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Cruise Excursions Are a Rip-Off If You Don’t Know These 5 Hacks!

Optimal Cruising
Optimal Cruising
🥈Expert
👁️ 3K views📅 4 months ago⏱️ 12:13
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I met another passenger who did the same snorkeling excursion that I did in Kazumel in the exact same spot. And he paid $120 per person, while I only paid $60 per person.

If they don't get you back to the ship in time, they will not only pay for your hotel and transportation to get to the next port of call to get back on your ship, but they will also compensate you $1,000 for your trouble.

I had three people with me. So that's four of us doing a car rental, total cost of $100. And we did Kazumel on our own.

If you have six people splitting $300, that's $50 per person, that's a lot cheaper than you'll pay for most other excursions.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Consider DIY excursions by renting a car at the port to explore on your own.
Check the weather before your excursion and cancel for a refund if conditions are poor.
Split costs with others by renting a private car or van for a group excursion.
On some port days, stay on the ship or explore on foot to avoid excursion costs.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Fear of missing the ship if not booking with the cruise line.Independent shore excursion providers are reliable and have never caused missed ships; the fear is instilled by cruise lines to make more money.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow can I avoid overpaying for cruise shore excursions?
QWhat are the best alternatives to booking excursions directly with the cruise line?
QHow can I save money on shore excursions?
QWhat should I do if I'm worried about missing the ship?

Topics Covered

Pool Deck3 Happy BaconValue Pricing3 Sad BaconExcursions1 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Bise2 Happy Bacon
Costa Maya3 Happy Bacon
Dominican Republic3 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
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Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Don't overpay for your cruise shore excursions! After decades of cruising, I've learned a few tricks and these will save you hundreds on every cruise. Excursions should be better than the cruise lines make them and much less expensive. Give me 10 minutes and I'll show you how to do your shore excursions right! 🌴 Plan Your Cruise Like a Pro: 🧭 Book with My Recommended Cruise Travel Agent ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11926423 🛳️ Shore Excursions Cheaper and Better with Viator ➡️ http://vi.me/xqeDJ 🛳️ Shore Excursions Group GUARANTEES You Won't Miss Your Ship ➡️ http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1806165&data=garynancyward@gmail.com 🛡️ Travel Insurance I Personally Recommend ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11454010 ⚠️ These are affiliate links, which help support the channel at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I’ve used or truly believe in! 👍 SUBSCRIBE for weekly cruise vlogs, tips, secrets, savings, and reviews from our cruising family. 🎥 Watch more videos from @OptimalCruising — we’re here to help you cruise smarter, save money, and have more fun at sea! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - Cruise Line Mark-Ups 04:33 - DIY Excursions 06:40 - Weather Check 07:42 - Cost Splitting 09:20 - When Not To Book 🔍 Hashtags: #FirstCruise #cruiseexcursions #cruisetips 📢 Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!