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Shore excursions are the optional in-port tours and activities offered to cruise passengers for when they arrive in port. Shore Excursions can be purchased from the cruise line, from independent excursion vendors like Venture Ashore, and sometimes in port through the guides themselves.

Cruise passengers are almost always welcome to get off a cruise ship without an excursion while in port. Excursions are an optional add-on that help cruise passengers get the most out of their time on shore.

Tipping on cruise excursions is usually optional and should be determined by the level of service and your enjoyment of the excursion. If you enjoyed the excursion, the service or the guide, we recommend considering a 20% tip in North American and European regions where tipping is widely accepted. In regions where tipping is not standard, we recommend researching and following the regional recommendations for service.

Some shore excursions may require cruise passengers to bring their passports with them for the excursion. Occasionally, Passports are needed during an excursion, though typically, when required, it is because the Passport is needed to enter the region or return to the ship, through Customs in port.

Some ‘all-inclusive’ or specialty cruise lines include group shore excursions in their cruise itineraries at no extra cost.

Venture Ashore by City Experiences delivers amazing shore excursions for your cruise itinerary in over 500 destinations. Owned and privately held by Hornblower Group, the global leader in world-class experiences and transportation, Venture Ashore offers unique small group and affordable private shore excursions dedicated to bringing you the best experiences in port. Our Essential Collection is an award-winning collection of exclusive experiences expertly managed by our seasoned cruise team and local guides. Our customer-centric policies of Don’t Port, Don’t Pay and a Back-to-Ship Guarantee are included with all our excursions, and our industry-leading flexible booking with deposit and 24-hour cancellation ensure you enjoy a seamless and immersive excursion every time.

The Essential Collection is the best way to see key sites and highlights in any port destination. Essential Collection tours are personally curated and expertly managed by our seasoned cruise team and local guides. Along with small group experiences, comfortable transportation, and professional local guides sharing their knowledge, guests can be sure that they are getting the best value in shore excursions with the intricate itineraries and value-driven pricing of the Essential Collection.

Venture Ashore offers booking flexibility with easy online booking and white glove customer service available during working hours across the US and UK to ensure our guests have access to our knowledgeable team when needing more information about a tour or to book over the phone. Please call us toll free at: 844 491 4164 or 0800 091 8274.

Venture Ashore is proud to offer an industry-leading cancellation policy on all tours at no extra cost. Guests can cancel up to 7 days before the start of their tour for a full excursion refund. For guests looking for extra flexibility and peace of mind, 24-hour cancellation is available through Venture Ashore Ticket Assurance, which can be added to your booking at the time that your initial reservation is made.

Groups of 12 or more can travel in a private customized shore excursion that is organized and facilitated by a Venture Ashore Group Specialist who will personally oversee the group and provide dedicated complimentary service. Our Specialists are experts at creating amazing custom experiences with a diverse product portfolio to accommodate the interests and budgets of any size group. Visit our Groups page for more information.

For all excursions that include transportation to and from the cruise port we guarantee to get you back to your ship in time for your cruise ship’s departure. If for any reason beyond our control you are not able to return to your ship in time (road accident, extreme weather delay etc.) we will cover the cost of your transportation to the next port of call and assist in making your arrangements. Please see our terms & conditions for full details.