A shore excursion can refer to any kind of activities that are performed at any port of call.
You're not alone if you're in the process of planning a cruise and just don't know when to make reservations for shore activities. There are so many times when seasoned travelers and first-timers alike ask the very same question: How early is too early? Is being late acceptable? Does it matter if I book activities in advance?
In short, it is strongly recommended to book your shore excursions ahead of time. Here's why.
If you are new to cruising, the term might be unfamiliar to you. Any trip or activity that occurs off the ship while docked at a port is considered a shore excursion. A few hours may be granted during the cruise to go out and explore small towns, beaches, manufacturers, and natural wonders.
Unless you are sailing with a luxury cruise line that pays for them (such as Viking or Regent), excursions are an extra charge to consider. Hence, it might be a wise choice to put aside some cash for designing your off-ship experiences.
While it depends on many factors, it is generally best to book your shore excursions sooner rather than later after you've reserved your cruise.
Sometimes, you'll hear people say that it's best to wait, hoping prices will go down; this is a bad idea. Most excursions, in fact, especially popular ones, have capacity restrictions; only a certain number of persons may go on each tour. Once those are filled, they are gone. Increasing interest does not equate to cruise lines opening up more capacity.
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Limited availability: Helicopter flights, boat rides, small-group tours, all of them, have serious capacity limitations. For instance, very few flights operate each day, and a helicopter may be able to carry only six passengers at one time.
Most of the cruise lines may accept reservations for their said excursions months ahead of time, starting from perhaps six to nine months before the actual departure of the cruise. Some may even make reservations in autumn for cruises to be held in the succeeding spring or summer.
So if you must be cruising in May or June of next year, you might already be able to start booking come October or November of this year.
If you are not aware of the reservations' opening date, then check your cruise line's official website or log in to your online account. They will be your guide as to what is available and when the opening of reservations will be.
This is a great question indeed, and should be the reason why many people wait as long as possible before booking cruises. The good news is that most lines do allow adjustments or cancellations, usually for no fees if you do it within a certain window of time.
Typically, you can get the full refund if you cancel the shore excursion 24 hours before the tour is booked. Some lines would be more forgiving and allow cancellations as little as a few hours before the ship is due to dock.
Nevertheless, it is wise to consider cancellation policies before you go ahead and make your reservation. Otherwise, you will be stuck having to pay for something that you cannot go to if something comes up or your plans change.
Nope, making a reservation is never necessary. You are allowed to get off the ship and go exploring when your ship stops at a port. This could entail going to local markets, having lunch at a restaurant close by, or even hiring a tour guide or taxi from the area.
Some travelers prefer going alone. It can often be cheaper and offers them greater flexibility. If you go this route, make sure you do the following:
Also, make sure to check if some ports (for example, St Petersburg, Russia) may require a visa or some official trip to disembark the ship. Verify all entry and visa requirements beforehand.
It all depends on the destination and type of tour. From bus tours or simply sightseeing trips, excursions offer plenty of opportunities. From there, unique and popular excursions have the chance to get sold out months in advance. For example:
If you have any agenda, then do not delay!
Making any kind of trip excursion reservations may feel inconsequential, but it can dramatically affect your overall traveling experience. A reservation made earlier will always give you better options, whether it's for a cooking class, a guided hike, or just a beach day with all the extras.
The excursions may not be surprises for you, but cruises are filled with surprises—wonderfully so. So, plan, pick the excursions that grab your attention the most, and let the rest be an adventure.
Are you ready to plan your cruise? Then, it is time to start researching the outings!
* Availability & prices can change frequently, please continue with the booking to check latest availability & prices.
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