with fellow passengers - but as a rule ship-offered tours are crowded and over-priced.

[GottaKnowWhen]

?.. My question is, should I book the excursions on their site now? Or will the cost of some excursions get lower if I choose to book on the ship instead? ...

 

 

From my (limited) experience, I would not expect to see much if any changes in the tours through the ship or done independently. That is, nothing new will be added, prices will not go up or down. The only thing that may happen is that some popular tours may get filled up. Sometimes the ship can just have their operator add another bus, but sometimes a destination has limited capacity and when it is booked full, that is it. So, best strategy would be to plan and book ahead. And check on cancellation policies to be sure you can change plans later if you need to.

Edited May 20, 2015 by GottaKnowWhen