Save 50% on Cruise Shore Excursions

The only time I take cruise sponsored excursions is for snorkeling and diving - other than that, I'm off on my own. Anyone who has cruised lately knows the cost of most excursions are very expensive - especially for families - so here's an alternative to getting the best price! Sue

CruisingExcursions.com is a British company known to have the best rates for cruise shore excursions - many excursions are at at 50% or more savings. 


The company offers excursions by cruise line/destination port and features the Caribbean, Alaska and Asia. The site lists rates in British Pounds, however if you calculate the exchange rate, you will still save. You can easily use http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html to calculate the conversion.

Cruise Packages - Pier Transfers and 21-Day Parking

Travelers set to sail out of Florida should look into Homewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port, whose two cruise packages include pier transfers and parking for up to 21 days through December 30, 2011.

Located in Dania Beach/Fort Lauderdale, the Hilton property has released the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Package from $109 per night with transfer to Port Everglades and the Cruise Miami Package from $129 per night with transfer to Port of Miami.

Cruise Packages Include:

• 24/7 Shuttle service to-from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

• Hot breakfast buffet

• Evening shuttle to-from restaurants, shopping and entertainment

• Mon-Thu evening reception/meal

• Wireless and high speed Internet connection

Hotel amenities include rooms with LCD HD flat panel TV with Hi-Def programming, DVD library with DVD rental available, Serta Suite Dreams bedding and fully equipped kitchens, among many other things.

Contact Area Director of Sales Carolina Torres at carolina.torres@hilton or visit www.hwsfllairport.com

Source: Travel Agent Central

Princess Cruises Introduces "Bucket List" Blog

Princess "Bucket List" Blog will feature the top 50 travel experiences from their own destination experts.
 

The cruise lines 50 experts are those who have been with Princess Cruise Lines for more than 15 years. In that length of time they have traveled a countless number of miles, and during the next year will offer their experiences of the top 50 places to see around the globe.

The blog also offers a forum for travelers to share their best travel experiences, and add to the "bucket list."

Head over to the blog and read the 1st of 50 travel bucket list experiences

In the Embrace of Rio’s Most Famous Monument

Royal 5k St. Maarten for Allure Of The Seas’ Guests

Royal Caribbean International today announced the first-ever Royal 5K to be held in St. Maarten, on Thursday, December 16, 2010.

Open to guests sailing aboard Allure of the Seas’ December 12, 2010 voyage - fellow running enthusiasts can enjoy a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship.

Guests can opt for an entire week of exclusive, vitality-themed activities, including port explorations through group fun runs, onboard seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes; and jog, sprint or walk a magnificent five-kilometer course, taking participants through one of the Caribbean’s island jewels.


$50 registration fee for adults, and $35 for children, for booked guests who sign up on board and in advance at http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Royal5K

Participating guests also will receive a commemorative race t-shirt, as well as exclusive access to a post-race reception on board.

Source: Read more at TTKN

Caribbean Shore Excursions

The Top 5 Rated Shore Excursions in the Caribbean
  
1. San Juan Snorkel and Picnic Cruise -  5 star rating - 84 reviews
  
2. Jamaica Canopy Tour from Montego Bay or Negril - 5 star rating - 65 reviews
  
3. Dominican Republic Ocean World Dolphin Swim - 5 star rating - 36 reviews
 
4. Jamaica Spirit of Reggae Bob Marley Experience -  5 star rating - 27 reviews
  
5. Jamaica Canopy Tour from Ocho Rios - 5 star rating - 25 reviews

Also view all Caribbean shore excursions by category
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours, Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours, Cultural & Theme Tours, Day Trips & Excursions, Family Friendly, Food, Wine & Nightlife, Luxury & Special Occasions, Outdoor Activities, Shopping & Fashion, Shore Excursions, Shows, Concerts & Sports, Sightseeing Tickets & Passes, Theme Parks, Tours & Sightseeing, Transfers & Ground Transport, Walking & Biking Tours and Water Sports.

Caribbean Shore Excursions

Solo Travel International Cruise Expedition

Deal Dates Through September 29, 2011

International Expeditions is waiving the single supplement fee on 10-day cruises to the Galapagos Islands for January 7, May 27 and September 30, 2011, saving solo travelers 25%.

The itinerary visits nine islands on the 32-guest yacht M/V Evolution, which is small enough to access outlying Genovesa (Tower) Island.

The ship features landing craft that provides easy shore access in addition to an observation deck for whale watching, a canopied bar and complimentary snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and kayaks.

Highlights include visits to Fernandina Island, Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, Puerto Ayora (the islands' largest human settlement), the Charles Darwin Research Center (famous for its tortoise breeding programs), Kicker Rock and Santiago Island.

Guests will snorkel as well as hike through deserts, rainforests and volcanic terrain. Galapagos naturalist guides share their knowledge, bringing guests within inches of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and other animals.

Prices start at $4,998, and include accommodations, tax and transit fees, all excursions, 23 meals, transfers and tips to porters and waiters for included meals.

Visit www.ietravel.com

Source: Travel Agent Central

Crystal Cruise New Exclusive Access Adventures

Crystal Cruise offering nearly 100 brand new Crystal Adventures with its fall itineraries
 
This fall, Crystal guests can see what backstage life is like at the Monte Carlo Ballet, how the ponies live at St-Tropez's Polo Club, view Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains from a private plane and Copper Canyon by privately chartered rail - among other "private access" experiences.



The cruise line is offering nearly 100 brand new Crystal Adventures with its fall itineraries, offering travelers distinctly new perspectives on the destinations.

On 20 distinctive voyages this fall, Crystal's award-winning ships explore the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Holy Land, Canary Islands, British Isles, New England/Canada, Panama Canal and the Mexican Riviera. 

Many of the latest highlights ashore include VIP access and unique points of view.

Exclusive Access
*    Private visit to Venice's Doges Palace before it opens to the public for the day
*    Guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Monte Carlo Ballet, including the costume department
*    Behind-the-scenes visit to the Polo Club St-Tropez, exploring the stables and luxury clubhouse, and visit with the polo ponies

New Points of View
*    Explore Reykjavik's hot springs, lava fields, trails and mud banks;
*    In a private plane, soar over the Sierra Madre mountain range to Guadalajara to experience its musical, spiritual and artistic culture (from Puerto Vallarta)
*    Bay of Fundy discovery with guidance from a resident marine biologist highlighting the indigenous wildlife (St. John, New Brunswick)
*    Mountain biking adventure featuring spectacular island views on Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
With promotional, Two-for-One cruise fares, Crystal's fall itineraries start at $2,165, per person, and include generous 'All Inclusive - As You Wish' shipboard spending credits ($500-$1,000 per person, depending on itinerary).

For many voyages, complimentary air transportation is included - Business Class Air for Penthouse guests - as well as family incentives and discounted verandah staterooms and Penthouses.

Visit www.crystalcruises.com

Cruise Ship Offshore Tours

In planning your cruise vacation you may want to look at offshore tours for your cruising destinations.

The most popular tours sell out quickly. So do you book the offshore cruise excursions with your cruise package, or wait until you get on board? Are the offshore cruise excursions offered by the cruise line cheaper versus booking on your own?

Cruise passengers only have a specific amount of time in each cruise port, so if you definitely want a particular tour, I would suggest booking prior to arriving onboard.

On the other hand, if your budget dictates that you could not add the additional cost at the time of booking, or you needed time to choose your offshore tours, you should immediately ask about the tour as soon as you board the ship. All inquiries should be made at the purser's desk. When you inquire, if you are told the specific tour cannot be booked yet, ask about the first available time this can be done - and be sure to follow up. As stated above, popular tours do sell out quickly.

Cruise ships sail to ports every week, and they usually have a negotiated price that may be below what you can find on your own. However, it is always good to check around - you may also find an interesting tour that the cruise company does not offer, or a cheaper price.

Independent travelers may not want to be part of a large group, structured offshore tour excursion. If you fit into this category, after you arrive at your destination, you can hire a local driver to take you around. Also look at different tour options that the cruise company does not offer.

So there are many options when it comes to exploring your cruise port destination. Cruise passengers should some thought to the best and most economical way to explore their interests at each destination.

Then again, you might just be content to stay onboard while the crowd goes ashore! Cruising vacations allow for a lot of flexibility, so it's always up to you to decide how to best enjoy your cruise vacation.

If you would like to explore worldwide tours, and other interesting things to do, check out our offerings.

We use Viator as a tour supplier because they are one of the leading tour suppliers across the globe. You can explore many different options not offered by the cruise company. And for those options that are offered by the cruise company, jot down our price vs. the cruise company - and you know what to do in that case :)

Worldwide Tours