FAQs

The cruise lines often try to scare you into thinking that you have to purchase all of your excursions directly through them, or you risk being left behind. This simply is not true. Just like the tour operators that the cruise lines use, we guarantee to get you back to your ship on time, often with extra time to spare. If by chance there is an unlikely event such as an accident or mechanical failure of a tour bus, we have cellphones and will contact the port agent and the ship. If the ship just cannot wait, we guarantee that we will pay the full cost associated with the delay and will make all the necessary arrangements to get you to the next port of call, just as if you had bought the tour through the cruise line.

We guarantee that our shore excursion rates are the best you can find. If you find a better price elsewhere for the same shore excursion that we offer, we will match it. However, the "Price Match Guarantee" will not apply if the lower price is obtained via an agency rebate, coupon, or membership discount.

From our home page, just enter the name of your cruise line, the ship name, and the sailing date. We’ll show you the specific tours applicable to that sailing. If you do not have a cruise booked yet, you can also search by destination to see which shore excursions are offered in each port of call. You can purchase the shore excursions securely online, or call our toll-free number to get help over the phone. It’s easy!

Yes. Shortly after you make a reservation for a shore excursion, we will email your confirmation to you. This email will include your tour vouchers as well as specific instructions on how, where, and when to meet up with your tour guide at the specific port for that tour. We recommend that you print your voucher, just in case you do not have cellphone service at the port.

Some excursions sell-out early, so we recommend reserving your excursions as soon as possible once you confirm your cruise. We don’t want you to be disappointed. While it is always best to book early, if your plans should change later, we have a flexible cancellation policy.

We ask that you make a reservation at least three days before your ship's departure. This does not include the cruise departure day. This will ensure that all of the tour arrangements are confirmed, finalized, and communicated.

Yes. For a small $25 USD Expedite Fee, you may book a tour through Shore Excursions Group within 3 days of your cruise start date. Some of our providers, such as Viator, allow you to make reservations up to 24-hours before the tour.

Most tours include transportation directly from the pier area, a tour guide, entrance fees, and transportation back to the pier after the tour. A complete description of exactly what is included in each tour will be provided. Some excursions also include meals and drinks, while others do not, so be sure to read the full description. If transportation is not included, the tour description will say so. Viator, for example, sells a lot of tours to people that are not actually on a cruise, so transportation to and from the ship is not always included. Read the descriptions carefully.

We try to include recommended attire for each tour. We always recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen to protect you if your tour is outdoors. If the tour includes a religious site, such as a cathedral or mosque, we recommend that you bring something to cover your bare shoulders.

The activity levels vary for each tour. Each tour description has detailed information about each activity and what you should expect. We also include activity levels and descriptions on each tour as follows: Easy/Minimal Physical Activity: Light walking. No major climbing required. There may be a few steps to negotiate. Moderate Physical Activity: Fair amount of walking is required. There may be full flights of steps or uneven terrain. Difficult/Significant Physical Activity: Large amount of walking and/or climbing is required. Expect strenuous activity. There will most likely be unpaved and uneven terrain. You should be in good physical health if you reserve one of these tours. If you have more specific questions, please contact one of our Shore Excursion Experts during normal business hours.

Your booking confirmation email will provide clear instructions on the time and place to go to start each of your tours. In the unlikely event that you have difficulty meeting up with your guide, we include instructions on what to do.

The calcelation policy varies based on the tour provider. The details are listed on every tour. Viator allows you to cancel up unmtil 24-hours before the tour without penalty for many of their tours. With Shore Excursions Group you will receive a full refund when you cancel a tour 14 days or more before the tour departure date. Once you are within the 14 day departure window, the tour becomes non-refundable. This is because our operators have reserved space to accommodate your request and may not be able to fill that space with another party so close to departure. If there are any exceptions to this policy, they will be clearly noted in the tour description. If you would like to cancel a tour, simply give us a call during regular business hours, and we will be happy to assist you.

It depends on which provider booked your tour. If booked through Shore Excursions Group, please call our office in Florida at 1-866-247-6332. You can also call the local tour representative that is listed on your electronic ticket. After business hours, their emergency local phone number in Florida is +1-954-302-7842. If you booked your tour through Viator, Venture Ashore, or Project Expedition, the phone number is listed on your ticket, as well as at the bottom of every page on our website.

All prices are in US Dollars, unless otherwise stated in the tour details.

Yes. You will receive a full refund if you cannot make a tour departure due to a ship delay or a missed port call. You will also receive a full refund if weather or an equipment problem prevents the tour operator from providing the tour. Please let us know via email or phone call within two weeks after the date of the tour, and we will issue a full refund.

Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional but greatly appreciated by those professionals who guide you through your tour. The standard suggestion for tips is $3.00 USD per person for a half-day tour and $5.00 USD per person for a full-day tour.

If you need to make changes to your reservation or to cancel a tour, please contact one of our Shore Excursion Experts during regular business hours and they will be happy to assist you.

Yes. Many of our tours offer discounted prices for children under the age of 12 years. Toddlers aged 2 and younger who sit on a parent's lap (do not occupy a seat), are not charged for most tours. Please see the individual tour descriptions for pricing specifics.

Guests under the age of 18 years are typically not permitted to participate without a parent or guardian. Some tours of Moderate or Difficult physical activity will have age restrictions. In some cases, an unaccompanied minor may be permitted on a tour if a waiver is signed by the parent. Please call us for detailed information on specific tours.

Yes. For Alaska tours, please allow at least 30 minutes between each tour. In all other regions, please allow a minimum of 60 minutes between each tour.

Yes. For a small fee, we offer an "Excursion Protection Plan". This provides a full refund if you are unable to participate in your tour for any of the following reasons: you miss your ship due to transportation problems (airlines, car, bus, etc.), you become sick or have some other medical issue, or you are unable to disembark the ship for immigration reasons. Please contact us for additional information.

Please refer to the Restrictions section of each detailed tour description for recommendations for physically challenged passengers. We recommend tours designated as requiring a Low level of activity for those passengers that are able to do some easy walking. Be aware that the transportation on some tours may be able to accommodate a collapsible wheelchair stored below the bus; however, scooters or motorized wheelchairs are often too large to be stored on the transportation used for the tours. If passengers are non-ambulatory, we generally recommend independent transportation for their comfort and convenience. We also recommend that non-ambulatory passengers be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them throughout the duration of the tour. Our Shore Excursion Experts can suggest tours that will fit your needs .

Yes! If you have a group of 10 or more people cruising together we can customize shore excursions for you. Just visit our "Groups" link from the home page and answer a few questions so we can help.