A cruise vacation is a great way to see many destinations in a short amount of time, but you should make the most of your shore excursions. If you think the usual shopping and sightseeing excursions sound uninspiring, there are plenty of other options. How about scuba diving, snorkeling, dog sledding, or kayaking? Or maybe biking, tubing, golfing, or fishing? How about taking a helicopter tour or swimming with rays? Cruise lines around the world now offer excursions like these on a routine basis.

Regardless of what you decide, you must be ‘understanding on the ground’. Here are some basic tips.

cruise ship tours

Cruise line-arranged shore excursions are great for people who want the security of a guided tour or are first-time visitors with limited time to experience the many highlights of a port. These excursions generally cost more than going out on your own, but they offer peace of mind because the tour operator has been inspected by the cruise line for safety and the tour is specially designed to appeal to the cruise traveler. More importantly, these tours greatly reduce the risk of missing the boat’s departure.

Tour information, as well as prices, usually arrive with your cruise documents. Determine which tours interest you and purchase tickets as soon as possible, as popular tours, particularly on an Alaska cruise, sell out quickly. The good news is that most cruise lines allow you to book your shore excursions on their websites, so you can book your tour in advance. If you are unable to book online, please book your excursions as soon as possible after boarding the ship.

If you are an elderly person or have a disability or use strollers to transport small children, think carefully about what excursions you choose. The cities you visit may be ancient, with narrow streets and stairways, or they may be isolated or have rugged tropical terrain. Check with the cruise line to see if it’s safe for you to go ashore and if you’ll need special accommodations.

DIY tour

Seasoned or adventurous travelers may prefer to organize their own shore excursions. It is not hard to do; in fact, most countries have tourist office websites with listings of popular activities and tour companies. But there are some important things to keep in mind when setting out on your own.

When hiring a taxi, negotiate the price before you get in the taxi. Also, if you expect the driver to serve as a tour guide, visit long enough to make sure there isn’t a language barrier. When booking an independent tour, make sure you’re dealing with a well-established company that has safe transportation and equipment. Don’t hesitate to ask independent tour operators tough questions. Ask how long the company has been in business; ask about the company’s accident history; and ask if they have insurance. If the tour operator doesn’t answer your questions willingly, move on to another operator.

Lastly, if you’re exploring on your own, be sure to return to the cruise ship no later than 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, which is listed on the ship’s daily activity bulletin and posted on the gangway. If you miss the launch, you will have to meet the ship at the next port, at your own expense.

Everyone on the ground!

When you travel abroad, you may find that the way of life is different from what you are used to at home, or even on the ship. Here are some things to think about before you hit the ground.

• Please dress appropriately for your port of call. Scarce attraction is almost always inappropriate in public, even if you’re just going to the beach; wear clothes over your bathing suit so as not to offend the locals.
• Leave expensive jewelry, excess cash and credit cards in the ship’s safe.
• Wear a “fanny pack” or money belt when going ashore. Leave your hands free and protect your money and credit cards much better than a wallet.
• Check with the ship’s shore excursion staff about where to eat ashore. Some foods and drinks, especially water, may be prohibited.
• Always carry identification on a shore excursion, including the name of your ship and its docked location. Also bring a photocopy of your passport.
• Keep alert. Your guides can give you a badge to wear for identification. This can help keep the group together, but it also allows merchants and thieves to attack you.
• Use common sense when walking to and from the boat. Avoid shortcuts through back streets or deserted alleys, and keep an eye out for unexpected things on your way (cows, chickens, scooters, beggars, pickpockets. You never know what will show up near the docks).
• Make sure your watch is set to local time; if you don’t, your ship can sail without you!

It goes without saying that a little research can greatly increase your enjoyment of the port. Clearly, the best-planned shore excursions will be remembered long after you’ve returned home.