Shore exercursions so expensive. why?

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Princess Buttercup

If you can cancel it, do so. Shore excursions to the beach are a rip off. Grab some bagels fromthe breakfast buffet, pack a bottle of water, and hail a taxi. Get a price quote up front to go to the beach and ask them to meet you back at a certain time. It will certainly cost you less than $60 a person.

dannyborga

that's why the cruise is only 299.00 * they know you're going to drink, gamble and maybe do some shore excursions. that's where the cruise lines make the $$$$

Southern Belle

I agree with everyone's answers, but there is one thing to think about. If you are booking excursions through the cruise line, you have somewhat of a guarantee it is safe- not a hoax. When I went to Cozymel, some guests were trying to save money and take taxi's once we were on shore. I heard of so many folks saying there was price gauging, etc. and it really scared them without the security of knowing exactly where they were going.

Just as the cruise lines know they can get your money for doing excursions, so do the locals. I have never booked anything without doing it through the cruise company- and have had NO problems!

As in your example of the Bahamas, many times the cost includes your transportation to and from the beach, etc. The idea of 'oh, we can just walk it' is dillusional once you actually see where you may be walking to or walking through. Best of luck and enjoy your trip!

nopepsinocoke

Shore excursions provided on ship cruises are always rip offs.. especially in exclusive tourist destinations. desstinations like the coasta of asia are not that expensive . you get good full day trip with excellent food and activities. for 70 euros one had a visit to the backwaters(boating two hours) excellent food in a beach side hotel watch elephants and a tour to the old city . i am talking about a shore excursion in cochin.. ( you mentioned you had used swimmingpool.. probably thats why your bill got that expensive..) avoid swimming pools in tour destinations especially in excursions.. ( you have swimming pool in theship dont you?

kellymac98

These answers are totally on target. Cruise lines count on passengers spending 1/3 more on board than the cost of the cruise. The shore excursions are expensive only because they can be. I'm sure the beautiful blue water will ease the pain of expense!

_me_

You don't have to pay anything to get off the ship and enjoy the beach. It sounds like they are charging you for a party they organize, including lunch. You could have eaten on the ship, then gone and enjoyed the beach for free.

Shore excursions are never a requirement, and are always overpriced. I have been to the Caribbean/South America and it was very easy to just get off the ship and see the sights on your own. It is common to ask other people from your ship if they would like to share a taxi, to save money. The taxi drivers who wait at the dock for cruise passengers are usually knowledgeable and will take you wherever you like - you should research your port and know what you would like to see. Another option in some ports is to rent a car. I have done that in Aruba and on St. Thomas.

collie_brawny

cause Cruise lines are a rip off and they will charge you as much as possible till you leave.

rhonda d

your travel agent should tell you what islands it is safe to go on your own on...and what islands it is best to do tours with the cruise lines..
In the Bahamas...it is totally safe to get a cab and go to the atlantis on your own and use their beach...
the cruise ship is real close so a cab wouldnt cost hardly anything.
some ships allow you to cancel now...if you decide to do so...
check and see...But seriously...we as travel agents tell our clients what is safe and not safe and give them ideas what to do...to save them money...

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