Cruise Smarter:
How to Save Big on Excursions Without Missing Out
The appeal of visiting a diverse array of beautiful and exciting destinations is undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions of cruising. There’s something truly magical about the ability to explore famous, vibrant cities, immerse yourself in rich cultures, or simply unwind on sun-kissed tropical beaches—all within the same holiday adventure.
This tempting proposition allows travellers to experience a little bit of everything during their cruise holiday. To enhance this experience, each cruise line offers a variety of organized shore excursions, which are designed to help you make the most of your time ashore and ensure that you don’t miss out on the highlights of each port.
However, it’s no secret that these excursions often come at a significant markup, contributing considerably to the cruise lines' profits as they sell these premium experiences to eager passengers looking to maximize their trip.
A cruise which may originally seem a great price may not be such good value when you start adding on all the extras. So how do you choose the cruise excursions that are best for you and your budget?
How to save money on your shore excursions
INVESTIGATE ALL AVAILABLE CRUISE PACKAGES
All cruise lines typically offer a diverse selection of popular sightseeing excursions at each port of call, allowing travelers to explore the unique attractions of different destinations. These excursions can range from half-day trips that provide a brief yet enriching experience to full-day adventures that delve deeper into the local culture or natural wonders.
In addition to these options, some cruise lines also present a special ‘holiday within a holiday’ package. This unique offering allows guests to disembark the ship for several days to fully immerse themselves in extraordinary overland sights, such as the breathtaking historical wonder of Machu Picchu, ensuring that their vacation is not only enjoyable but also unforgettable.
USE INDEPENDENT CRUISE EXCURSION SITES
Cruise shore excursions vary considerably in price and you often don’t get to find out the exact price until you have already committed to the holiday and paid your deposit. The average price ranges from $50 – $150 depending on the length of the tour.
Should you wish to do something a little different such as a helicopter tour or an overland stay, the bill could run into hundreds of dollars.
Cruise lines do inflate their prices beyond what you might find through the tour operator, making it worthwhile to compare the costs across independent travel sites. Additionally, booking through a trusted travel agent can often provide unique advantages. These agents, such as Select Travel Holidays in Bedford, frequently have access to special fares and bespoke tours that are not readily available to the general public.
By utilizing their expertise and resources, you may discover offers and packages that could enhance your travel experience, ensuring that you get the best value for your money while enjoying a personalized itinerary tailored to your needs. Therefore, it pays to do your research and explore all available options before making a booking decision.
Of course a good travel agency like Select Travel Holidays, Bedford, can always book you independent cruise excursions and shore tours that will help you save money on your cruise excursions.
CONSIDER ALL-INCLUSIVE CRUISES
If you really want to immerse yourself in various port destinations, but don’t feel confident making your own way around, it may be worth considering those cruise lines that include cruise excursions within the overall holiday cost. This is the best way to save money on cruise excursions.
Several all-inclusive lines include some trips in the cruise fare. Not only do you get the sightseeing covered, but you can also enjoy free drinks, free gratuities and free speciality dining amongst other things. This can offer a vast saving when you look at your final bill. Of course your initial price will be higher but it is worth considering how much is included before you make any decisions.
ALL-INCLUSIVE CRUISE LINES
The lines which include a range of complimentary excursions are: Regent Seven Seas, Hebridean Island Cruises, Swan Hellenic and Silversea.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS – ALL-INCLUSIVE CRUISING
Regent Seven Seas
are the most inclusive, all inclusive line. They have an excellent number of complimentary trips to enhance your stay in port. They also give you the option of upgrading and paying for more unique or longer days out. The majority of guests choose the complimentary ones as the choices and standards are excellent.
HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES
Hebridean Island Cruises
are another line which includes everything in the fare, so much so, you can almost leave your wallet behind. On days ashore you are accompanied by experienced guides who even take care of the entrance fees to castles and gardens. Should you wish for them to arrange a private shore excursion this will be charged at the applicable rate.
SWAN HELLENIC
Swan Hellenic
has long been renowned for their comprehensive onboard lectures, however they are becoming equally well known for their shore excursion programme. They offer an extensive range of trips which are included in the cruise fare. This equates to an average saving of £1,000 per couple on a 14 night sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Save Money on Cruise Excursions
Are cruise line excursions more expensive than independent options?
Yes, excursions booked directly through the cruise line are often more expensive than those arranged independently. While they offer convenience and peace of mind, savvy travellers can frequently save by researching and booking local tours in advance.
Can I book cruise excursions independently?
Absolutely. Many travellers choose to book excursions directly with local operators or through reputable third-party websites. This can offer substantial savings, especially in popular ports with well-established tourism infrastructure.
Is it safe to use local tour operators in port?
In most major ports, yes. Be sure to read reviews, verify credentials, and confirm the tour’s return time aligns with your ship’s departure. Choosing operators with guaranteed “back-to-ship” policies can give added peace of mind.
Are excursion prices negotiable?
In some destinations, especially in markets or when booking directly at the port, you may be able to negotiate excursion prices—particularly for taxi tours or smaller, independent guides. However, for pre-booked tours online, pricing is typically fixed.
What’s the best way to find good-value cruise excursions?
Research in advance using cruise forums, blogs, and travel review sites. Look for recommended local guides with consistent 5-star reviews. Booking in small groups or as a family can often unlock discounts. Some travel agents also offer exclusive excursion packages with added value or lower costs.
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