Shore Excursions

[escape2warmer_weather]

I keep reading about cheaper shore excursions that can be booked NOT through the cruise line. Where do I find them? Can they be booked before hand? Are there companies waiting at the pier when you get off the boat. We are going on our first cruise in March 08 I would like to find out more about this. Thanks

[ShedQueen77]

We pre-booked ours before we left for the cruise. If you read the Ports of Call boards here on CC there are a lot of excursions reviewed and recommended. Most of the posts will tell you how to book.

 

There are some ports where you can get off the ship and find an excursion but in all honesty I found it difficult to even find those people. The end of the pier and right inside can be a bit hectic.

[chitown cruisers]

I keep reading about cheaper shore excursions that can be booked NOT through the cruise line. Where do I find them? Can they be booked before hand? Are there companies waiting at the pier when you get off the boat. We are going on our first cruise in March 08 I would like to find out more about this. Thanks

What ports?

 

In St Thomas for example Godfreys or Sunny Listons(sp?) provide GREAT full day shopping/tour/beach excursions for $25 ....it'd probably cost double off the ship.

 

In Belize Cavetubing.com gives you a tour that you walk an additional 15 minutes more than the Carnival tour but it gives you a second cave at half the price.

 

Reasearch the ports, there are good independant companies with GREAT reputations on CC and they want to keep it that way.

 

You have alot of power at your fingertips here, put it to good use. They are many ports where you can cab on your own and have a fantastic/inexpensive day............and there are ports where you should have something organized........reasearch the ports.

 

GOOD LUCK!!

[choclitsnda]

Yes, there are usually people that have signs or tour offices at the ports.

You can also check here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

or.... http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34

or...just do a Google Search for the ports you'll be going to & maybe check out the Vacation & Tourism depts for the ports you'll be visiting.

 

And YES, if you're going to book excurions thru the ship you can Pre-Book on the Carnival website, or you can wait until you get onboard & book using your TV & Remote control or just wait until you're on the ship & go to the Excursion Desk to book.