Anyone know anything about shore excursions on cruises?

Question

I'm going on a cruise sun. to st. thomas, dominica, barbados, st. lucia, antigua, and st. kitts/nevis. We're going on carnival, the destiny ship. Does anyone know if you have to book the excursions through the cruise line or would we be ok if we didn't book any and when we got to the island we just found some excursions. (besides just going to the beach all day lol)

Answer 1

you don't have to book through the cruise line, it's way cheaper to find your own excursions, but if you're going to do that make sure you're smart about it.  the ship will not wait for you or refund any time lost if you aren't back on board in time, so obviously don't book tours where you would be cutting it close to get back in time (i'd leave at least 2hours or so to be safe)  Also, look into outside tours before you go, read reviews make sure the excursions are legitimate.  It's not the best idea to trust the first guy you meet on an island who offers a "tour"

Answer 2

Yep i agree-you can have a fantastic time organising your own excursions. We were lucky enough to have our luxury holidays in Barbados last year http://www.elegantresorts.co.uk/location... -it was amazing!-The people, beaches and weather were all superb.Can't wait to go back!

Answer 3

The advantage of using ship excursions:  they'll wait for you if you're late getting back to the ship and they take care of all the arrangements.  The disadvantages:  they tend to be very crowded and they are expensive.

The advantages of going it on your own:  you'll save money, you get to go exactly where/when you want to go, the tour will be less crowded.  Disadvantages:  you have to make all the arrangements and deal with the sometimes pushy cabbies, the ship WILL NOT wait for you if you are late getting back.

One excursion we loved in Dominica was the Wacky Rollers canopy tour/ziplines.  Since you're going on Carnival, you'll probably have to do this through the ship; we did it on our own and had the place to ourselves [we were on another line].

If this is your first visit to St. Thomas, you'll probably want to do things there.  If not, you might think about going to St. John - but it's pretty involved getting there on your own.  [vinow.com for more info].

Be careful on St. Lucia and St. Kitts - don't just go wandering off.  There have been reports of crime against tourists there.

For lots of great info from experienced cruisers, go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Ports of Call".  There are recommendations/warnings for independent tours [and ship tours, too] in all of your ports of call.

Have a great cruise!!

Answer 4

You book the excursions through the purser's office and they charge through the nose for them.

Answer 5

i find that if you just go off on your own, you'll have more fun and see things that you might miss on a excursion... just be safe and have fun...

Answer 6

Be back in time for departure or your *** will get left behind!