A cruise offers the opportunity to discover several fascinating destinations within a few days. Whether the Mediterranean, Norway, the Canaries or the Caribbean – exciting sights, impressive landscapes and unforgettable experiences await in almost every port.
Before every cruise, however, the same question arises:
Should one book the shore excursions directly through the cruise line or rather organise them individually?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have their pros and cons. Which solution is more suitable depends, among other things, on the travel destination, personal preferences and the desired level of comfort.
In this guide we show you the most important differences and give helpful tips for planning your cruise excursions.
Shore excursions via the cruise line
Almost all major cruise lines offer organised excursions directly via the onboard portal or even before the start of the trip.
These include, for example:
- AIDA Cruises
- TUI Cruises – Mein Schiff
- MSC Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity Cruises
The selection ranges from classic city tours and boat trips to adventure and nature excursions.
Advantages of organised cruise excursions
A major advantage is the simple organisation.
Many excursions can be conveniently booked even before the start of the trip. After docking, the coach is often waiting right next to the ship.
Key benefits include:
- simple booking
- English-speaking guide on many tours
- organised procedure
- comfortable transport
- no planning required on your part
Especially for cruise novices or travellers who want to travel as relaxed as possible, this can be a pleasant solution.
The topic of punctuality
One important point speaks in favour of excursions organised by the cruise line:
If an official shore excursion is unexpectedly delayed, the ship's crew already knows the situation.
However, this means not, that a ship will fundamentally always wait. The exact regulations depend on the respective shipping company and the circumstances. Travellers should therefore always adhere to the instructions of the shipping company and observe the applicable conditions.
For independently organised excursions, the responsibility for returning on time always lies with the traveller themselves.
For this reason, it is always advisable to allow plenty of time for the return journey to the port.
Tailor-made excursions
Many cruise passengers consciously choose against organised group excursions.
Especially in European port cities, numerous sights can easily be explored independently.
Depending on the port, options include, for example:
- public transport
- Taxi
- Hire car
- Hop-on-hop-off buses
- tailored city tours
- private tour operator
This often creates significantly more flexibility.
Advantages of individual excursions
Individually planned tours allow:
- flexible working hours
- smaller groups
- flexible routes
- longer stays
- spontaneous changes
For example, those who want to spend longer sitting in a café or visit extra sights can decide their own daily schedule.
Compare the costs as well
Prices among different providers frequently differ.
Whilst organised excursions offered by the cruise line provide a high level of comfort, local operators sometimes offer cheaper alternatives.
However, price alone is not the deciding factor.
Before booking, the following points should also always be compared:
- Services
- Group size
- Reviews
- Duration
- included entrance fees
- Transfers
- Language of leadership
Use reviews from other travellers
The experiences of other holidaymakers are particularly helpful when planning individual tours.
Particularly interesting are notes on:
- Punctuality
- Organisation
- Friendliness
- Safety
- value for money
This makes it much easier to identify reputable providers.
Allow sufficient time for the return journey
Anyone travelling independently should never plan right up to the last minute.
Traffic, weather or unexpected delays can occur anywhere.
It is therefore advisable to allow a generous time buffer before the ship's scheduled departure.
Better to be back in the harbour an hour early than to miss the ship.
Popular cruise destinations
An especially large number of shore excursions are offered in, among other places:
- Barcelona
- Rome (Civitavecchia)
- Naples
- Palma de Mallorca
- Marseille
- Lisbon
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Bergen
- Geiranger
- Reykjavík
- Dubai
In almost every port, numerous options are available.
Compare excursions before the cruise
Many cruise passengers find out about potential activities even before the start of their trip.
About our partner GetYourGuide numerous city tours, admission tickets, boat trips and experiences worldwide can be compared and often booked in advance of the trip.
This can be particularly helpful in popular cruise ports when certain tours sell out quickly.
→ Discover cruise excursions and experiences
Partner notice: If you book via a correspondingly marked link, we may receive a commission. There are no additional costs for you.
Enjoy your shore leave well prepared
Whether an organised excursion through the cruise line or an individually planned tour – both options have their advantages.
Anyone who values comfort and a fully organised itinerary will find with cruise lines such as AIDA Cruises or Mein Schiff a wide range of excursions.
Those who prefer to be as flexible as possible can compare individual offers and organise their shore excursion entirely to their own liking.
Regardless, good planning ensures a relaxed day ashore and helps you discover the best aspects of every destination.
By the way, the journey begins even before the cruise. Those who from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) starts, can securely park their vehicle myParkplace park and let our shuttle service take you comfortably to the terminal. That way, your holiday starts off relaxed even before the cruise ship sets sail.