| Visiting ports of call can be among the | | | | exploring on your own, you're likely to have |
| highlights of any cruise. But if you aren't | | | | a more authentic experience as well. Rather |
| careful, you could actually end up spending | | | | than being bused to touristy shops and |
| more for a cruise shore excursion than for | | | | restaurants, you can choose your own |
| the initial price of the cruise itself. | | | | destinations at your own pace -- and maybe |
| | | | even meet the locals. |
| An organized cruise shore excursion purchased | | | | |
| through your cruise line can vary in price | | | | Keep in mind that you'll need to do some |
| from around $30 or $40 per person for a basic | | | | advance research on the port you're visiting, |
| two- or three-hour bus tour to upwards of | | | | whether on the Internet or with the help of |
| several hundred dollars for an adventure | | | | print books or articles. A good local map -- |
| travel jaunt. | | | | which you can purchase in port or pick up for |
| | | | free from a tourist office -- is always |
| But you'll often find that you can put | | | | helpful. Most cruise ships also provide some |
| together your own cruise shore excursion for | | | | port information in their newsletters and at |
| much less money -- and enjoy the experience | | | | passenger service desks, shipboard lectures, |
| more. | | | | and libraries. |
| | | | |
| By doing it yourself, you can choose where | | | | The alternative to exploring on your own is |
| you want to go, how you want to get there, | | | | to arrange an independent guided tour. |
| who you want to go with, and how to spend | | | | |
| your time -- as well as how to spend your | | | | You can often pick one of these up right at |
| money in port. | | | | the dock, but if you don't want to take that |
| | | | chance, you can arrange one in advance |
| There are two different approaches to putting | | | | online. Type keywords such as "Shore |
| together a money-saving independent cruise | | | | Excursions Skagway Alaska" into search |
| shore excursion. | | | | engines and a number of independent tour |
| | | | operators will appear on your screen. |
| The first -- and generally least expensive -- | | | | |
| is simply to explore the port on your own. | | | | By working with independent operators, you |
| | | | may save 15 percent or more over the price of |
| Cruise ships often dock within easy walking | | | | a shore excursion offered by your cruise |
| distance of a port's main sights and | | | | line. For a family of four, that can add up |
| attractions. Taxis or various types of public | | | | to big bucks over the course of a week-long |
| transportation (such as buses, streetcars, | | | | cruise. |
| and trains) are often readily available as | | | | |
| well, for a fraction of what cruise lines | | | | Just remember to bring a watch (set to local |
| charge for bus transport. | | | | time) on your do-it-yourself cruise shore |
| | | | excursion -- you don't want to miss the boat |
| Not only are you likely to save money | | | | when it's time to leave port. |