For thos ewho have gone on cruises, do you have to choose your shore excursions?

Question

I went on a cruise several years ago and don't remember choosing shore excursions in advance, but we still had many activities to choose from when the ship docked. Have you found that to be your experience recently, or is it a better idea to book your shore excursions ahead of time?

We are going on Carnival to Key West and Mexico. I am mainly referring to Mexico, because I am sure we can find things to do in Key West on our own.

Answer 1

I have been on a lot of cruises and I usually book tours early only if its one that I think may seel out.  Booking early also, depending upon the cruise line, means you can pay for the tour before you go so the price of tours is not added to your on board credit tab.

Cozumel is one of the places where you can actually just get off the ship with no pre-booked tour and catch a taxi or tour right on the pier.  But, if you want to do a mainland tour from there, like to Chichen Itza  (Mayan Ruins) or Xcarat (swim, snorkel, dolphins park) you probably need to book early because they tours may sell out.  And if you go on a mainland tour its best to do it with the cruise ship because it requires a ferry ride of about an hour and you do not want to be getting back late; the ship's tours are never left at the port.

Answer 2

when our cruise stopped in mexico i know that we booked our shore excursion in advance because it was filled quickly... i was in cozumel and we got to go to a private beach for the day and there was unlimited beer and nachos and it was only for the ppl on our tour we did have another group join us at the beach but they left and we (meaning our grup of say 25) had the beach to ourselves..we still came back in time to do tons of shopping at their jewelry stores

Answer 3

I would choose in advance. you never know, you cant take the chance or your holiday might be ruined.

Answer 4

My husband and i just came back from Keywest and Calica on Carnival's Fascination. I strongly recommend you do the Pub crawl in Key West. It was $35 per person and we had a blast.  

As for Calica DO NOT waste your money going to Cancun. It takes 2 hrs to get there, you look at nothing, and they bring you right back.  A lot of people we talked to said the beaches were beautiful.

You can book your excursions on the ship.

Answer 5

I have booked them in advance right on the web site and I think it is better to do it this way. Some of the best shore excursions fill up way before the ship sails. So if you wait till you are on the ship, you may be in for a disappointment. You can always cancel a shore excursion as long as you do it like two days before you reach the port.

Answer 6

You can choose them ahead of time, or when you get on the ship, or not at all (just wing it).

Key west you can check out Duval street. Mexico it depends where your going Cozumel is great you have lote to do right off the ship.

Progresso not so good, but there is a beach at the end of the pier. Costa Maya is great ( but I heard it got trashed by a hurricane)

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Answer 7

I would plan your shore excursions when you make your reservations or as soon as you get on board.  Many of the excursions are arranged according to the number of people who have signed up.

I agree with Ed S.  Cozumel is a great shopping place and very friendly.  Progresso is nice but I was just there recently and thouht the beach was dirty.

Answer 8

I think it depends on the cruise line. We were given choices before we docked with  the opportunity to reserve a space and pay through our ship on board account. I felt better doing it that way in Mexico just to be sure that the excursion was legit and licensed ---- and got back to the dock on time. It's your choice, however have a great time!

Answer 9

If you are really h**l bent on a certain tour I would book in advance. If you are doing a bus tour/walking tour those tend to have more openings and such. I also like booking them in advance for the piece of mind and paying for them so I dont need to worry about it.