Research your shore excursion activity. Each port of call usually offers several different shore excursion options, pick one that you are interested in participating in. Make sure compare how long the excursion experience will last compared to your time in port. If it is a long excursion, you may be better off booking through a cruise ship line since cruise sponsored shore excursions will wait for you if you are late re-boarding the ship!
Look for a private shore excursion company that works out of your port of call. Most of these companies have websites where you can book your excursion online beforehand. Compare the price of the shore excursion with the private company versus the cruise line.
Review what's included in your potential shore excursion. Will you have to pay for transportation to the excursion site? Are drinks, admission fees and/or equipment included in the excursion price? These "extras" can push a good deal over the top. Most cruise line shore excursions include equipment and transportation.
Call the company itself and research reviews of the company to make sure it is legitimate. Many websites are dedicated to rating cruise excursions with various companies at points of call. Never give your credit card number to a random website without investigating first.
