Don’t be a Pier Runner!!! - AKA Why You Should Book Port Excursions/Adventures with the Cruise Line you are on!

 Don’t be a Pier Runner!!!

AKA Why You Should Book Port Excursions/Adventures with the Cruise Line you are on!

What is a Pier Runner? A Pier Runner is someone who gets off a cruise ship in port and does not return to the ship on time. They go running down the pier to catch the ship at the last moment. Sometimes they miss the ship! Cruise ships pay for the time they are at the Dock. They must leave on time or be charged penalties. Besides the fees they have a schedule to keep. They have a set time to be at the next port that sets them up for the next port and so on. They cannot and will not wait for you. You will be left behind and need to find your own way to the next port or home if you miss the ship. It is YOUR responsibility to be back on board on time. So, make sure your watch, phone or whatever you are keeping track of time with is set to LOCAL Port time! Best yet, be back early!

We all know it is tempting to book the “same” Port Excursion/Adventure with a Non-Cruise Line provider. Hey, it goes to the same place and costs LESS!! Who does not want to save money?! Why is that not a good idea? There are 2 reasons. 1 How trustworthy is the company you find online or the person you find on the dock? Are they real or could then take your money and run or will they take you into danger? Yes, that is a possibility. Still there are good services available that you can trust. 2 Will they get you back in time to make the ship before it leaves? You have no guarantee they will.

Why should you book with Disney or other Cruise Lines when it costs extra? When you book Excursions with the Cruise Line the Port Adventure Company will notify the Cruise Ship of any delay. There is communication there that is not possible with non-cruise line booked excursions. Cruise Lines will delay leaving as long as possible when they know a Port Adventure booked with them is delayed in returning. They will delay even if they don’t get a call as they check on their guests. If you are on a Cruise Line Booked Excursion the Cruise Line is responsible for helping you get to the next port or home.

Just remember, it does not matter if you just hop off to walk around the port/town, book an excursion with the cruise line or on your own with an outside vendor or just grab a taxi at the port. It is YOUR responsibility to be back on board the ship at the time announced by the cruise line! Don’t be a Pier Runner and get left behind!

Booking Port Excursions on a Cruise

Booking Port Excursions on a Cruise

One of the most exciting things about cruising is seeing all the new places. Almost every day you are in a different port with different opportunities to see things. But what do you pick and how?

 

Port Excursions are a great way for you and your travel group to learn about new cultures and destinations. Visit a port and see if you would like to go back and visit there for a while! You get a taste of the history, art, culture, and foods on a Port Excursions. Port Excursions are also a great way to turn a family vacation into a fun and interesting educational experience for your kids.

 

You can visit a museum, historical site, fantastic shopping area, learn about local customs, and things they make. Go dancing, learn traditional dance or how to make local liquor and foods. Explore the local wild areas and learn about the wildlife there. Dare yourself, and your group to zipline over beautiful vistas. Try a sport you may have never considered. Take in breathtaking views or relax at the beach. The list of things is endless!

 

The first thing to know is you either book with the Cruise Line you are sailing with or wait until you get off the ship and look for a local tour operator. Some people even just hop into a waiting taxi and go looking around.

 

The second thing to understand are the risks. Traveling in a different country, especially one you don’t know has it’s own risks. Do you know the safe areas and the areas that are a No Go due to safety concerns??

 

The third thing, and most important thing to know is it is YOUR responsibility to return to the ship on time! If you are late the ship can and most likely will leave without you! Then it is your responsibility to find your way to the next port of call to meet up with the ship or get yourself home. Do not be late!!

 

It is highly recommended you book Port Excursions with your cruise line. Why? They are insured and have been checked out for safety. If for some reason the Port Excursion needs to be canceled, weather issues, or a change in port of call for example Port Excursions booked with cruise lines are refunded to you. Add to that most lines have an agreement with the tour operators they book with stating the operator will call the cruise line if they are running late back to the ship. The ship will wait for you. Want to swim with the dolphins? Personally, I want to know the location has been checked to make sure they care for the animals well.

 

Catching a tour operator at the port or finding one online before the trip there is no guarantee of safety performance, insurance or returning to port on time. If you book online ahead and for some reason the ship does not stop at that port you may lose your money for the Port Excursions book outside of the cruise line. Even if you or the operator called the cruise line they may not wait long for you to get back to the ship if you are late. Grabbing a taxi at the port has its own set of risks. Who knows who is behind the wheel of that taxi? Do they have insurance? Do they know where to go or are they just taking you to where they want because they get paid to take you there. This is not fear tactics, it is reality. If you do decide to go off on your own check out US State Departments Travel Advisories for where you are going.

 

Do go on Port Excursions and enjoy the ports!! Trust that the Cruise Lines are looking out for your safety with their chosen Port Excursions. Remember if you have a bad experience or the cruise line books you with a disreputable tour operator it is their responsibility and reputation at risk. They will not take risks with your safety. Lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and others do not want their reputation damaged.

 

Interested in a Cruise Vacation?? Let us know!

 

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com