How Much Do Excursions Cost on a Cruise?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning on taking a cruise, one of the things you may be wondering about is how much excursions will cost. Excursions are a great way to explore the ports of call during your cruise and experience different activities and sights.

However, it’s important to budget for these excursions as they can vary in price depending on the activity and location. Let’s take a closer look at how much excursions typically cost on a cruise.

What are Excursions?

Excursions are organized tours or activities that take place during your time in port. These can include anything from sightseeing tours, to snorkeling adventures, to cultural experiences. Excursions are organized by the cruise line or third-party companies and can be booked before you set sail or once you’re onboard.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Excursions

The cost of excursions can vary depending on several factors such as:

Location: The location of the port can affect excursion prices. For example, excursions in Europe tend to be more expensive than those in the Caribbean due to higher operating costs.

Type of Activity: The type of activity you choose will also affect the price. For instance, a walking tour may be less expensive than a zip-lining adventure.

Duration: The length of an excursion will also impact its cost. Longer excursions will generally be more expensive than shorter ones.

Inclusions: Some excursions may include meals or transport while others may not have any inclusions at all.

Costs of Excursions

Excursion costs can range from around $50 per person for a basic tour to several hundred dollars for more extensive activities such as scuba diving or helicopter rides. On average, most excursions cost between $100-$150 per person.

It’s important to note that while some excursions may seem expensive, they often include things such as transport, meals, and equipment rental which can add up if you were to do it on your own. Additionally, booking through the cruise line ensures that you’ll be back in time for departure and won’t have to worry about any mishaps along the way.

Tips for Saving Money on Excursions

If you’re looking to save money on excursions, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Book early: Excursions booked in advance tend to be less expensive than those booked once onboard.
  • Research third-party companies: Sometimes booking with a third-party company can save you money compared to booking through the cruise line.
  • Consider free activities: Some ports have free activities such as local markets or beaches that can be just as enjoyable as paid excursions.

Conclusion

Excursions are an important part of any cruise experience, but they do come at a cost. By understanding the factors that affect excursion prices and following some money-saving tips, you can budget accordingly and still enjoy all that each port has to offer.