The places your cruise ship visits are among the top reasons people choose a cruise vacation, but there are mistakes and red flags to avoid when in port.
Each port of call has a variety of tours and activities you can do. You could book a tour through Royal Caribbean or something on your own. In either case, you want to carefully vet any excursion before you book it.
As a frequent cruiser, I've gone on all sorts of shore excursions in ports around the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Most of my shore excursions have been great, but a few turned out to be duds.
It's a good idea to check what's included with the cost of your tour, safety protocols, what time it begins and ends, as well as what you'll actually do during the tour.
Here are the red flags I look for in any shore excursion before I book that could take away from your enjoyment.
Long transit times for a short visit
A shore excursion that involves many hours in transit to leave you with a short amount of time at the actual destination might be worth rethinking.
It's not uncommon to find a shore excursion that takes you to a bucket list worthy spot, such as visiting a major city, exploring Mayan ruins, or viewing natural wonders.
The problem with some of these tours can be you'll spend more time on a bus travelling to and from the site than actually at the place.
Common examples include Chichén Itzá, visits to Paris, or a transfer to Walt Disney World.
Sometimes cruise ships dock in ports significantly far from these places. While it is possible to go and see these areas, it involves a long bus ride.
If this is your only opportunity to ever visit, then perhaps a marathon bus ride is worth it. Otherwise, save it for a land visit.
Read more: 8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted
No refunds if your ship can't dock
Before you book any shore excursion, read the rules on cancelling.
In my opinion, any tour operator should refund all of your money (including the deposit) if your ship is unable to dock. Whether it's because of poor weather that day or an itinerary change, the refund policy should cover that scenario.
Most shore excursions don't include a refund if the weather is poor, but if you are physically unable to make it to the tour because your ship isn't in port, then they should refund your money.
If you book a tour with Royal Caribbean, this is standard practice. However, some third party shore excursions you can book on your own may not offer it.
Read more: What to do if Royal Caribbean's shore excursions are sold out
Panoramic sightseeing tours
It might sound like a great tour, but panoramic sightseeing tours may leave you disappointed with time at the places you'll see behind a window.
Bus tours are great if you like a more casual view, or perhaps you have mobility issues. Moreover, never underestimate how wonderful air conditioning is in the summer months.
However, if your goal is to walk around and explore historical sights or beautiful natural wonders, I'd recommend avoiding a tour that advertises how much you can see from the bus you'll be on.
When I've done these sorts of tours, I usually end up frustrated that I didn't have enough time to see the places.
"Let me give you a tour of the island"
An island tour from someone with a flimsy sign is not who you want to book a tour on the spot with.
When you walk out of the port area, there's usually a group of taxi drivers who want you to pay them to take you on a tour of the place you're visiting. While I doubt there are safety concerns with them, I would not recommend booking a tour with them because of how open-ended that can be.
Without knowing anything about the tour operator, their knowledge of the area, or total costs, I think there are too many variables.
If you want a driver for the day and/or a private tour of the port you're visiting, I'd recommend doing some research ahead of time and booking that in advance. That way you can do your research online and read reviews and get recommendations for whom to work with.
Read more: Quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
Museum tours
Museums are a great idea for an activity in port, but you don't need to book an organized tour.
It's easy enough to get to most museums by taking a cab, and then once in the museum, exploring on your own.
Not only will a museum shore excursion cost you more, but you'll be moving at the pace of the group and without the option to spend more time at the exhibits that interest you.
If you're worried about being able to understand the tour in your native language, there could be audio tours available from the museum or even utilize Google Translate app to be able to instantly translate signs.
Beach breaks
Just like museum tours, you don't need an organized tour to go to the beach.
Sometimes a shore excursion includes a visit to the beach in addition to the primary activity, but if you just want to spend the day at the beach, I'd question the value of an organized tour.
One issue with a beach shore excursion are crowds. If your tour is going to this beach, other shore excursions probably are too, and that's the recipe for a crowded beach day. Sometimes crowded beaches are unavoidable, but in the Caribbean where beautiful beaches are a dime a dozen, I wouldn't do it.
The other issue with a beach break excursion is it's probably cheaper to book it on your own.
Do your research and look up taxi rates along with the fees for accessing the beach, resort, or park.
