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How to book shore excursions on celebrity cruises?

Looking to book a shore excursion on Celebrity Cruise? Find out how to book it and what are the things to consider.

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Celebrity Cruises have designed a multi-faceted shore excursion. These shore excursions have been specially built on accessibility, multi-day basis to extended overnight stays. An excursion that is all-inclusive and exclusive too, created to suit the needs of everyone on board. You can enjoy all-alone private tours with your special tourist guide, or engage in similar interest group excursions.

Keep scrolling to know how to book the best-suited shore excursion for you on the Celebrity Cruises.

Booking a Celebrity Cruise

Here are some things that can help you book the best cruise tour on a Celebrity Cruise ship:

  • Celebrity Cruises offers three different types of shore excursions. To book a shore excursion , you can visit the official site of Celebrity Cruises. You will find the price lists and different itineraries of shore excursions on Celebrity Cruises.
  • The ship offers you a private excursion, which is a tour you can create on your own, and tailor to best suit your interests. Besides, there is an array of exclusive amenities for you to enjoy. Moreover, you will have the provision of a personal driver to drive you to the most happening places in the port destinations. 
  • Thereafter, the small group discoveries excursion is designed for a few individuals. These are unique in facilitating tours for people enjoying a similar interest. And, last but not the least, the destination highlights excursion promises by leading you to see iconic and must-visit landmarks of the destination .

Also Check:  What are the 4 perks on Celebrity Cruises?

What things to consider while booking shore excursions on Celebrity Cruise?

Follow the headers provided below, to avoid any hiccups in your cruise trip and to ensure a lifetime of an experience:

Check for the captain’s recommendation

  • Celebrity Cruises have opened up new and unique Captain-curated shore excursions.
  • The Captain-curated tours are a special shore excursion tour to cooking lessons in Olympia, a foot-food walking tour in Mykonos, pottery classes in Rhodes, the old town of Corfu, and more exciting ports. As a person of value who travels more and has more experience of the shores, excursions recommended by him are a must-to-follow.
  • Itineraries for captain-curated excursions are for smaller groups of people. These are highly custom-tailored tours made to offer you the best experience and the uniqueness of it all.
  • Book your tickets in advance It is recommended to book your excursion tickets before boarding the ship. Advance booking helps to keep your day organized. You can check out all the essentials that you may carry.

Know what interests you

  • Celebrity Cruise offers a plethora of mesmerising and unique shore excursions. These excursions are made of a diverse mix of different activities. These activities take into account — serving the interests of all passengers on board. 
  • A rainbow of activities are offered — from rejuvenating spas for your mind and body, sampling the finest culinary delights, experiencing local traditions and cultures, aquatic adventure sports, wildlife tours, panoramic views of forests and volcanoes, to sightseeing iconic sites of the destinations. 
  • Choose the perfect excursion that fits right for you, by discovering the different excursion trips offered by Celebrity Cruises. Knowing ahead of the kind of tours it offers and finding the ones that you consider worth visiting, will help make your trip a uniquely memorable one. 

Before venturing on any excursion tour, do take a close look at the reviews and testimonials of other visitors. This will help you carefully choose your option. Therefore, know what drives your interests and make the best choice of the multiple exciting shore excursion tours. Also,  check the itineraries of different tours. This will keep you aware and will let you know what’s coming your way at the destination ports.

For any other details, check the site of CruiseBooking.com .

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shore excursions with celebrity cruises

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Extraordinary Shore Excursions

Ignite your sense of wonder, inspiration, and adventure

Shore Excursions with Celebrity Cruises

Connect to the world in ways you never imagined and embark on an excursion perfectly tailored to your interests. Whether you're looking for a private, customizable experience, a carefully curated guided tour with a small group, or an unforgettable trip to iconic local landmarks, we have the right option to discover any destination, granting in-depth knowledge, expertise, and a truly extraordinary experience.

More Than 280 Breathtaking Destinations. Three Perfect Ways to Explore.

CREATED BY YOU

Create personalized tours and explore a range of exclusive offerings. Get insights from expert local guides who will drive you to the region's most memorable places.

DESIGNED FOR A FEW

Explore the best in every port with a select group of like-minded adventurers. Spend more one-on-one time with your guide, and develop a deeper appreciation of each destination you visit.

LOVED BY ALL

Experience each city's must-see landmarks and iconic sites through shore excursions that ensure you check the most important items off your bucket list.

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At Your Service

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Already booked on a cruise? Book shore excursions in Cruise Planner.

Tours tailored to your interests.

Experience city highlights, iconic ruins, natural wonders or beautiful beaches on excursions customized for your specific needs.

SUSTAINABLE

Help preserve the destination and support the local community on tours that emphasize local history, culture and environment.

Enjoy more time discovering each destination’s extraordinary treasures, during extended tours with overnight stays.

Nourish your mind, body and spirit with tours that include a range of authentic experiences—indigenous healing practices, detoxes with local muds and minerals, destination-specific fitness, and more.

Savor authentic flavors or sip on the most popular drinks of each destination, during unique tasting experiences.

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of each destination on your exciting itinerary, while connecting with the locals.

Add some excitement to your cruise with thrilling zip line rides, white water rafting, hiking in the mountains, and more.

Spend the day on the water, sailing in a catamaran, snorkeling or scuba diving near majestic coral reefs, and reeling in some fish.

Relax on pristine white sands, stroll down the coast and observe local wildlife, or work on your tan as you sip a tropical cocktail.

SIGHTSEEING

Explore the destination's most iconic places and take exceptional selfies as you check famous local landmarks off your bucket list.

Join other animal lovers in your group for up-close looks at your favorite land-dwelling and aquatic creatures in their natural habitats.

FLIGHTSEEING

Soar above glorious forests, frozen lakes, magnificent glaciers and active volcanoes for panoramic views of nature's beauty.

CAPTAIN-CURATED SHORE EXCURSIONS

Enjoy these unique excursions that are recommended by our captains to ensure you experience the destination the best way you can.

Testimonials

These are some of the great things our guests are saying about booking their shore excursions with Celebrity

"Booking your shore excursion through the ship is by far the best way to go. Each one is well thought out and has a special attention to detail that create lasting memories of a lifetime"

By Jennifer M.

"Try the shore excursions. At Cozumel, we chose Chaak Tun and it was exceptional. This was a ferry ride to the mainland and a visit to the cenote. James our guide was very knowledgeable, entertaining and helpful. The excursion included swimming the underground water, going through caves and caverns, meeting with a medicine woman (this was fantastic), a wonderful lunch and a final tequila tasting. Do not miss this excursion. It was the highlight of our trip"

By Barbara R.

*Shore Excursions can be cancelled or modified up to 24 hours prior to scheduled tour departure for a full refund. Excludes tours involving flights, trains, special events, overnight stays, hotel stays, Celebrity Exclusives, Multi-day Adventures and Private Journeys. These must be cancelled 30 days prior to sailing to avoid cancellation penalties. Celebrity reserves the right to cancel/honor the tour operator’s cancellations and provide a full refund to the guest folio. Cancellations will be refunded in the original form of payment: onboard credits will be applied to your account, and credit card, debit card, or other form of cash equivalent payments will be credited back to the original form of payment within 30 days. Shore excursion specific restrictions apply. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. The excursions, transfers and excursion packages are operated by independent contractors and Celebrity Cruises Inc. shall not be responsible for any damage, loss, injury or death arising out of any services provided by such independent contractors. Celebrity Cruises Inc. responsibility does not extend beyond the vessel and all arrangements made for or by the passenger for shore side excursions, transportation or activities are at the passenger’s risk. ©2021 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. In addition to the purchase terms and conditions, you are required to accept a health acknowledgment prior to participating in all approved shore excursions.

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Disembarkation: Everything You Need to Know

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: April 27th, 2024

Disembarkation port - Fort Lauderdale

  • Find a Cruise

Make the most of the day in your disembarkation port, which will run all the more smoothly with a little preparation and planning.

Disembarking a cruise ship is not the same as checking out of a hotel on your last day. Disembarkation day is a carefully choreographed event. It has to be, with sometimes 2,000 guests or more and their luggage to move from the ship to the cruise terminal and beyond in a short time.

Your Celebrity Cruises crew are highly experienced in this logistical exercise, though, and will do all they can to make that bittersweet goodbye as easy as possible.

What is a disembarkation port?

Disembarkation port - Fort Lauderdale

A disembarkation port is a port where a cruise ends. Most passengers will leave the ship here, apart from those who have booked back-to-back cruises.

The ship will then be “turned around”—cleaned top to bottom, refueled, and re-provisioned with everything that’s needed for the next voyage.

Once all the disembarking guests have left, after a brief lull, new arrivals will begin to check in, ready for the next cruise.

Typical disembarkation ports tend to be gateway cities with good air and road access, like Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida; Cape Liberty, New Jersey; and San Juan, Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.

In Europe , disembarkation ports include Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Southampton, England. Sydney, Australia and Singapore are two of Celebrity’s disembarkation ports in the Asia-Pacific region.

What happens on disembarkation day?

People aboard Celebrity Solstice

Disembarkation day is a busy day on a cruise ship. You’ll be invited to put your luggage outside your stateroom the night before. It will be collected by the crew overnight and will be waiting for you in the terminal when you leave the ship.

You’ll make sure your final bill is settled the day before, pack your carry-on luggage, and have breakfast. When your pre-allocated disembarkation time comes, make your way to the gangway.

You will then identify and claim your luggage in the terminal, clear customs, and take whatever onward transportation you’ve arranged.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Embarkation Day

How will I know on board what to expect on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation port - Guest Services

Towards the end of your cruise, there will be a talk on disembarkation procedures. This will be shown on your stateroom TV, too, in case you miss it. You’ll also find details in the daily program.

You will already have been asked about your arrangements on disembarkation day. These might include a transfer to the airport arranged by Celebrity Cruises, or a shore excursion that ends at the airport.

You may have made independent plans, in which case you will need to add your flight details to the form you’ll be given, or the time your private pickup is booked.

A day or so before the voyage ends, your stateroom attendant will deliver a disembarkation letter and a set of colored luggage tags. The letter will tell you what time you are due to disembark. On the day, you will be called by group number or color code. You should stick to these staggered times to avoid congestion at the gangway.

If you’re not happy with the time you have been allocated, take it up with Guest Services as soon as possible rather than waiting until disembarkation day.

Do I have to put my luggage out for collection the night before disembarkation?

The vast majority of cruisers put their luggage outside their stateroom door, color-tagged and locked, the night before disembarkation. It’s more convenient and practical, as dragging heavy bags into crowded elevators and down a sometimes steep gangway is no fun for anybody.

Woman packing luggage

But if you feel strongly about hanging onto your bag, or are perhaps traveling light with only a small wheelie on a short cruise, you can opt for “self disembarkation”. This usually means you can leave the ship as soon as disembarkation has begun.

How long can you stay on the ship on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation port - Celebrity Ascent's Infinite Veranda

Disembarkation day isn’t a time to linger on board as the crew has to work hard to prepare the ship for the next voyage. Normally, there’s a window between around 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for disembarkation. If your flight isn’t until much later, you will be given a later slot in this window, but this isn’t a day to expect to sleep in.

If you’ve booked a back-to-back cruise, you can relax on board during disembarkation day, or join a shore excursion while the new guests are checking in.

You will normally be asked to vacate your stateroom by 8 a.m. so the stateroom attendant can prepare it for the next guest. If your allocated disembarkation time is later than this, there will be public areas on the ship where you can relax with your carry-on before you leave.

Read: The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

How early can you get off?

A ship will usually only have a short distance to travel from its penultimate port to the disembarkation port to account for any delays or weather issues; no cruise line wants to arrive late on turnaround day. So you may find you’re docked alongside very early in the morning.

But the ship has to be cleared by the local authorities before anybody can leave. Luggage has to be offloaded, too.

When you book your cruise, you will be told about the earliest reasonable flight departure time to choose. A very early morning flight, for example, is usually impractical. If you do have a relatively early flight, this will be factored in when disembarkation groups are allocated.

Disembarkation times vary from port to port, but it is unusual for the process to begin any earlier than 7 a.m.

Is there time for breakfast?

Woman enjoying coffee from Café al Bacio

Of course! You are still on vacation and will never be sent away hungry. Most of the usual breakfast venues will be open, including Café al Bacio for coffee to go.

Restaurants may be busier than usual as everybody is preparing to leave within the same short timespan, and some people may have already left their staterooms and will be carrying their hand baggage with them.

Read: What Is Food on a Cruise Really Like?

What documents do I need for disembarkation and customs?

You will need your passport and receipts for any duty-free goods you have bought, in case you get stopped at customs. Normally, the ship will have been cleared by the local immigration authorities, but you may still be required to show a passport to officials when you disembark.

If you have already checked in for your flight and feel happier with a paper boarding pass, you can print this out in the ship’s internet center. If you’ve parked your car at the port, make sure you have the receipt and know where it is.

You will also need your SeaPass key card to leave the ship for one last time.

How long does it take to get off a cruise ship?

Disembarkation port - Fort Lauderdale

If everybody follows the instructions they have been given and shows up at the gangway when invited, getting off a ship is quick and easy. You should be able to disembark in 15 to 30 minutes, including collecting your baggage in the terminal.

There can be delays, though, and the ship is at the whim of the local immigration authorities. This is another compelling reason for leaving plenty of time between your scheduled disembarkation time and your flight home.

If you have booked an airport transfer or a disembarkation day tour with Celebrity, your transportation will wait until everybody is present.

How do I choose the right disembarkation port for my cruise?

Couple exploring Barcelona, Spain

First, to be clear, you can’t choose where to disembark your cruise. Unless there is some kind of personal emergency or you have booked two back-to-back cruises, everybody disembarks on the same day in the same port.

It’s worth thinking about where your cruise ends, though, and what you might want to do to extend your vacation. If, for example, you’ve always wanted to see Athens and you’ve booked a cruise that ends in the Greek capital, you’re not going to actually see Athens unless you extend your stay there. The transfer from the port to the airport will not take you through the city center.

The same applies to Rome and Barcelona . So by all means pick a disembarkation port that you want to see, but bear in mind that unless the ship arrives there the day before the end of the cruise, you will need to add on a night somewhere, or book an evening flight and plan your day carefully.

Can I arrange transportation from the disembarkation port to the airport or other destinations?

Port of Southampton, England

Yes, of course. Celebrity Cruises offers airport transfers, which can be pre-booked, either as a group transfer by coach or a private car or van. If you haven’t pre-booked and decide that you would like an airport transfer, this can be done on board through your Guest Account or the Celebrity Cruises app up to five days before the end of the cruise.

In the vast majority of disembarkation ports, taxis will wait to pick up independent travelers. But do your research first; in some instances, the airport is a long way from the seaport. If you disembark in Southampton, England , for example, the drive to London Heathrow Airport is at least one hour and a taxi will be expensive.

What happens if my flight is in the evening?

Couple in a resort in Puerto RIco

An evening flight means you have the whole day to enjoy your disembarkation port. But this needs to be planned, as you will most likely have luggage. There’s no fun in going straight to the airport and sitting there for eight hours or so—and your flight check-in will not be open, in any case.

There are various ways to make the most of your time in your disembarkation port. You could go to the airport and deposit your bags in a left luggage locker and then take off for a day in town. This is only practical if the airport is not too far from where you want to go, though.

Booking a day room in a hotel is an option and also means you can freshen up before your evening flight. Be sure to book somewhere that will allow early check-in.

Celebrity Cruises offers tours with airport and sometimes rail station and downtown hotel drop-offs in most ports. In Sydney , for example, you could join a city tour taking in the Opera House and Bondi Beach before being dropped off at the airport.

From Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, Italy , there’s the option of joining a wine-tasting tour in the Italian countryside before heading to the airport.

If your Alaska cruise ends in Vancouver , you could take a trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, deep in the forest, that ends with an airport drop-off.

Couple exploring Denali National Park in Alaska

Best of all, you could extend your stay. Celebrity Cruises offers a comprehensive City Stays program , which means everything will be organized for you.

In Alaska , you could pre-book a Cruisetour to extend your vacation, heading off to the wilds of Denali National Park to see a different face of the 49th state.

What are some things not to do on disembarkation day?

  • Don’t pack all your clothes in your suitcase and leave it for collection the night before. Nobody wants to be disembarking in their PJs.
  • Similarly, don’t pack your travel documents in your checked luggage. Keep them with you as you may need to show your passport in the customs hall.
  • Don’t party too hard on your last night; while it’s tempting, disembarkation day is busy and comes with an early start, so a clear head helps.
  • Don’t forget the valuables that you put in the safe on the first day.
  • Don’t wait until disembarkation morning to check your final bill. If you need to ask questions about your account, this will delay your disembarkation. You can view your statement on your stateroom TV.
  • Do not expect to use the ship’s facilities on disembarkation day; this is not the time for a last swim or a workout, and the onboard shops will be closed when the ship is in port.
  • Don’t leave your key card in your stateroom. You will need it to leave the ship for the last time.
  • Leave the bathrobe. The slippers are yours to take, but if you walk off with a bathrobe, the cost will be added to your account, even after you have left the ship.

Read: Things Not to Do on a Cruise

Disembarkation port - Celebrity Ascent Infinite Veranda

Ready to plan your next cruise vacation? Browse our itineraries and plan your dream escape.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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shore excursions with celebrity cruises

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  • Celebrity Cruises

How do I download shore excursion brochure?

kenevenpar

By kenevenpar , October 4, 2016 in Celebrity Cruises

Recommended Posts

3,000+ Club

I remember being able to download a PDF of ShoreEx. I may be missing it, but I cannot seem to locate anything on =X= web. Any ideas?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

TexSea

Go to http://www.celebritycruises.com/plan-a-cruise/shore-excursions and there's a "download shore excursions brochure" button about half way down.

Hope this helps!

bbappel

Or call Celebrity and they will send it to you via e-mail. I tried to download it and failed, but as soon as I spoke with Zoe at the Captain's Club and she sent it right away.

  • 3 months later...

Am I right to assume that you can only download the brochure when the final balance has been paid. I've tried the button as described but just get an error.

We are a group of friends travelling and we found it easier to plan excursions the last time when we had a paper copy.

bbeltmom

I haven't been able to download for a couple of years now. Just call the Captain's Club and they will email it to you as suggested previously.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I wanted to avoid having to phone - my experience of calling in the UK in the past has just left me exasperated so I try to do everything on line.

bigbenboys

I downloaded the PDF after final payment. It will be part of the e-doc.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Forums mobile app

Celebrity has a pdf file on their US website that tells how to do it, step by step.

(I don't know whether or not it has something similar on their website for other countries.)

When I used it, I first needed to click a link to temporarily disable a popup blocker, because I got a message at the top of my screen telling me that a popup blocker was preventing it from loading.

It is not necessary to make final payment, or even to have a reservation for the cruise at all, for that matter.

You don't even need to log in to your Celebrity account.

The only information you need to enter is ship name, sail date, and currency you will use.

I also downloaded the pdf file for the excursions to my own computer, and suggest doing that (if you have the available space) so that so you can access it again easily whenever you want to look at it without needing to be online or having to go through all the steps again.

I will list the steps I followed below the link, but think it would be good if you can click the link and look at the pdf file because it has illustrations.

How to Access Shore Excursions Downloadable Brochure.pdf

Step 1 - Visit http://www.celebritycruises.com

Step 2 -Click on Shore Excursions link under the main Onboard menu in the main navigation bar at the top of the home page, which will take you to the Shore Excursions landing page

Step 3 -Once you reach the landing page, scroll down until you see the clickable Download Shore and Land Excursion Brochure button.

Step 4 -After clicking the link, you’ll be directed to enter information about your sailing to access the specific brochure associated with your itinerary.

Step 5 -Submit the appropriate information, and browse available excursions for your sailing

caribill

Am I right to assume that you can only download the brochure when the final balance has been paid. I've tried the button as described but just get an error.  

No. You can download it any time it is available.

We downloaded ours over a year before the cruise and over 9 months before final payment.

However, that far in advance it is not totally complete or accurate.

Failing to do that is the main reason most people have trouble downloading the brochure.

The UK Website does have an option to download excursions for a specific cruise, that's where the error occurs. Even if you disable the pop up blocker it still doesn't work ,so I'm back to square one

Anne, out of curiosity, I just tried Celebrity's UK site at

http://celebritycruises.co.uk

It brought up a different screen from the US site that I described previously, but scrolling down the first page about half way (below the world map), on the right side is a picture of a couple on a motorcycle by the coliseum,

and it has a link that says " Shore Excursions > "

I clicked that link, and the next screen had a picture of a hot air balloon.

I scrolled down and found a link below right in the center of the screen that says

" VIEW ALL SHORE EXCURSIONS "

When I clicked that link, it switched me to the US website.

Scrolling down just a short way on the right is a link to

Download Shore Excursions Brochure for specific sailings

and clicking that on the US website, it should work for you just as it does for us here in the USA, as described in post #8.

But IMPORTANT: you can't just click the link above here in my message -- I tried that, and it brings up an old plain black and white form that no longer works if I do it that way.

So if you get that one (it says Loading... at the top), just close it and try again.

The new form that works correctly has a blue box border around it, and the blue box opens first, before the print appears.

For that matter, it may be easier if you try starting from the US website to begin with: http://celebritycruises.com

Thank you varoo!

Anne, out of curiosity, I just tried Celebrity's UK site at   http://celebritycruises.co.uk   It brought up a different screen from the US site that I described previously, but scrolling down the first page about half way (below the world map), on the right side is a picture of a couple on a motorcycle by the coliseum, and it has a link that says " Shore Excursions > "   I clicked that link, and the next screen had a picture of a hot air balloon. I scrolled down and found a link below right in the center of the screen that says " VIEW ALL SHORE EXCURSIONS "   When I clicked that link, it switched me to the US website.   Scrolling down just a short way on the right is a link to   Download Shore Excursions Brochure for specific sailings   and clicking that on the US website, it should work for you just as it does for us here in the USA, as described in post #8.   But IMPORTANT: you can't just click the link above here in my message -- I tried that, and it brings up an old plain black and white form that no longer works if I do it that way. So if you get that one (it says Loading... at the top), just close it and try again.   The new form that works correctly has a blue box border around it, and the blue box opens first, before the print appears.     For that matter, it may be easier if you try starting from the US website to begin with: http://celebritycruises.com   Good luck!    

Yes I have found that link - when I click the link for "Download Shore Excursions Brochure for specific sailings", I get the error so the site doesn't seem to be directing back to what it should from the UK site.

I tried to use the .com address but got redirected to the .co.uk website

Sussex Cruiser

Doesn't work for me either... response is "Request unsuccessful: error"

The website is an absolute joke these days, nothing works!

Doesn't work for me either... response is "Request unsuccessful: error" The website is an absolute joke these days, nothing works!
Yep. Agreed.

villauk

I'll third that :D. I appear to be able to log into some of my reservations to view shore excursions, dining etc., but not others :confused:. I keep getting an error message and being logged out for 20 minutes - not managed to get into the reservation at all :(.

patty1955

I just download the brochure for our 2018 cruise. Like it says above, go to: http://www.celebritycruises.com/plan-a-cruise/shore-excursions

Click on the button " Download Shore Excursions Brochure for specific sailings "

TURN OFF YOUR POP-UP BLOCKER

Enter your sailing information and click submit.

I just download the brochure for our 2018 cruise. Like it says above, go to: http://www.celebritycruises.com/plan-a-cruise/shore-excursions   Click on the button " Download Shore Excursions Brochure for specific sailings "   TURN OFF YOUR POP-UP BLOCKER   Enter your sailing information and click submit.

Done all that - still doesn't work

I think we have established that you can do this from the US website but not from the UK

Done all that - still doesn't work   I think we have established that you can do this from the US website but not from the UK

I don't know if this is the case for the UK website, but the US site used to only work when logged OUT of your My Celebrity account.

Maybe that's worth trying? Good luck!

Sorry that it didn't work for the UK people the way it does for us here in the USA.

As noted previously, when I try to do it from the UK site, part way through it switches me back to the US website, and from there on it works for me just the same way as when I start out on the US website.

But apparently not if you are in the UK, even if you are on the US website.

Very strange!!

Let's hope that someone else will find another way to do it from the UK and post the solution here.

I don't know if this is the case for the UK website, but the US site used to only work when logged OUT of your My Celebrity account.   Maybe that's worth trying? Good luck! Jane
Thanks for the suggestion but tried it logged in and not logged in without any sucess

Sorry that it didn't work for you.

Today I got an email from Celebrity reminding me to book my on shore excursions .... with the same link to download the brochure ....which doesn't work!!

You couldn't make it up if you tried :) :confused:

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Caribbean Shore Excursions

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Caribbean Shore Excursions Let You Feel the Island Vibe

It’s a fact: There’s nothing like a Caribbean cruise for chilling out, kicking back, and leaving real life behind for a bit, and it’s also a fact that booking Caribbean shore excursions is the perfect way to exponentially increase the chill factor.

On every port of call in the Caribbean , cruise excursions offer luxury options for amazing experiences: Choose beach breaks at private resorts on Punta Cana, Costa Maya, St. Croix , or Barbados to name a few, offering pristine beaches, pure pampering, and plenty of drinks; book a day of sailing from St. Thomas, Grenada , and other islands, aboard beautifully appointed yachts or catamarans, viewing the islands water-side as you glide across calm seas and bays with stops for swimming right off the boat, exploring remote beaches, and feasting on champagne and seafood; when docked at Philipsburg, St. Maarten , day-trip-it to St. Bart’s, often said to be one of the most elite islands in the Caribbean, with its 14 gleaming, white-sand beaches, chic restaurants, and designer boutiques that rival New York’s Madison Avenue.

Book Caribbean shore excursions to experience the most extraordinary watersports on each island port of call: Find your snorkel paradise in the calm, shallow, crystal-clear waters off Grand Cayman, St. John ,or Klein, Bonaire, as you swim around protected coral reefs and colorful tropical fish; scuba dive at amazing sites around Curaçao, Dominica, and Bonaire ; swim with stingrays at Grand Cayman , Curaçao, and Antigua, swim with dolphins at Punta Cana or with green sea turtles at Basseterre, St. Kitts, or Barbados ; cruise on a specially outfitted boat to spot dolphins and whales at St. Lucia .

When you schedule Caribbean shore excursions expect to be captivated by an island’s natural beauty: the raw power of Punta Cana ’s Blue Lagoon; the sheer limestone cliff and the spectacular view from the Cueva Ventana (Window Cave) in San Juan, Puerto Rico ; the Mountain Top on St. Thomas , with its breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands; the three-in-one Concord Waterfalls at Grand Etang Lake on Grenada.

As you cruise the Caribbean, get to know the islands’ distinguishing cultures and exciting cuisines through tours like “Mojitos and Mofongo” at San Juan; “Mount Gay Rum Experience” in Barbados; “Around the Island of Spice” on Grenada; “At Home Cooking with Chef Nicole” on Antigua; “Caribbean Cooks” on St. Kitts; and “Island Roots and Chocolate Traditions” in Cozumel . Experience tours and tastings of the Caribbean’s favorite spirit, rum in San Juan, Barbados, Martinique, and St. Croix.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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How much does a cruise cost in 2024.

Use this guide to learn more about cruise pricing and how to figure out the total cost of a cruise.

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

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With the rising cost of everything, cruise fares – some even as low as $27 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables. Unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

Find your perfect cruise

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $109 per person in an interior cabin for a four-night Bahamas cruise up to $101,199 per person for an entry-level suite on a 168-night world cruise – and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

  • A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November ranges from approximately $270 to $2,600 per person.
  • A seven-night Alaska cruise in May ranges from approximately $250 to $1,700 per person.
  • A seven-night Mediterranean cruise in June ranges from approximately $620 to $2,300 per person.
  • A seven-night Mexico cruise on the Pacific Coast in January ranges from approximately $470 to $700 per person.
  • A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October ranges from approximately $490 to $1,100 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Bed in cruise ship cabin in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Mass market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues and several types of nonalcoholic beverages (such as nonbottled water, iced tea, juices, hot coffee and tea), as well as the ship's pools, gym facilities, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

For more perks, you can splurge on a suite or a higher room category. With Celebrity's Concierge Class, for example, you'll be treated to amenities such as a welcome lunch, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, personalized concierge service, an exclusive destination seminar, pillow selection upon request, laundry service and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also get priority check-in and boarding, a private welcome reception, free Basic Surf Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge with complimentary food and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) served throughout the day, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as the MSC Yacht Club, The Haven by Norwegian or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer a mostly all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a secluded pool deck, priority reservations for specialty dining, VIP seating for entertainment, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

Guests of MSC's Yacht Club receive the line's Premium Extra Beverage Package, which covers premium liquors, fine wines and Champagne in the Yacht Club and at most other venues on the ship. Accommodations in The Retreat on Celebrity also include premium beverages throughout the ship. If you're staying in The Haven by Norwegian, a beverage package is not covered in the pricing, but Norwegian frequently advertises its "Free at Sea" package, which includes free unlimited bar, free specialty dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, discounts on excursions and other perks.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that covers airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate (such as the Norwegian package mentioned above), while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary.

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships . You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slide on Norwegian Viva . It would take a full week (or more) to explore all the entertainment options aboard Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Icon of the Seas – or all the new entertainment offerings and attractions on Princess Cruises' latest addition to its fleet: Sun Princess.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Solo travelers may pay more

Back of woman holding her hat, with her scarf flying in the wind, on a cruise ship

If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo staterooms, as do other cruise lines. Check out our guide to the best solo cruises with no supplement fare .

These smaller accommodations – typically ranging from around 100 to more than 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC, Cunard and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

'Kids cruise free' promotions can help families save

Smiling woman holding laughing daughter on a cruise ship in the Norwegian fjords

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for children on select sailings.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages. Regent's regular fares typically start at around $3,600 per person for a seven-night cruise, so this is a significant savings. This fare also includes unlimited complimentary shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line. Regent even has a current promotion where kids sail free on a selection of seven- to 20-night itineraries in Europe and the U.K.

Food and beverages are another expense to consider

Dining Room Buffet aboard the abstract luxury cruise ship. breakfast with sea view

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues, alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on many ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship.

For an example of the savings with a food package, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 and $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $135 or more for dinner, such as the adult venues on Disney Cruise Line's ships. Other restaurants feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these venues may not include gratuities, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price.

Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi Gelati and Chocolate.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive.

Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a specific brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

It's important to know that there are a few select venues and bars on some ships that do not accept a beverage package, so you'll have to pay extra for drinks at those places. For example, MSC's ships have several signature venues that do not accept drink packages, such as Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Lavazza coffee shops and Venchi 1878.

Norwegian offers a package that covers top-shelf beverages and select bottles of wine and Champagne, Starbucks coffee, bottled water, soda, specialty drinks and other beverages. You'll need to budget around $138 per person per day for this option – and an additional 20% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer. For more information, consult our guide on the drink package options for major cruise lines .

Bundle pricing

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers the "Have It All" package, which encompasses a $100 shore excursion credit, the Signature Beverage Package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and the Surf Wi-Fi package for a six- to nine-day cruise. If you're sailing for 10 to 20 days or even longer, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

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Additional costs on a cruise ship

glass of wine and bottle of wine with a spectacular sunset in the background

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship. Examples include Norwegian's racetrack, Viva Speedway; high-tech attractions like the Robotron thrill ride and the XD cinema on MSC Seascape ; and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT.

See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access to certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more, starting at about $15 per person per day. The cost increases to roughly $20 per person per day with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

The last option, Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan, starts at around $19 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "All Included" fare includes basic internet and a classic drink package, which the line says can save you potentially hundreds of dollars. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from around $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

  • Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion that will allow you to arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride over the active volcanoes and waterfalls in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. If these types of experiences are not in your budget, look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These activities are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Many of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on board. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

Suitcase with flippers on top on a rocky beach, with ocean in background

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

  • Base cruise price
  • Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
  • Specialty dining
  • Food and beverage packages
  • Optional activities (such as spa treatments or extra-fee entertainment on the ship)
  • Miscellaneous expenses (such as meals and beverages ashore)
  • Air or ground travel to the port
  • Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's 12 all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate between 930 to 998 guests based on double occupancy – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to the spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have alternative dining options at no extra charge, plus free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line , so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

All-inclusive cruises

Cruise ship balcony deck with railing and red lifebuoy

Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary unlimited shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare (depending on the destination).

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All door-to-door and port-to-port Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, an open bar, gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports and movies under the stars.

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Caribbean in December 2024 round-trip from Miami with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive cruise fare with suite accommodations starts at $7,398 ($3,699 per person). There are additional perks and savings available, depending on the level of accommodations you book and if you combine this cruise with another voyage. You can also check with a travel agent specializing in cruises to see if they have access to other promotions.

For a Silversea cruise in December 2025 that sails round-trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, the all-inclusive port-to-port cruise fare starts at $9,800 for two people ($4,900 per person) in suite accommodations. Contact a travel agent before booking to see if they can offer upgrades or additional amenities.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own. Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, a cruise on a small luxury line may suit you well.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. Cruising is one of her favorite ways to travel and she hopes to book an extended cruise to see the rest of the world someday soon. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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  • How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
  • Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which Is Right for You?
  • The Top Cruise Insurance Plans
  • Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

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    Your Celebrity Cruises crew are highly experienced in this logistical exercise, though, and will do all they can to make that bittersweet goodbye as easy as possible. ... If you've booked a back-to-back cruise, you can relax on board during disembarkation day, or join a shore excursion while the new guests are checking in.

  19. Shore Excursions for Celebrity Ascent sailings

    Celebrity Ascent shore excursions that are higher quality than cruise line offerings--at substantially lower pricess. Enjoy a more intimate cruise tour experience away.. ... Select your itinerary below to see shore excursions for that cruise sailing, or call: 1-866-578-7508 or 1-954-449-6309 between 9-5 Eastern time for expert advice to help ...

  20. How do I download shore excursion brochure?

    Step 2 -Click on Shore Excursions link under the main Onboard menu in the main navigation bar at the top of the home page, which will take you to the Shore Excursions landing page. Step 3 -Once you reach the landing page, scroll down until you see the clickable Download Shore and Land Excursion Brochure button.

  21. Caribbean Shore Excursions & Cruise Excursions

    It's a fact: There's nothing like a Caribbean cruise for chilling out, kicking back, and leaving real life behind for a bit, and it's also a fact that booking Caribbean shore excursions is the perfect way to exponentially increase the chill factor.. On every port of call in the Caribbean, cruise excursions offer luxury options for amazing experiences: Choose beach breaks at private ...

  22. The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

    Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions. Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise.

  23. How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

    Mass-market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line - and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line ...