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sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!
Member since 1/07 9764 total posts
Name:
Tricia
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cruise: how to book excursions?
I am going on a cruise in June. So far I found the one excursion that I want to 10$ cheaper directly through the company. The boat for the trip leaves directly from St. John's Warf in Nassau. That is where the ship docks. Is there any reason why I should book through the ship and not by myself. I could see on a excursion where I would need transportation but, this doesn't seem to be the case with this one?
Should I book it for 10$ extra per person for any reason?
Also, what about the excursions that do need transportation? Is it hard to get a cab?
TIA. 
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Posted 4/21/15 2:49 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruise: how to book excursions?
Well some considerations. Do you have to pay in advance? If the ship does not make port you will be out the money (need to check the refund policy). Ship's excursion will refund if the port is missed.
How long is the tour? If it gets back not long before you sail I would be hesitant (boat could break down and you could be stuck). So if say the tour ends at 12 and ship sails at 4 I would go for it.
But those are two main considerations.
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| Posted 4/21/15 5:22 PM |
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MyBabyG
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/15 793 total posts
Name:
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cruise: how to book excursions?
I've ways booked every excursion on a cruise once I got on the ship. I've never booked on my own through the company directly. Reason being: if you are on an organized excursion through the ship and something happens like the bus breaking down, etc and you are are late getting back to the ship, the ship will wait for you. If you go on your own, something happens and you are late getting back, the ship will leave without you and it will be your responsibility to get to the next port. They always stress that on the on board talk.
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| Posted 4/21/15 8:40 PM |
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ChristinaM128
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 4043 total posts
Name:
Christina
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Re: cruise: how to book excursions?
I agree to go through the cruise ship - changes in port, late arriving back, etc. (as pp mentioned) are all accommodated for. To me,the piece of mind is worth the extra $$.
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| Posted 4/21/15 9:07 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: cruise: how to book excursions?
Posted by ChristinaM128
I agree to go through the cruise ship - changes in port, late arriving back, etc. (as pp mentioned) are all accommodated for. To me,the piece of mind is worth the extra $$.
Completely agree.
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| Posted 4/21/15 11:04 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruise: how to book excursions?
Posted by ChristinaM128
I agree to go through the cruise ship - changes in port, late arriving back, etc. (as pp mentioned) are all accommodated for. To me,the piece of mind is worth the extra $$.
This. We always booked through the cruise line.
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| Posted 4/22/15 11:24 AM |
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LIRascal
drama. daily.
Member since 3/11 7287 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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cruise: how to book excursions?
All of the PP's are right- if the ship is providing the transfers through the tour/excursion company, then the ship will wait for the group.
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| Posted 4/22/15 11:52 PM |
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hope123
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1097 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruise: how to book excursions?
Posted by Lillykat
Well some considerations. Do you have to pay in advance? If the ship does not make port you will be out the money (need to check the refund policy). Ship's excursion will refund if the port is missed.
How long is the tour? If it gets back not long before you sail I would be hesitant (boat could break down and you could be stuck). So if say the tour ends at 12 and ship sails at 4 I would go for it.
But those are two main considerations.
This. We booked through the ship in nassau and took the cruise transportation to go see the dolphins. On the way back to the ship, we had about two and half hours before we needed to get back on the ship so we got off near atlantis and went on a quick tour at atlantis. Took a shuttle back right outside of atlantis with bunch of other people that were going to the same ship and still had plenty of time left. So check the refund policy and if its good, nassau is easy to get around as long as you leave extra time to get back to the ship.
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| Posted 4/23/15 5:38 AM |
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Re: cruise: how to book excursions?
I agree with everyone also. I have been on 6 cruises and the majority of our excursions were with the ship. It is easier and if anything happens, the ship will wait for the group unlike if you do it on your own and something happens.
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| Posted 4/23/15 8:41 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruise: how to book excursions?
A lot also depends on the port. I know people do their own tours in Nassau, but that is one I would be hesitant about. The traffic can be very bad returning to the ship, and I have heard that often people miss the ship there. They recommend you allow 2 hours to return to the ship. in Bermuda we took taxis, but we're docked for three days. Otherwise in about 15 cruises unless we are just going into town or a beach, we take the ship excursions. The slight extra cost was worth peace of mind. But if you do go on your own just make sure you give yourself a lot of extra time, and know if you can be refunded.
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| Posted 4/23/15 10:15 AM |
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