Shore Excursions vs. Exploring Solo: Which is Better for You?

One of the things I love most about cruising is the opportunity to visit places that you would never normally see.

Once you have chosen a cruise itinerary that suits you, you can sit back and think about where you wish to visit.

You will then have to decide whether you would like to take a cruise line excursion or whether you prefer to go it alone and “do your own thing.”

There are pros and cons to each, in this article we look into both options.

Cruise Line Shore Excursions

Pros

• Convenient
  • If you book a cruise line excursion, everything is taken care of for you.
  • All you need to do is choose something that suits you, and book it – either via the App, Cruise line website or once onboard.
  • They are well organised and hassle free, as the tours have been run multiple times before.
• Guaranteed Return
  • This is a big selling point, and cruise lines often play on your fears by telling you that if you are help up the ship will leave without you – unless you are on one of their excursions.
  • If you are an anxious traveller, having that peace of mind may be worth the additional cost.
• Exclusive Experiences
  • Cruise line excursions may include special access to attractions, guides, and tours that might not be available to solo travellers.
• Local Guides
  • Knowledgeable guides can explain the local history and culture – and you will be put on tour with a guide that speaks your language well.
  • If you explore on your own, you might find the language barrier is an issue.
• All Transportation is Included
  • The cruise lines partner tour company will handle all transportation. You don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar public transport systems or finding taxis.

When I took a cruise to Asia, I decided to take cruise line excursions. I was so far from home, and everything seemed so unfamiliar. The excursions we took were very good…

Find out how that worked out here:

Cons

• More Costly
  • Cruise line excursions can be very pricey.
  • I tend to find that UK and Italian cruise lines have better value excursions that American cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean or Celebrity.
• Less Flexibility
  • Excursions tend to follow strict itineraries, which can limit how much time you spend at each stop or exploring on your own.
  • I often find that cruise line excursions stop in a town and say ” you have two hours to explore on your own.” Sometimes there is little to see, and I would rather have less time – particularly if the weather is bad!
• Group Size
  • Often tours involve a whole coach load of passengers doing the same thing, with one tour guide. This can make it hard to hear or see what is going on.
  • You might have to hang about, waiting for people who don’t turn up on time – which can be infuriating!
  • It won’t appeal to those who prefer a more personal or smaller group experience.
• Less Spontaneity
  • Everything is pre-planned, so you have no room for being spontaneous or going off the beaten track.

Exploring By Yourself

Pros

• Freedom and Flexibility
  • You complete control you have over your day once on land.
  • You can go where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want – as long as you are back at the ship in time.
• Its far cheaper
  • You can walk, take a taxi or explore local tour options.
  • I would normally look at the cruise lines excursions to see if there is anything I want to visit – then see if I can get there alone.
• Immersive Local Experience
  • You can immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture, and see how people really live in that place, rather than seeing what the cruiseline wants you to see.
  • You can choose your own stops in cafes, shops, or local markets.
• Go Off the Beaten Track a little…
  • By doing your own research you may have the opportunity to discover hidden gems or less touristy spots that excursions might not visit.

When I took a cruise around the UK and Ireland, I only took one cruise line excursion – to Loch Ness. There were no public transport options available as the Loch is very remote.

Find out how we got on with “doing our own thing” on that unforgettable cruise here:

Cons

• Risk of Missing the Ship
  • When exploring on your own, you’re responsible for getting back to the ship on time. The ship won’t wait if you’re late!
• No Safety Net should something go wrong
  • With no support from a guide or the cruise line, you need to manage your own transport and find your way around the local area – which could be daunting.
• Language Barrier
  • You could face language barriers or have trouble finding your way around in countries where they don’t speak the same language as you.
• Limited Time
  • If you only have a short time in port, you need to do your research beforehand to make sure you don’t miss out on that “unmissable” local attraction.

Things To Consider When Choosing

1. Destination
   • Where you are in the world might play a big role in the decisions you make.
     • In some destinations like Europe, it’s easy and safe to explore on your own. You can just get off the ship and walk around.
     • You will often stumble on interesting places, Roman ruins, castles, fortresses, towers – Europe is full of them!
     • In some Caribbean destinations, you will be docked at ports that seem more “man made.”
     • You have to get out of the port area to see anything of the country, and taking an organised shore excursion might be better.
     • Again, it is vital to do your research beforehand!
2. Comfort Level with Travel
   • How comfortable are you when travelling? Have you travelled a lot, or is this a new experience for you?
     • Some cruisers love the challenge of exploring alone, while others prefer the ease of guided experiences. It is all down to personal preference.
3. Budget
   • Think about your budget – excursions are more convenient but come at a higher cost. If you are travelling as a family of four, it is easily possible to spend in excess of £500/$670 on a day trip for you all.
   • If you are docked in a port where it is possible to “do your own thing” you can save money for other parts of the trip, and not end up with a huge onboard account to be paid at the end of your holiday.
4. Time in Port
   • Consider how long you’ll be in port. If you have limited time, an excursion might ensure you can see the highlights without worrying about getting back to the ship in time.

Who Should Book Shore Excursions?

• First-Time Travellers
  • Shore excursions are perfect for those who are visiting the destination for the first time and want to see the highlights without the stress of planning and organising.
• Families
  • Excursions can be great for families, as they often include activities suitable for all ages and remove the stress of organisation.
• Travellers Who Worry About Safety and Convenience
  • If safety and ease are a priority, particularly in less familiar locations – excursions offer a secure and reliable option.

Who Should Explore By Themselves?

• Experienced Travellers
  • If you are comfortable navigating new places by yourself, especially if you enjoy a bit of adventure and spontaneity, you would probably be better to “go it alone.”
• Budget-Conscious Cruisers
  • Cruising is a big outlay, and you may not want to spend hundreds – or even thousands – of extra pounds/dollars on excursions and onboard extras.
  • If saving money is a priority (as it is with me) exploring by yourself is often the more affordable choice.
    • I am happy to spend money on excursions if there is something I particularly want to see, and there is no feasible way of getting there by public transport.
    • By not taking excursions at every port, I save myself lots of money.
• Those who like to explore at their own pace
  • Exploring on your own is Ideal for cruisers who want to experience a port at their own pace. You may be happier avoiding the fast-paced, crowded nature of excursions.

I was invited to make some videos by Norwegian Cruise Line, and they were keen for me to take some of the most amazing cruise line excursions on offer.

Find out what I thought of them here:

Final Thoughts

• It’s Really All About Personal Preference
  • There’s no right or wrong choice, It’s all about what suits your travel style best.
• Try Both
  • Mix it up a bit! Maybe book an excursion in a port where you know you won’t be able to just walk off and explore – and explore by yourself in another where there are things to do and see in the local area. Then you will get a feel for both experiences.
• Don’t Feel Pressurised Into Choosing The Expensive Option!
  • You are likely to get a “daily schedule” in your cabin each day that advertises excursions. The cruise lines are keen to sell them, and obviously make a large mark up on tours sold. Don’t feel that you must book an excursion!
  • You may be told that the port is a container port, and you must buy a cruise line shuttle ticket to even get out of the port.
    • Again do your research, container ports often have free shuttle buses laid on by the Port Authority that you can catch. The cruise lines won’t tell you that…

Before You Go

If you decide to do your own thing in port, find useful hints and tips to help you in the article below:

Getting Off The Cruise Ship in Port – What To Expect, What To Take – And Other Useful Hints and Tips For A Successful Day Out!

Find out three reasons why people get left behind by the cruise ship in the article below:

3 Reasons Why People Get Left Behind By Cruise Ships At The Port (It’s Not To Do With Not Buying Cruise Line Excursions)