| Your cruise brochure will indicate which ports
will be visited
and approximately how much time and at what time of day (or night) you
will be there. You will probably receive a specific excursion
list
with your cruise docs (you may be able to book excursions in
advance...
ask your TA). The Captain makes every effort to adhere to this
schedule,
but unforeseen circumstances may delay a departure or arrival and you
need
to be understanding and flexible regarding any changes in
schedules
or itinerary.
When you arrive in your cabin you will find a shore excursion
list.
This should be completed as soon as you make your decisions.
Sometime
during the first few hours aboard there will be an Excursion
Talk by the Cruise Director outlining the various trips that have been
prearranged by the Line. You can find out:
- exactly where it goes and
- if it includes a stop you wouldn't enjoy
- how much of this time is spent (wasted) getting there
- are you likely to be seasick on the ferry ride? (Cozumel to
Playa del
Carmen
for the Tulum tour is 40 minutes one way, and can be very choppy)
- how strenuous a tour it is
- how uncomfortable you may be in the heat/cold
- if there will be adequate shade or shelter
- if you can drink the water there, or
- if beverages are provided or available
- if the trip includes a meal, or
- if you have time to stop somewhere for a meal, or
- if you will return to the ship in time for a meal
- if you will be there long enough to shop and
- if it is safe to leave your purchases in the vehicle while
you tour
- if you can leave in the middle and get back on your own
(not
recommended)
- if it might be worth it to try to get there on your own
(very likely)
- what equipment is provided (like snorkel or dive gear,
watercraft, etc.)
- about your personal safety
- about the recommended dress (some religious facilities
require you to
dress
modestly)
- what languages are spoken
- what currency (or plastic) is accepted
- what to do if you are separated from the group
- if other trips (or auto tours) be privately arranged
- what is the latest time you can return to the ship
You can sign up for these individually, or they may offer a discount
package
of two or more activities. Some of these trips are very popular
and
sell out quickly, so be sharp. Don't forget, you can usually hire
a taxi at a modest price on your own. The locals are more than
willing
to show you their home, and you will have more control over your
tour.
Two important
things...
find
out when the
ship leaves port
(it won't wait for you)
don't forget
your
boarding card
Noordam Western Caribbean sample excursions:
|
Georgetown, Grand Cayman
|
| * Stingray City Snorkel |
3 hours |
$ 34.00
|
| Reef Snorkel |
2 hours |
$ 34.00
|
| Glass Bottom Boat |
1 hour |
$ 27.00
|
| * Nautilus Semi-Sub |
1 1/4 hours |
$ 39.00
|
| Flightseeing (limited;20 min. flight) |
1 hour |
$ 69.00
|
| Atlantis Submarine (limited;45 min. dive) |
1 1/2 hours |
$ 79.00
|
| Flight and Sub (limited) |
2 1/2 hours |
$ 139.00
|
| Atlantis Submarine (deep dive, limited; 45min. dive) |
1 1/2 hours |
$ 294.00
|
| Island Drive |
2 hours |
$ 27.00
|
| Stingray City Sail/Snorkel (limited) |
2 1/2 hours |
$ 44.00
|
| Beginning SCUBA |
3 hours |
$ 54.00
|
| Certified SCUBA |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 60.00
|
|
Santo Tomas, Guatemala
|
| *Tikal by Air (non-refundable, very limited) |
10 hours |
$ 429.00
|
| Rio Dulce and Quirigua Ruins |
10 hours |
$ 139.00
|
| Copan & Honduras by Air (very limited,
non-refundable) |
10 hours |
$ 354.00
|
| Quirigua Ruins |
5 hours |
$ 84.00
|
|
Cozumel, Mexico
|
| *Mayan Ruins of Tulum |
6 hours |
$ 69.00
|
| Xcaret Maya Paradise |
6 hours |
$ 69.00
|
| *Chichen-Itza Ruins by Air (non-refundable) |
6 1/2 hours |
$ 199.00
|
| Mexico Folkloric Show |
1 1/2 hours |
$ 25.00
|
| Tropical Jeep Safari |
4 1/2 hours |
$ 79.00
|
| Catamaran Beach & Snorkel Party |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 49.00
|
| Double Reef Sail & Snorkel |
4 1/2 hours |
$ 54.00
|
| Beginners' Snorkel |
2 hours |
$ 24.00
|
| Mermaid Sub--Ocean View Tour |
1 1/2 hours |
$ 37.00
|
| Beginning SCUBA |
2 1/2 hours |
$ 69.00
|
| Certified SCUBA Diving |
3 hours |
$ 74.00
|
| Snorkeling by Boat |
2 1/2 hours |
$ 29.00
|
|
Tampa, Florida
|
| Historic Tampa Tour |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 34.00
|
Elation Mexican Riviera sample excursions:
|
Puerto Vallarta
|
| City Tour / Mimaloya Beach and Shopping |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 18.00 |
| Countryside Adventure |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 21.00
|
| Beach Party Tour |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 15.00
|
| Las Ninimas Snorkel Tour |
4 hours |
$ 36.00
|
| Los Arcos Snorkel Tour |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 39.00
|
|
Mazatlan
|
| City Tour, Beach and Shopping Expedition |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 25.00
|
| Sportfishing Tour |
7 hours |
$ 71.00
|
| Las Moras Guest Ranch |
5 1/2 hours |
$ 76.00
|
| Shopping, Beach and Lunch Tour |
6 hours |
$ 39.00
|
| Sierra Madre Tour |
7 hours |
$ 41.00
|
|
Cabo San Lucas
|
| Elation Snorkel and Sail Fiesta |
2 hours |
$ 32.00
|
| Coastal Highlights Tour |
3 1/2 hours |
$ 36.00
|
| Glass Bottom Boat and Beach Resort Tour |
|
$ 21.00
|
|
Los Angeles
|
| Coastal Tour, California Lifestyles |
5 hours |
$ 31.00
|
|
