port said shore excursions royal caribbean

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Excursions & Tours

Pyramids and the Nile Tour

A Day in Alexandria

Marvels of Medieval Cairo

Private Best of Alexandria from Port Said

Private Classical Cairo

Private Memphis, Sakkara, Cairo

Private Pyramids Along the Nile

Port said excursions.

Spanning about 19 miles in the northeast portion of Egypt lies the city of Port Said. Founded in 1859 by Ferdinand de Lesseps, this relatively "new" city has a lot to offer to the curious traveler. Once used primarily for shipping, this place has transformed into a vacation destination for people all around the world. Our Port Said tours showcase some of the world's most important and famous historical sites. From Port Said, you have the opportunity to tour Cairo, Egypt and visit the wondrous Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Sphinx. In Egypt you can also visit the Egyptian Museum, Papyrus Institute, and Egyptian Bazaar. You also gain the opportunity to explore Alexandria, which is nothing short of incredible as well. This ancient city, founded initially by Alexander the Great, was once the world's leading site for intellect at the height of the Greeks' power. Many historical sites are housed in this city, including the Bibliotheca, a building erected in tribute to the legendary Library of Alexandria.

The 10 Best Port Said Shore Excursions

Pixel perfect design with awesome contents

• Travel, Lifestyle
• Dec 18, 2023

Explore the captivating port city of Port Said, Egypt, and its surrounding wonders with our expertly curated selection of The 10 Best Port Said Shore Excursions. Located on the northern coast of Egypt, Port Said serves as a gateway to some of the country's most captivating destinations, and these shore excursions are meticulously designed to provide you with a memorable and immersive experience during your cruise stop.

From the iconic Suez Canal and the historic city of Cairo to the ancient wonders of Giza and the vibrant markets of Khan El Khalili, each shore excursion offers a unique and enriching perspective on Egypt's diverse offerings. Expert guides will accompany you, sharing their insights into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region, ensuring that your time in Port Said is filled with unforgettable moments.

Port Said's strategic location allows for a range of shore excursion options, from exploring the man-made marvel of the Suez Canal to immersing yourself in the bustling streets of Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital. Whether you're a history buff eager to uncover ancient secrets, a culture connoisseur ready to explore local markets, or a traveler seeking authentic encounters, our selection of The 10 Best Port Said Shore Excursions promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we make the most of your cruise stop in Port Said, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of this coastal gateway to Egypt.

Grand Egyptian Museum & Pyramids of Giza Tour From Portsaid Port

Make the most of your stop at Port Said Port with our Grand Egyptian Museum & Pyramids of Giza Tour. This immersive journey takes you to two of Egypt's most iconic landmarks—the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Led by expert guides, you'll uncover the rich history and culture of Egypt as you explore ancient treasures and marvel at the Pyramids' grandeur. With hassle-free transportation from the port, this tour promises an unforgettable and educational experience   View Tour Details

Tour To pyramids, Royal Mummies & Civilization Museum From Portsaid Port

This comprehensive journey takes you through Egypt's rich heritage, from the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the Royal Mummies Museum and the intriguing Civilization Museum. Expert guides will provide insights into ancient Egypt's history and culture as you explore these remarkable sites. With hassle-free transportation from the port, this tour offers an immersive and educational experience   View Tour Details

Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara Day Trip From Portsaid

Explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, discover the ancient city of Memphis, and marvel at the Step Pyramid of Sakkara. Led by expert guides, this tour promises an immersive and educational experience. With hassle-free transportation from Port Said, you'll uncover the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Book now to embark on a captivating journey through time   View Tour Details

Overnight Tour To Cairo From Portsaid

Maximize your time in Port Said with our Overnight Tour to Cairo. This immersive journey takes you through Egypt's timeless beauty, from the world-famous Pyramids of Giza to the historic Egyptian Museum and the vibrant streets of Cairo. Expert guides will provide insights into Egypt's history and culture as you explore these remarkable sites. With hassle-free transportation from Port Said and an overnight stay, this tour offers an in-depth and unforgettable experience   View Tour Details

Trip To Alexandria From Port Said

This immersive journey takes you to Egypt's coastal jewel, Alexandria, where you'll explore its historical sites, visit its renowned library, and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. Expert guides will provide insights into Alexandria's rich history and culture as you explore these remarkable sites. With hassle-free transportation from Port Said, this tour offers a delightful and memorable experience   View Tour Details

MCSE boot camps have its supporters and its detractors. Some people do not understand why you should have to spend money on boot camp when you can get the MCSE study materials yourself at a fraction of the camp price. However, who has the willpower to actually sit through a self-imposed MCSE training. who has the willpower to actually

MCSE boot camps have its supporters and its detractors. Some people do not understand why you should have to spend money on boot camp when you can get the MCSE study materials yourself at a fraction of the camp price. However, who has the willpower

The 10 Best Alexandria Shore Excursions

The 10 best egypt shore excursions.

Travel | Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas on its…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• Florida Travel
• Amusement Parks
• Florida Cruise Guide

Things To Do

Subscriber only, travel | royal caribbean’s utopia of the seas on its way to port canaveral.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas departs the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Sunday, June 23, 2024 on its way for a July 11 arrival in Port Canaveral. (Courtesy/Bernard Biger/Royal Caribbean)

The second largest cruise ship in the world left the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Sunday and will arrive in Florida on July 11.

“The ship is coming straight to Port Canaveral from the shipyard so I think the first time we’ve had a ship come into the port, at least since I’ve been here,  that’s brand new straight from the yard,” said Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray during the port commission meeting Wednesday. “So we’re really excited.”

The port has welcomed ships in their first year of service before, but usually after they make their debuts sailing Europe. The port is planning a community celebration for the ship’s arrival letting the public into Jetty Park to wave as it sails in along with a naming ceremony before the ship’s first revenue sailing on July 19.

“Royal Caribbean selected us for that honor of having the ship first, so we’re really excited and we want to do a good job with it,” Murray said.

Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand

The new ship that will be taking over the short, three- and four-night Bahamas sailings from Royal’s Allure of the Seas, and Murray said that should continue to add to what has been a record-breaking revenue year for the port.

For the fiscal year that began in October 2023 running eight months through May 2024, the port has seen 622 ship calls with more than 5.1 million passengers, driving the port’s operating revenue so far to more than $128 million, which is nearly $3 million over budget.

“We’ll have to see how that evolves as Utopia comes on,” Murray said. “When that ship is up and running at full capacity it should really drive these numbers.”

Part of that is the notion the ship is being marketed as a destination along with its primary stop of Royal Caribbean’s private island Little Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which has been renamed Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The sixth Oasis-class vessel, Utopia is only bested in size by this year’s Icon of the Seas, the first of a new larger class of vessels for the line that began sailing out of Miami in January. A sister ship to Icon, Star of the Seas, is headed for Port Canaveral when it debuts in 2025.

Utopia, though, is the first Oasis-class ship to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner burning fuel that is part of the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Port Canaveral was the first port in North America to provide LNG power to cruise ships when Carnival’s Mardi Gras debuted in 2021. Disney’s Wish and the forthcoming Disney Treasure are LNG-powered as well.

With Utopia sailing year-round, it continues Royal’s strategy of parking two Oasis-class ships at the port as Wonder of the Seas will continue seven-night sailing as well.

Utopia of the Seas is slightly larger than Wonder of the Seas coming in at 236,860 gross tons and 1,188 feet long with 18 decks and a 5,668-passenger capacity based on double occupancy. Original ship in the class Oasis of the Seas was the largest in the world when it debuted in 2009 followed by 2010’s Allure of the Seas, 2016’s Harmony of the Seas, 2018’s Symphony of the Seas and 2022’s Wonder of the Seas.

All but Symphony have spent some time calling Port Canaveral home.

Entertainment revealed for Port Canaveral-bound Utopia of the Seas

Unique to the ship will be a themed restaurant venue called Royal Railway – Utopia Station that brings travelers on board a virtual train, a new bar called the Pesky Parrot and the longest version of the popular twisting dry slide, the Ultimate Abyss.

It has eight neighborhoods including the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade and Central Park with more than 20 dining options and more than a dozen bars and lounges.

Top-deck features include eight hot tubs, five pools, three Perfect Storm waterslides, a surf simulator, mini golf, climbing walls, zipline and the Splashaway Bay water play area.

Entertainment options feature three new original shows among its three main venues, the AquaTheater, ice skating rink and main stage in the Royal Theater.

More in Travel

City & Shore Magazine | New issue of ‘Explore Florida & the Caribbean’ is going places

Travel | What’s trending this year in European rail travel

Travel | 10 emerging foodie destinations worth traveling for

Amusement Parks | Halloween Horror Nights adds ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ house

Effective July 1st. Due to new regulations, prices now include all taxes and fees. Learn more

30 Caribbean Cruise Ports and Their Best Shore Excursions

You've got just 10 hours in a Caribbean cruise port. What's the best way to spend your day? If you're like us, you spend hours poring over your shore excursion list , trying to figure out the absolute best way to maximize your time while in port.

Independent travelers might go straight to private tour guides (and the invaluable Roll Call forums to find friendly folks to share the minivan). But many travelers -- especially first-time cruisers -- prefer to rely on ship-sponsored shore tours. And while it's great that there are tons of Caribbean shore excursions, it doesn't make the decision-making process any easier.

To help you out, we've created a cheat sheet highlighting our favorite Caribbean cruise excursions in 30 of the Caribbean's top cruise ports. And if you want more Caribbean cruising tips, check out our best Caribbean cruise content, itineraries, reviews and more .

1. Antigua: History Tour at Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights

While the Caribbean is most well-known for sun and sand, there's lots of history on offer as well. In St. John's, Antigua , the historical highlights are Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights, both of which are remnants of the island's British military past.

The two sites can usually be visited on a half-day excursion, and both are typically included in any full-day bus tour of the island, which oftentimes is combined with a beach stop and lunch.

2. Aruba: Island Highlights Tour

One of the best ways to see Aruba is with a tour that hits island highlights and offers some beach time. Along the way, you'll visit rock formations and lighthouses, and pass by some of the desert island landscapes and less touristy towns.

3. Barbados: Electric Tram Tour of Harrison’s Cave

If you need a break from beach-bumming, a popular alternative in Barbados is a tour of Harrison's Cave. This crystallized limestone cavern comes teeming with streams, pools, stalactites and stalagmites.

Explore the cave system on an electric tram tour, with commentary provided by an informative tour guide. Note that some full-day island highlights tours also factor in a visit to the cave as part of its circuit.

4. Belize City: Cave-tubing and Ziplining Through the Rainforest

For high-flying views of Belize 's rainforest, ziplining is a must, and for those who enjoy swimming in ancient, darkened caverns, cave-tubing will be right up your alley. If you're feeling extra adventurous, book a tour that combines the two for an active day in port.

5. Bonaire: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Sailing Tours

You're likely to catch a glimpse of sea turtles, rays and all sorts of tropical fish and coral if you head out to Bonaire 's pristine waters for snorkeling or scuba diving. Get out on the water by boat, then dive in; it's tough to beat the variety of marine life that surrounds this Southern Caribbean island.

6. Costa Maya: Beaches and Restaurants in Mahahual Town

Costa Maya is a laid-back Mexican tourism village carved out of Yucatan jungle featuring bars, restaurants, shops and pools. And while you can stick around and simply unwind at the touristy complex, or set off on one of the worthwhile side trips -- like a visit to the mysterious Mayan ruins at Chacchoben -- many passengers opt to spend a carefree day on the nearby beaches.

Outside of the faux-village, there's a real one: the one-time fishing town of Mahahual, with its beaches and beachside shops and restaurants, is just a five-minute cab ride away. Snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding and other watersports are sometimes included in shore excursions to Mahahual.

7. Cozumel: Mayan Ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza

A highlight of any Cozumel port of call is a visit to Tulum or Chichen Itza, the ruins of ancient Mayan cities. Situated atop oceanfront cliffs, Tulum offers fascinating history and gorgeous scenery. Chichen Itza, further inland, is dominated by a massive and magnificent step pyramid.

Note Caribbean cruise excursions to Tulum require a bit over an hour and a half each way in travel time (including ferry and motor coach transfers); for Chichen Itza, you'll need a full day -- it's about a three-hour transfer one way from Cozumel, so keep in mind that you won't have much time to explore the ruins once you get there.

8. Curacao: Scenic Island Tours with Hato Caves and Distilleries

With so much located near the port of Curacao , you can squeeze a number of activities into a single day with a combination excursion. Take a scenic island tour to visit highlights like the Hato Caves with their underground limestone formations and pools. These tours often include a visit to a distillery where the island's namesake Curacao liqueur is distilled (do try a sample of the blue drink).

9. Dominica: Trafalgar Falls and Rum Punch

The Southern Caribbean island of Dominica is a nature-fanatic's paradise; it's home to more than 170 types of birds, numerous waterfalls and mountains that rise to 5,000 feet. The best way to explore it as much as possible is to embark on an active excursion.

Try one that combines a short hike through the rainforest to the twin Trafalgar Falls with a relaxing dip at the Emerald Pool (a waterfall grotto), all paired with a glass or two of rum punch.

10. Freeport: Snorkeling Excursions to the Coral Reefs

This Bahamian port lends well to the Caribbean classics: beach time and snorkeling. Set out to explore Freeport 's stunning coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, dolphins, sea turtles and more on a guided snorkeling excursion. Some outings are led by boat, while others let you simply swim in with your snorkel gear right from shore.

11. Grand Cayman: Sandbars and Rays at Stingray City

The undeniable top attraction in Grand Cayman is Stingray City, a legendary sandbar where stingrays once came to eat leftover bits jettisoned by fishermen, and now wait to slurp squid from the hands of bikini-clad tourists.

Visitors have the unusual opportunity to hop in the shallow water with the habituated creatures, feel their velvety skin and pose for photos. Guides accompany you. Many excursions pair the stingray experience with a beach stop.

12. Grand Turk: Scenic Catamaran Tours or Power Snorkeling

Cool off in Grand Turk 's turquoise waters on a snorkeling tour; many of them are run aboard scenic catamaran sailings.

For a unique twist, seek out a "power snorkeling" excursion instead. The experience incorporates a high-tech twist via special handheld power units that utilize propellers to guide snorkelers along on their underwater adventure.

13. Grenada: Spice Gardens, Forts and Grand Etang National Park

If you're visiting the "Spice Island" of Grenada , you'll likely want to see a spice plantation. Grenada is also known for its beautiful Grand Etang National Park, based around the crater lake of an extinct volcano. An island combo tour will typically take you to both, as well as to Fort Frederick and Annandale Falls.

If you're feeling more adventurous, head to Grand Etang for the Seven Sisters Waterfalls hike; the tour is often combined with a visit to spice or rum factories.

14. Havana: Old Havana Tour with Complimentary Cocktail

Oozing flavor, culture and history, a Havana city highlights tour is the way to go for visitors looking to maximize their time on the ground in this fast-emerging Cuban port.

Bus tours whisk visitors around for stops at the Malecon seafront esplanade and the historic sites of Old Havana, with its bustling Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza de Armas. A cocktail is typically included in the outing, too.

15. Martinique: Half-Day Tour of Balata Garden

Possibly the best things to do in the French isle of Martinique are shop for French luxury goods and hit the beach, but you don't need an excursion to do that. For a little shore tour adventure, try a half-day tour of the Balata Garden, an impressively maintained botanical collection of tropical vegetation.

16. Montego Bay: Historic Plantation Tours with Tropical Fruit Tastings

Montego Bay offers the same water sports, beach breaks and dolphin encounters as does Ocho Rios. For something a little more Jamaican, take a plantation tour, such as the one to Croydon Plantation. You'll visit a historic plantation house and taste pineapples, bananas or sugarcane, straight from the source.

17. Nassau: Atlantis Aquaventure Day Pass

Nassau 's star attraction is the Atlantis Resort, and, happily, you don't have to be an overnight resort guest to partake in some of its world-class facilities. Book an outing to the Atlantis Aquaventure "waterscape," a sophisticated 141-acre water park that comes jam-packed with water slides, rolling rapids, swimming areas and more. It's guaranteed fun for kids of all ages.

18. Ocho Rios: Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Swims

One of the biggest highlights of visiting Ocho Rios , Jamaica, is climbing up Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot-long waterfall that flows into a pool by the beach. You can combine a climb up the falls with a number of other activities, including a dolphin swim, beach time or snorkeling.

19. Playa del Carmen (Calica): Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal Beach

Shore excursions to Tulum are popular from Playa del Carmen , but you can get there from Cozumel as well. Your best bet here is to take in some of the area's diverse marine wildlife. Our favorite option is snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles in the protected waters of Akumal Beach.

20. Progreso: Half-Day Tour to Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins and Cenotes

If you want to visit Mayan ruins but don't want to be accompanied by the more than a million visitors per year that make it to Chichen Itza, the lesser-visited Dzibilchaltun Mayan ruins near Progreso (along with its Temple of the Seven Dolls) is a great option.

Don't miss taking a dip in the cenote (a sinkhole leading to a deep natural swimming hole) onsite.

21. Roatan: Tabyana Beach and Animal Sightings at Gumbalimba Park

No cruise visit to Roatan , a tropical jungle island in Honduras, would be complete without time spent on the beach and an introduction to the local wildlife. To get both, seek out any excursion that includes Gumbalimba Park with its free-roaming monkeys, free-flying birds and sandy beach.

Even better, combine Gumbalimba with Tabyana Beach -- generally considered the nicest stretch of sand on the island.

22. San Juan: El Yunque Rainforest with Waterfalls and Hiking

The charms of a stroll through Old Town are not to be missed, but for nature lovers, one of San Juan 's most stunning nearby natural attractions is the nearly 29,000-acre El Yunque National Forest. The tropical rainforest is known for its myriad waterfalls, scenic views and hiking trails.

Excursions to El Yunque typically include bus stops at or short treks to one of the park's waterfalls.

23. St. Barts: Sailing Adventure with Snorkeling

St. Barts is arguably the best place in the Caribbean for duty-free designer goods and haute couture straight from France, and you can easily visit the stores strung out all along the harbor.

You can opt for a sailing tour to further feel like a celebrity or socialite. A catamaran or sailboat will whisk you away, typically including stops for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Just give a nod to the other yachts you pass and act like you own the place.

24. St. Croix: Powerboat Ride to Buck Island

Buck Island Reef is officially a national monument, and the 19,015 acres of land and sea lie just off the north shore of St. Croix . A typical shore excursion features a 45-minute bus ride across the island, followed by a 40-minute scenic powerboat cruise out to the reef.

You can snorkel among the coral and sea life for about an hour (a snorkeling lesson may be included, too), or just enjoy the views (and the rum punch included on the way back).

25. St. Kitts: Nevis by Sea Taxi

An island tour is a popular option if you want to see St. Kitts , but for an escape from the crowds, cruisers can hop a "sea taxi" to the less-traveled island of Nevis. While on Nevis, you'll typically visit some historical sites, lunch at a beachside restaurant and have some time to swim in the Caribbean waters.

26. St. Lucia: Scenic Cruise with Views of the Pitons

On any cruise heading to St. Lucia , you'll hear talk of the famous Pitons. The island's two volcanic spires are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many would say a visit here is not complete without at least catching a glimpse of them.

One of the best ways to see the Pitons is from the water on a scenic cruise, which might also include a stop for swimming and snorkeling.

27. St. Maarten: America’s Cup Yacht Racing with Rum Punch Toast

Independent-minded travelers will probably head for St. Maarten 's famous shopping areas and casinos. But for something a little different, sign up for the America's Cup Regatta. On this excursion, you'll actually race onboard a 12-meter racing boat and serve as part of the crew. The boat ride (typically lasting about two hours) features refreshments and perhaps even a rum punch party to celebrate.

Note that this can be a strenuous activity and is not simply a relaxing sailboat ride.

28. St. Martin: Shopping and Dining in Marigot Market

As the fashionable French sister on the conjoined island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Martin draws cruise tourists with its shopping opportunities. Head to Marigot, where visitors flock to chic boutiques touting upscale French fashion imports and duty-free perfume, jewelry and more.

Don't miss the stunning architecture and interior design of Le West Indies Shopping Mall. It features bars, restaurants, a spa and some 20 luxury designer shops in a three-level masterpiece. Check out Marigot's open-air Waterfront Market, encompassing a craft market and a Caribbean food fair selling spices and fresh-off-the-boat fish.

29. St. Thomas: Magens Bay Beach and Duty-Free Shopping in Charlotte Amalie

St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands is equally famous for its beaches and shopping. Luckily, you can manage to combine both in the same tour. Head out to Magens Bay for a couple of hours of fun in the sun; afterward, you'll be transferred to Charlotte Amalie for some duty-free shopping.

30. Tortola: Norman Island Guided Snorkelling Tour

One of Tortola 's premier snorkeling spots is in the waters off Norman Island, a legendary pirate haunt that's said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." Join a snorkel guide to explore the caves and view colorful coral formations, exotic fish and abundant marine life.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-859-7692
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Reflection

• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration

The Retreat

• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• View All Suites

Concierge Class

• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance

Flights by Celebrity

• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest + Bonus Savings
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Free Caribbean Veranda Upgrades
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Loyalty Status Match
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200.

Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman

From FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - onboard CELEBRITY REFLECTION

†Taxes, fees and port expenses $195.92 USD *

At Celebrity Cruises®, we believe choice matters. That’s why we’ve pre-packaged our most popular amenities—drinks, and Wi-Fi— Tips charged separately. So you can now choose the most convenient way to get the best value from your cruise.

 Drinks

Choose from an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water.

 Wi-Fi

We know staying in touch is important, so we’ve included internet access for all guests. Browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps.

Cruise Itinerary

• Port of Departure
• Port of Call
• Cruise Route

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sun, Dec 1, 2024

Departs: 3:30PM

At Sea - Cruising

Mon, Dec 2, 2024

Cozumel, Mexico

Tue, Dec 3, 2024

Docked: 7:00AM to 4:00PM

George Town, Grand Cayman

Wed, Dec 4, 2024

Tendered: 10:00AM to 5:00PM

Thu, Dec 5, 2024

Bimini, Bahamas

Fri, Dec 6, 2024

Docked: 9:30AM to 5:00PM

Sat, Dec 7, 2024

Arrival: 7:00AM

See Full Itinerary

Cruise + Flight Package

Select a flight to add to your cruise booking.

Popular excursions at this port

About This Ship

Celebrity Reflection Ship

Aerial View of Reflection

On Celebrity Reflection® enjoy endless ocean views, catch some sun, and play your favorite outdoor games on a ½ acre of real grass at The Lawn Club. Then, cap off the outdoor fun with delicious grilling specialties at Lawn Club Grill. You can also take your palate to new heights with exciting culinary experiences by our Global Culinary Ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud. Shop in boutiques. And, invigorate your senses at The Spa. From unforgettable spaces to world-class amenities, and distinct features, you’ll rest and recharge the moment you step aboard.

Onboard Features

Opus Restaurant

The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

Clean, crisp flavors and inventive cuisine meet an extensive list of sustainable and biodynamic wines. Exclusively for AquaClass guests.

The exclusive restaurant for guests of the Retreat. Select and cutting edge, the globally inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant on board.

Ensemble Lounge

Ensemble Lounge is the ideal setting for an aperitif en route to an extraordinary dining experience, or a digestif afterward.

The Martini Bar

Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.

Sky Observation Lounge

A unique music venue with spectacular ocean views. The perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand and dance the night away after the sun sets.

The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort.

Say "Ahh" in spa-inspired staterooms designed just for you. Savor clean eating at Blu and escape to the Persian Garden.

Tailored services and amenities await you in these exceptionally appointed staterooms. We're here to help you make the most of your time on board and on shore.

Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games at The Casino. It offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action.

Camp at Sea

S.T.E.M. activities are powered by experiments, demonstrations and everyday science that will amaze young minds.

Fitness Center

Bring your workout routine along on your modern luxury vacation and enjoy a variety of new fitness classes and seminars along with world class cruise fitness amenities.

Shops on Reflection

Aboard Reflection, Celebrity's European-inspired piazza and elegant galleria hold riches of chic sophistication. Marble walkways lead you to modern boutiques and fine jewelry stores.

Art Gallery

When you visit the Art Gallery, you'll be surrounded with one of the world's largest permanent collections of contemporary art, accompanied by a complete art program.

Jogging Track

Built around the ship’s top deck, the jogging track let’s you take in breathless ocean views while you workout. It’s so mesmerizing, you’ll forget you’re breaking a sweat.

Adults-only Solarium

A serenely beautiful adults-only pool and hot tub experience, The Solarium let’s you relax and daydream of the next destination you’ll be exploring.

The Lawn Club

Who said grass can’t be on a ship? Enjoy a friendly pick-up game of leisure sports like Croquet, Bocce, golf putting, Blongo or Baggo.

SEARCH FLIGHTS FOR THIS CRUISE

Price is per person and applies to selected sailing, lowest available fare stateroom category, based on double-occupancy, reflects any promotional savings, and is subject to change and availability until booked. Additional terms and conditions apply to offers. Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 03/02/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking. 

Celebrity Edge® Series Iconic Suites, Edge Villas, Penthouse Suites, Royal Suites, Celebrity Suites, AquaClass® Sky Suites, and Sky Suites (and Family Suites during Holiday sailings) require double the deposit amounts listed.

All Included  pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after October 4, 2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing, will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate.  Please visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages for further information on available beverages and full restrictions and www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages for further information on wi-fi.

All Included pricing applies to new individual bookings only. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. All Included pricing is non-transferable and not combinable with certain rates including, Travel Agent, Interline, Net, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins.  Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for All Included pricing. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

Departing Dec 01, 2024

$499 USD * Avg Per Person

DAY 1 - Sunday , Dec 01

DAY 2 - Monday , Dec 02

DAY 3 - Tuesday , Dec 03

DAY 4 - Wednesday , Dec 04

DAY 5 - Thursday , Dec 05

DAY 6 - Friday , Dec 06

DAY 7 - Saturday , Dec 07

Sign up and save up to $50 on your next vacation.

Protect Your Trip »

Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Amazon prime day luggage deals.

Amanda Norcross June 25, 2024

Sun Princess Review

Holly Johnson June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

T he fun of a cruise is equal parts what you do on board and what you do on shore. Cruise lines offer a full schedule of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in port. However, the process of choosing and booking tours can be overwhelming for new cruisers.

I've taken shore excursions around the world, both ship-run and independent, and spent many days in port wandering on my own. Allow me to take you through the basics of cruise shore excursions, so you can learn to have the most fun no matter what your budget is.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is a cruise shore excursion?

A shore excursion is a group tour or activity aimed at cruise travelers who can only spend a limited time in each port they're visiting on their itinerary.

A shore excursion could be a sightseeing bus tour, a guided visit to a museum or historic site, an athletic activity (like a hike, bike ride or snorkel outing), a day at the beach or a cooking or dance class. Shore excursions typically highlight the marquee attractions or culture of the destination you're visiting. Sometimes an excursion will take you to sites within walking distance of your cruise; on other occasions, they might take you on a day trip to a nearby city.

Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities . Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.

Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers.

Do you have to buy shore excursions on a cruise?

In most cases, you don't need to book a shore excursion to explore a port of call. You can simply walk off the ship and stroll into town or catch a cab to take you wherever you want to go.

However, in some destinations, a shore excursion, or independently operated guided tour, is highly encouraged. This could be in places where it's difficult to navigate as a foreigner who can't speak the language or understand street signs or where the tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed.

Can I book a shore excursion on my own instead of through my cruise line?

Yes. I use many factors to decide whether to take a ship's tour, book an independent excursion or explore on my own in port. However, if you're a novice traveler, you might want to book ship tours exclusively because they're the simplest, easiest and most convenient options.

The benefits to a cruise line's shore excursions are that they depart from and return to the ship; you don't need to figure out where to meet a guide in a port you've never visited. Better still, should an unexpected problem (traffic, a medical emergency) occur during your outing, the ship will not leave port until all of its own tours have returned.

Independent tours, on the other hand, can be cheaper than cruise ship tours. I once saved hundreds of dollars organizing a group to go on an overnight, independently operated excursion to see Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza from Port Said, Egypt; the ship's tours were incredibly marked up. Also, if you have a particular interest, the ship might not offer a tour for the activity or attraction you're excited about.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Some third-party operators will customize a tour for you or your group, so you can spend more time at the places you most want to see. Sometimes these tour groups are also smaller than the large cruise ship tours — which can carry 30 to 60 people in a bus — so you will spend less time waiting for everyone.

Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I've skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A map and a guidebook got me where I wanted to go.

How much are shore excursions on a cruise?

Cruise shore excursion prices vary widely depending on the cost of living in the cruise destination, what type of activity is involved and whether it's a full- or half-day tour. Young children often pay a reduced rate for tours.

Looking at Princess Cruises ' shore excursions in Grand Cayman, a 2.5-hour stingray swim costs $70 per person, a 5-hour scenic island drive costs $100, and a 4-hour, two-tank scuba dive costs $180. In Juneau, Alaska, a 3-hour tour to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center costs $50 per person. A 3-hour gold panning activity and salmon bake costs $125, while a 2.25-hour tour to take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier, where you can walk around on the ice for half an hour, costs $420.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas Cruises , include the cost of basic shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you don't care to do any specialty tours, you might be able to get all your port activities for free. Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions .

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

What's the best way to book shore excursions?

If you plan to book shore excursions through your cruise line, you have a couple of options of how to book them.

You can book your tours online in advance, or have your travel agent do it for you. This is the best route if there's a ship's tour you absolutely want to take and you don't want to risk its selling out. Book your tours the minute they open for reservations. When my parents traveled on a luxury Regent Seven Seas cruise, they said that waiting until the next morning to book tours meant that some of their choices were sold out.

The downside to booking tours in advance is that some cruise lines require that you pay for the tours in full, rather than putting them on your final cruise bill. It means you're out the money in advance and it can be difficult to use onboard credit to cover the cost of excursions booked online.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Alternatively, you can wait until you're on the ship and book your excursion in person at the shore excursions desk. You'll be able to ask the staff questions about the tours, and the charges will be added to your final cruise bill. However, you do run the risk that a popular tour might be sold out by the time you're ready to book.

The same is true with independent tours. Most people organize these ahead of time through a tour operator or travel agent. However, in popular cruise ports, there are often representatives waiting at the port or at a tourist office who can book you on same-day tours if space is available.

Is it cheaper to book shore excursions on the ship?

No. Most cruise lines either charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean often advertises up to 30% off select tours reserved ahead of the sailing.

Do I need to tip on shore excursions?

Whether you're on a cruise line sponsored or independent shore excursion, a best practice is to tip your tour guides at the end of the tour. Exceptions are if tips are included in the price or if you're visiting a country with a non-tipping culture, where offering cash would be awkward.

Related: Ultimate guide to tipping on cruise ships

Tipping is a personal matter, and there are no hard and fast rules. I canvassed TPG's cruise team and we agreed that we give roughly $5 to $10 per person for half-day tours and $10 to $20 per person for full-day excursions, adjusted for service and quality. Tip non-guide drivers roughly $2 per person in your party.

You'll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour.

How do I get the most from my cruise shore excursion?

The key to getting the most from your cruise shore excursion is to know what you want and make sure the tour description matches your expectations. I find that the more I cruise, the less I take ship-sponsored shore excursions because they don't offer exactly what I want.

For example, if you're considering a bus tour, make sure you understand how much time will be spent sitting on the bus and how much time will be at the destination or attraction, whether you will be looking at or going inside key attractions and whether there's free time to explore. If it's an activity, like snorkeling or a helicopter tour, read up on how much time is spent in transit and prep and how much time you will spend actually doing the activity.

Be sure to note the fitness level required and don't try to take on more than you're able to do. If you struggle with mobility, check to see if there's a lot of walking on uneven ground like cobblestones.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

If the tour takes place over lunchtime, check to see if a meal is included or if you have time to pick up something to eat.

Personally, I find that organized tours are best when the excursion is an activity I can't do on my own (such as kayaking, zip lining or a winery tour); when long distances are involved where I don't want to bother with public transportation or renting a car on a one-day visit; or when the culture is foreign enough that independent exploration would be tricky. Sometimes you also need an expert guide, such as in Pompeii, to know what you're seeing.

Bottom line

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but you might get the most value out of a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and remember to look at both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. And if you feel like staying on board one day while your ship is docked in a port that doesn't interest you, that's okay, too.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

What kind of shore excursion tours are offered on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean's excursions include:

• Adventure Tours - Looking for a real adventure? These excursions have you covered. Horseback riding, mountain biking, parasailing, rain forest hiking, and 4x4 off-roading are just a few examples of what you can do.
• Beach and/or Water-Related Activities - You'll find everything from a relaxing day at a secluded beach to active adventures like whitewater rafting. Choose from glass-bottom boat tours, romantic sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, kayaking and more.
• Cuisine Tours - Whether it's tapas tasting in Spain, a pub tour in Ireland, a salmon bake in Alaska or another one of our culinary adventures, these excursions will give you a taste of the local flavor.
• Flightseeing - Sightseeing from the sky is bound to give you a new perspective. Soar high above exotic waterfalls or take a helicopter ride above ice fields in Alaska. This is truly an amazing way to see the sights.
• Shows & Entertainment - Stroll through world-famous museums or sit back and be entertained. Watch native dances in Alaska, enjoy a live mariachi band in Mexico and more.
• Sightseeing and/or City Tours - Explore the ports of call on your cruise vacation with one of our Sightseeing & City Tours. Whether you're looking for a guided tour or time to explore on your own, we have something for all ages and interests.
• Snorkel & SCUBA Tours - Enter the underwater world. Learn the basics of SCUBA, or if you're certified, sign up for an advanced dive. Not ready for SCUBA? Try snuba, a shallow-water diving system, or slip on a special diving helmet and go Sea Trekking.
• Wilderness & Wildlife Tours - Get up close and personal with dolphins, manatees, moose, bear, caribou, monkeys and more. These tours that allow you to observe them in their natural habitats as well as animal adventure centers.

Guests visiting our website who have a cruise booking may view the available shore excursions for their specific sailing by  logging in to MyRoyal Cruise . 

Guests who have a  reservation with payment  may also contact 1-800-398-9819 for Pre-Cruise Planning Assistance.

Still need help? Contact Us

Get support by phone or email.

Email Your Questions

Locate a Travel Agent

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.