Book excursions through Disney or elsewhere?

[wacowgirl]

I read somewhere (don't remember where) that it's cheaper to book through the actual excursion company than through Disney Cruise site. What has been your experience? It will just be myself doing the excursions while on my cruise. My folks want to stay behind on the ship but I want to go explore.

TIA!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I read somewhere (don't remember where) that it's cheaper to book through the actual excursion company than through Disney Cruise site. What has been your experience? It will just be myself doing the excursions while on my cruise. My folks want to stay behind on the ship but I want to go explore.

TIA!

Typically, yes, it's cheaper to book independent excursions. It just depends on your willingness to seek them out, once the ship docks. And whether you need to pay up front for them, what the independent company's policy on missed ports/refunds is.

 

[jdb in AZ]

If you're in a port that has "tendering" (ferry ride) ashore the DCL shore excursions have priority on the tender boats. They can go ashore before regular customers, and have been known to still be ashore when regular passengers are required to be back onboard, freeing up space for the returning DCL shore excursions without having to wait in long lines.

That said, it's always wise to shop around online for good deals before you sign up for DCL-sponsored excursions.

 

[randumb0]

I read somewhere (don't remember where) that it's cheaper to book through the actual excursion company than through Disney Cruise site. What has been your experience? It will just be myself doing the excursions while on my cruise. My folks want to stay behind on the ship but I want to go explore.

TIA!

Mods remove this post if it is not allowed but I use Viator.com

 

[Calantha]

We did a 12 person van tour in St. Kitts that was less than half the cost of the Disney one. I researched multiple companies and picked the one we liked best.

We did a private boat tour on Antigua because my son wasn’t old enough for any of the interesting Disney ones...so I wouldn’t say it was cheaper per se, but it met our needs.

 

[TestingH2O]

We book lots of private tours. Sometimes we save money, but often the goal is just to get a more personalized experience. If you are booking just yourself, you might not find the savings as noticeable. Occasionally we end up with the same operator as DCL uses, but that's just luck. We don't try to get the same company.

I always research the companies and check their policy if out ship can't dock for some reason. Be aware that some tour operators won't book independent guests and require you to go through DCL.

 

[wacowgirl]

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate all of your input. I found a Jeep excursion that's about $40 cheaper directly. I have a message to them regarding what their policy is and what I need to do if they allow direct bookings. We're taking a short cruise, Nassau is the first stop then Castaway Cay then back to PC. I've never been to Nassau so I really want to get out and explore while being safe since I'll be alone.

 

[wombat_5606]

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate all of your input. I found a Jeep excursion that's about $40 cheaper directly. I have a message to them regarding what their policy is and what I need to do if they allow direct bookings. We're taking a short cruise, Nassau is the first stop then Castaway Cay then back to PC. I've never been to Nassau so I really want to get out and explore while being safe since I'll be alone.

My personal opinion is since you are a single woman traveling alone, and looking at a excursion in Nassau, that you stick with a Disney excursion. Nassau has had some serious safety issues and I would not take a chance to save $40.

 

[Travel60]

If you are on an excursion through Disney and get delayed (traffic, a wreck, etc.), the ship will wait for you (or worst case get you to the next port). If you are on you own, you get left behind.

I second the thought of not going out alone in Nassau.

 

[insureman]

If you are on an excursion through Disney and get delayed (traffic, a wreck, etc.), the ship will wait for you (or worst case get you to the next port). If you are on you own, you get left behind.

This is why we normally book through DCL although on St Thomas I have rented a Jeep a couple of times at Budget. Be careful exploring on your own in some areas in the Caribbean. I would not recommend that at all.

 

[motherdaughtercruisers]

Just make sure you iron out all the details when you book! Have a great time!