Should I reserve my shore excursions? Are the Shore Excursions physically challenging? What is included in Shore Excursions? What time and where do Shore Excursions depart? How do I avoid "Missing the Boat?" What mode of transportation is used for Shore Excursions? From the ship to city centers, will transportation be available? Is It necessary to tip our Guide/Driver? Can I get more information about the ports we'll be visiting? Do I miss meals when I go ashore? What attire is required? Is there time to shop? What is required to pay for Shore Excursions? Is golf available on my Cruise Vacation? Should I reserve my shore excursions? Shore excursions are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Please purchase them as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment.Some shore excursions can accommodate only a limited number of participants. Shore excursions for the following are booked when you get on board ship:Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii, and Panama Canal . A complete description of the tours should be available with your documents. Book them as soon as possible with the Shore Excursion Desk. Itineraries like Europe and the Orient allow you to book them in advance. You will receive a complete description of your tours and a shore excursion order form close to your final payment date. Some lines require you to prepay, others will simply bill your shipboard account. Are the Shore Excursions physically challenging? It really depends on the tour itself because most tours require some degree of walking; however, some excursions require extensive walking. Some of the cities you'll be visiting are ancient. sSme cities and old towns do not allow vehicles and are pedestrian only. Visit the Shore Excursion Desk to find out which tours are more physical than others.This is also listed in the brochures. Comfortable, low-healed shoes are highly recommended. What is included in Shore Excursions? Transportation according to the itinerary, and meals, refreshments, guides, and entrance fees as indicated in the tour description book are included . Fares for shore excursions are subject to change without notice. What time and where do Shore Excursions depart? The ship's staff will be on hand to assist you to the departure point when the ship has anchored.Most tours depart from the pier adjacent to the ship's berth. Prior to arrival in each port of call, departure times will be confirmed by the ship's staff or daily activity bulletin. How do I avoid "Missing the Boat?" Make arrangements to be back aboard your ship no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, which is listed in the daily bulletin and at the gangway as you leave the ship. It will be your responsibility to secure transportation and return to the pier on time if you don't make it. The scheduling of all shore excursions conform with this requirement. What mode of transportation is used for Shore Excursions? Excursion companies utilize the best quality transportation possible in each port. Standards of transport vary considerably from country to country; however, air-conditioned vehicles are not always available. If you wish to travel together with friends, leave the ship together, as this will help the tour staff allocate space in the same vehicle. From the ship to city centers, will transportation be available? Some cruise lines offer shuttle bus service in those ports that are located a 1/2 mile or more away from the closest city center and do not have adequate local transportation available. Finding local transportation is not a problem in the Caribbean, however, there are many ports in Europe that are not located in the city center. Is It necessary to tip our Guide/Driver? An accepted guideline is $1 per person for a half day and $2 per person for a full day. Offering a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional, however, if you were pleased with their services the personnel may anticipate that you will reward them monitarily. Can I get more information about the ports we'll be visiting? The Port Lecturer on most cruise ships will hold informative talks on each port of call you visit. If you still have questions, they will be glad to answer them. You should also do a little research on your destination before you go either at your local library or bookstore. Do I miss meals when I go ashore? On some full day tours, your return on board may not coincide with meal hours. A buffet, snack, or room service is usually available all the time. Tour departure times complement the ship's meal service hours, so you can enjoy your meal aboard then go ashore on your excursion. What attire is required? It is recommened that you attend the port lectures for guidance.Some countries have more conservative ideas about dress than you're accustomed. It is suggested when visiting places of worship (cathedrals), you dress conservatively, avoiding shorts or sundresses, as not to offend. Guests should always consider wearing comfortable walking shoes at all times. When visiting ruins or walking on cobblestone streets, wear rubber-soled shoes. It is also smart to wear a sun hat and bring sunscreen. Is there time to shop? Shopping time is allocated, whenever possible, within the time allotted for excursions. Tours are usually not designed primarily for shopping. What is required to pay for Shore Excursions Your tours will be added to your shipboard account, with the exception of Royal Caribbean, who allows you to pre-pay for their Shore Excursions. Charges are settled at the end of your cruise. Family Cruise Discounts, FamilyCruiseDiscounts.com. DFWCruises.com