There are wonderful opportunities for shore excursions in every port. These are always optional with extra cost. You should allow for these in your cruise budget—this cruise is an opportunity of a lifetime and you probably won't come back this way again!

But you can always do your own thing in every port. Many experienced travelers prefer to find their own sightseeing options. When you arrive in a port, often you will find local people who will take you around, sometimes as a group and sometimes just the two of you, to their local famous places. This can be risky, or it can be a thrifty way for you to see the sights. You do not have any guarantee that you will see what you want. Once you are in their cab or bus, you are dependent on the driver or escort to take you there. Be sure you agree on the price in advance, and in most occasions you will pay in advance.

You are very dependent on your driver returning you to the ship on time before it sails away and leaves you on the dock, waving goodbye to your friends! Shore excursions that are provided by the ship are guaranteed to return you to the ship on time, and are guaranteed to provide exactly what the description says.

If you get a group together, you can often negotiate a very good tour around the city. Most of the time the driver/tour escort will be dependable—after all, they make their living this way and most will not want to jeopardize their jobs! Just be sure you are well aware of the time involved for the tour—if the driver says it will take 4 hours, and you know you have to be back at the ship in 4 hours—that may be a little risky. Can you allow for the cab or bus having a flat tire? Being broken down on a little side road?

In order to find out about the shore excursions on any given cruise, please check the cruise line's Web site. Information on shore excursions should be available about 3-4 months before sailing.