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Cruise Answers

Planning a cruise can be complicated - especially if you are a First Time Cruiser. Our list of Frequently Asked Cruise Questions should help you address many aspects of your cruise holiday. If not, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.

Questions about Shore Excursions

   

What is a Shore Excursion?

Shore excursions are optional, guided tours in a cruise ship's port of call. They are offered in almost all cruise ports and cities and are a great way to enhance your cruise experience by allowing you seeing more of the places you visit. Shore excursions highlight the best local attractions and sight-seeing opportunities; the best places to shop; and, give the cruise passenger a chance to experience the local culture.

How can I learn about the Shore Excursions that are available to me?

Every cruise line sells shore excursions. As a convenience to their passengers, they provide a complete list of tours with descriptions and prices in advance of your cruise both on their websites and with your cruise documents. You can then pre-book them prior to leaving home or wait until you board your ship. If you are selecting your cruise based on the different tours to take in port, your best bet is the Cruise Line's website. Lets Cruise can book your Shore Excursions on your behalf.

Why should I book a Shore Excursion?

An organized shore excursion can maximize your time ashore and eliminate the need for making time-consuming arrangements while in port. Cruise Lines have tremendous experience in selecting those tours and attractions that they believe will best satisfy their passengers interests, whether its fun, enrichment, high adventure, sight-seeing or relaxation. The tours they select for you will highlight the most popular sites and activities in a particular port of call, so that you can get the most from your visit there. These tours are led by local residents, who's expertise and first-hand knowledge of the history and folklore of the local attraction not only educate you, but also provide colourful insights and anecdotes that you just cannot experience on your own with a city map and guide-book.

What's included with a Shore Excursion?

Shore excursions include transportation to the attraction or activity, the services of a local tour guide, equipment and gear (if applicable) and entrance fees if applicable. Some tours may also include meals, drinks and refreshments depending on the tour.

Do I have to purchase my shore excursions through the cruise line?

You have choices. Booking your shore excursion with the cruise line has a number of benefits including variety and convenience. Cruise Lines typically offer a number of different shore tours to choose and for any budget and physical activity level. They also give you the opportunity to either pre-book your tours online on their websites or wait and book them once you get on the ship. Remember: If for any reason your tour is delayed on returning to the ship and it has been purchased from the ship, the ship will wait, however if you are delayed and you organised your own tour the ship will not wait.

Can I book more than one Shore Excursion in a day?

This depends upon the shore excursions you select and their departure and arrival times. Cruise Lines and tour operators may offer certain tours in the morning and in the afternoon, so it is possible to take two tours on the same day. It is generally recommended that you allow one hour getting from one Shore Excursion to the next.

Can I take my camera and binoculars?

Sure you can. Most tours allow you to bring both a camera and binoculars; after all, you are there to see the sights and attractions of your cruise destinations. Some tours, however, may have special directions regarding safety and use of these items during the more physically, demanding activities and excursions. If you are taking a tour that includes a dinner show or entertainment, there may be restrictions regarding the use of flash photography and videotaping during the performance.

Will I have any free time to explore on my own?

This really depends upon the tour. Whenever possible, departure and return times are scheduled to give you time to shop or explore on your own. The local guides are considered top experts on local history and sights, offering you a chance to fully appreciate and experience their hometowns. Shore excursions are designed and organized in such a way as to maximize your time in each port and yet allow sufficient free time as well.

Are meals included on the tour?

Unless it is specifically mentioned in the tour description, meals are not included. Most tour departure times complement the ship's meal service hours, so you can enjoy your meal aboard then go ashore. However, on some full day tours, or if you take more than one tour in a day, your return on board may not coincide with meal hours. In that case, the cruise line may provide a box lunch or full meal at a local restaurant. Fortunately, regardless of when you return, there is always a buffet, snack, or room service is available at all times.

Can I bring our children on a Shore Excursion?

Cruising is a fabulous, unforgettable vacation full of cool activities. Shore excursions can provide fun, educational and high adventure experiences for the kids. When appropriate, you should bring your children along on your shore excursions. Most cruise lines have age guidelines for their shore excursions, depending upon the age of the children. The kids program on your ship and the shore excursions desk onboard will help you choose the best tour to suit your family.

Can I leave my children on the ship while we take a tour?

Having small children should not prevent you from enjoying all the activities available to you on your cruise holiday. Some cruise lines do offer their kids programs while you are in port, giving you the opportunity to enjoy Shore Excursions, independent sight-seeing tours, or shopping off the ship.

What if my tour is cancelled?

The Cruise Line will provide a full refund for any tour cancelled by the operators due to inclement weather conditions or the unlikely event the ship does not visit a port of call.