By Lindsay Dollinger, Owner At Last I See The World Travel LLC
*This post does contain affiliate links for companies I personally use and recommend.
One of the best parts of cruising is waking up in a brand-new destination almost every day. Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe, each port offers exciting opportunities to explore — and that’s where shore excursions come in.
But many cruise travelers ask:
Should I book excursions through the cruise line, or through a third-party site like Viator or Shore Excursions Group?
As a travel advisor who helps clients plan cruises every day, here are my top tips for choosing the best cruise excursions so you can make the most of your time in port.
What Is a Shore Excursion?
A shore excursion is an activity or tour you take when your cruise ship docks in a port.
Common cruise excursions include:
- Snorkeling or scuba diving
- Beach breaks
- Cultural city tours
- Food and wine tastings
- Adventure tours (ATVs, ziplining, hiking)
- Historical landmarks and ruins
- Wildlife excursions
Cruise lines design excursions so you can explore a destination and still return to the ship before departure time.
Option 1: Booking Excursions Through the Cruise Line
Many travelers choose to book directly through the cruise line, myself included when it’s my first time at a destination or I’m in a destination where I don’t speak the language (I’m fluent in English and Spanish).
Pros of Cruise Line Excursions
✔ Easy and convenient
✔ Transportation arranged for you
✔ Cruise line vetted operators
✔ Ship will wait if the tour is delayed
This option is especially helpful for first-time cruisers or complicated ports where the excursion is far from the ship.
Cons of Cruise Line Excursions
❌ Usually more expensive
❌ Larger tour groups
❌ Less flexibility
Cruise line tours are great for convenience, but they aren’t always the most unique or affordable option.
Option 2: Booking Excursions Through Third-Party Tour Companies
Many experienced cruisers prefer booking through independent tour companies.
These tours are often:
- Smaller groups
- More unique experiences
- Lower cost
- More personalized
Two platforms I recommend clients explore are:
Browse Excursions on Viator
Viator offers thousands of tours around the world, including many options that cruise lines don’t offer.
You can browse excursions here:
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00002990&uid=U00764224&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
This is a great option if you’re looking for private tours, food experiences, or small group adventures.
Check Shore Excursions Group
Another excellent option specifically designed for cruise travelers is Shore Excursions Group.
Explore their tours here:
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=104411&[email protected]
Many of their tours are built around cruise ship schedules and include return-to-ship guarantees and/or flexible cancellation. Read each one’s details before booking!
7 Tips for Choosing the Best Cruise Excursion
1. Choose Experiences You Actually Enjoy
Think about what excites you most:
- Relaxing beach day
- Adventure activity
- Cultural experience
- Food or wine tour
Your cruise should match your travel style, not just what looks popular online.
2. Check the Tour Duration
Always make sure your excursion leaves enough time to return before the ship departs.
Longer tours should generally be booked through the cruise line unless you’re confident in the operator.
3. Compare Prices
Independent excursions are often 20–50% cheaper than cruise line tours.
That’s why many experienced cruisers check both options before booking.
4. Read Reviews Carefully
Look for reviews that mention:
- Tour guides
- Transportation
- Timeliness returning to the ship
- Overall experience
This helps you avoid poorly run excursions.
5. Consider the Distance From Port
If the excursion location is far from the cruise terminal, booking through the cruise line may offer more peace of mind.
If it’s close to the port, independent tours are usually a great option.
6. Book Early
Popular excursions can sell out weeks or even months before your cruise.
Booking early ensures you get your preferred experience.
7. Remember: You Don’t Need an Excursion in Every Port
Some of the best cruise days come from simply exploring the port town.
You might enjoy:
- Walking the local markets
- Finding a beach bar
- Trying local food
- Visiting a nearby café
Sometimes the most memorable travel moments are the unplanned ones, but do your research to see if you’ll be docking in a walkable area.
My Travel Advisor Tip
Before every cruise, I recommend travelers:
1️⃣ Look at the cruise line excursions
2️⃣ Compare independent options
3️⃣ Choose the experience that fits their travel style
If you’d like to explore excursions now, here are two great places to start:
🌎 Viator Tours
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00002990&uid=U00764224&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
🚢 Shore Excursions Group
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=104411&[email protected]
Need Help Planning Your Cruise?
Planning the right excursions can make a huge difference in your cruise experience.
As a travel advisor, I help my clients:
✨ Choose the best excursions in each port
✨ Avoid tourist traps
✨ Find unique experiences worth the time and money
If you’re planning a cruise and want help making the most of every destination, I’d love to help. Fill out a quote form here.
