We get this asked from time to time, so I thought I'd just give my opinion as to what I think are some reasons a person might want to use the ship's dive excursion or make their own arrangement, so here goes
The way shore excursions work is that the cruise line contracts with companies at each port of call to provide the shore excursions which the ship sells at a profit. In most cases, you can make your own arrangements and cut out the cost the cruise line adds to the trip.
Pros of making your own arrangements, at least for diving:
Cons:
Going with the ship's excursion
Pros:
Cons:
I hope this will help others decide which to choose, as there is no one right answer for everyone, every time.
The way shore excursions work is that the cruise line contracts with companies at each port of call to provide the shore excursions which the ship sells at a profit. In most cases, you can make your own arrangements and cut out the cost the cruise line adds to the trip.
Pros of making your own arrangements, at least for diving:
- usually cost less
- not limited on bottom time, dive your own profile
- can choose a smaller boat which will be less crowded
- can have a voice in decided the dive site
- smaller operator, more personal service
- better choice for more advanced divers
- you can shore dive if you want, which is much less expensive and not dependent on someone else's schedule. Grand Cayman is especially good for this, but it is possible at other ports of call.
Cons:
- more work for you to make plans, get to the meeting place
- you might have to provide your own transportation to the meeting spot, be that a dive shop or a dive boat at a dock.
- ship won't wait if you are late, but being late is highly unlikely
Going with the ship's excursion
Pros:
- easy planning
- gear is often included (not always, so check to be sure)
- good choice for the once a year cruise diver
- transportation to/from the dive boat should be included.
- you get to dive with other people from your ship
- ship will wait if you are late ( this does matter to some people)
- easier logistically at some ports, especially Belize, or if you arrive in port too late for the morning dive boats from private operators
Cons:
- Usually cost a bit more, sometimes a lot more
- usually larger boats which can usually mean more people, but not always
- usually predetermined dive sites
- usually bottom times are predetermined, or everyone has to surface when the first person is low on air.
- dives are often follow-the-leader type dives, which is especially annoying for advanced divers or photographers
I hope this will help others decide which to choose, as there is no one right answer for everyone, every time.
