Booking on ship for Sold Out Excursions?

[Iggipolka]

Hello,

 

There are a couple excursions our family of 4 is interested in doing on our upcoming cruise, but they are sold out online. Because we have young kids (ages 5 & 8), we're reluctant to go with non-Carnival excursions, simply due to the (probably unnecessary) anxiety of making it back to the ship on time.

 

Does anyone know if Carnival holds back some availability on their excursions for on board booking?

Thanks

[CruisinMama2003]

Yes, Carnival does hold back excursion tickets for booking on-board...

[HawkIVette]

I, like you, were hesitant to book non-Carnival excursions. But as long as the excursion gives you a few hours (2-3) time before sail away, I would not be afraid of missing the ship. Most private excursions are very safe and would not be in business long if they were not reliable. Always check references and read reveiws and you can't go wrong, and proboaly save some money for a drink or two when you get back to the ship.

[teknoge3k]

The private vendors who operate excursions at the ports, that's their business and how they pay their bills and feed their families. They rely on the good reviews and they know bad reviews put them out of business quickly. You can check each vendor on TripAdvisor to see their reviews. Personally we would never do a Carnival excursion because they round up the cattle and hurry them along. Private excursions are so much more laid back, fun, cheaper and you see/do so much more. If you keep an eye on the time you will be fine.

[grantbob]

Plus, there may be spots that open up due to cancellation.

[Micahs Grandad]

The private vendors who operate excursions at the ports, that's their business and how they pay their bills and feed their families. They rely on the good reviews and they know bad reviews put them out of business quickly. You can check each vendor on TripAdvisor to see their reviews. Personally we would never do a Carnival excursion because they round up the cattle and hurry them along. Private excursions are so much more laid back, fun, cheaper and you see/do so much more. If you keep an eye on the time you will be fine.

 

Agreed. Pick excursion that is not too far from the ship and scheduled to be back a few hours before sailaway and no problem and will even save quite a bit of money