| Since
cruises can go to different ports, how will I know how to pick the
one I’ll enjoy the most? |
| Check out the ports
of call. Since these will also be a major part of your cruise, you
want to know where you’ll be going and what you can do there. You’ll
want to ask about the types of the shore excursions available. What
do you enjoy: shopping, nature, sports, historical sites or exotic
culture? You’ll want to pick ports of call that have activities that
interest you. |
| Question
Index |
|
| How
can I find tourist information on the ports that my cruise will visit? |
| www.towd.com |
| The Tourism Offices
Worldwide Directory web site. This site provides a collection of addresses,
phone numbers, and web links to many foreign governments’ official
tourism offices. It also contains a search feature that lists contact
information and web links for official U.S. State Tourism Offices,
regional, city, and convention and visitor bureau sites. |
| Question
Index |
|
| How
much do the shore excursions cost? |
You’ll want to know the cost of the
available shore excursions. There are generally fees for ship sponsored
shore excursions. They can cost range from only twenty dollars to
several hundred. You’ll want to know the costs of shore excursions
in advance so you can compare complete cruise packages. There can
be a large range in costs for shore excursions. Shore excursions
are also a safety issue, which you can read about in our Cruise
Safety section.
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| Question
Index |
|
| How
do I find out about the shore excursions? |
Many are listed on the Cruise Line’s
web page and some can be booked in advance before you reach the
ship. There should also be information in your ticket packet for
you to read. Once on board, most will have a lecture about the port
of call with a description of the available shore excursions and
have someone available to answer your questions about the packages.
|
| Question
Index |
|
| What
do I need to know about the shore excursions? |
- You’ll want to know the general game plan
to see if you are interested.
- You’ll also want to know how guided you’ll
be, is this just transportation or a tour?
- Can you take the tour and still have some
freedom to wander?
- How much walking or physical activity will
there be on the shore excursion?
- What about food, will any be included or
are you fending for yourselves?
- Are admission and fees included when we
get there, or will there be extra charges to participate once
we arrive?
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| Question
Index |
|
| Do
I have to take a shore excursion to make it to port? |
No, you shouldn’t. You should be
able to walk or cab if you are docked at port or be able to take
one of the ship’s scheduled tenders to the dock. The ship might
also have a free shuttle to take you into the most popular areas.
You can wander on your own if you like. Your time at port is your
own.
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| Question
Index |
|
| Can
I stay on board the ship while it is in port? |
Yes, and some do to enjoy all the
ship’s amenities while the crowds are off at the port.
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