Cruise Excursions vs. DIY: How We Explore Ports on Our Own!
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
These excursions can almost double or triple the cost of your whole cruise and they can be very expensive, but people book them because they are terrified of missing their ship
It's usually cheaper if you do it yourself and I think it's more authentic because you get a chance to really explore the local culture
I always try to get back at least 2 hours before the ship is supposed to before, you know, we're supposed to be back. That way you have wiggle room
Creator's Tips & Advice
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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 methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Are cruise excursions worth the high price? Learn how to navigate port days without overspending on overpriced shore tours. Many travelers book cruise excursions without realizing how quickly these costs add up against their total cruise budget. This guide breaks down the reality of planning your time off the ship and whether booking through the cruise line is actually necessary for a successful trip. We analyze the common pitfalls of port days so you can make informed decisions before your next sailing. If you want to maximize your cruise cost savings, understanding the difference between organized tours and independent exploration is essential. By planning your own port days, you gain more flexibility and keep more money in your pocket. This video is for anyone looking to enjoy their destination without the financial stress that often comes with standard cruise excursions. Subscribe for weekly cruise travel breakdowns, and tell us in the comments if you prefer booking tours or exploring on your own. Music featured in this video: Ryan McCaffrey_Go By Ocean - Two Gong Fire Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Ship Excursions - Pros & Cons 03:16 DIY - Pros & Cons 04:05 My Blueprint 08:33 Perfect Itinerary 09:42 Non-negotiable 12:36 When do we do a ship excursion? #carnivalcruiseship #nclcruise #princesscruiseship #msccruise #virginvoyages ------------------------------------------------------------------ THINGS WE TRAVEL WITH (Amazon affiliate links) Contigo Travel Mug https://amzn.to/4sPPdtX Magnetic Night light for cruises https://amzn.to/3Nuf2zv Handwrist lanyard https://amzn.to/42Nffm6 Crossbody travel purse - https://amzn.to/4n0bJfH Carbon Monoxide detector - https://amzn.to/46Euwqt Sleep headband - Kevin - https://amzn.to/4ntovUY Trenise - https://amzn.to/3VNvrzW Amazon Fire tablet - https://amzn.to/3KpbOM9 Laundry bags - https://amzn.to/4pR2IYR Baby white noise sound machine - https://amzn.to/4gO01Dk Portable charger - https://amzn.to/3VOziNf Day backpack - https://amzn.to/4pMu2Hv Walking sandal - Teva Sandal - https://amzn.to/46t02Jj Seabands - https://amzn.to/3IO1BIC Toiletry bag – female https://amzn.to/4pLxpi7 30-day pill organizer https://amzn.to/470dggG Compression bags - https://amzn.to/46AoYNC As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. ----------------------------------------------------- Travel Tools that we use: GetYourGuide - https://getyourguide.tpo.li/S1tdwACs Viator - https://viator.tpo.li/a2F3ulTe Airalo - https://airalo.tpo.li/JEnj4mDL ----------------------------------------------------- Travel Credit Cards that we frequently use: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card - https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226j/BCCTWYWWFV Chase Sapphire Preferred https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19u/MM8X2BL3IN#preferred Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/delta-skymiles-platinum-american-express-card?ref=KEVINWqpFp&XL=MNANS United Credit Card https://www.referyourchasecard.com/215d/J68HH1K0TV IHG - https://www.referyourchasecard.com/210y/73YQA9FK7E ----------------------------------------------------- Youtube Course If you are over 40 and are interested in learning how to create a successful YouTube channel, this is the course that I took (Affiliate Link): https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/courses/youtube-after-40?ref=9db633 Legal Disclaimer: This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or immigration advice. Laws and regulations change frequently. Always make sure that you have assembled a qualified team who can assist you with your individual circumstances before making any decisions. "TravellingWests" and its presenters are not liable for actions taken based on this information. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Thanks so much for watching and supporting our channel.