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Flexible Cancellation: Up to 24 Hours Before Tour
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Back-to-Ship Guarantee
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Highest Quality Tours: The Essential Collection
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Don’t Port, Don’t Pay Security
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Book with Low Deposits
Exclusive benefits so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.
Group Leader Travels FREE*
Secure with Low Deposits
Customize your itinerary
A courtesy Groups Specialist will assist
Only at Venture Ashore
Group Shore Excursions with Venture Ashore
We make creating and booking your group shore excursions easy because we believe the most memorable experiences are those that are shared together.
Groups of twelve or more can work with our dedicated Groups Department and Group Specialists to create affordable, custom excursions that are perfect for the group. The best excursions are those that are taken together, and we can’t wait to assist you and your group in creating your custom experience.
Sweet Benefits with Venture Ashore Groups
Groups are made easy with Venture Ashore! Hear more from COO, Rinat Glinert, and Groups Specialist, Joy Baer, in this Porthole Cruise and Travel interview with Bill Panoff.
Why should your group travel with Venture Ashore?
Specialists in the art of Group Travel
Everything you need for a custom group experience.

Dedicated Group Specialists to Assist
A dedicated team of knowledgeable group specialists, with over 60 years of experience in the industry, are on hand to help you create the perfect itinerary for your group, and throughout your experience with Venture Ashore.
Exclusive Group Rates & Amenities
Wherever possible, our group itineraries come with perks. Whether it’s exclusive rates only available through Venture Ashore or expertly negotiated amenities and special inclusions to your itinerary, our carefully curated group itineraries will always put affordability and your experience ashore first.


Our Always-True Guarantees
As with all of our shore excursions, groups enjoy our Back-to-Ship Guarantee, Don’t Port, Don’t Pay Policy and our industry-leading 7-Day Cancellation Policy that allows you to cancel, for a full refund, up to 7 days before your tour.
Flexible Booking & Low Deposits
We’ll make booking easy for you and your group with our low deposits, flexible payment options, and flexible cancellation policies. We’ll provide you with your own group web page so everyone in the group is informed and your Groups Specialist will handle all logistics. Group bookings have never been this easy!


Custom Experiences & The Best Itineraries
The Groups Specialist working with you will be helping you find and choose the best experiences for your group. Custom itinerary building and negotiating on your behalf are included in the service our specialists provide, and the boutique experience of a custom itinerary is sure to make it a memorable experience for you and your group.
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Already Part of a Venture Ashore Group?
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New Group Inquiry
Submit a commitment-free inquiry to be connected to a Group Specialist who can tell you more about working with Venture Ashore Groups and help you create your group’s perfect custom itinerary.
Contact one of our Venture Ashore experts now
FAQ
Can Group Leaders travel free?
Yes! With Venture Ashore, the Group Leader travels FREE* for groups of 20 or more, when booked through the Venture Ashore Groups Department. For information on our Exclusive Group Rates, Group Leader Travels Free program, or how our specialists can customize itineraries and more for groups of 12 or more – submit an inquiry on our groups page. Full Terms and Conditions on Group Leader Travels Free available here.
Is it cheaper to book group excursions on the ship?
Groups are highly encouraged to book their shore excursions well in advance of their cruise departure to ensure the best rates and experiences for the group. The larger the group, the more difficult it will be to secure availability on the limited capacity shore excursions being sold on the ship, if at all.
By booking ahead, your group itinerary will be customized for your group members and will include best available rates, amenities, and any other benefits our Group Specialists can secure for you.
With Venture Ashore’s Low Deposit and Flexible Cancellation Policies, groups of 12 or more can secure their excursions with a 25% deposit and feel free to cancel any time up to 7-days before your scheduled excursion.* Full details on these policies and promotions are available in our terms & conditions.
What is considered a group for a cruise shore excursion?
12 or more passengers is considered a group when working with the Venture Ashore Groups Division.
What are shore excursion options?
Your options for shore excursions are nearly endless! Whether you’re looking for the perfect family bonding activity or private, behind-the-scenes access and boutique experiences, our group specialists can plan it. Many of our group requests include a combination of excursions at our exclusive group rates, and some of our favorite manages groups have included include snorkeling in the Caribbean, hiking Glaciers in Alaska, exclusive access to historic sites and locations, and diving into the local culinary arts with a cooking class in Tuscany.
What is Shorex in cruise?
“Shorex” on a cruise is typically referring to the shore excursion vendor available to you through the cruise line. They are usually on board the ship and coordinate reservations for the ship shore excursions.
Can a group do more than one shore excursion in a day?
Yes – with enough time in port, our Group Specialists can customize itineraries to include any number of activities or experiences, while securing exclusive group rates and including additional amenities wherever possible.
Who is Venture Ashore?
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.
What is the Essential Collection?
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.
How can I book?
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.
Can I cancel?
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.
Do you offer group shore excursions?
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.
What is the Back-to-Ship-Guarantee?
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.