Better to book shore excursions ahead of time?

[Desiree00]

In 10 days, wow yes only 10 days (!) we will be leaving to the Bahamas on the Celebration. This is my first cruise and you all have been extremely helpful in answering questions. One that I have is whether or not I should book excursions ahead of time, or wait until I get to the island. I know it is a better deal to wait, but is it really risky to do that?

Thanks!

[teachabcdee]

It is much better to book now! Especially if you have specific excursions in mind. I have had friends that waited and were not able to go on the excursion they wanted because it was booked. I am taking a cruise in July and I am booking mid May.

[Andrealovescruising]

hi Desiree. Do you know what excursions you would like to participate in? If you are set on an excursion, yes, book it on-line now. We have found on past cruises that many sell out ahead of time. It also avoids you having to stand in line at the excursion desk, 10 people deep, only to find out, when it's your turn, that the excursion has completely sold out. It doesn't happen often, but we have seen people leaving the desk bummed out. If the excursion gets cancelled due to inclement weather, your account will be credited the full amount. A'ndrea

[cruizinallthetime]

Desiree)) - We are going on the Liberty in September - I have already booked my shore excursions. I don't want to miss out and there are some that I REALLY want to go on. Better to book them early.

[SnoopGirl]

Desiree:
Welcome aboard! My husband and I are going to the Bahamas on the Celebration in June and it is our first cruise too!! I hope you have a blast and PLEASE write back and let me hear all about the ship and how you liked your trip!! See ya

[Jim C.]

You do not get any better of a deal if you book early or wait. So that isn't the issue. If you book outside the cruise line offered excursions then you should book before the cruise to ensure you can get into one (i.e. Captain Marvin's Sting Ray tour in Grand Cayman). You can most likely still get into a non ship excursion if you just show up on the pier, but why risk it.

The ship booked excusrions can and do fill up, so if there is something you feel you must do, then go ahead and book now. BUT here is my tip for the ones you don't know you want to go on. Before you get to port, Carnival will have an "excursion seminar" where they go into pretty good detail on each offered excursion. Go to that to help you decide which one you want to try. After that let out (or even during) the shore excursion desk will form a huge line... don't stand in it. Go to your cabin and book your choosen tour through the TV booking system. It will be charged to your sign and sail card either way, but this way you do not have to wait in line AND you may beat someone onto a tour before it can fill up.

[cruizinallthetime]

Excellent Tip Jim C...I did not know you could just book them on the TV in your room. Thanks