If you intend to book your excursion through the cruise line, simply go to the shore excursion desk or call the cruise line and ask for the shore excursion desk. The attendant will be happy to explain to you all the tours that are available for cruise guests. Another option is to book shore excursion packages online, along with your cruise tickets, through the cruise line's website.
If you are very resourceful, you may research your destinations online and book independent shore excursions for each port of call. This will involve getting online, researching the activities available at each port of call and booking them directly with tour providers or companies. Most of your transactions can be handled online.
Many people find the advantages of booking through the cruise line to outweigh the savings of booking independent tours. You know that the cruise line tours will not leave you stranded if you arrive back a little late with the group. If you booked a separate tour and arrived back late, you might have to arrange transportation to meet the ship at the next port of call. Another advantage of booking through the cruise line is that you know you are dealing with a reputable company -- you can reasonably expect that the cruise line will offer professional, quality shore excursions. That may not be the case with an unknown company.
Sometimes all you may want to do at a port of call is stroll through the nearby towns to shop and dine, or relax on the beach. For these simple activities, all you need to do is catch a cab, walk or rent a bike. You don't need to book a shore excursion.
