Are excursions from a cruise ship (Greek Islands) good value or is it better to do it yourself?

Question

Are excursions from a cruise ship (Greek Islands) good value or is it better to do it yourself?

Answer 1

I think it is much better to do it yourself.  I have never done it via a cruise ship but we have done it ourselves.  I have friends who have done it off of a cruise ship.  The problem with a cruise ship is that you have a very limited time on each island and it's like this mad rush when the cruise ships disembark to each island with tourists running around "crazed"  If you do it yourself you can take your time and really get to see a lot of the places you would miss from a ship.  I know this probably depends on the particular cruise and maybe there are some that are better than others but this is my experience.

Have fun

Answer 2

I agree with translatorinspain. Do the local ones yourself and the others with the ship. Two things to remember 1) If you go to the distant ones by yourself and you loose track of time the ships I've worked on won't wait if you're late, but will wait for an organised tour. 2) In the daily onboard paper should be the local ships agents contact details. Take these with you just incase something happens. Don't let this put you off having a great time

Answer 3

Unless you are familiar with the territory or are fluent in the language... take the group excursion. This isn't Europe, where everyone speaks English as a 2nd language. This is Greece.  The value may be better to do it yourself, but if you get lost and can't get back to your ship before it departs and you miss it... you'll be out a whole lot of money.  The group shore excursions will always get you back in time.... and if they don't, they hold the ship.

Answer 4

I would recommend that you do one organised cruise trip {shop around as there can be a big difference in prices} Then go back to the islands you like by ordinary boat trips They can be a lot cheaper

Answer 5

I think it depends on the type of excursion. If it's a specific area that involves coach travel, go with the cruise line, but if it's a local trip go on your own. The cruise ship staff earn commission for taking their passengers to certain restaurants, shops etc, so if you know where you want to go, get off the ship and negotiate a price with a local taxi driver. Have a great holiday.