What should you know about shore excursions?

You should always go on shore excursions. Don’t get me wrong.  There’s nothing wrong with swimming in a pool.  Who doesn’t like that?  When you take a step back and think about it, it’s a little humorous swimming in a pool of water surrounded by an ocean as you will be doing on your next cruise.  But wouldn’t you like to at least spend some of the time snorkeling or scuba diving?

Everyone likes to eat and be entertained as well.  Going on a cruise is a great way to accomplish all of these things, and it’s a good value package vacation.  But be honest with yourself.  How many times in your life are going to pass this way again?  Wouldn’t you rather see Kingston up close and personal instead of at a distance from the cruise ship?  Don’t you want to be able to tell your work buddies that you played golf in the Hawaii or enjoyed a dolphin swim in Bermuda?

Shore excursions may be the right answer.  There are a wide variety of experiences just waiting for you to discover.  If you are the kind of vacationer that wants more out of your destination than seeing it from the ship, then it may be well worth the extra money for a shore excursion.

Some of the kinds of activities that you can do are golfing, hiking, site seeing, tours, dining, diving, motorcycle riding, horseback riding, helicopter rides and also activities appropriate for children.  There are all different price ranges.

Shore excursion organizations are not owned by the cruise line but are independent organizations.  The cruise line may contract with them to make everything go as smoothly as possible for you, the passenger.  You are also free to book your own excursion, but be careful.  If you are not back to the ship on time, the ship could leave without you, and that would not be good.  By booking your excursion through the cruise line, they will generally not leave without you, even if your group is late getting back.  This is a really good idea.  Who needs the extra stress of having to get back on time?

There are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Shore excursions are not part of your cruise package, they cost extra.
• Plan on booking your excursion early, they can sell out.
• There may be an advanced notice requirement, so plan in advance.
• There is usually a cancellation fee if you decide to cancel.
• Always bring your passport with you, even if you have not previously decided to go ashore.
• Depending on where you visit, you may also need a certificate of inoculation.
• Visas can sometimes be required.  Plan ahead!
• Find out as much as you can ahead of time so that you will not be caught by surprise.  Make sure you have everything you will need.
• If you are not booking your excursion through the cruise line, don’t be late back to the ship.
• The tours and activities are guided.  There may be some free time after the activity before returning to the ship.
• You can book your shore excursion on the day the cruise finishes.  This way you don’t need to worry about returning to the ship.  Make sure you have plenty of time to get to the airport in this situation.

So there you have it.  A cruise doesn’t have to be nothing but buffet lines, shuffleboard and sea sickness.  It can be an experience you won’t soon forget.  So get out of that buffet line and get out there and do something cool with your life!  Go have the experience of a lifetime!