Quote:
Originally Posted by billethkid
One point about excursions we suggest you partake in those that are supported and sold by the cruise line.....the excursions assure you to be back to the ship on time....and the ship will not leave without you.
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This is not exactly true. If you book a cruise line excursion and your group is late getting back the captain will try to wait for you. If he cannot wait (ships can be charged tens of thousands of dollars in some ports if they don't leave on schedule) the cruise line will arrange and pay for you to meet up with the ship in the next port.
If I am going to be in port for, say, 8 hours and want to do a shore excursion that lasts 7 hours, I would always book with the cruise line. If the excursion is just 3 or 4 hours I am fine with booking with a third party.
The major benefits of third party tours: (1) Usually cost much less and/or include more stops; (2) MUCH smaller group (a mini ban with 12 to 24 passengers versus a bus with 50 or 60).
kathy