Shore excursions are excellent ways to see things that many of your fellow passengers won't get the opportunity to see. Most of them have very limited space, and many cost a high enough amount, it makes it difficult for larger families to afford. In fact, sometimes it's just better, and cheaper, to take a taxi to your destination and pay your own admission, if necessary. Unless you or your travel agent is able to make special arrangements, your shore excursion is not included in the price of your cruise. Although cruise lines do have special shore excursion deals, meetings, and specially designated personnel for shore excursions, you do not have to book through them. You can go through one of many shore excursion companies available online, or through your travel agent.
Of course, you could do what a considerable number of people do when they reach a port--don't get off the ship! The ship feels completely different when you are onboard with only a handful of passengers and crew. The cruise lines still have a few events, which will not be crowded.
You are free to get on and off the boat as you like, but don't miss the latest boarding time, which is usually at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Many people have missed the boat, and it WILL sail without you. If that happens, you will have to pay for your own transportation to the next port, which would likely be a very considerable sum of money.
Be sure to bring your passports when going into foreign countries, just in case security and/or customs want to see your paperwork and proof of residency.
Pre- and post-cruise tours and excursions, as well as shore excursions, take you where cruise ships can't possibly take you to, such as shallow waters, the mountains, or a fabulous train ride!
Shore excursions can consist of a tour by foot, canoe, bus, helicopter, car, or smaller boat. So, some are better for those more capable of physical activities. And many excursions even provide for a few hours of local shopping. Some even offer short safari rides and/or other such animal encounters.
Also, before you get off the boat, make sure you set your watch to the ship's clock, not the local time, which is often different.
Planning Ahead
Before leaving for your cruise, look through what literature you can find about your ports of call, and any holidays that you will spend there. It would be unfortunate to be somewhere during a local holiday and not be able to do much more than just the beach because everything else is closed.
Make sure to reserve your shore excursions early enough because some of the most popular fill up quickly, sometimes even before embarkation day!
Learn how to say "please" and "thank you" in the local languages. It would make for a considerably more pleasant port and vacation experience.
Many of the ports of call are very near resort hotels which welcome cruise ship guests to use their beaches, browse through their stores, and wander their attractive grounds. Pick up some resort literature while you're there, too. You might want to consider staying with them next time.
Always make sure to remember where the ship is docked and how to get back to the passenger area. It might be dark when you return to the ship, or it could be very confusing when there are multiple ships in port at the same time.
Shopping
Take advantage of the shopping map provided by your cruise ship, but feel free to buy from any of the local stores. Just be careful, as only the promoted stores include a guarantee of the products. The promoted stores often also have lucky cabins, and if you happen to have that cabin number, you will win a complimentary prize! You often can get a good deal early in the day, because the store owners consider their first sale to be most important and good luck to them.
Even if you can afford it, don't accept their original asking price. In fact, in many countries, bargaining is a big deal. Then again, in some countries, counter offering might be considered insulting, or could actually do more pain than good if the price is too close to their own bottom line.
If you want something shipped, make sure to watch the salesperson seal and correctly address the box to avoid any unpleasant surprises when it arrives at your house.
Pay with a credit card, in this case. In case something happens, you at least have your credit card protection.
Sightseeing
Some of the most exciting sightseeing and shore excursion options are stingray swims, snorkeling, submarines, aquariums, underwater exhibits, city/island tours, and wildlife parks.
Always be polite and respectful of the citizens and their country's values and morals. Wearing a bathing suit in public streets, for example, is against the law in the Virgin Islands.
Don't forget the postcards!
Renting a local vehicle
Make sure to get a map and directions from and back to the rental agency, as well as a non-resident driving license if you need one in the country. Don't succumb to the agents demand of required insurance, because your credit card company will likely cover your auto rental insurance, or your own car insurance might include rentals.
Port Safety
Wash or sanitize your hands often, especially when on a cruise. You don't want to bring any disease into the port or onto the ship. Drink bottled beverages and try to avoid fresh vegetables if you are not familiar with the local food procedures.
Don't wear slogan/political/statement shirts, just in case you offend someone, or worse yet, in case you offend the whole community. You are only a visitor, and the locals can create quite a fuss if you don't be careful when in port.
Handle your taxi fare when you are still moving, which isn't always easy, instead of when you are already stopped.
When in port, don't wear your expensive jewelry or clothes, and certainly don't show off your money belt, wallet, or wads of cash.
Warning! Be very careful what you buy at the more exotic ports, as many things are not allowed onboard or back in your home country! Coral, elephant tusk carvings, conch shells, and weapons are some of the most common purchases which cannot be brought back to most countries.
And one more thing, PLEASE be sure to take your ship ID card with you so you can get back onboard!
So, when you are ready to book your cruise and/or shore excursions, and I have seen some amazing deals lately, go on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com and let's get you to experience the dream of a cruise (and it's related excursions) for yourself!
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