One of the questions I'm asked most often is:
"Should I book my excursion through the cruise line or on my own?"
After many cruises, here's the checklist I use before I book anything.
🚢 1. Decide What's Most Important to You
Before I even start looking at tours, I ask myself:
Do I want adventure?
Do I want to relax?
Is this a bucket-list destination?
Am I traveling with kids or grandparents?
How much walking is involved?
Choosing the right excursion starts with knowing what kind of vacation you want—not what everyone else recommends.
⏰ 2. Look at the Time in Port
Some ports give you 10+ hours.
Others only give you 5 or 6.
If the ship has a short stop, I avoid excursions that leave very little room for delays. I always want plenty of time to get back before all aboard.
⭐ 3. Read Reviews (Lots of Them)
Reviews tell you things the tour description won't.
I look for comments about:
Friendly guides
Transportation
Group size
Actual tour length
Hidden costs
Whether the tour felt rushed
Whether people would book it again
Hundreds of positive reviews usually tell me I'm looking at a quality experience.
👥 4. I Usually Prefer Smaller Groups
Personally, I love small-group tours.
Instead of riding on a bus with 50 people, I'd rather explore with 8–15 travelers.
Smaller groups often mean:
Less waiting
More flexibility
Better photo opportunities
Easier conversations with the guide
A more personal experience
💰 5. Compare Prices
I always compare:
✅ Cruise line excursion
vs.
✅ Independent tour operators
Sometimes they're almost identical.
Other times I can save quite a bit while getting a smaller group and a more unique experience.
Price isn't everything—but it's definitely worth comparing.
🚐 6. Pay Attention to Transportation
How are you getting there?
Air-conditioned van?
Bus?
Boat?
Walking?
Golf cart?
Transportation can make or break the day—especially in hot climates.
📍 7. Book With Reputable Companies
This is one area where I never cut corners.
I want established operators with:
Excellent reviews
Clear communication
Reliable transportation
Professional guides
Easy booking process
That gives me much more confidence when visiting places I've never been before.
📸 8. Look at Traveler Photos
Professional marketing photos always look amazing.
Real traveler photos tell the real story.
I love seeing what the excursion actually looks like before booking.
🌎 9. Consider the Difficulty Level
Be honest with yourself.
Some excursions involve:
Hiking
Uneven terrain
Lots of stairs
Swimming
Snorkeling
Long walking distances
Choose something you'll truly enjoy—not something you'll spend the day struggling through.
❤️ 10. Make Memories, Not Just Check Boxes
You don't have to see everything.
Sometimes one amazing experience is better than trying to squeeze five attractions into one day.
Those are usually the excursions I remember most.
Where I Find Most of My Shore Excursions
One of my favorite places to compare tours is Viator.
I can easily compare:
Small-group tours
Private excursions
Family-friendly activities
Skip-the-line experiences
Cultural tours
Food tours
Adventure excursions
The reviews, photos, and detailed descriptions make it much easier to decide which excursion is the best fit for each port.
👉 If you're planning an upcoming cruise, take a look at the excursions available for your ports before you sail. You may find options you never knew existed!
(Insert your Viator affiliate link here.)
Final Thoughts
The "best" shore excursion isn't always the most expensive one.
It's the one that matches your travel style, fits your schedule, and leaves you with incredible memories.
A little research before your cruise can make the difference between a good port day... and an unforgettable one.
Happy cruising! 🚢🌴
What's in My Cruise Bag? 🚢 This article is intended for informational purposes.