Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Shore Excursions

Find out why, when, where and how to book your on-shore adventures.

A traveller canyoneering on a cruise shore excursion

5min read

Published 31 January 2025


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Find out why, when, where and how to book your on-shore adventures.


While most cruise ships offer a bounty of onboard activities and entertainment, sometimes you need to shake off your sea legs and explore the land. That’s where shore excursions come in! Also known as shore tours and port tours, shore excursions come in many shapes and sizes (think sightseeing, snorkelling, cycling and more) and are designed to help maximize your time in port.

So, how do you go about selecting and booking them? Below, we explain everything you need to know about cruise shore excursions, including why, when and how to organize them.



Women on a shore excursion in the Caribbean
Women on a shore excursion in the Caribbean
Women on a shore excursion in the Caribbean

Why should you go on a shore excursion?

In most cases, ships are only in port for one day, meaning you don’t have heaps of time to discover everything that a destination has to offer. Shore excursions are a great (and efficient!) way to explore, especially if your bucket list is erring on the longer side.

Beyond helping maximize your time in port, we love shore excursions because they allow you to:

  • Sit back and relax while the cruise line or tour operator handles all the logistics
  • Dive into a destination in a way that aligns with your personal travel style
  • Gain a local guide’s insight, and suss out the best things to see, do and eat
  • Step outside your comfort zone and try something new
  • Get up close to some amazing wildlife and natural attractions
A group white water rafting on a cruise shore excursion
A group white water rafting on a cruise shore excursion
A group white water rafting on a cruise shore excursion

What kind of shore excursions can you book?

The options are endless! No matter which cruise line you’re sailing with, you’re guaranteed to find a shore excursion that meets your needs, interests and budget.

Popular active shore excursions

You'll generally find these options in more tropical destinations, like the Caribbean and South Pacific:

  • Snorkelling
  • Scuba diving
  • Ziplining
  • Canyoneering
  • Sailing
  • Quad biking
  • White water rafting
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Cycling

Popular cultural shore excursions

These are common options for anyone cruising through Europe, the Americas and Asia:

  • Scenic helicopter rides
  • Cooking classes
  • Museum and gallery tours
  • Walking city tours
  • Sightseeing tours to ancient and historical sites
  • Wine tasting experiences
  • Market tours (European Christmas markets in winter, anyone?)

Options will vary based on the location and climate, so research your itinerary before you book for a better idea of what's on offer.

Couple exploring a cruise port destination
Couple exploring a cruise port destination
Couple exploring a cruise port destination

Do you need to book a shore excursion?

There is no rule stating you must book a shore excursion. In fact, many cruisers love nothing more than spending a few hours meandering around the port at their own pace.

We're big believers that the best way to experience a location is simply by walking the streets, popping in and out of cafés and shops and chatting with the locals. So, if there's no particular tour you wish to join, strolling is the best way to save some cash and get to know the city.

On the flip side, if you're a first-time cruiser or have very specific ideas about what you want to see or experience, then a shore excursion is a handy way to take away some stress, prevent language barriers and visit areas otherwise inaccessible by foot.

When is the best time to book a shore excursion?

If there's an excursion you can't imagine missing out on, we recommend booking it as soon as possible. Some excursions sell out fast, so time is of the essence. Plus, booking in advance means you have a better idea of what you need to pack and plan for.

Alternatively, if you're not super fussed on what to do and would rather be guided by how you’re feeling on vacation, then you are more than welcome to book shore excursions once you're on the cruise.

Unsure of what to do? Your Flight Centre Cruise Expert can help you plan and book excursions ahead of time.

A couple aboard a Celebrity Cruises ship
A couple aboard a Celebrity Cruises ship
A couple aboard a Celebrity Cruises ship

What’s the difference between independent and ship-sponsored shore excursions?

First things first, some definitions! Tours booked through the cruise line (either on board or in advance) are known as ship-sponsored excursions. Those booked through companies not affiliated with the cruise line are considered independent.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Ship-sponsored excursions

Great for first-time cruisers or novice travellers, as they’re easy to book and provide peace of mind.

Pros:

  • Ship-sponsored excursions depart from and return direct to the ship.
  • The ship will wait for all of its affiliated tours to return before departing.
  • There are fewer language barriers, as these excursions are booked with and coordinated by cruise ship guides.
  • Tour providers have been vetted, and you can trust that they're licensed and reputable.
  • You get an opportunity to meet and interact with your fellow cruise passengers.
  • Questions? You’ll have access to 24/7 support while on board the cruise ship.

Cons:

  • These tours are often more expensive than those booked independently.
  • Ship-sponsored excursions are structured for large groups, giving you little say over what you’ll see, do and experience.

Independent excursions

Perfect for those with plenty of experience that are keen to save some cash or do something different.

Pros:

  • These tours are often cheaper than ship-sponsored excursions.
  • You’ll have more opportunities to customize your tour.
  • Prefer exploring in smaller groups? This is a great option.
  • These tours support the local business owners and communities.
  • More unique and niche itineraries are available.

Cons:

  • You’ll have less peace of mind in terms of pick up and drop off.
  • Any delays in the tour may lead to you missing the boat (literally).
  • There’s no onboard assistance available if you need to contact the tour company while at sea.
Child ziplining on a cruise shore excursion
Child ziplining on a cruise shore excursion
Child ziplining on a cruise shore excursion

Where is the best place to book shore excursions?

The best place to book your shore excursion is dependent on your travel style, budget and what you want to experience. Generally, there are three places you can book shore excursions:

Online through the cruise portal or independent provider

This option is best if you don't want to risk missing a specific excursion or would prefer to have things planned in advance. Just keep in mind that some companies require you to pay in full before you leave, and you may be penalized if you cancel within 24–48 hours of the tour.

On board the cruise ship

Want to ask some questions before committing to a tour? Make your way to the shore excursions desk on your ship (this is only an option for the ship’s own tours). With this method, you run the risk of popular tours being sold out, so this is best for people who don’t mind being flexible with their plans.

Direct in port with local companies

You can also consider waiting until you arrive and chatting with guides and operators on shore for same-day excursions. This may be cheaper as there is the option to barter; however, you can never guarantee what’s available.

How much do shore excursions cost?

The cost of your shore excursion depends on a wide range of things, including the lengthy of the tour, type of activity, local currency, inclusions and more. Some cruise lines, particularly luxury linesriver cruises, small coastal ships and expedition ships may even include shore excursions in the fares.

As a minimum, budget at least $50–$100 per person per tour, with wiggle room to spend more depending on what you choose.

Is it cheaper to buy shore excursions on the ship? Generally, no. Most cruises will either charge the same or more for those booked on the ship. If you're hoping to purchase excursions for less, keep your eyes peeled for promotions that offer discounted tours or credit when booking your cruise. Otherwise, chat with your Flight Centre Cruise Expert or look online for cheaper alternatives.

Pro tip: Tipping culture varies across countries. Do a little research before you go or ask the cruise desk on board for tipping advice if you're unsure what to do.

 

Ready to book your shore excursions, but not sure where to start? Contact our Cruise Experts today. And remember to subscribe to Flight Centre Perks for more travel inspo and advice.

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