How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion- Insider Tips on Cruise Ports

One of my favorite things about planning out my cruises is picking out my shore excursion(s). There is an abundance of things to do and sometimes it can be hard to narrow it down to just one activity each port! Selecting which cruise excursion is right for you, but we’ve outlined some of the best activities in the hottest ports of the Caribbean.

Each port lends itself to different activities. For instance, Belize, Costa Maya, San Juan, and Cozumel are excellent for experiencing ancient cultures however, they are also great for outdoor adventure activities.

Ports like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Antigua are great for shopping and hitting the beach.

Of course, there are some ports, like Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay where you really don’t even have to book an excursion because they been developed by Carnival.

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What is a Cruise Excursion?

A cruise excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion for YOU

Really, it all depends on your idea of fun. The great thing about cruise excursions is the fact there is literally something for everyone! I like to pick something adventurous and something cultural each cruise.

For the History Lovers

I’ve always been quite a bit of a history nerd so I really enjoy historic island tours and visits to Mayan ruins. In the past six cruises, I have visited 3 different sets of ruins and been on many island tours. I like doing island tours because you get to see a lot of the island/port, learn a bit of history and you still get time to shop and/or hit the beach.

Not all island tours are created equally though. I booked an island tour on Grand Turk and was really disappointed. The island doesn’t really have much to offer. I would have been much better off just staying at the port and enjoying the beach and pool area. However, islands like Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas all offer incredible island tours that are full of rich history.

Recommended Island Tours: Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Bahamas and San Juan

Recommended Maya Ruins: Xunantunich, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Cahal Pech, Chacchoben

Ports where I don’t recommend island/city tours: Belize, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, Cozumel

For the Adventurers

Each cruise, I like to do something that scares me…. just a little. It’s a great opportunity to open myself up to new experiences, to conquer fears, and to try new things. I must admit, I have done some really, really cool things while traveling. I’ve zip lined, snorkeled with sharks and rays, explored caves in Mexico and Belize, gone off-roading, and been on high-speed boat rides.

Recommended Activities: Ziplining (anywhere!), Cave Tubing in Belize, 4×4 safari in Aruba (it was so amazing!), catamaran rides (anywhere!), Rio Secreto (Cozumel), snorkeling (Bonaire, St. Thomas, Belize, Grand Turk), and Sting Ray City (Grand Cayman), Swimming with Sharks and Rays (Belize).

You may have noticed that I don’t always book tours. There are some ports that have been really well developed by Carnival. Rather than just having the usual Carnival stores, they have added special features such as wide sandy beaches (with amenities), pools, bars, and restaurants. In places like Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, and Amber Cove it isn’t necessary to spend your money on an excursion. Whereas I strongly recommend booking something for Belize as Belize City itself has absolutely nothing to offer.

There are other ports where I don’t book tours but I either hit the local beaches or shop at the local shops. Ports, where this is totally doable, include Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Grand Turk. I hope this helps you get an idea of how I choose my shore excursions. I mix a little history, with a bit of adventure and outdoor activities to create the trip of a lifetime!