Planning your cruise budget? Discover average costs, factors influencing prices, and smart saving tips for cruise excursions to maximize your adventure without overspending.
A cruise is primarily associated with the vast ocean, scrumptious meals, pools, and huge buffets. Still, sometimes the activities off the ship, or the so-called shore excursions, are the nicest parts of the trip. These outings in the form of optional tours or activities can ensure that your cruise vacation becomes a full-blown adventure.
How much does a cruise excursion cost? Do you think it is worth it? Or can you do the exploring alone?
Let's settle every single question using plain language, without the need to bring up complicated cruise jargon.
An activity you get involved with while the ship is docked in port is called a cruise excursion. You may be going to a volcano in Hawaii, a glacier in Alaska, a beach in the Caribbean, or an ancient town in Europe. To offer as many excursions as possible, cruise lines team up with local tour operators. Some are laid back: sightseeing and wine tasting. Others are adrenaline-pumping: scuba diving and riding ATVs.
You can book excursions by going online on your cruise line or stopping by the excursions desk after boarding. You may also choose to forego official excursions and go alone; more on that in a moment.
No, generally not. Most cruise lines charge extra for shore excursions. Under the cost of the cruise, you have accommodation, food, and use of on-board facilities. Excursions are not included.
Excursions are free in some of the more expensive expeditions carried out by Viking or Regent Seven Seas. However, with a very high initial price attached to these voyages, the luxury cruises would cost much more.
Hence, for every excursion you choose, be prepared to pay separately unless you are on an expensive cruise.
Depending on the type of excursion selected, the price can vary a lot. The following is a list of the most common ones and their usual costs per person:
These are full of hope and energy. This may be ziplining through a rainforest, kayaking in a mangrove forest, swimming with stingrays, or climbing a volcano. They are almost always the costliest because of the special equipment, expert guides, and transportation they require.
These activities are designed for children and usually include age-appropriate exercises that are safe for children to do, such as beach days, wildlife parks, or cultural shows. Depending on the cruise line, some children receive discounted fares.
These tours will take you to guided visits of famous, pretty places, museums, churches, historical sites, and landmarks. You often have a local guide and are in a small group.
Half-day trips are perfect if you're out for a little something easy and cheap. You can have a walking tour of the town harbor, pay a visit to a tiny little museum, or stroll around a local market. These would be quick trips and mostly conducted near the harbor.
Certainly! An organized excursion through the cruise line is simply not necessary. Upon disembarking and docking, one may go exploring the area on his own behalf. Most people choose this option to avoid overcrowded tours or simply to save money.
Also, some tourists choose to book the excursions through third parties instead of the cruise line. These usually cater to smaller group sizes and are cheaper, but again make sure you are back before the cruise leaves!
Make your reservations as far in advance as possible for everything you really wish to do, ideally, even before the start of your cruise. Popular activities can sell out fast, especially the ones with only a few seats offered, such as small-group wine tours or scuba diving.
However, if you're feeling flexible and want to keep your options open, you can always wait to book your activities once on board. Do note that you might have to miss out on a few experiences.
Also Read: How far in advance should I book Cruise excursions?
How much does a cruise shore trip cost, then? Depending on your interests, it could be anywhere between $50 and $300 per person. It may seem a lot to pay, but the experiences of snorkeling in azure waters or drinking wine in Italy may convince you that the money was well spent.
The best advice: Pick two or three shore excursions that excite you, intersperse laidback days with solo days, and always keep an eye on your watch when you're not cruising.
Anywhere between two to seven hours. Half-day excursions are most common and suitable if you want to relax afterward.
Mostly so, if you cancel far enough in advance. Each cruise line may, however, have different policies about refunding tours. One ought to, therefore scrutinize the fine print.
Sometimes they are. However, if the driver or guide has done well, it is nice to give a little extra as a tip.
Not always. Some trips do have height or age limits. Double-check before booking.
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