Planning Your Shore Excursions
Since a European cruise is really all about the port destinations it is important to plan a day ashore that meets all your travel requirements. Although the cruise line would prefer you use their excursions this is really just one alternative. Doing a little research will ensure that you find the excursion that satisfies your specifications.
The three major areas that I consider when choosing the best shore excursions option for us are itinerary, cost and convenience.
- Shore Excursions offered by the Cruise Line
There is no doubt this is the most convenient way to go. You can book and pay for them in advance or while on the ship. You meet your group on the ship and move together to buses close by so little chance you will miss it or get lost. The cruise line offers a variety of itineraries that range from active to sedate depending on your capabilities, and adventuresome, historical or cultural depending on your interests. Sometimes you can get an “on your own” option that offers transportation to and from the destination. It is also guaranteed that the ship will wait for you if the excursions runs over time or you run into traffic or mechanical issues. These excursions are typically the most expensive option as the cruise line usually gets a cut from the tour companies. And, since it is a popular option, you will be with larger groups. I find them most effective when what I have come to see is far from the port or otherwise difficult to get to. It was also the best option when we visited St. Petersburg as we did not want to go through the hassle or expense of getting a visa.
- Private Excursion Companies
These are somewhat less expensive as they cut out the middle man, but still mirror the cruise excursions. With some companies if you book more than one you can get a discount. They can be booked and paid in advance or booked and paid on the day of. If you are paying the day of be sure to have the correct currency. Some will just provide transportation to the sites, others will include a guided tour. Check to make sure what you have booked suits your needs. I have talked to some folks that find them very reliable and others that have had bad experiences so be sure to check out online reviews, and verify your reservation. The private excursion companies will also guarantee to get you back to the ship on time, but really just leave enough time in the itinerary to ensure this can happen.
- Private Taxi/Mini Bus Tours
There are a number of larger cities that offer private taxi tours. They are usually priced as a flat fee for a specific period of time, which may seem expensive, but can be shared if you are travelling with, or meet, another couple. The driver is a local that makes his living by offering an interesting and diverse tour that can be personalized if you have a specific request. For example, during our tour of Athens we wanted to do some souvenir shopping, so our driver took us to a shop that offered discounts to his clients (and I am sure a kick back to him). Sometimes the taxi/mini bus tour will take you to one site, wait and then return, which is less expensive than a full tour of a number of sites. The smaller vehicles are fast and at the major sites before the buses, and could get to some places the buses could not. Again, be sure to check online reviews if you can, and find a driver that speaks your language, if not fluently, at least passably.
- Wandering On Your Own
This is our preferred option if the port is our destination. A short local bus or taxi ride will usually get us to the historic core and we will have researched rates and availability. For sites further afield you can look into the train schedule. Commuter trains are inexpensive and run frequently. You will need a good map of the area, know how much time to allocate for the return trip so as not to miss your all aboard time, and comfortable shoes. A number of guidebooks offer walking tours of the city you are visiting, or check online with the local tourism office. Check as well for guided or themed walking tours offered by private local companies. These can be free (you are expected to tip) or very reasonably priced. Wandering on your own is the best way to get your preferred itinerary, and the timing is your own and not that of the group. It is not always the most convenient option and the sites you want to see have to be within walking distance of each other but the freedom can be worth it.
There are a number of resources that will help you determine which of the following options is right for you. Start with a good guide book. A number of regular publications, like Rick Steve’s Europe, now have cruise anthologies. There are also some great online guides, such as Tom’s Port Guides. Don’t forget Trip Advisor for their top recommendations, and online forums, such as ones you can join at Cruise Critic, where you can talk with others on your cruise to get input and suggestions. Just remember, everyone has different priorities when travelling so it is important to find a resource that matches yours.