| Shore Excursions Are Travel Opportunity for Cruisers
Jump Ship for Independent Tours by Well-Known Local Professionals
The Signal - Business Section, October, 2005
Sail global, explore local. The next time you take a cruise, jump ship when it arrives in port and sign up for an independently-operated sightseeing adventure with a local expert.
Rely on a native tour specialist for an insider’s view of a port and get a travel experience you’ll never forget. Rather than use your time wandering around with your guide book, or standing in line with the other cruise passengers on the ship-sponsored tour, hire a resident professional and follow the leader. Even better, plan ahead and pre-book your tour so the guide is waiting for you when you arrive and the adventure starts immediately.
In addition to their ability to modify your adventure as it progresses, the benefits of going with an independent operator also includes price, product and experience. While a quality shore excursion may be a few bucks cheaper than a similar tour booked through the cruise line, in general it will be of comparable cost. Just remember, it usually is true that you get what you pay for, and this is one adventure you don’t want to gamble on.
Most of these independent tour operators are small businesses and are unable to accommodate the volume of a shipload of passengers. So they specialize in showing their destination to small private groups and families, usually by private car or mini-van.
Because of the intimate size of an independent shore excursion, it is a very difference experience than one offered by the cruise lines. No commercialism or mass production. Vans are smaller than busses, so local guides have more flexibility with access to the places they visit and the sights they take you to see, modifying the itinerary to suit your individual needs and desires. You see a point of interest, and rather than take a left turn, you can go right to further explore a location when you’re out with your own private guide. The guides on these trips are also more accessible to travelers so you are able to get to know them better and learn insights into the local people and culture.
While the cruise lines offer exciting, fun port adventures and day trips, nothing really beats the influence of a local tour guide on the true travel experience. The best advice, do your homework and know who you’re hiring. Work with your travel consultant to pre-book quality tour operators so they are waiting for you as you get off the ship. If you plan ahead and rely on experts, the shore excursions may very well turn out to be the most memorable part of your next cruise vacation.
When your ship sails, you need to be on it and these credible guides are aware of this key fact. So say Bon Voyage to the concern of missing your ship when you engage a reputable local guide who comes highly-recommended. These professionals bank on their ability to watch the clock and get people back to the ship on time.
Whether you’re sailing south to Mexico for a week, or around the world in 80 days, get off the ship when it docks. Take a firsthand look at the unique destinations – the landscape, people, customs, food, sights and historic landmarks – with the help of a guide who lives there. Sail global, explore local.
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
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