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As EARLY as possible. Some shore excursions can accommodate only a limited number of participants. Since they are sold on a first come, first serve basis, we recommend you purchase them as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment. Certain cruise lines allow excursions to be booked on the internet before you cruise. With your cruise documents you will receive a complete description of your tours .
It really depends on the tour. Most require some walking of varying degrees but all requirements should be outlined alongside the description of each excursion being offered by the ship. Clothing advice will also be given in many cases. Whatever your fitness level, we highly recommend comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes.
Shore excursions include transportation according to the itinerary, and meals, refreshments, guides, and entrance fees as indicated in the tour description book.
Most tours leave from the pier adjacent to the ship's berth. When the ship is at anchor, staff will be on hand to assist you to the departure point. Prior to arrival in each port of call, departure times will be confirmed by the ship's staff or daily activity bulletin.
YES. All guests are required to be back on board 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, which is listed in the daily bulletin and at the gangway as you leave the ship. The scheduling of all shore excursions conform to this requirement. However, if you leave a tour en route, or explore a port on your own it will be your responsibility to secure transportation and return to the pier on time. If you don't make it, they'll see you at the next port at your expense.
Standards of transport vary considerably from country to country; however, excursions utilize the best quality transportation possible in each port. Air-conditioned vehicles are not always available. Guest wishing to travel together with friends should leave the ship together, as this will help the tour staff allocate space in the same vehicle.
There are many ports that are not located in the city centre. For the convenience of their guests, some cruises have shuttle bus services arranged in those ports that are located a 1/2 mile or more away from the closest city centre and do not have adequate local transportation available. Schedules and days of operation are usually posted in the ship's bulletin. Taxis are available quayside in some ports.
Tipping is strictly optional; however, it is accepted in many countries and a general rule of thumb is that it if you are pleased with the services of a tour guide or driver then $2 would be an adequate reward.
On certain cruises, a qualified lecturer will give informative talks on each port of call you visit. Information and a map is usually provided in the daily bulletin on board or provided separately for your perusal. It is always good to do a little research before you go. Your local library should have all kinds of books pertaining to your destination and the internet can also be a great help.
Depends on the length of the tour. Obviously an all day tour will miss lunch but many all day excursions include a lunch out or a packed lunch. Most tours will be timed to coincide with ship meal times.
Learn about or ask about the local customs when in a foreign port. Other countries may have more conservative ideas about dress than you're accustomed to. Attention is drawn to this matter so as not to offend. Cruisefinder.com.au suggests when visiting places of worship (cathedrals), you dress conservatively, avoiding shorts or sundresses. Attend the port lectures for guidance.
Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes at all times. When visiting ruins or walking on cobblestone streets, wear rubber-soled shoes. It's also smart to wear a sun hat.
Whenever possible, shopping time is allocated within the framework of the excursions. However, tours are not designed primarily for shopping.
Tours booked on board will added to your shipboard account. Often tours booked pre-cruise on the internet require credit card details as a guarantee but will be charged to your shipboard account.
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