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!
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