Excursions in ports outside of Virgin

[DSGDSG]

Now that we have come to understand that we can't see excursion prices until much closer to our sailing, we are wondering about planning excursions through third party's in port aside from Virgin since the excursion prices will likely be outrageous anyway.  Where is a good place we can find some info on activities that would be available while we're in port? We're a fit, 40's couple that are as comfortable swinging naked from a chandelier as we are taking a wine tour or sitting on a beach.

 

Our ports will be Ibiza, Malanga, and Funchal.

 

Thank you!

[1025cruise]

Check out the ports of call boards here on Cruise Critic.

[jon81uk]

Funchal has a reasonable amount you can do self-guided. Take the cable car up and explore the Monte Palace gardens. Option to take a second cable car and go to the botanical gardens too. There are historical buildings and a cathedral too. 
 

Similar in Malaga, there is the castle, Alcazaba old palace, Picasso museum, city museum and gallery and other sights to see in the town.

[CruisingWalter]

Our 'go-to' third party tour site of late is Shore Excursions Group. One thing that enticed us is their return to ship guarantee that's very similar to the cruise line guarantee. If you miss the ship due to their tour they will get you to the next port and pay you $1000 per person for the inconvenience.  The website is super easy too, just enter the cruise line, ship and sail date. Your itinerary is automatically populated and you can see all available tours at each location. A private car option is usually there for each stop too. 

 

Beyond that, do research via the Ports of Call forum here on CC and the old stand by, Trip Advisor. 🙂

[nimbex1970]

we regularly use viator and trip advisor for excursions.  We do nothing through the ship.  After careful perusing through reviews, we choose one.  We also rent vehicles on our own as well.  Note, if you do this, check to make sure the spare isn't FLAT.  Thats for another thread.  

 

We make special note of the local time/vrs ship time and leave an hour extra (that includes travel time back to the port).  So ship leaves at 6pm, we are back on port by 5pm.  Also take note of the port information that is provided that includes a phone number to the port in case of emergency.  

 

Briefly: we had a flat tire in Aruba, and it was the port master that helped us get enterprise employees off their butt to change our tire and get us back in time.  So that was our closest issue, but we are always well prepared to DIY.