Carnival Shore Excursion?

Question

I'm going on the Carnival Pride to the Mexican Riveria at the end of Sept., should I book the shore excursions through the cruise line or should I book it independently with the tour company?

Does anyone know any trustworthy tour companies I should book it with? I'm porting at Puerto Vallarta, Matzanlan, and Cabo San Lucas.

Also does anyone know where the ports are located at these cities?

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks.

Answer 1

If it's your first cruise, I'd recommend booking the shore excursions through the cruise line.  You'll pay a little more, but it gives you an opportunity to find out how it works.

Answer 2

NEVER ---- NEVER ---- NEVER

book excursions through the cruise line -- you will pay out the nose.  Just buy the trip from a vendor on the pier.

Answer 3

We booked all our excursions through Carnival.  We did a snorkel safari, catamaran sailaway and a beach break.  If you just want to go to the beach or around town I would reccommend doing it on your own (we would not book the beach break again)  But if you want something exciting definately book through the cruise line.  Our snorkle safari and catamaran were great!  And you don't have to worry about time while you are out there because you know the boat won't leave you!!

Answer 4

You can usually save money by booking your shore excursions independently.  There is an excellent website where you can explore shore excursions and ground operators.  This website has been voted the BEST by Travel and Leisure magazine.  Spend some time on it, you can check out your ship, the exursions, others who have taken the ships tours and independent tours, recommendations for best tour operators and just about anything about cruises....

www.cruisecritic.com

Keep in mind one thing, however.  When you are on a ship-sponsored tour, if anything happens on the tour that delays your return to the ship in time - in most cases, the ship will wait for you.  If you book your tour yourself, and you are late returning to the pier, the ship won't wait for you.

Answer 5

if you want to shop or sun and drink on the beach ..go it on your own BUT if you want a real story to tell about your cruise  consider taking  a interesting  shore excursion.. Cabo is a good place to go para sailing at the pier..rented a golf cart in Mazatlan...now that was taking your live in your hands, but sure had a great time that day

Answer 6

i would book a few with the cruise lines.