Jason

Just finished some more updates which include removing the 'newbie' tag next to all names.  More to come, stay tuned and have a great weekend!

Hi All,

Been busy behind the scenes upgrading the site software and backend to the latest version for max performance and functionality. Last night a lot of the heavy lifting was complete, now the tweaks are in progress so the newbie status amongst other things will be worked on next.

Appreciate your patience and understanding. Will update when it’s complete and of course reach out directly to me if you have any questions on the meantime!

Hope you’re all well!

Hey obtsr,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Iluv2cruise,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Eitan,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Thristy,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Syndie,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey william2022,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey antoniojerry,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

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• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey MelindaF,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

One of the most exciting parts of a cruise holiday is shore excursions, or the activities you do during each port stop. After booking the cruise, you’ll be given a cruise schedule, which includes all the port stops. It also contains the time you have for each stop, so you can roam around and explore the area. 

Most people say that the best parts of their cruise vacation aren't those times they’ve spent on the ship. Cruise holidays are more memorable when you explore each city or town where your ship docks. 

That said, you’ll likely come across a pretty extensive range of shore excursions in every port of call. Hence, it’s best to know some of the tried-and-tested tips on choosing and booking the best. Doing so will enable you to take full advantage of this opportunity. 

On the other hand, every traveler will have their preferences and desires, so be intentional with your choice. This is crucial to ensuring that your cruise trip is everything you imagined it would be and more when you return home. 

Here are a few of the must-know tips on choosing the best shore excursions:

Plan Ahead 

Once you’ve paid for your holiday cruise, that should signal you to start booking your shore excursions. Don't wait until the last minute to do this. Like any other trip, early planning gives you more time to ensure you’ll have the best shore excursions that suit your preference. 

Meanwhile, many cruise companies may not allow you to go down the ship during each port stop if you don’t have a planned shore excursion itinerary. Consequently, you can avoid unnecessary anxiety on your trip by pre-booking and planning your activities. 

Book With A Travel Agent Or Independent Shore Excursion Provider 

One of the go-to ways of booking shore excursions is to choose the ones the cruise companies provide. Even veteran cruise travelers usually take this route, too. The reason makes perfect sense: booking shore excursions with the cruise company is less stressful, more accessible, and more practical. 

Cruise companies may sometimes offer good deals and discounts for passengers who book their offered shore excursions. Regarding the time, you don’t have to worry about the cruise ship leaving you even if the tour takes longer than expected. The ship will wait for you because the excursion is part of their cruise package. 

However, if you’re up for a little adventure and don’t mind forgoing the usual comforts, booking your shore excursions independently could be a better choice. Compare the rates and book early, and you might get good deals, too. On top of that, you can have some privacy with your tours. You don’t have to mingle and deal with crowds of other travelers from the same cruise ship. 

Lastly, it’s possible to choose more personalized shore excursions when booking through independent agents. They can tweak the tours according to your liking, so you’re not stuck with the usual tour given by the cruise company. 

Know When To Board

Always remember the all-aboard time. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not at all impossible to forget about this detail. When booking shore excursions, be sure to opt for those that finish at a time that allows you to be back on the ship for the all-aboard time. This is when all passengers must be back, as the ship will leave for the next port shortly. 

Don’t keep the time frame between the end of the tour and the all-aboard time too short. Make room for detours—like buying souvenirs and food—and even delays and traffic stops, if applicable.  

Research About Each Port 

Before choosing and booking shore excursions, learn the basics about each port. This means researching first, so you’ll know about the must-sees and must-dos in every port. You can book shore excursions that allow you to see and visit the attractions or tourist spots that the city or town you’re docking in is best known for. 

For example, what’s a trip to Rome without making a wish at the Trevi Fountain or having gelato by the Spanish Steps? Or, if you’re in Barcelona, this place is best known for Basilica Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, and Las Ramblas.

Book Your Shore Excursions Now 

Note that your choice of shore excursions can make or break your cruise holiday. So, make the most of those hours you have on the tour. Nothing beats planning early both for the cruise activities and the shore excursions. That way, all you’ll have left to do is pack your bags, show up on the cruise ship, and enjoy the rest of your vacation.

View full article

Hey KarinaGreen,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey MandyD,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey KentL,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Melinda,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Kroozer,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
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The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey vousvitamin,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
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The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey alishamathewovc,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
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• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey mjbey2,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
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• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Philip,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
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• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Marcnlaurie,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
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• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey cheapticketsonline,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
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• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey MTHELEMANN,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
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• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey stephencooper,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?

Hey Birdie1955,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!  I encourage you to take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the many features and friendly faces you'll be seeing around.  Some basics on getting started:

• View & customize your profile here:  View Member
• Introduce yourself in our "New Member Introductions" forum
• Submit your first cruise post in our "Lets Talk Cruise" forum
• Share recent onboard experiences:  Post a Cruise Review
• Customize your cover photo, profile and settings here

The complete guide to "Getting Started" is available here.  

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!  See you around! ?