Private Touring Ashore
Where to join the line’s tours, and where a private day is better.
Talk to a Luxury Cruise ConsultantPrivate Touring Ashore: Planned Port by Port
Days in port are often the reason for the voyage. A consultant plans them port by port, deciding where the line’s own touring is the best option and where a private car and guide will give you a better day.
Three Ways to See a Port
The line’s included or standard tours
Simple to book, timed around the ship’s schedule, and the line waits if the tour runs late. Group size varies by line.
Small-group or premium tours
Smaller groups, a special-access visit or a longer day, at extra cost on most lines.
Private car and guide
Your own schedule and your own interests. Best for families, couples with a specific goal or travellers who move at a different pace.
How a Consultant Decides
- Is the port a tender port, where the ship’s own tours may get priority on the boats ashore?
- How long is the ship in port, and is the main sight close or a long drive away?
- Does the line already include a tour that covers what you want to see?
- Is anyone in your party limited in walking, heat or long coach rides?
- Would a quiet day on board suit you better in this port?
When you book touring independently, it is your responsibility to be back on board on time. A consultant builds in margin and chooses operators used to working with cruise schedules. To browse tours by port, see Shore Activities and, for European ports, Europe Port Excursions.
Touring Questions
Do luxury lines include shore excursions?
Some do. Regent Seven Seas includes unlimited shore excursions in every port, with its smaller “Regent Choice” tours at extra cost. Viking includes one guided tour in each port on its ocean ships, with premium tours extra. Many other lines charge for most excursions.
Is a private tour worth it?
In ports where you want to go at your own pace, visit somewhere specific or travel with a group of family or friends, often yes. In ports where the included tour covers what you want, it may not be.
Matching the Day to the Traveller
First visit to a great city
A guided day, private or small-group, helps you see the essentials efficiently and understand what you are looking at.
Return visit
A private driver to a single place you missed last time, or simply a morning on your own in a favourite neighbourhood.
Food and wine lovers
A market walk, a cooking class or a vineyard visit, timed to be back well before the ship sails.
Slower pace
Shorter outings with frequent rests, a private car with a flexible plan, or a day enjoying the ship while it is quiet.
A consultant also thinks about the rhythm of the whole voyage. Three busy tour days in a row can leave even keen travellers tired; mixing a full day with a lighter one usually makes a better trip.
Plan Your Days Ashore
Send us your itinerary. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest where to join the line’s tours and where a private day makes more sense.
Plan My Ports