Cruise line shore excursions vs independent tours: Which is better?

USA Today

17-06-2025

Cheryl Maguire
TourScoop.com
AI-assisted summary
Independent excursions can be cheaper than cruise line options, offering significant savings for families.
Independent tours may offer more flexibility and unique experiences not available through the cruise line.
Booking through the cruise line offers peace of mind regarding timing and safety, while independent excursions require more research and carry potential risks.
'What do you want to do when we're in Roatán?' my sister asked. Fourteen of us were traveling together on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) trip from New Orleans, with a stop in Roatán, Honduras.
At first, we considered booking excursions through the cruise line. I had done that on a previous NCL cruise in Europe when I was on an adventure with only one daughter. But this time, I was traveling with my family of five, and with most excursions averaging $100 per person, a single day trip would cost us over $500, which wasn't in our budget. My two sisters faced a similar dilemma. Another challenge was that the cruise-line excursions didn't include all the sights and experiences we wanted to fit into one day. So, the three of us started researching independent tour companies.
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I had previously written an article for AARP about evaluating travel reviews. Using the expert advice I learned from writing the article, I read reviews of tour excursions on multiple sites like Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic and Facebook cruise groups. After much discussion and research among the sisters, we decided on a tour that cost only $40 per person and included all the sites we wanted to visit. Best of all, with 14 of us, we had a private tour and fit comfortably in one van. Our experience was incredible and we were glad that, in this instance, we went with an independent tour company.
But a lot of thought and weighing of benefits and risks went into the decision. To help you shortcut the process, here's my overview on the pros and cons of booking excursions independently versus going with the cruise line's shore excursions.
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Cons to booking independently
▶ You could miss the boat
Possibly missing the ship's departure time was a major concern for us when deciding how to book our excursion. If you arrange a tour independently and it runs late, there's a real risk the ship could leave without you. But when you book directly through the cruise line, they typically wait for their groups to board, even if they are late. NCL's website assures, 'You'll never miss the boat with a Norwegian Cruise Line Shore Excursion.'
Ultimately, we decided the risk was worth it. The tour company assured us it understood the importance of returning us on time. Since our excursion was essentially a private tour, we also had the flexibility to return to the ship whenever we wanted. Plus, in all the online reviews, no one mentioned missing their ship's departure.
▶ You might have safety concerns
Since we were in a foreign country, I had some concerns about safety. If something went wrong, would the tour operator be able to help us? Most cruise lines vet their tour operators, so you know they're reliable and safe to use. After doing our research, we felt confident we would be in good hands with this tour company, so we went for it, and felt safe and cared for the whole time.
▶ It's not as seamless as going through the cruise line
One thing I loved about booking a shore excursion through the cruise line is that it's easy and seamless. I could even use onboard credits to pay for it. Another convenience was that the excursion bus was waiting for us right next to where we disembarked.
When we booked independently, it wasn't as simple. The tour company wasn't allowed near the cruise terminal, so we had to walk through a busy area filled with shops and tourist crowds before leaving the enclosed port zone. Once outside, we were immediately surrounded by people shouting, all trying to sell tours or offer cab rides. It was overwhelming until I spotted our guide holding a sign with my name on it.
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Pros of booking independently
▶ You can have a private tour
Most independent tour companies will accommodate you with a private tour if you're traveling with a large group. This gives you control over how long you spend at each location and, in some cases, even allows you to choose where you want to go. We loved having this flexibility and the chance to visit places the cruise line didn't offer, like the Iguana Park. It ended up being my daughter's favorite experience of the entire trip, so I'm really glad we included it. Plus, we felt comfortable knowing we would return to the ship on time since we decided the return schedule ourselves.
▶ You may save money
Most of the cruise line excursions cost over $100 per person, while we paid just $40 each. With five of us, that added up to a savings of more than $300 for our family. If we didn't have that option, we wouldn't have been able to afford an excursion. If you're traveling with a larger group, you might even be able to negotiate a better rate, as tour companies are often eager to secure your business.
▶ You get an insider perspective
One of the reasons we love to travel is that we enjoy meeting people from different cultures and learning about their lives. On our tour, one of the guides who grew up in Honduras shared insights about the differences between the mainland and Roatán. For example, while Spanish is the primary language on the mainland, English is more commonly spoken on Roatán due to its unique cultural history.
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Which one is better?
Whether you book a shore excursion through the cruise line or independently, the key is to choose what best fits your budget, group size, and comfort level. When we were in Europe with just the two of us, I preferred going through the cruise line. But when we were traveling as a family of five and part of a larger group, it made more sense to book independently. Both options have their advantages, depending on your circumstances. What matters most is stepping off the ship and immersing yourself in the incredible places you've come so far to see. After all, those onshore adventures are often where the most memorable moments are made.
​​Cruise line shore excursions vs. independent tours: Which is better? originally appeared on TourScoop.com.
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