Multi Racial Cruise goers enjoying onboard

How to reduce Cruise Excursion Stress

Cruises are intended to be fun, and most people look forward to experiencing the excursions at the different ports of call, however, planning excursions can be like multiple 'mini' vacations both in time and additional expenses. So, here are 7 cruise tips to help reduce Shore Excursion Anxiety, and maximize your cruise excursion the way it is intended.

Cruise Tips to Improve your Shore Excursion Experience

When we talk about the quality of a cruise excursion we mean the things a cruise line has some control over, such as; Logistics, Communication and the quality of tour operators it works with, but there are things you can do, to help improve your experience;

#1 Plan ahead

Shore excursions book very quickly. As soon as you have booked your cruise, begin reading, and understanding the available excursions

#2 Get the App

Most Cruise Lines offer phone Apps, to use onboard with making restaurant, entertainment, and excursion reservations. Cruise companies also use these to push important information to passengers such as Boarding and docking times, time changes of scheduled shows, gathering locations for excursions. Stay informed, and get these apps to avoid disappointment!

#3 Avoid duplication

Many shore excursions on your cruise will actually be similar. You can avoid repeating the same experience, and save money by understanding them in advance. Your travel advisor can help you with this

#4 Avoid the crowds

Many cruise companies share the same popular itineraries and excursions, leading to over crowding, especially during peak season. Speak with your Travel Advisor about peak travel seasons, and which excursion may be most enjoyable, and which to avoid. If your schedule is flexible, choose an 'off season to cruise'

#5 Special Needs

Some of the most beautiful vistas are unfriendly to those with special physical needs, including children's strollers. Many locations throughout the Mediterranean and parts of the Caribbean such as Jamaica's famous Dunn's River Falls have steep, uneven surfaces that may be inaccessible for some. Understanding potential restrictions available alternatives and transportation at each location can maximize your enjoyment (See related article on 'Cruising in Comfort with Special Needs')

#6 Customer Service

While modern Apps. can help stay informed, some changes may occur to quickly to be electronically posted. For important information such as TENDERING time and gathering locations, take a moment and speak with an actual customer service agent for updates

#7 Be very early

You may enjoy sleeping, but your TENDER boat will not wait on you! Many locations do not have deep water ports to accommodate today's super sized ships. This means you will be required to gather early at designated locations throughout the ship, and then board in small groups onto smaller boats called 'TENDER's,' which will then transport you ashore. These are often handled on a first come first serve basis, making it imperative you are at the designated queue on time, including your return to ship!

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Agent in Longwood, Florida. I write these tips for traveling to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways. I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money. Do you know a busy person who needs a holiday? Will you be their hero and forward this post.

Was this story helpful? Comment below or !

Follow on Instagram @adriana.explores

Are you interested in my other stories?

See (Cruise Lines) (Tropical Places) (Resorts) or (All Three)

Visit: adrianaexplores email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com