When planning an Alaskan cruise, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to book your excursions through the cruise line or not. While it may seem convenient to simply book everything through the cruise ship, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Advantages of booking Alaska excursions through a cruise line:
Convenience:
Booking your excursions through the cruise line is undoubtedly more convenient than trying to plan everything on your own. The cruise line will take care of all the details, including transportation, tickets, and any necessary permits.
Peace of mind:
Booking through the cruise line can also provide peace of mind. If something goes wrong with your excursion, such as a delay or cancellation, the cruise line will be responsible for making alternative arrangements.
Group discounts:
Another advantage of booking through the cruise line is that you may be eligible for group discounts if you are traveling with a large group. This can save you money in the long run.
Disadvantages of booking Alaska excursions through a cruise line:
Limited options:
One of the biggest disadvantages of booking through the cruise line is that your options may be limited. The cruise line will only offer excursions that they have contracts with, which means that you may miss out on some unique experiences that are only available outside of these contracts.
Higher prices:
In addition to limited options, you may also find that excursion prices are higher when booked through the cruise line. This is because the cruise line takes a commission on each excursion sold, which can drive up prices.
Crowds:
Finally, booking through the cruise line means that you will likely be part of a larger group on your excursion. This can make it difficult to get personalized attention from tour guides and can also make it harder to hear and see everything that’s going on.
So, should you book your Alaska excursions through the cruise line? Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If convenience and peace of mind are your top priorities, then booking through the cruise line may be the best option for you. However, if you’re looking for more unique experiences or want to save money, then it may be worth exploring other options. Whatever you decide, make sure to do your research and consider all of your options before making a final decision.
- Tip: Check out local tour operators in port cities for unique excursion options that may not be available through the cruise line.
- Tip: Consider booking excursions in advance to ensure availability and potentially get better prices.