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ShoreTrips.com - reviews?

By MSW117SL , January 16, 2019 in Alaska

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Has anyone booked any Alaska Excursions through ShoreTrips.com?  Just looking for feedback since I am looking at a few tours that they offer.  One in particular is the COMBO...WHALES AND HELICOPTER DOG SLED TOUR out of Juneau. Hate to put all my eggs in one basket if they aren't a good Tour company. Thanks for any feedback. 

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They don’t run any of the tours.  They are a broker.  

Just be aware that the helicopter flights are the most vendor cancelled tours in AK as they will not fly in bad weather.  Just make sure you have a backup tour planned on the date of your helicopter tour.

• 1 month later...

I've used Shore Trips for numerous excursions, both in AK and the Caribbean. They are a very reputable broker. We've never had a problem with any excursion we booked through them.  

Budget Queen

This is a booking agent-   NOT a tour vendor.   The whole basis of the "tours",  is commissions.    For me,  I am extremely picky on vendors.     And you are way ahead,   dealing direct-  getting your information from the operator.   Not from a phone tag/email tag=  guess by agents who have never even been on the tour.  

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ShoreTrips.com Highly Recommend - Catamaran Echo

• United States    
• Florida (FL)    
• Florida Keys    
• Key West    
• Key West - Things to Do    
• Catamaran Echo

ShoreTrips.com Highly Recommend

Our family of four (adults 39, two girls 9 and 7) just returned from our cruise (Carnival Triumph, stops in Nassau, Freeport and Key West) and truly enjoyed both of the excursions we booked through Shore Trips! We did the Close Encounters of the Dolphin Kind/Beach Day Combo in Nassau and the Deserted Island Cruise/Snorkel in Freeport. I cannot express how much we loved both of them. We felt like royalty! Our daughters loved the dolphins. This was the second dolphin excursion my husband and I have been on (first was sadly not through Shore Trips), and it was first class all the way. The other paled in comparison. Our afternoon at the beach afterwards was one of the most relaxing days we have ever spent. While most of the other folks stayed on the pier side of the cove, our family explored the other side and felt like we were on our own private island. It was breath-taking! We were the last ones to leave. Our Freeport excursion was equally amazing. Our guides were very friendly and saw to our every need. We loved the "off the boat" snorkeling and found it ample time to explore. Once on the private island, we felt like we were in paradise. The beach was beautiful, the food and hospitality were incredible and the off the beach snorkeling was very, very cool. We enjoyed sampling fresh conch and found some beautiful shells to take home. The respect for the sea environment on both encounters was highly rewarding. We have always taught our girls to honor the ocean's gifts and it was so nice to have that reinforced by the staff on both trips. Thanks again for the experiences and memories. We will book again for sure!

Our trip was canceled due to the wind. Which happens...but it had been windy for days and the forcast had continued to call for wind. So I was dissapointed when I drove over 2 hours and my trip was canceled less than an hour before it left.

This is our second trip on the Echo and every time we return to Key West - we will book this excursion. The crew were awesome, provided undivided attention to their guests and made everyone on board feel right at home. They were interactive, very sociable and made all the guests very comfortable and welcomed for a delightful few hours. Captain Tom - you and your crew rock - thanks so much Roxanne Poon

6 friends and I are in Key West for some R&R. Walking down the dock, just behind Turtle Kraals is a great catamaran called the Echo. We booked an afternoon snorkeling trip and got ready to go! All I can say is that you would not be disappointed by heading out on the water this boat and crew. We were greeted and welcomed and once on board were taken care of perfectly. They provided us with complimentary beer, wine, sodas, fruit and snacks.. we saw a great family of dolphins and then up went the sails as we headed to some excellent snorkeling grounds.. I will sum this up with a few words... Perfect, Relaxing and Fun.. you will have a trip to remember.

The crew was awesome, very friendly and laid back. The boat WAS NOT crowded, and plenty of water beer and snacks were provided.. We had a great experience snorkeling and watching the native dolphins. We will recommend them and if we ever get back to the Keys we would definitely book another trip with them.

From the moment we were greeted at the Echo dock we knew it would be a great time, and we were not disappointed. Captain Tom, Captain Ashley and First Rate Mate Lisa made the small group of passengers comfortable while explaining safety rules and talking to us about the Moet and Chandon champagne and the wine selections and various cheeses and breads on the night's menu. The boat is large and very stable. Only when we crossed the wakes of other boats was there the slightest change of spilling the excellent champagne! We sailed into a picture perfect sunset. What a great way to celebrate a special occasion. I live in Key West and, over many years, have been on nearly every excursion on the island. The Echo Sunset and Moet sail was truly a terrific, outstanding experience.

Cruise Ship Shore Excursions on the Cheap

Do-It-Yourself Arrangements are Your Best Bet

Once your cabin aboard a cruise ship is booked, your inbox floods with email pitches for shore excursions. They urge you to book these trips immediately because they could "sell out." And while this might be true, booking your land trips directly through the cruise line could make your economical vacation take an expensive turn. Here's why: Cruise lines fill empty cabins by offering low rates to plug the vacancies, but these services are where they make their money. Shore excursions are one such revenue stream that budget travelers need to be mindful of. But your trip doesn't need to be boat-bound. Onshore offerings and do-it-yourself adventures will help you make the most of your vacation, while still staying on budget.

Shore-side Adventure Packages

Most port towns are bustling with activity as soon as you step off the boat. Kiosks and personnel distributing flyers promote trips at a fraction of the price the cruise line is offering. Want to book a snorkeling or fishing trip? How about a wildlife hike? Simply peruse the docks and the surrounding area for a vendor offering this service on the cheap, make sure it fits your cruise ship's schedule, and enjoy. If your trip requires ground transportation, hail a taxi or an Uber. And make sure that there are no hidden fees before you book. With a little extra on-shore footwork, finding your own tour operator can save you up to 100 dollars, or more, per couple.

Do note, however, that it's hard to compare the offering you book onshore with that of the cruise line's. They may have hidden perks, more comfortable vehicles, and may serve snacks and refreshments. However, for the adventurous traveler who doesn't need extra frills, booking trips directly, for the sake of savings, is the way to go.

Do-It-Yourself Shore Excursion Tips

One drawback to booking shore excursions yourself is the need to have lots of cash on hand. Many independent vendors require cash payment and many of the world's ports-of-call might require local currency. (Some may accept U.S. dollars, but you can't count on it.). Also, tipping the tour operator, guide, or driver is custom in many countries, especially when ground transportation is involved. Research the currency of the port you will be visiting, exchange enough cash through the onboard currency exchange, and then make sure there's an ATM at the port for backup if you need it.

Say, something should go array on your excursion and you can't get back to the boat before departure. Well, if you book your trip through the cruise line, you're guaranteed not to be left if the trip is delayed. But if you make your own arrangements, you run the risk of missing the boat should something go off schedule. To avoid this, book 1/2 day excursions and leave yourself plenty of time on the backend for delays. Or, schedule a trip that doesn't venture far from the port. If it's a snorkeling trip the next bay over, you can probably catch a cab ride back if a mishap arises.

Remember, however, that it's unlikely you'll find yourself in this scenario. Virtually every tour vendor in a given port is keenly aware of ship arrival and departure times. Their reputation and livelihood depend on getting passengers back on time.

Planning Great Shore Excursions

The do-it-yourself approach requires extensive itinerary planning well in advance of your arrival in port. After all, you can't shop for shore excursions until you familiarize yourself with the area's most important sights and activities. Use TripAdvisor.com to survey the top attractions and tours. And don't get caught up in good or bad reviews; rather, look for patterns in the recommendations. If you're bound for the Caribbean, pack the book Caribbean Ports of Call: A Guide for Today's Cruise Passengers by Kay Showker. This guidebook breaks down each cruise line's annual itineraries and describes the shore excursions available at each port. Lonely Planet's guidebooks also offer good recommendations

To book online before you arrive, try ShoreTrips.com , a service that, similar to the cruise line, will make shore-side arrangements for you. Read the reviews on other trips booked through their site and fashion yours off of those. Viator.com guarantees the rates on their tours, plus they offer 24-hour, 7-days-a-week global support and free cancellations up to 24 hours before your excursion. But before you book through an online travel site, shop the cruise line rates, as well, to make sure you're actually saving money.

Careful planning adds value to your cruise investment. And with a little forethought and effort, you'll be exploring ports-of-call in the most efficient way available and by spending far less than your shipmates.

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1930 E N Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Murray Hill, East Side

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Offering private tours, shared tours, shore excursions and day trips in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, South America, Bermuda, the Mediterranean and Baltic, Asia and the Middle East. …

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NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!! I booked a whale watch and salmon bake tour in Alaska, the company cancelled this trip on me and booked another option. well my husband did not get his luggage and we were unable to make the shore excursion. I called Shore Trips, emailed Shore Trips, and called the actual company the tour would be with in order to cancel. Shore Trips has refused to refund my $420.00 and stated I had to cancel 14 days prior to excursion... Really!!! they cancelled the original tour on me but when I wanted to cancel the replacement tour they refused! HORRIBLE customer service!!!

Beware - they are not answering their phones. They owe our clients thousands of dollars in refunds. If you check their reviews and comments on facebook they are keeping peoples money who were supose to be refunded. We advise you to file a complaint with the Attorney General in Wisconsin https://www.doj.state.wi.us/ag/contact Also make sure you contact the better business bureau in Wisconcin as well. I'm sorry if you are like the other thousands of people who they have kept their money The owners are Barry and Julie Karp. They are not answering their phone or responding to the emails listed at shoretrips.com You can also contact www.asta.org and cruising.org and file complaints with them as well

I am a travel agent. I have a group of 9 couples who were to take an Alaska cruise together with Royal Caribbean in late June 2020. I assisted these couples in purchasing shore excursion in Alaska for the cruise. A total of 27 excursions were purchased and paid for by my clients. The excursions were cancelled in March 13-15 and April 2, 2020. Shore Trips sent a cancellation acknowledgment for every excursion stating refund would be processed in 7-15 days. No updates were posted on the website. When I tried calling, the voicemail said to send an email. I emailed Shore Trips April 1st inquiring about refunds. Shore Trips responded on April 2nd stating refund were taking up to 60 days to process. I sent a second email to Shore Trips on May 4th, the same generic response was sent May 4th. On May 13, Shore Trips posted an update on the Facebook page saying they are done to a staff of 5 people and are still working thru requests and to be patient. 60 days is tomorrow for almost all these refunds. These 9 couples have a grand total of $7,054 coming to them. I am working hard to get refunds for all my clients (myself included in this group). I have worked with Shore Trips for the past 10 years. Always had good experiences and feedback from clients. I have personally used them and also arranged group excursions as well. Great product, typically good service and follow thru. However, when a company states they will issue refunds, they need to get them done in a timely manner.

This company is BAD. STAY AWAY. From the very beginning of booking our tours in Belize and Cozumel, I should have seen the red flags and known better. ShoreTrips is a third party contractor who basically sub out their tours to questionable operators in primarily Caribbean ports. They prey on Cruise ship passengers who are looking for a less costly tours and/or who might have been sold out from onboard cruises. They take no responsibility for the safety or comfort of their customers. Their tour descriptions are embellished, misrepresented and dishonest. They require prepayment of your tour and then once $ run through on your credit card, send a "small print" contract that includes details and risk factors that had you had in advance, you would have never used their company. Want a refund? it will NEVER happen unless you have a good lawyer, a credit card company that will stand up to these bullies and only if you have a strong stomach for the insane rudeness and cocky attitude that their company is above the law. Spare yourself from making your vacation a nightmare. We are pursuing litigation through the attorney generals office, in addition to having to hire a "local" Wisconsin lawyer since that is where ShoreTrips is based out of.

Shoretrips is not what it used to be or what they propose to be. As well they do not understand the concept of "customer service" as they are only interested in customers when you are booking a tour and paying but not once you have experienced an issue. We have used Shoretrips a number of times for private tours while on European cruises. In the past we always were satisified with all of our tours and some of them were excellent. On a recent cruise I again booked three privates tours. One of the tours (to Sintra Portugal) was excellent, one was very good (to Normandy) and one was horrible (a private tour of Bordeaux). This private tour in Bordeaux was essentially a taxi driver who drove us around but did not provide a tour. I immediately notified Shoretrips that we were dissatisfied. They told me that they would review the situation and get back to us. They then emailed me once we returned and basically "regurgitated" everything that this "tour" company in Bordeaux told them without considering the feedback and opinions from our party of 4 that were on the tour. I have since called Shoretrips several times since we returned to town. NO ONE from their organization has had the cutesy to return my call. Do yourself a favor and book with Tours by Locals or anyone that Rick Steves recommends. We will NEVER book another tour with Shoretrips nor recommend them to anyone!!!

Never use this or any company other than booking your excursions through the cruise line. They refuse to refund your money as agreed, They live in the Red and a business and rely on new bookings to pay for the ones already booked while taking money off the top for themselves. I have been waiting since April for my refund and nothing but excuses still now in July. Trips were paid for 10 months ago. Their latest response indicated that they got a small loan to pay people back, but stated that they still have not refunded anyone yet, while still booking more trips. Where is that money all going to? The owners pockets. My Cruise line refunded me in full months ago for the cruise and the excursion book through them. Mr. and Mrs. Karp the owners have no Integrity nothing more that thieves skimming money from the business, while hoping for more from us to pay.

I have used Shoretrips throughout Europe, the Caribbean and just recently in Cuba and I have nothing but great things to say about them and their guides. They are always on time with educated guides and make traveling a pleasure. It is like finding a new friend everywhere I go if I use Shoretrips.

Recently used Shoretrips for excursions in Alaska. 2 of them overlapped due to the fact their website is confusing. We tried to reach them from our ship and they are closed on the weekend. The vendor would not answer our calls either. So we went on one excursion and not the other. Shore trips never returned our calls or calls from our travel agent. Will NEVER use them again and our travel agent no longer recommends them. They are a broker all they want is their commision.

Our group was signed up for a 6-hour Dzibanche Mayan ruins tour, through ShoreTrips, out of Costa Mesa, Mexico. We arrived a few minutes late, due to the maze of shops to walk through to leave the port area, and missed our tour start. The office at Native Choice admitted that our group had left early (so we would have missed it even if we had arrived 'on time') but offered to rebook us into a different, shorter tour. We agreed to the shorter tour, with the understanding that we could request a refund for the difference in price from ShoreTrips upon our return. We went on a 3-hour Chacchoben Mayan ruins tour. Notably, our bus returned to the Native Choice office shortly after our departure, to pick up another group that had also missed their tour start. The tour itself was fine. The problem was in trying to get a partial refund from ShoreTrips upon our return. After many email communications back and forth, ShoreTrips ultimately agreed to refund 25% of the tour cost. We had paid $100 each for a party of 7, for a 6-hour tour including lunch; the final resolution was that we paid $75 each for a 3-hour tour which did not include lunch. We felt like the shorter tour, without lunch, should have cost quite a bit less, but ShoreTrips did not agree and would not refund any more money.

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ShoreTrips is your option for unique and smaller excursions. We offer you the alternative to the cruise line, we are more creative, and have more options for your customers. Most important - we pay you commission! We offer experiences ranging from Florence Biking Tours to Private Wine Tours in Tuscany. Or tour the walled city of Xi’an, then visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and view them at the exclusive lower viewing platform that puts you at eye level with these extraordinary sculptures! This is where heads of state tour. We even offer volunteer-based activities with ShoreTrips gives fifty percent of our business is group based. This can be families, companies, organizations or people who just like to travel together. We have evolved over the last 16 years to offer custom, private, and semi-private guided tours in destinations worldwide. We now have over 3000 tours and experiences. And remember your customers do not have to be cruisers! Call ShoreTrips for the best in creative and unique excursions.

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Jersey Shore day cruises: Your guide to scenic adventures and delicious meals

If you are looking to set sail and escape for a day, the Jersey Shore and nearby locales have got you covered with different cruises that can be done in a day. Here are some of the most popular one-day cruises at the Shore.

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The young will get the opportunity to dress up like pirates, get their faces painted and get some pirate tattoos. On the ship, they'll take part in an interactive treasure hunt, following the Sea Gypsy's rules, reading maps, finding a secret message in a bottle, and working together to defeat a rival pirate using water cannons.

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10 Iconic American Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Posted: May 15, 2024 | Last updated: May 15, 2024

Embarking on a classic American road trip holds an enchanting attractiveness like nothing else. The never-ending open road and the sheer independence to venture as much as we please at our ease is the essence of the American spirit. From one coast to the other, the USA has countless road journeys to offer. These trips are a collection of landscapes, cultures, the best things to do, and beautiful places to visit. Whether you are a history buff, a nature appreciator, or simply a thrill seeker, here are some American road trips you absolutely can't miss.

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Pacific Coast Highway, California

1600 miles; 8–12 days duration

The Pacific Coast Highway, which is also known as the PCH, is California's most recognized route. It is almost 1600 miles and is one of the most famous road trips in the world. The route starts in Monterey and goes to Los Angeles. It leads us through ocean vistas, cute little coastal towns, and places like Big Sur and the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can check out several charming hamlets on this journey and even explore the Spanish-influenced architecture of Santa Barbara. Don't forget to stop at Point Dume State Beach for a breathtaking view of dolphins and migrating whales in the ocean water. Eat seafood in Monterey, cheeses in Point Reyes, and gourmet food in Santa Barbara.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia

469 miles; 2–5 days duration

The Blue Ridge Parkway from North Carolina to Virginia spans 469 miles and takes 2–5 days. On this drive, you will be surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there will be many charming stopping points, including viewpoints, forests, and meadows of flowers on the mountaintops.

One way to reach the start of the parkway in Cherokee, North Carolina, where you can experience Native American culture, is by visiting the Museum of the Cherokee People .

There are numerous activities to enjoy along the parkway, including wildlife watching, exploring the surrounding areas, and hiking the many trails. Consider planning an open-air picnic at one of the scenic spots to fully experience the beauty of the mountains.

2250 miles; 1-2 weeks duration

Route 66 is a nostalgic American road, also known as “Mother Road,"  running 2250 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Unique and beautiful regions and towns like Arizona, Seligman, Amarillo, Texas, and many other historical places to look at.

In Santa Monica, you can also get to see famous roadside attractions that line old Route 66, like Cadillac Ranch or Wigwam Motel. You'll also encounter historic gas stations and restaurants along the way, offering a chance to experience authentic American dining styles.

Also Read: Planning for The Greatest Road Trip with These Simple Hacks

Highway 2, Nebraska

52 Miles; 2 Days

Highway 2 in Nebraska, often referred to as the "Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway," offers a unique road trip experience through the heart of the state. The highway maintains a vast variety of attractions and provides the only opportunity for tourists to explore the sandhills, grasslands, and other dunes. In each of the areas along the highway, a visitor gets to experience abundant natural beauty by visiting lakes, and noting wildlife from geese to deer, and much more. 

The stretch of highway enables those looking for adventure and tranquility to occasionally stumble across beautiful towns such as Broken Bow, and Grand Island on what would otherwise be a road trip of awe-inspiring isolation. 

Also Read: 15 Incredible National Parks to Visit

U.S. 1, Florida Keys

113 miles, 1 day

U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys is a splendidly scenic drive, also called the Overseas Highway. The road is lined with beaches and small man-made bridges, each taking you through what looks like paradise.

To initiate your journey, start with Key Largo, called the "Diving Capital of the World '' and known for its vivid coral reefs for exploration. Take a road trip through the Seven Mile Bridge , the Pinnacle of Engineering, and enjoy tasty seafood in Marathon.

Go touring in Bahia Honda State Park, and then go towards Key West, where you can walk through Duval Street and visit the famous house of Ernest Hemingway. 

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The Loneliest Road, Nevada

408 miles; 1 day duration

Drive through ''The Loneliest Road" in Nevada, U.S. Route 50, which holds a prominent place in the tradition of road trips. This harmless road drives through the desert landscapes and ancient valleys of Nevada and offers a peek into the rugged charm of the Silver Country. 

Visit Elysium mining and explore the magic of the Great Basin National Park . Enjoy the serenity of Austin and travel back in time to Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park .

Wrap up your journey in Carson City, where Nevada's vibrant history awaits at the State Museum. "The Loneliest Road" guarantees an expedition through the Nevada wilderness.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

48 Miles; 1 Day

The Trail Ridge Road in Colorado is an excellent road trip escape that takes you on a vertical jaunt across wild environments. This 48-mile drive takes you through the Rocky Mountain National Park, navigating towering peaks, thick forests, and alpine meadows. Each view is more spectacular than the last. 

Along this 12,000 ft climb, you come across the alpine tundra covered in hardy wildflowers and grazers. Be it on foot or wheels, stop to take into sight the Rockies and learn about its natural and cultural history through interactive exhibits.

Besides being a fantastic drive, the journey is teaming with wildlife that is not visible at the lower levels. On this road trip, you might get lucky enough to spot bighorn sheep, marmots, and incredibly rare mountain goats.

Richardson Highway

364 miles; 2-4 days duration

You can't talk about road trips without mentioning Alaska's Richardson Highway. This beautiful road trip goes from Fairbanks to Valdez, through the remote Alaskan wilderness.

The road is over 366 miles long and has rolling mountains, glaciers of ice falling through the terrace trees, and fog. With the stunning scenery, you will also have the chance to get out and take a hike, have a few lunches, and go for white-water rafting. 

You cannot leave the Richardson Highway without stopping at the Worthington Glacier and the Keystone Canyon. All of the waterfalls are quite spectacular, and the snow and vegetation are unbelievable. Furthermore, it is rare and beautiful to encounter towns with outstanding hospitality and good vibes. 

Check Out: Road Trip: How to Beat Boredom in Six Fun Ways

Scenic Byway 12

122 miles, 1 day

By traveling on this highway, you will see towering rock cliffs, vast plateaus, narrow canyons, water pocket folds, hanging valleys, and numerous perennial streams. Other head-turning attractions include forests of pine and the beauty of the National Parks .

The massive rock cliffs, flat, stretched-out plateaus, and lush green forests are welcomed by the traveler. There is no better way to spend your time on holiday than driving through some of Utah's most astounding vistas and landmarks.

The road also provides access to the towns of Boulder and Escalante, where tourists can explore shops, and galleries, and dine at fine restaurants. Some propitious activities to do are traveling off-road, hiking, and other biking trails. 

North Shore Drive, Minnesota

150 miles, 2 hours, and 45 minutes

The 150-mile-long North Shore Drive is along the shores of Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake on the planet. The water body, across half of Minnesota, is a site to behold. The road is freshly reconstructed, and the shores of Lake Superior are a haven for waterfall viewing. 

Never miss the opportunity to visit popular attractions, including the Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Grand Maris. While enjoying the drive along the route, you can also partake in activities such as fishing, hiking, kayaking, and more. 

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