Excursion Question - Expensive?!

[hereigns]

How much in advance can you book excursions? I have been going over West Coast cruise excursions and they seem expensive to me, more than the Western Caribbean ones we did last year. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I'm not sure about how far in advance you can book through DCL. As far as cost goes, booking almost any excursion through DCL will be more expensive than just doing it on your own. There are benefits to using DCL though, as there are in not using them. Personally we've never booked anything through the ship. We've always found companies that offer the same type of excursions at sometimes half the cost, and you don't have to deal with the cruise ship cattle call type crowds. One example is when my DH and friend did the two tank dive in Grand Cayman, it cost 30.00 pp less than the same thing through DCL, and there were only 4 other people on the dive. It was a small, out of the way place, the my husband said the dive was incredible. We booked it through a separate online company. Then again, booking through DCL might give you the security and confidence you might be more comfortable with.

 

[KelNottAt]

It is my understanding that you can book your excursions 90 days in advance - but only if your trip is paid in full. The DCL website currently has the Mexico west coast excursions listed - including prices, departure times, and durations.

As for booking through the ship or on your own, I firmly believe you can save money by booking on your own. Ironically, I will book through DCL since I have neither the time nor self confidence to research and compare quality activities and tours on my own.

Good luck!
Kelley

 

[LiserAnn]

You can visit www.shoretrips.com for some none DCL excursion options. I don't know if they have any bargains there...looks pretty competitive to the DCL prices. If you're interested in horseback riding a lot of DISers said www.randishappyhorses.com in Mazatlan is recommended in cruisecritic.com.

I would agree, the prices for the Mexico excursions are overpriced. In fact, we wanted to do the Pirate Cruise in PV-I checked the company out on the web before DCL announced it would be one of their excursion options. Well, their prices on their website is $60A/$30C with a 15% online discount for booking. DCL's price is $62A/$52C...the child price has a 75% percent mark up. You can't book directly because DCL signed a contract with them and has all the available spaces. Of course I'm disappointed they're gouging us, but I love Disney, so I'll get over it......

 

[pppiglet]

Ironically, I will book through DCL since I have neither the time nor self confidence to research and compare quality activities and tours on my own.

I'm with you on this one!