Should i book Shore Excursions now on the website or late on the island?

Question

i am going to ride the Norwegian Dream to Bermuda and dont know what to do. Should i book on the island(if you can) or on the website. I seen somewhere you can book on the island and its cheaper.

i was wondering can you do the excursions by yourself because going to this and that looks like you can walk there and do it yourself....just saving some cash..why are they expensive and are they per person or per family!!!!cause not paying 59 bucks on a boat ride O.o

Answer 1

The shore excursions are per person.

I tried booking a shore excursion with the same vendor that the ship is uses but couldn't because the ship already had all of the spots while the ship is in port reserved.

You may be able to book something similar with another vendor.

The best thing about booking through the ship is that you won't get scammed and the ship will wait if your excursion is late getting back to the ship.  The cruise line also requires the vendors they choose to maintain some safety standards for their passengers.

The downside of booking through the ship is that it is usually more expensive than something you can book yourself.

If you contact a vendor directly be sure to ask if they require a deposit and their refund policy.  Most reputable vendors will either allow you to reserve without any money down or will allow you to cancel and get a refund money back in case you don't make the trip.

No matter whether you book through the ship or directly with a vendor, don't wait until you get to Bermuda to book unless it is just to get a cab ride somewhere.  If you wait, the excursion you want may be all booked up.

Answer 2

They are expensive when you book from the ship, but they also guarantee them and guarantee that you get back to the ship on time or the ship will wait for you. They do not wait for you if you are on a tour you booked on your own. With that said, most ports will have several vans with signs waiting to take you on different tours. So the way we do it is book some special tour with the ship before the cruise because they do fill up quickly. Then for others, we go on our own. We always make sure the tours that we take on our own will get back in plenty of time. I would not take one if they said it gets back like 1/2 hour before you are due back on the ship. That is too risky.

Answer 3

First of all....book as soon as you see something you like on the website.   My experience on the NCL line is that the first day is open seas day, so that gives you enough time to cancel anything you change your mind about.  At least you KNOW you're going on an excursion that way, because some fill up quickly.  My husband and I booked excursions and cancelled and rebooked several times before getting onboard, and then cancelled what we didn't like after all, once we were on.

As far as getting excursions on the islands.  It's a mixed bag.  Yes, you can have troubles like not getting back to the ship in time, or even other less desirable experiences.  What is hard for me to weigh out, is that getting people to do excursions with the islanders is their only way to make a living.  I have an exchange daughter from Mexico, a friend from Belize, and a great friend who just moved to central Mexico and they all say the same....that is some peoples living.

Either way....I KNOW that NCL will have meetings onboard the day before you get to each island.  They offer a world of information, provide you with a "flyer" of things recommended by NCL.  Sometimes you'll discover there is so much to do, that an excursion could get in the way.  I love NCL and only cruise on NCL.  HAve been for 5 years.  Going on my 5th next December.  It's a great  fleet and since they have joined hands with some pretty wealthy investors, is changing NCL for even better (Is that possible????).