SHORE EXCURSION QUESTION

[wildewoman]

Hey Chuck!!

Do you book on your own - or through the cruise line tours??

L

[SMB]

The other CC's can tell you that I have had many "almost missed the boat" moments. Technically, I did miss the boat in Cozumel. There is nothing like standing on the dock in Playa del Carmen and looking at your ship in the sunset knowing you missed the last ferry and it will be leaving without you. Thankfully, a scheduled excursion had bus problems and were late, so I go to hitch a ride back to the ship with them. The ship had stayed because it was a cruise excursion that had been delayed. (You can read about this and other cruise adventures in previous posts). I can tell you that I have had to jump on a moving ferry, off a moving bus, jump on a moving train, take a risky "shortcut" on camel, and have a train called to make a special stop just for me to get on. I've aged many extra years in all these experiences, but I would not trade them in. Because I like to travel independently, I have gone places and seen things that most have not.

If you are one of those people who falls apart in crisis mode, then I would stick with the security of the cruise excursion. The extra you pay is worth the peace of mind. If you can remain calm in a crisis, then the risks of going by yourself can be well worth it. I think the destination is also important. If you are going to the same place that the other cruise people are headed, you might as well go along with them. If they are not going where you want to go, then I say make your own adventure.

[wildewoman]

WOW!!! Great advice!!

We too tend to like to get "off the beaten path" - we don't panic too often - tend to take life as an adventure!!

I see you're going to St Maarten soon - we spent a week there last Sept. - Had the best time!!

Linda

[wildewoman]

We have 9 hours in Juneau. Is that enough time to do 2 ~ 3.5 hour excursions - or will we be running around like crazy!!

We want to do the glacier trek & the white water rafting - so much to do- so little time. PLUS - there is a saloon we want to visit. We may need to cruise Alaska again to get in all the stuff we want to do!!

Linda

[CanadianCruiser]

Linda

have you checked out Shore trips dot com ? Check them out they have a wide variety of excursions as well

[hazelson]

We have witnessed several "missed the ship" moments. Every cruise someone does it - and has to get a small boat out to the ship - and hop on. Everyone stands on their balcony and applauds - great entertainment.

We have also watch the "last minute" races down the dock - bags and hats flying.....:o)