Most cruisers book their shore excursions once onboard. Cruise ships generally have excursions offices where dedicated personnel sell and arrange land tours for passengers and where excursion menus are distributed once the ship leaves port. As a rule, the more expensive the cruise line, the more expensive the tours. However, all excursion menus typically offer at least one low-cost option. A standard Carnival Cruise Line Bahamas itinerary includes a list of 21 tours in Freeport, Bahamas with prices up to $215 per person but the "Historical Highlights Tour" and the "Yellowbird Partyboat" are priced at $31.95 and $35.95 respectively as of 2011. You can find cheap tour options onboard but they tend to book up early so make sure to reserve your spot. Discounts are sometimes offered for specific sailings when you book ahead. Booking ahead can also result in penalties should you have to cancel.
Booking your own shore excursions prior to boarding can result in substantial savings. Several online companies offer the same tours offered onboard at a reduced rate. Visit one of these wholesalers online, type in your cruise information and a list of the available excursion options offered on your particular cruise will be displayed. Select from this list and book at a rate up to 20 percent lower than onboard prices. Excursions listed by the cruise line are not your only options. Investigate local tour companies online and select any tour that fits your cruise arrival and departure times making sure to notify the tour operator of your arrival and departure times and your arrival port. Book directly with the tour company and bring your confirmation info along.
Exploring on your own can be the most adventurous and interesting way to see ports of call. While organized tours are often easier, the crowds can reduce your enjoyment and take away from the experience. If you are fairly comfortable with your surroundings and can communicate with locals you may find the cheapest way to see the sights is without a tour. In many ports you will find countless taxis and independent tour operators lining the streets waiting for potential passengers. Find someone offering what you want or ask if they will provide it. Bargain down a cash price and you are off. You can save even more by joining up with shipmates and splitting the cost among the group.
Most of the major cruise lines have membership and past-cruiser rewards of one kind or another. Repeat cruisers are given the option to enroll in cruise line benefits programs and are given rewards based on how many cruises taken or how much is spent on board. At the highest levels, these programs can provide discounted excursions like MSC who offers a 5 to 8 percent discount or Oceania which features complimentary shore excursions for top tier members. Cruise line credit cards also offer rewards to members based on a points scale. Points can be traded for onboard credit and rewards including shore excursions.
