wbhudson Posted December 1, 2017 #1 Share Posted December 1, 2017 Has anyone used 3rd party shore excursion sites, such as shoreexcursioneer.com? We generally just disembark at whatever port and walk/catch a taxi until we find something interesting. This time we are bringing the kiddos (6 & 11), so I want to have a plan, but the excursions listed on Carnival's website seem to be somewhat lacking, especially for Progresso. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted December 1, 2017 #2 Share Posted December 1, 2017 We often contract directly with a local firm but some people go though the company you mentioned or others such as toursbylocals. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coevan Posted December 1, 2017 #3 Share Posted December 1, 2017 We have used shorexcursioner several times with no issues. We are using them in Costa Rica in January for zip lining. Always cheaper and less expensive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabks0412 Posted December 1, 2017 #4 Share Posted December 1, 2017 We've used 3rd party. Just do your research. Check Trip Advisor for reviews. Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schoifmom Posted December 1, 2017 #5 Share Posted December 1, 2017 We have used many independent operators for excursions. Just make sure that you are confident that they will get you back to the ship on time (it won't wait for you). Mabks0412 is right, check out the reviews before booking. Progreso is not my favorite port. We went there on our last cruise because they cancelled Belize due to the weather. We did book the ruins/Mexican fiesta excursion and had a blast, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted December 1, 2017 #6 Share Posted December 1, 2017 I would go over to the portion of Cruise Critic devoted to Progresso, located here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=154 and use a recommended vendor you find there. The company you mention is a broker, they don't actually provide the tour you buy. This has caused some problems in the past when issues arise, contacting the actual vendor. You could also join your Roll Call, here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=150 and possibly benefit from the research others on your cruise may have done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wbhudson Posted December 1, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted December 1, 2017 Thank you all for the advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted December 1, 2017 #8 Share Posted December 1, 2017 Get a guidebook from your library...read it with the kiddos....most things don't need a guide at all. A guidebook tells you all about EVERYTHING there is to see and do...and about transportation, beaches, shopping, restaurants and safety! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanger727 Posted December 2, 2017 #9 Share Posted December 2, 2017 Yes, we have used third party sites. We also look at TripAdvisor to look for local guides. While our experiences on third party site tours have been good; you still end up not knowing exactly who your tour is with so I prefer booking with the actual company when I can Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayfairers Posted December 2, 2017 #10 Share Posted December 2, 2017 We have used third party sites but also prefer booking with the actual tour company because then the tour can be customized. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTBCruiser Posted December 4, 2017 #11 Share Posted December 4, 2017 We have used third party sites but also prefer booking with the actual tour company because then the tour can be customized. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Ditto. Our 1st preference is directly with the tour company but have had good luck with 3rd party. Booking direct with the cruise line for a tour is our last resort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herfnerd Posted December 4, 2017 #12 Share Posted December 4, 2017 With the exception of once, we always use independent third party excursions. Just do your due diligence and make sure you understand the ramifications of doing so. Autopregreso was a great outfit for us when we visited Uxmal on one of our Progresso stops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimA75 Posted December 4, 2017 #13 Share Posted December 4, 2017 We have booked and completed one through Viator.com with a second one coming up in December. I would prefer to go firsthand to the companies, but you can't always find the information easily and these sites allow you to read several reviews before booking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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