| Since
cruises can go to different ports, how will I know how to pick
the one I’ll enjoy the most? |
| Check
out the ports of call. Since these will also be a major part
of your cruise, you want to know where you’ll be going and
what you can do there. You’ll want to ask about the types of
the shore excursions available. What do you enjoy: shopping,
nature, sports, historical sites or exotic culture? You’ll
want to pick ports of call that have activities that interest
you. |
|
|
| How
can I find tourist information on the ports that my cruise
will visit? |
| www.towd.com |
| The
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory web site. This site
provides a collection of addresses, phone numbers, and web
links to many foreign governments’ official tourism offices.
It also contains a search feature that lists contact
information and web links for official U.S. State Tourism
Offices, regional, city, and convention and visitor bureau
sites. |
|
|
| How
much do the shore excursions cost? |
You’ll want to
know the cost of the available shore excursions. There are
generally fees for ship sponsored shore excursions. They can
cost range from only twenty dollars to several hundred.
You’ll want to know the costs of shore excursions in
advance so you can compare complete cruise packages. There
can be a large range in costs for shore excursions. Shore
excursions are also a safety issue, which you can read about
in our Cruise Safety section.
|
|
|
| How
do I find out about the shore excursions? |
Many are listed
on the Cruise Line’s web page and some can be booked in
advance before you reach the ship. There should also be
information in your ticket packet for you to read. Once on
board, most will have a lecture about the port of call with
a description of the available shore excursions and have
someone available to answer your questions about the
packages.
|
|
|
| What
do I need to know about the shore excursions? |
- You’ll
want to know the general game plan to see if you are
interested.
- You’ll
also want to know how guided you’ll be, is this just
transportation or a tour?
- Can you take
the tour and still have some freedom to wander?
- How much
walking or physical activity will there be on the shore
excursion?
- What about
food, will any be included or are you fending for
yourselves?
- Are
admission and fees included when we get there, or will
there be extra charges to participate once we arrive?
|
|
|
| Do
I have to take a shore excursion to make it to port? |
No, you
shouldn’t. You should be able to walk or cab if you are
docked at port or be able to take one of the ship’s
scheduled tenders to the dock. The ship might also have a
free shuttle to take you into the most popular areas. You
can wander on your own if you like. Your time at port is
your own.
|
|
|
| Can
I stay on board the ship while it is in port? |
Yes, and some do
to enjoy all the ship’s amenities while the crowds are off
at the port.
|
Picking Ports And Shore Excursions
- Tips
And Advise