3 days ago
Here's the most important thing to know about taking a cruise this fall
Cruising this fall? Here's the number one thing you need to know about planning your trip.
Whether you're dreaming of kayaking beneath Norwegian fjords or ziplining through rainforest canopies in St. Lucia, the key to a seamless cruise experience often comes down to one strategic move: booking your shore excursions well in advance. Not only does early planning secure you a spot on the excursions that excite you most, but it also adds a layer of security and peace of mind that last-minute bookings simply can't match.
The mistake I made with my fall cruise booking
For the last three years, my sister and I have been dreaming of going on Viking's Empires of the Mediterranean cruise, a dreamy 10-day voyage from Venice to Athens. We've been planning the trip in our heads (and over the phone) for several years, and we officially signed up for the trip a few months ago.
This weekend, we finally went in to book our shore excursions, only to find that many of them were already sold out. Are you kidding? Our trip is three months out! It never occurred to us that other travelers would be booking this far in advance and we actually thought we were way ahead of the curve.
Free vs. upgraded shore excursions
Viking is a very reputable cruise company so they would never leave their guests hanging, unable to book a shore excursion. In fact, their Viking Inclusive Value package guarantees you'll get a free shore excursion at every stop in addition to included meals and free wine and beer at lunches and dinners. It's a great deal, so we will still be able to get on a free shore excursion at each port, but many of the prime tour times are already booked up and some of the best upgraded shore excursions (which are available for an additional cost) are already sold out.
Cruise excursions fill up fast
Cruise excursions often fill up fast—especially those that blend limited capacity with high demand, like snorkeling over Belize's barrier reef or joining a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ephesus. In my case, it's a visit to Croatia's Krka National Park, which has gone viral on social media for its astounding collection of 17 waterfalls.
I was able to score the last spot on a hike in Santorini (a bucket-list destination for me), but there was no room for my sister, which is a bummer. Viking still has plenty of spots available on other excursions in Santorini, but my sister and I would have loved to do the hike together so shame on us for waiting so long to book.
When to book shore excursions on a cruise
Cruise lines typically open up their excursion bookings a few months before departure, and the most sought-after experiences are usually the first to go. By locking in your activities early, you're more likely to get that once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour in Alaska or wine tasting in a Tuscan vineyard rather than settling for a less inspiring backup option.
Because the booking opening date varies from company to company and cruise to cruise, confirm as soon as you book your cruise how soon you will be able to book excursions. Then, schedule a calender event (either on a digital calender or via a reminder in your paper notebook) so you don't forget to sign up.
Why book shore excursions directly through your cruise operator
Beyond availability, booking through your cruise line offers a major logistical advantage: guaranteed return to your ship. Cruise-operated tours are designed to align with the ship's schedule, meaning they won't leave without you if your group is delayed. Independent operators, while often appealing for their competitive prices or niche offerings, can't offer the same assurance. Missing the ship's departure isn't just stressful—it can be costly and potentially derail the rest of your voyage.
There's also the matter of quality and vetting. Cruise lines have a vested interest in partnering with reputable, well-reviewed tour operators that prioritize safety, professionalism, and enriching experiences. While some independent tours are exceptional, others can be hit or miss—especially in ports with limited regulation. Booking early through your cruise line helps you avoid that gamble.
Why you should prioritize booking cruise shore excursions
Think of shore excursions as more than a way to fill time off the ship; they're an extension of your journey, deepening your understanding of each destination. Whether it's watching artisans handcraft pottery in a small Greek village or trekking through a Patagonian glacier field, these moments often become the heart of your travel story. And the best stories usually begin with thoughtful planning.
To make the most of your trip, spend time researching each port ahead of time - even if you haven't even officially booked your departure yetThen, schedule a calendar event (either on a digital calendar or via a reminder in your paper notebook) so you don't forget to sign up.. Cruise forums, destination blogs, and even the cruise line's own excursion descriptions can offer valuable insight into what's worth prioritizing. Consider your interests, energy levels, and appetite for adventure—then reserve your excursions as soon as they open up.
Planning ahead doesn't just save you from the stress of last-minute decisions; it elevates your entire cruise experience. From the serenity of a pre-dawn kayak paddle to the exhilaration of climbing an ancient fortress wall, booking early ensures you won't just see the world—you'll experience it fully, one unforgettable shore at a time.
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