coffee drinker Posted September 14, 2019 #1 Share Posted September 14, 2019 (edited) We'd like opinions and experiences on ship-sponsored vs Costco excursions. Costco advertises several which look promising, possibly longer with better pricing than those offered through HAL Thanks in advance for your input. Edited September 14, 2019 by coffee drinker wrong word, clarify Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freestyling Posted September 14, 2019 #2 Share Posted September 14, 2019 we have done numerous private excursions (50 or so) with never a problem but not through Costco. We just ensure that the excursion ends at least 2 hrs before the ship leaves port and that it is 100% refundable if ship does not make it to the port. You may wish to view your role call as well to see if you can join any excursions that may be independently planned by fellow cruisers. Have a great cruise 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shel71 Posted September 14, 2019 #3 Share Posted September 14, 2019 I've booked through the cruise, privately, and through the Costco excursions. Had no problems with the Costco one at all. Last year in Juneau I did the helicopter dog sled through Costco and it was fantastic. I had a floatplane/bear viewing scheduled yesterday in Ketchikan and it was canceled due to weather. Communication was good. I do have to put in for a refund now but I am not expecting a problem. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3kidsplayingball Posted September 14, 2019 #4 Share Posted September 14, 2019 We did both last November when we stopped in the Azores. The ship's tour was well done. We were on a large bus. Our tour guide was a local gal who was very informative. On another island we took a tour through the big box agency you referenced. There were five of us-three from the ship and two from elsewhere. We were on a 4x4 jeep that went places that a large bus couldn't go. Our driver/tour guide was very informative and would stop whenever we saw a great photo op. We also signed up for a private tour through our roll call on a third island. There were seven of us in a van with a driver/tour guide. That tour had the most flexibility and value. In our opinion, all three types of tours were worthwhile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poulsbo Cruisers Posted September 14, 2019 #5 Share Posted September 14, 2019 We’ve never tried Costco excursions, but will check them out. We have switched to primarily all private excursions over the years. For less money and smaller groups, we see as much or more than the ship excursions. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madera1 Posted September 14, 2019 #6 Share Posted September 14, 2019 We have used the cruise ship, Costco and independent tour companies when booking excursions and have never experienced any issues. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OHCruiser Posted September 15, 2019 #7 Share Posted September 15, 2019 We've used Costco excursions on several cruises and we've found them to be excellent. We try to see which excursions are best for the port and decide from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyobean Posted September 15, 2019 #8 Share Posted September 15, 2019 We have used a Costco tours several times. Depending on the tour they can be a smaller group. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radbooks Posted September 15, 2019 #9 Share Posted September 15, 2019 I used the Costco tours for the first time last summer in Alaska and really enjoyed them. Loved the small sizes! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffee drinker Posted September 15, 2019 Author #10 Share Posted September 15, 2019 Thanks to all who responded to my question on tour providers. We plan to take both ship and Costco (when offered ) tours this December on the Panama Canal cruise. We're sorry not to have the Costco option on our three Central America ports. Again....appreciate the prompt feedback! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoggyDaddy Posted September 15, 2019 #11 Share Posted September 15, 2019 We’re taking a South America cruise next year. While the Costco excursions look good, they were priced significantly higher than other similar tours. Of course they are lower than the ship tours. DD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taters Posted September 15, 2019 #12 Share Posted September 15, 2019 Can a person book Costco shore excursions if they booked their cruise directly with HAL? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stateroom_Sailor Posted September 16, 2019 #13 Share Posted September 16, 2019 We tend to use Costco or Ship during the cruise, but also Viator from our hotel pre or post cruise, using Wyndham as a portal for points. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TiogaCruiser Posted September 16, 2019 #14 Share Posted September 16, 2019 Costco offers a discount on tours with Shore Excursions Group, a broker. The discount code is in your booking confirmation. If you want to see prices and offerings you can google them. Do be aware that they may require you to get to the meeting place on your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffee drinker Posted September 16, 2019 Author #15 Share Posted September 16, 2019 Taters, well, that's a good question. Whether one can take an excursion with Costco having booked the cruise elsewhere.Worth asking Costco, I'd say. Maybe Tioga Cruiser has an answer, mentioning Shore Excursions Group. And thanks for the info re getting to the excursion meeting place independently. Another item to check before proceeding with Costco tours. Again, thanks to all for comments, additional info....appreciate the Cruise Critic community for passing along helpful hints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shel71 Posted September 17, 2019 #16 Share Posted September 17, 2019 (edited) Last year I booked my cruise through Costco and got the link to the shore excursions options and booked one and it went well. This year I booked directly through HAL because I had a Bingo win to cash in. I went back to my old email from Costco and clicked to see if I could buy an excursion for this cruise and was able to. I used the same code as last year (COSTSHRX) and put in my Costco member number and the confirmation # from HAL for that part. Had no problem booking. It was canceled due to rain (it was last Friday in Ketchikan). I received an email this morning saying my refund was being processed before I even had a chance to contact them (per their directions). So I am pleased with the service! ETA: Both times (Juneau and Ketchikan) the meeting spot was right at the dock after getting off the ship so it wasn't an issue having to get anywhere. Edited September 17, 2019 by Shel71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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