To Book or not to Book

[lobsta1]

We were wondering what the chances of finding excursions on the day you reach the port, instead of booking ahead. What if the weather is bad or you just changed your mind. Will there be any to choose from?

[marci22]

This can work in the Caribbean, where the usual day is snorkeling or the beach. It will not work well in Europe, where things require more planning.

 

If the weather is bad, or there is not enough interest in the excursion, and things are cancelled, RC refunds your money.

 

You can change your mind within a certain time frame. On our last cruise, they would announce it in the Compass: "anyone wishing to cancel a booking must do so by such and such a time."

[willysgrandma]

The more popular excursions, like Dolphin Swims or Zip Lines, may be sold out by the time you get on the ship.

 

If the weather is bad and the excursions are canceled, you will receive a refund. You also have either 24 or 48 hours before the excursion to cancel.

 

The issue with RCCL is that when you book beforehand, you have to pay with a credit card to book. If you wait until you get on the ship it gets added to your shipboard account. Most cruise lines don't charge you at the time you book them if you pre-book, but not RCCL.

 

While I dislike RCCL's policy, it was nice having it pre-paid so I didn't have a big bill at the end of the cruise.

[honeywell]

Some excursions, like Stingray City in Grand Cayman, are best done first thing in the morning/first available excursion. Best to book ahead.