06/10/2016
Q. Should I book a cruise line's shore excursion, or plan my own sight seeing?
A. Though some excursions are included in the price of sailing, you'll generally pay more for an outing booked through a cruise line. But you often get more, too...on my last shore excursion, our guide met us on the ship and offered lunch, ponchos, and a "no passenger left behind" guarantee. Then again, reputable third-party companies offer tours up to 40 percent cheaper than the typical excursion. Have your sights set on something unique? Consider enlisting a well connected travel agent, suggests Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of the Cruise Critic website. "Just about the sky's the limit," she says, "as long as you remember to get back to the ship on time."