Thread: Shore Excursions: Though ship or on your own?

I'm one of those fraidy-cats who always books shorex through the cruiseline. I figure if anyone's gonna be late getting back...well, it'll be me standing at the pier waving 'bye to my cruise ship.

I did take a chance on my last cruise...I really wanted to do the shark encounter at Coral World (St. Thomas), but it was not offered as part of the Coral World excursion (which only gives you about 2 hours at the aquarium; not enough time to "do" the shark thing). So I booked the ship excursion to Coral World, then made a separate reservation for the shark thing via email (also made sure that taxis were plentiful and easy to get). The day of the excursion, I made sure to tell our driver that I was NOT coming back with the group. (Even so, when time came for our "group" to leave, he double-checked with 2 of our "group" to make sure I had a way back to the ship, which I thought was rather cool.)

BTW, I timed it so I was back TWO hours before the ship was supposed to lift anchor.

Snorkeling with baby sharks is awesome !

we have always booked through the ship for safty concerns.. I am def a fraidy cat when it comes to different countries.
At least i know im safe when booked through the cruise so the ship dont leave with out me. I havent had a bad experience yet with it so "why rock the boat" diane

Picked the "Combo ... depending". We only do OnOurOwn when taking a taxi to a beach on a familiar island where we KNOW if ours has a problem there will be MANY others around and/or passing by on a well used road.

Excursions offered by the ship Pick You Up From Ship -- Take You To Have FUN -- Return You To The Ship ... and you never "Miss The Boat"!

Always better SILLY than SORRY!

Welcome back LuLu

Here we go

5, 6, 7, 8

I read once before "A tourist books through the ship and a traveler books on their own".
We started out as "tourists" and have become "travelers".

It really depends on the excursion and where it is. However, in general terms, we've been disappointed with several we've booked through the ship, and have had excellent luck with independents. For those thinking about going on their own, check the destination threads on this and other boards and you can generally find very good, reliable locals.

Sometimes, it's a good opportunity to check-out resort hotels in a place you'd like to return for a land trip ....

Bill I book what ever I feel like is important on the ship but the independent ones I have found to be happier with.

Originally Posted by jsme

Bill I book what ever I feel like is important on the ship but the independent ones I have found to be happier with.

Selena .... Which of the INDEPENDENTS that you've taken have you enjoyed the most and would recommend to the rest of us?

Always through the ship, have'nt been disappointed yet.