What is a shore excursion and what does it include?
A shore excursion is an organized guided tour in a cruise ship's port
of call. They are offered all over the world and virtually anywhere a
cruise ship stops. There are shore excursions for almost any age, physical
activity level and interest. Whether you're into water sports like sailing
or scuba diving; high adventure activities like white water rafting, hiking
or biking; or less strenuous activities like shopping tours, bus tours,
museums; or historical sites, you'll find a shore excursion for almost
any interest.
Through Cruise Connections, we have made special arrangements to offer selected shore excursion in the Caribbean and Alaska in advance and at savings over on board prices. These organized events usually include transportation to
and from the tour, tour guides (many are local people and great guides),
and any admission to the place you are visiting. Some excursions also
include meals, drinks and refreshments depending on the tour. Fares for
shore excursions are subject to change without notice.
Can I do my own tours?
Sure - the decision is completely up to you. However, there are many benefits
to booking a pre-arranged shore excursion. Almost everything is included
for one low price - transportation to your tour or activity, admission
or entrance fees, and most importantly the services of a well-trained
local tour guide. Plus you don't have the hassle of trying to locate tour
operators in ports and making the arrangements yourself. With the cruise
line's tours, you can be assured that you'll see the most for your money.
Finally, you won't have to wait in long lines at the most popular attractions.
When you're part of an organized tour, your tickets are purchased in advance
and you move right to the front of the line, giving you more time to enjoy
the sites.
By booking a pre-packaged shore excursion through us, you'll also save time and money.. We've done all the thinking for you.
You'll spend less time doing research and more time having fun.
Can I pre-book my shore excursions with CMEatSEA?
Absolutely. Through Cruise Connections, we offer an extensive selection of the most popular Shore Excursions to the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. Ask your CMEatSEA Coordinator for more information about these destinations, or call our Alaska Experience Planners at 1-866-Shore-Ex .
Are your shore excursions the same ones offered by the
cruise lines?
Cruise Connections utilizes many of the same tour operators as the Cruise Lines. In other words, they use the same helicopters, bus companies, and visit the same sites. The biggest differences
are that a private representative will meet you on arrival, you can reserve
in advance, and you save time and money.
Why should I book tours with CMEatSEA instead of on board?
Since Cruise Connections uses many of the same tour operators as the cruise lines, there are plenty of reasons to pre-book your tours in advance:
- Save money - these tours are 10 - 20% lower than
you'll find on ship.
- Avoid long lines at the Ship's Shore Excursion
Desk.
- All tours are planned and confirmed before you
sale. No chance of a sell-out like on board the ship.
- Full refund if tour is cancelled for bad weather
or the ship misses port.
- Order by phone – Ask your CMEatSEA Coordinator, or call our Alaska Experience Planners at 1-866-Shore-Ex.
Can I book the cruise line's shore
excursions in advance?
Most cruise lines now list their shore excursions on their website and
many offer the convenience of pre-booking these excursions on-line. Typically
you need your cruise reservation number or confirmation number to access
this on-line booking service. Payment is then done by credit card and
your shore excursions tickets will be delivered to your stateroom. Pre-arranging
your excursions means you won't have to spend your time on board in line,
plus you won't risk having the tour sold-out by the time you get around
to making your reservations on the ship.
Can I wait and book my tours when
I'm on board the ship?
You can definitely wait, but be aware that there is often a mad rush to
book on board and because most tours have limited space, you may not get
the times or tours you want. Additionally, the exclusive excursions offered
in advance to our clients cannot be reserved on board. These are only
available to our special clients and have nothing to do with those offered
by the cruise line.
How do I buy shore excursions
in other places?
Cruise Connections provides the most popular excursions in the Caribbean , Alaska , and Europe for advance booking. Other destinations and excursions
must be reserved directly with the cruise line and cannot be reserved
through our exclusive excursion program.
Are the tours really physically
demanding?
This really depends on the tour itself. Many European cities are ancient.
They have quaint, narrow, cobblestone streets the do not accommodate motorized
vehicles. To preserve their beauty some cities and old towns are pedestrian
only. Most tours require some degree of walking; however, some excursions
require extensive walking. Likewise, grand entryways and sprawling gardens
of certain castles and cathedrals make walking and stair-climbing a necessity.
Other tours can be very high energy. High adventure white water rafting
in Alaska, bike tours, or scuba tours may require you to be in good shape
before hand. Many of the cruise lines will indicate the fitness level
required along with their description of the excursion.
Whatever your fitness level, we highly recommend comfortable, low-heeled
walking shoes. You know your body best and will have to use your own discretion
when choosing shore excursions.
If you are unsure, speak to your CMEatSEA Coordinator , he or she may be able to procure more detailed information from the cruise line.
What should I wear on a shore
excursion?
Some foreign countries may have more conservative ideas about dress than
you are accustomed to. Attention is drawn to this matter so as not to
offend. Cruise lines suggest when visiting places of worship (cathedrals),
you dress conservatively; avoiding shorts or sundresses. Attend the port
lectures for guidance. Comfortable walking shoes are a must on ANY shore
excursion, as most, if not all, involve walking. When visiting ruins or
walking on cobblestone streets, wear rubber-soled shoes. It's also smart
to wear a sun hat and take sunscreen and bottled water with you.
I want to see as much as possible
in each port. Can we do more than one excursion?
Wherever possible, departure times are scheduled to permit participation
on all of your chosen excursions. The local guides are considered top
experts on local history and sights, offering you a chance to fully appreciate
and experience their hometowns. The listed 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. You can do as many or as few as you
choose, just be sure to allow yourself enough time in between tours to
get back to the ship.
Will tours be cancelled because
of bad weather?
Most cruise lines, will provide a full refund for any tour cancelled by
the operators due to inclement weather or the ship not reaching port.
The same is true for any tours booked through Cruise Connections.
What type of transportation
is used for shore excursions?
Standards vary considerably from country to country; however, excursions
utilize the best quality transportation possible in each port. Air-conditioned
vehicles are not always available. Guest wishing to travel together with
friends should leave the ship together, as this will help the tour staff
allocate space in the same vehicle.
If I want to get to the "downtown"
area, is there transportation available?
Some cruise lines will offer shuttle bus service to the main city centres,
particularly if the port is located a 1/2 mile or more away from the closest
city. Schedules and days of operation are usually posted in the ship's
bulletin. Taxis are also available if you elect not to take an organized
tour. If you do decide to venture off on your own, be sure you are back
in time to catch the ship!
How should I tip our Guide/Driver?
Tipping the guide or driver is a personal choice; however, in some countries,
these personnel may anticipate that if you were pleased with their services,
you will reward them in a monetary way. A commonly accepted guideline
is $1 USD per person for a half-day and $2 USD per person for a full day
excursion.
If I leave the ship will I miss
meals?
Many tours and shore excursions are conveniently timed so that they coincide
with the ship's meal service hours, so you can eat before going ashore.
Full day tours may include a meal or snack of some type. 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. A buffet, snack, or room service
is usually available.
Will there be time to do any shopping?
Whenever possible, shopping time is allocated within the framework of
the excursions. However, most tours are not designed primarily for shopping
and you should not expect this. If you want to go and just shop, you may
want to do this on your own.
Where will the tours leave?
When you purchase your Shore Excursions with us, you'll receive your tour tickets in advance of taking your cruise.
There will
be instructions on your tickets advising you as to where to meet for each
excursion at each port. Similarly, when you purchase your shore excursions
with the cruise line, it will be indicated on the ticket or in the Daily
Activities program where and when you should meet to catch the tour. Depending
on the size of the group you may meet in a lounge or theatre, or on the
pier. Tour leaders will often be holding signs so you can be sure you
are joining the right group.
Where can I get more information
on the ports I'll be in?
There are many sources of information you can look into. Guidebooks such
as Fodor's and Frommer's are a great resource, as well is the Internet.
Most countries have a Tourism Board and you can request information from
them before you arrive. The cruise lines will provide you with some general
details on the ports you'll be visiting, but if you are looking for more
in depth information, you will likely have to research this yourself.
Ask your CMEatSEA Coordinator if they can recommend any good reading materials.
On board the ship, a qualified lecturer will hold informative
talks on each port of call before you visit. If you still have questions,
many ships have a Port Lecturer that will be glad to answer them. You
should also do a little research before you go.
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