Wherever a cruise ship of any type is able tie up to a dock or drop an anchor in a port of call, there will be multiple opportunities to partake in shore excursions or shore-x for short. The shore-x is the icing on top of the cake that is your cruise. Cruise lines and independent operators design their shore-x to enhance the cruise experience. They provide an opportunity to see and explore the history, culture, and the points of interest in your port of call and the surrounding area. This is where some of your best memories are made.

Cruise line shore-x are divided into about four categories according to how strenuous they are. This is represented by a symbol which is usually that of a human figure on a level surface or a number scale. The more the incline on the surface or the higher the number on the scale, the more strenuous the shore-x. Other symbols that are used may be dollar signs, food, mask and snorkel, etc. One $ sign represents a lower price bracket and each additional $ means a higher price bracket. Other symbols would indicate what it is included in the price of the shore-x. All the cruise lines and tour operators use the same type of system in various forms. Cruise lines almost never run their own shore-x but instead contract out the shore-x to a local independent tour operator. It has been my personal experience that shore-x run by cruise lines are, generally speaking, over priced and sometimes lack in quality. I was on one Princess shore-x in St. Johns, Newfoundland where the docent said that he would not give any commentary on history and culture but would only answer questions. I had to ask myself, “Why am I here paying for this?”

Cruise lines like to tell you that you should only go on their shore-x because if there is a problem in returning to the ship, the ship will wait for you whereas, if you are late in returning to the ship while on an independent shore-x, the ship will not wait for you. In all my years as a travel agent, I have never heard of a ship leaving a bus full of people stranded on the dock because they were not on a cruise line shore-x. In fact, most independent tour operators will guaranty that they will get you back to the ship on time, or at their own expense, they will get you to the next port of call so you may reconnect with the ship.

Our list of quality shore excursion companies operate in the Far East, Australia and New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Americas. In other words, just about everywhere in the world. In many ports of call they provide shore-x for groups and individuals that may be different or the same as a cruise line shore-x. They may be very price competitive and quality is usually better. They also provide individual “private car and driver” shore-x that will give you the truly personal experience that you want. You can spend more time at that special place, or go where the tour bus never goes. It’s your choice.

PLEASE NOTE: It is very important that you read and understand the cancellation policy of both the cruise lines and the independent operators when it comes to refunds for your shore-x. The cancellation policies are listed on each of their respective web-sites. If you have trouble finding them please let us know and we will be happy to help you.

Below are several links to independent operators that offer a vast array of optional shore-x. Feel free to browse their web-sites and if you find an excursion that interests you, please give us a call and we will be happy to make the reservation for you. Or, tell us what your interests are in each port of call and we will do the research for you.