3rd Party exursions

Hi all!! We will cruising for the first time in November on a Southern Caribbean cruise. Is it possible to book our own 3rd party excursions? If so, what is the best way to do so? I appreciate all of your input!

It is absolutely possible.

Start by going to the Ports boards, here:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=587

A little research will get you recommended vendors. Contact the ones that sound appealing, and work out a tour.

Another option is to go to your Roll Call, which you have already done, and see what research others on your cruise have done.

Look in the Ports of Call forums for recommended guides on each island or check the Roll Call for your cruise to see if anyone has private tours to share

Or just take the HOHO bus or taxi at the dock

There will be many local drivers at the docks pushing tours

Thank you!

As you exit the port, there will be many people there offering tours. We often get a 2 to 3 hour island tour for $20 to $30.

1st...decide IF you need an excursion at all! A guidebook is mighty handy to find out how hard or easy the things that interest you might be! Then you can make the decision to DIY or hire someone.

Or instead of a guidebook you could join us here in the 21st century and get current, up-to-date information online. ;p

OP- what we do is check the ports of call boards here on Cruise Critic to see what independent vendors get positive feedback here. We then will cross-reference those vendors on Tripadvisor and if both places confirm someone is good we will use them. Had some wonderful experiences this way, saved a lot of money and had smaller, more personalized tours. WE will still book through the ship if its something we really want to do and the excursion travels a good distance from the port, but we mostly go the independent route now. Good luck!

Newbie here, but I have found that in Alaska ports, at least, when you book 3rd party, the website asks your ship and sailing date and only offers up cruises that fit within your window. Most offer a guarantee to get you back to the ship on time and to feed you, clothe you, house you, and transport you to the next port if they do drop the ball. I've even seen statements such as, "Our tours have never missed a sailing."

Or instead of a guidebook you could join us here in the 21st century and get current, up-to-date information online. ;p

 

OP- what we do is check the ports of call boards here on Cruise Critic to see what independent vendors get positive feedback here. We then will cross-reference those vendors on Tripadvisor and if both places confirm someone is good we will use them. Had some wonderful experiences this way, saved a lot of money and had smaller, more personalized tours. WE will still book through the ship if its something we really want to do and the excursion travels a good distance from the port, but we mostly go the independent route now. Good luck!

Two thumbs up. Guide book? Give it a rest CB. We keep telling you to stop with that advice. We all have computors. I am beginning to think you are a librarian. :o or have stock in Barnes and Noble.

OP.....Trip Advisor (sister company of Cruise Critic) is also our "go to" for third party excursions. Tons of reviews from cruisers and great advice. Good luck to you!

Yes you can book your own excursions.

Another great site is at http://www.tripadvisor.com

Keith