Having taken dozens of cruises over the years, I've been fortunate enough to visit many tourist attractions, but not all of them were worth my time.

These places I'm talking about are called "tourist traps", and they're sites that attract a lot of tourists.  There's a debate what exactly counts as a tourist trap, but I think you know one when you see one.

Usually they're very crowded, expensive, and in mostly designed primarily for tourists.

Sometimes popular and well-known sites are worth the trip, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Every tourist in the city probably tries to visit it, but it's a great place to people watch and enjoy an afternoon in and around the tower.

Here are some of the most overrated tourist attractions I've visited.

Times Square

If your Royal Caribbean cruise begins from Bayonne, New Jersey, your first instinct might be to tack on a visit to New York City before or after the cruise, but you're wasting your time in Times Square.

Unless you're headed to this part of Manhattan for a Broadway show, I'd steer clear of it.  Times Square is insanely crowded (even for Manhattan standards), has overpriced restaurants, scammy souvenir shops, and probably the most expensive hotels in the city.

There's a lot to love about exploring New York, and you can find better restaurants, cultural sites, activities, and generally fun activities elsewhere.

Definitely don't book a hotel in Times Square, because you're overpaying in order to be close to the area.  With New York's easy to navigate subway system, it's much better to get a hotel elsewhere in Manhattan to save some money. Not to mention a hotel outside of Times Square is almost certainly going to be quieter.

If you've never been and simply want to see it, my advice is hop in a taxi and drive through it.  With all the traffic, you'll get a good sense of it all without subjugating yourself to the hoopla.

Maho Beach

Maho Beach is the famous Caribbean beach where you can stand on the sand and watch airplanes land overhead. You've probably seen plenty of photos or videos of people that look like they're mere feet away from the plane.

The problem with Maho Beach is there is absolutely no shade at all, and that means you will profusely sweat under that hot Caribbean sun while you wait for a plane to arrive.  Sure, there's the ocean to wade in, but the beach is extremely narrow, somewhat rocky, and the hundreds of other people there trying to do the same thing will make it less than idyllic. 

There's one bar nearby, the Sunset Grill, which at one time would allow female patrons drink for free if they went topless.  Not sure if that's still a thing there.

While the planes landing overhead are indeed neat, there's a lot of waiting in-between on a beach with very few facilities or service. 

Depending on the day you're there and what time you make it out, you could be waiting over an hour for a plane to land.

Not only is Maho Beach a tourist trap, it's flat out dangerous.

Unfortunately a few tourists have died here in an effort to get close to the airplanes as they prepare to take off.

What happens is they try to hold onto the airport fence as a plane engages their engines for takeoff.  The jet blast hits the fence and people can go flying, leading them to hit their head on the way down and perish.

A good alternative is to book a daypass to the Morgan Resort nearby.  You can watch planes landing easily from their expansive and beautiful pool.

Space Needle

Another pre-cruise tourist trap is going up to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle.

The first time I took an Alaska cruise, I went with my family to see the Space Needle because it seemed like a must-do.

It's an interesting piece of history, but you can totally get by with a photo of it while on the ground rather than paying for a pass to get to the top.

Passes are expensive and the lines are long.  While you do get a lovely view, I feel like it's just not worth the wait and crowds to contend with in order to get there.

You'll spend hundreds of dollars to go in an elevator ride to a crowded platform for a nice view, only to be dumped into gift shop at the end.

Fun fact, the Space Needle was actually the inspiration for Royal Caribbean to build the Viking Crown Lounge on its ships.

Restaurants near popular attractions

Whether I'm in Europe, Alaska, or the Caribbean, you can bet the restaurants closest to the top attractions are going to cost a lot and underdeliver.

When visiting the Colosseum, El Morro, that sign with the name of the place you're visiting, or Big Ben, you're likely to find stereotypical restaurants nearby that are looking to suck up tourists.

Some tell-tale signs of a tourist trap restaurant are ones with long menus written in various languages, lots of photos of the food on the menu, and the waiter standing at the entrance looking to entice you to come in.

If possible, try to look up restaurants to eat at before you arrive.  A quick Google search should provide plenty of options nearby. 

But if you forgot to do that, try walking a few blocks away to see which restaurants are there.  Or you could getting takeout food and having a picnic near the attraction so you can enjoy the view.

Another idea is to ask your taxi driver or another local for a good spot for lunch.

Bars at the port

No matter which Caribbean port I go to, there's inevitably bars there that will cost you the same price as going out for drinks at home and just about the same level of authenticity.

Senor Frogs, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Margaritaville, Carlos n Charlies, and a slew of other lesser known bars are located right where cruisers disembark the ship and they're mission is to grab as many people as possible to pay for their expensive food and drink.

Many of these certainly play up a fun atmosphere, where it's a big party and the drinks are flowing. I understand the appeal of that, but I'm willing to bet you can have a great time and spend less money elsewhere on the island you're visiting.

Balloon hats aside, the food and drinks at these places are mediocre at best and you're going to pay top dollar for them.

I recommend searching for a beach bar that you can get to with a quick taxi ride and enjoy the ocean, breeze, and tropical drink without paying such high prices.

Hell

If there's an award for the cringiest tourist spot, it might go to Hell in Grand Cayman.

Literally the entire premise of this place is so that tourists can go here and tell their friends and family at home that they "went to hell." Zing!

It's a big rock formation that was named Hell because it reminded the European explorer that ran across it of what hell must look like. 

Grand Cayman is known for its beautiful beaches and luxury shopping experiences, so you can probably go almost anywhere else on the island instead.

Last year, Royal Caribbean canceled excursions to the popular Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau following a deadly boating incident. Having resumed operations, I booked a tour to Blue Lagoon Island on a recent sailing aboard Allure of the Seas to see how things had changed and whether safety measures had been improved. 

On November 14, 2023, a water taxi filled with cruise passengers en route to Blue Lagoon Island encountered rough seas. Due to the intake of water, the shuttle boat capsized and killed one guest. Thankfully, the shuttle was in shallow waters and didn't completely submerge. 

As a result of the fatal incident, Royal Caribbean canceled excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, and the island closed to undergo various inspections and reviews of its fleet of vessels, excursion policies, staff training protocols, and other safety operations. 

The Bahamas Port Authority approved reopening the island in January 2024. However, Royal Caribbean's suspension lasted through March 2024 while the company performed its own investigation. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels excursions to Blue Lagoon Island following deadly incident

Since I booked my 4-night Bahamas cruise at the last minute, the excursion to Blue Lagoon Island was pricey at $114.40 per person. However, if you purchase the tour in advance through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner, you can snag a much better deal at around $71 per person.

Our meeting time was 10:30am, so we weren't in a rush to get off the ship. Instead, my dad and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room before making our way to the assigned location. 

This was my first time purchasing a beach excursion in Nassau. I usually avoid them due to their high costs. After my time at Blue Lagoon Island, I'm even more excited for Royal Caribbean to open the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Even if the price point is similar, the all-inclusive amenities at the Royal Beach Club will make it well worth the cost compared to places like Blue Lagoon Island. 

Read more: I paid $830 for a cheap last-minute cruise on Allure of the Seas

Hectic check-in

As we made our way to the Zone 1 meeting spot, we were met by hordes of other passengers waiting to check in for the excursion to Blue Lagoon Island. At first, it was hard to figure out where we were supposed to go, as there seemed to be a lot of confusion. 

Two groups were meeting at the same time—one for the Deluxe Beach Break and the other for the Dolphin Encounter. Once Royal Caribbean crew members stepped in and created two distinct lines, we finally checked in with one of the Blue Lagoon Island employees and got our wristbands and meal vouchers. 

Around 10:50am, we started heading towards the tender boats. Knowing what happened one year before, I was a little anxious. However, the staff members were attentive and gave clear instructions. 

Safety briefing

The 30-minute ferry ride to Blue Lagoon Island departed at 11:05am. 

Shortly after leaving, the crew conducted a safety briefing, informing guests where the life jackets were and demonstrating how to use them. They also asked if anyone would like to wear one during the ride. 

It was smooth sailing on the way there, though my dad laughed at their song choices. He didn't think "Sweet Home Alabama" fit the vibe of a boat ride to an island in the Bahamas!

Beautiful beach but not enough umbrellas

By the time we got there, most of the chairs and umbrellas close to the arrival area were taken by earlier groups. While the beach isn't massive, fewer umbrellas are available as you trek further down the shoreline, so we had to walk a bit to find a spot with some shade—a necessity for someone who burns as easily as I do. 

My dad and I initially settled on two seats that weren't directly in the sun. However, he decided that wasn't good enough and began hunting for a stray umbrella, as a few were lying on the ground. Another cruiser helped him find one and carried it back to our seats. 

We were grateful for the help, and once the umbrella was set up, the shade made all the difference. Since there was just one departure time back to Nassau, we were worried that without an umbrella, we would end up baking in the sun and overheating. 

The spot was comfortable enough for my dad to take a quick nap while I ventured into the chilly waters. However, we both agreed that if we were to return with a later arrival time, we'd likely spend the extra money on a clamshell, rather than waste time trying to find a shaded spot. 

The setup of the beach area reminded me more of Carnival's Half Moon Cay than Perfect Day at CocoCay, where umbrellas are plentiful. Half Moon Cay, however, charges guests $35 per umbrella, so they're scarcely seen on the beach. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay vs Carnival's Half Moon Cay

Having finally gotten situated around noon, it was time for lunch before we knew it

Lunch worked differently than at the cruise line private islands I've visited. To help control crowds, the ships were assigned different dining times. Allure of the Seas, along with Carnival Dream and MSC Meraviglia, were scheduled to eat from 12:00pm-1:30pm, while some ships, like Carnival Conquest, dined as early as 10:00am. 

As we were waiting in line, an employee collected our meal ticket, which was included in the excursion's cost. The cafeteria-style options at the Shifting Tides Restaurant featured a selection of cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, Bahamian peas and rice, and corn on the cob. There was also a toppings and condiments station, along with garden salad and green beans. 

The restaurant also had à la carte options for those who booked a tour that didn't include lunch—think chips & queso ($12.60), crispy chicken wraps ($19.80), fish & chips ($21.60), and Caesar salads ($14.40). However, since our $230+ excursion included lunch, we opted for the cafeteria-style offerings. 

The cheeseburger was surprisingly tasty. It's exactly what you'd expect at a beachside grill. The BBQ chicken was another solid option. The chicken was juicy and coated with a tangy yet sweet barbeque sauce. That said, I wasn't a fan of the overly cooked corn on the cob—it was too mushy for my liking. 

When we checked in for the excursion, we were given a drink ticket that we were excited to redeem for a tropical beverage during lunch. Unfortunately, we learned it was only valid for watered-down iced tea, fruit punch, or lemonade in the dining pavilion. 

Other non-alcoholic drinks, including water, were an extra cost. For example, a bottle of Dasani water was priced at $5.50, while sodas were $3.60 each. 

Other activities 

My dad and I finished lunch around 12:45pm. With about two more hours on the island, we returned to our shaded oasis for a little bit before deciding to explore the other amenities. 

The turquoise water was so inviting that I couldn't resist dipping my toes in for a while. However, the sand was rough and gritty, so I'd recommend bringing a good pair of flip-flops or water shoes! Also, don't forget a towel from your cruise ship and plenty of sunscreen.

Once we were finished with the beach, we wandered into the souvenir stores and tried a local hot sauce. Then, we ventured to the animal exhibits, watching people swim with dolphins and interact with sea lions. 

If spending all day lounging in a beach chair isn't your thing, you can pay for a water activity upon arrival, including a snorkeling kit ($20), kayak and paddle board ($20 for 30 minutes), or the floating aqua park ($20 for all day access). 

Want to do it all? Consider the Junkanoo Pass, which includes all the water sports activities for $30 or $45 depending on which excursion you booked. Adults can also upgrade to the adults-only beach for $65 per person. 

Other activities at Blue Lagoon Island include hair braiding, henna art, and a beach volleyball court. There's also complimentary Wi-Fi. 

The speed was what you'd expect with hundreds of people on a small island. It would randomly cut out at times, such as when I was trying to check in for my flight home. 

It served its purpose; however, I wouldn't necessarily rely on it for anything. The further down the shoreline you go, the more spotty it gets. It was nice to have included Wi-Fi while ashore, though. 

Return shuttle 

Allure of the Seas' return taxi was scheduled to begin boarding at 3:00pm with plans to depart the island at 3:15pm. However, we noticed guests lining up around 2:40pm. The staff let us begin boarding early, and we were on our way back to the cruise ship piers at 3:00pm on the dot. 

Thankfully, the ride back was smooth and uneventful. Like on the way to Blue Lagoon Island, the crew conducted another safety briefing to ensure guests knew where the lifejackets were located and where to disembark in the event of an emergency. 

While the calm turquoise waters were beautiful, I wouldn't spend over $100 on another excursion to Blue Lagoon Island

Despite the reassuring safety measures, the high cost of the excursion was hard to justify. In the end, I felt a little ripped off; however, that's partly because I booked the tour at the last minute without any discounts—$70 feels much more reasonable for what the Deluxe Beach Break offers! 

In the end, I wish my dad and I had considered an all-inclusive beach day. The Warwick Paradise Island, for example, offers inclusive day passes for $125 each. Similarly, Breezes Resort has a pass for just $100 per person. 

While guests are responsible for their own transportation, the price includes access to all food and drinks, which feels like a much better value for the money. 

As the start of your cruise gets closer, you're probably looking at shore excursions, but is there a best time frame to book?

The ports of call your ship visits will offer a variety of tours that can be booked through the cruise line or with an independent party. There are limited spots in each of these tours, and prices can vary considerably.

Just like a retail purchase, you might be concerned booking too early and not getting the lowest price.  Or wait too long, and it will be sold out.

Having taken dozens of cruises, I've seen the dynamic shift with when to book a tour.  In fact, the region you cruise to can often dictate how early you need to book an excursion.

When it comes to booking a Royal Caribbean shore excursion, you'll want to be opportunistic about when you book it.

The best time to book an excursion is as early as you can

If there's one mantra to remember about when to book a shore excursion, it's the earlier you can book, the better.

Shore excursions sell out quite commonly, so the earlier you book, the less the chance the tour you want to do will not be available.

Royal Caribbean's tours are all fully refundable, so that means you can book a tour six months before your cruise and then change your mind up until the sailing to get a refund.

Moreover, you can take advantage of a price drop later by cancelling and rebooking.  In short, there's little risk with booking a shore excursion very early because you can change your mind later.

You should book a shore excursion in the Caribbean about 3-5 months before your cruise begins, but there's no risk with booking even earlier.

If you're booking an independent excursion not sold through the cruise line, review their cancellation terms. Most will allow a refund as long as you don't try to cancel at the last minute.

It's even more important to book early in Europe or Alaska

If you're taking a bucket list cruise to Europe or Alaska, I cannot stress enough the importance of booking a tour early.

It's been my experience cruisers headed to far flung destinations are more eager to book tours than in the Caribbean.

It could be because of the unfamiliarity with the region, or plain excitement for something different, but I've observed Royal Caribbean shore excursions sell out quicker in these regions.

It's equally important to note not to overlook third party tours in Alaska or Europe.  Many times the exact same tour seen on Royal Caribbean's website is sold through various companies.

Regardless of where you book, I'd advocate getting a head start and booking your excursions for Alaska or Europe at least 4-6 months early.  In fact, booking a Royal Caribbean excursion 6-9 months in advance is probably a safer bet to avoid disappointment if it were to sell out.

Be sure to check out our list of recommended tours for each port in Alaska.

Waiting to book on the ship is probably a mistake

Thanks to the proliferation of the Royal Caribbean app and improvements made to its website, more cruisers are booking excursions earlier and in greater numbers.

If you wait to book an excursion on your ship, you're probably making a mistake because of how much will be sold out.

Cabanas at Royal Caribbean's private island will be almost certainly sold out, as will day passes to the waterpark and elevated beach club.

Even if it's not sold out, you will pay more on the ship because the cruise line offers pre-cruise discounts. Once you're onboard, it's too late to take advantage of those sales and you'll pay full price.

Royal Caribbean has a lot of sales

Booking a shore excursion early will not only lock in a spot, but probably save you money too.

There are sales almost every week, and deeper discounts offered on some holidays too.  While it's arguable how lucrative any one sale is, you will save money booking a shore excursion on the Royal Caribbean website instead of waiting to book it onboard.

The best Royal Caribbean sale of the year is likely Black Friday, because it's when the biggest discounts are typically offered.  

While I don't deny there are good deals on Black Friday, I wouldn't wait for November to book a shore excursion.  

Instead, book your tour as early as you can and then check again if the price has gone down during any one sale, including Black Friday.

Third-party tours tend to sell out later

If you miss the boat on that perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion, you might find the same one or better through a third party.

Independent shore excursions are a great alternative to going through the cruise line, but you'll need to do your own vetting process.

In my experience, the tours sold through independent agents or the tour operator itself take longer to sell out.  That's because it's not as easy or simple to track down by cruisers.

Moreover, there are many more third party excursion options out there. 

That isn't to say you can wait until a few weeks before your cruise to book a shore excursion. I would recommend booking your tours early.  In fact, if you're going to Alaska or Europe, I would still stick to booking at least 4-6 months early as a rule of thumb.

If you're totally late on booking a shore excursion, booking an independent tour might be your best option.

One other option is a free shore excursion, which have no cost but a tip for the guide is expected.

I tried one of these in Spain and it was far better than I ever expected.

Don't overlook a DIY excursion

It's easy to assume you should book an organized tour as your de facto option, but in many ports you might be better off without an organized tour.

If your ship is docked in a city, you can easily explore without a guide.  There are so many guide books, Google Maps, and YouTube videos explaining the best spots to see, that you can easily do something on your own.

Before you book a tour, you might consider going on your own as an alternative.

In addition, if you're late booking tours and not finding many options, going it alone might be your last option.  With a little research, you can easily find something to do.

Now is a great time to take advantage of Black Friday sales to save money on shore excursions.

While Royal Caribbean has already discounted shore excursions as part of its Black Friday sale, I've found extra savings on the my go-to beach day idea.

When I'm on a Caribbean cruise and want a beach day, I usually book a day pass to a resort instead of taking a taxi or booking a traditional shore excursion that takes me to the beach.

There are a few sites that you can buy day passes to popular resorts around the Caribbean, and ResortPass.com just announced a new Black Friday discount.

When you book with the ResortPass app (free to download) and use the promo code EARLYBFAPP, you'll save $50 off the purchase of at least $200 or more.

It's not clear when the code expires exactly, but it's available now.

The added discount knocks out the service fee and saves a little bit on top of the overall cost.

Why I love resort day passes

The reason why I prefer getting a day pass is because it offers more amenities than you'll typically find at a traditional beach excursion, and that's so helpful for families.

Websites like ResortForADay.com or ResortPass.com make it simple to enter the island and date that you'll be visiting, and find a list of options.

Some resorts offer all-inclusive, while others are merely access to the facilities and you can optionally pay for food and drink.

Each resort has a per-person cost, and it means you could use their beach, pool, and even other facilities.

I've found in the popular cruise ports many different choices of places to go.  Nassau, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and other ports have a few places to consider.

It's easy and simple way to book, and in a few clicks you will have a confirmation of the date and resort.

I like that ResortPass offers more than just a day pass. In some cases there are hotel rooms or cabanas you can rent for the day.

On a recent visit to St. Maarten, we booked a cabana at the Morgan Resort.  It includes admission for up to 8 people, and their pool is fantastic.

When we visited St. Kitts, there was a Marriott that included a hotel room.  This meant we could shower, change, and nap in the room. Plus, the air conditioning was a nice break when it got too hot.

The variety of choices is a lovely bonus for those that want more than just access to the beach or pool.

One thing to keep in mind is transportation is not included, so you'll need to arrange that on your own. 

I just walk to the taxi stand in the port and grab a taxi.  On the way back, the resort is able to hail a taxi for you.

Costs for a day pass

Depending which island you visit and how much you want included, the prices for a day pass vary.  However, I find the prices quite reasonable.

A day pass at The Morgan Resort in St. Maarten costs $60 per person, while the cabana is $480. If you're in Nassau, Bahamas, a day pass to Margaritaville Resort costs $132 for adults and $66 for kids, and it includes access to their waterpark too.

Prices depend on a lot of factors, and you could easily find a cheap pass at a no-frills resort for as little as $25.

ResortPass has a fairly flexible cancellation policy. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, bookings for day passes can be canceled up until 11:59 p.m. the night before your reservation, while cabanas, daybeds, and day rooms can be canceled until 10 a.m. the day before your reservation. You can opt for either a refund to your credit card or a ResortPass credit. 

Being able to cancel at the last minute is really helpful if bad weather is forecasted. Remember, Royal Caribbean requires at least 48 hours notice for a refund on a shore excursion.

ResortPass is a good deal for cruisers that want flexibility

I think the ideal ResortPass customer is someone that values having more in their beach day than just the beach.

You get to enjoy resort-level amenities without being a customer, and having the choice of pool and beach, along with chairs, shade, wifi and food or beverage options is a great add-on.

Families will love the choice of beach or pool, and not having to search for food is a godsend. Convenience is the name of the game with a resort day pass.

Of course, going to a public beach is almost certainly going to be cheaper, but you're on your own to figure out everything else beyond the beach. 

Royal Caribbean shore excursions make a beach break a bit simpler to book, but I find I get more value from a day pass, even if I have to coordinate transportation on my own.

Before booking, you'll want to weigh the resort amenities you get for the price and determine if it's the right cost for you.

The ResortPass site (and app) is easy to use, prices are reasonable, and their cancellation policy is fantastic.

A cruise ship vacation isn't complete without a memorable shore excursion, but how do you find the best ones?

There are so many choices what to do in the port your ship visits. While Royal Caribbean's shore excursions offer ideas, there are plenty of other options if you look to book something through a third party.

Whether you’re looking for an activity not offered by Royal Caribbean, hoping to find a better price, or want to see the widest range of tours available, it’s helpful to know where to look.

Certainly there are a few good reasons to book a tour with Royal Caribbean directly, because the cruise line vets the operator to ensure they are safe, responsible, and deliver on the promise of what's promised. 

However, booking a tour on your own could save you money, provide smaller tour sizes, and greatly expand the choices you have. The benefits of booking a tour not through the cruise line often outweigh the drawbacks, especially when you are able to read reviews from those who booked the tour in the past and know that you are booking with an experienced tour company.

I wanted to provide you a few easy places to start looking to find a shore excursion that you can do on your own without having to dig too deep down a rabbit hole of searches.

Day passes from a resort

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day with all the amenities of a resort, look no further than Resortforaday.com.

Resort for a Day is a service that sells day passes at resorts and hotels for cruise passengers. You can book resorts across the Caribbean, Europe, Florida and more.

The exact amenities and inclusions of a day pass through Resort for a Day vary, as offerings are subject to the resort’s policies. Some resort day passes include all-inclusive food and drinks whereas others give a food and beverage credit. Likewise, some resorts are kid-friendly and include access to a waterpark or kids club whereas others are adults-only.

A day pass at the Westin Cozumel, for example, includes unlimited food and beverages, beach and pool access, a kids club for children aged 4-12, outdoor showers, wifi, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding.

Margaritaville Beach Resort & Waterpark in Nassau, on the other hand, is not all-inclusive. Food and drinks must be purchased individually, but pool, beach, and waterpark access are available to day pass guests.

It’s important to choose a day pass wisely to ensure the resort’s offerings and ambience fit within your travel style. If you want a relaxing, quieter day in port, an adults-only resort may be the best fit. If you’re traveling with kids, though, a resort offering a waterpark or kid-friendly activities would be a better choice.

Most resorts allow access to day pass guests from around 9 or 10am until 5pm.

Guided tours around the world

Tripadvisor is an excellent research option due to its lists of things to do in cruise ports around the world. To search for tours and activities in your port of call, go to Tripadvisor’s front page and click the “Things to Do” button.

Input the name of your cruise port and you’ll be taken to a page with a wide range of tours available. One of the best benefits of Tripadvisor is the amount of reviews available on the website. Reading reviews from those who have booked the tour in the past is helpful, as it allows you to learn more about the excursion’s benefits and drawbacks.

Not only does Tripadvisor list tours you can book directly through their website, but it also lists the essential things to do and eat at each location. These lists can be helpful for passengers planning a DIY excursion. Knowing the best beaches, restaurants, and attractions in your port of call can make exploring on your own a whole lot easier.

Viator, like Tripadvisor, allows you to book tours from independent tour operators, and has a wide range of tour categories available. From Arts & Culture to Classes & Workshops and Food & Drink, you’re sure to find a tour that fits your interests on Viator.

Shore Excursions Group

While similar to Tripadvisor and Viator, Shore Excursions Group focuses solely on shore excursions for cruise ship passengers. Tours are offered all around the world, from the Caribbean to the Arabian Gulf and Asia.

Shore Excursions Group makes it easy to pick a tour that fits within your cruise ship’s itinerary, as tours are filtered by your cruise ship’s specific departure date and ports of call. There’s no need to check your calendar or worry about accidentally booking the wrong day, as Shore Excursions Group has all Royal Caribbean itineraries listed on their website.

Shore Excursions Group features several different types of tours: small group tours, private tours, scenic tours, cultural tours, active tours, and city tours. Each type of tour comes with its own style, whether traveling to Alaska’s glaciers on a scenic tour or cycling through small towns in Europe on an active tour.

Recommendations from other cruisers

Online message boards are a great way to find more information about your cruise ship, and they can also be a useful research tool when deciding what to do in port. 

Hearing from those cruisers who have been to your destination before is valuable, as they are able to offer their recommendations on what to do (and what not to do) in a particular port.

The Royal Caribbean Blog message boards, for example, have a shore excursions board where you can ask questions to fellow cruisers and learn more about what each port of call offers. If you’re wondering if a certain tour is worth it or you're trying to choose between two separate tours, odds are someone on the message boards has first-hand experience with your port of call and can help you make a decision.

Google (“port name + tour”)

Sometimes the easiest way to find a shore excursion on your own is through a simple Google search.

If you’re looking for something to do in St. Maarten, for example, search “St. Maarten tour” on Google. You can customize this further if you wish, searching “St. Maarten tour kid friendly” if you’re traveling with kids or “St. Maarten tour catamaran” if you want to sail around the island.

Google will list the most top-rated websites where you can book shore excursions and read reviews from those who have done the tour previously. It’s hard to go wrong with a Google search when researching shore excursions, and it is a good starting point for those researching activities in their ports of call.

Can a free tour really compete with a shore excursion offered by the cruise line?

My 7-night Anthem of the Seas cruise would take me to the Spanish town of La Coruna, and I was looking at ideas for what tours to book.

Usually I book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean or simply explore on my own. Before I could pick one of these options, one of our readers, Leeor, emailed me with an alternative.

"I thought you might want to try a free walking tour for Bilbao and Coruna," he wrote in his email after hearing about my cruise plans.

"Those tours are with local guides who love their city, are tip based, and are a great way to make the most out of a short visit. They usually last about two hours and my wife and I always do one when we first get to a new European destination."

I have to admit, I was skeptical because I worried how good a completely free shore excursion could really be. However, it sounded like the perfect introduction to a port I've never been to before. Plus, it was only 1 or 2 hours, so it was a very low barrier to entry.

I went ahead and booked my tours through GuroWalk, which lists a few different tours in each of the cities. Sure enough, they're free and all you have to do is book it in advance via the website or app.

The "catch" to these tours being free is you're encouraged to tip at the end based on the quality of the tour.

I booked a walking tour in Bilbao and La Coruna, although the Bilbao tour got cancelled a couple days before my reservation because the guide was sick. I ended up exploring Bilboa on my own and had a great time.

Once the tour is confirmed, you get an email with where to meet and who to look for. Transportation is on your own, but this tour advertised as being good for cruise ship guests and it was a very short walk from where Anthem of the Seas docked to the the statue of María Pita meeting spot.

The confirmation email also has a link to Google Maps to be able to easily get walking directions to where to meet. Because I bought an eSim for this cruise, I was able to easily use my phone around Europe without costly roaming charges.

Sure enough, about 10 minutes before the tour began, the guide was waiting where he said he'd be with an orange umbrella.

Our guide, Cesar, greeted me and said we'd wait for the others. He indicated he expected about 9 of us in total, although only 5 would end up showing.

Cesar lives in a suburb of La Coruna, and he does these tours on a volunteer basis. I asked him how many people usually show up for them, and he said it varies considerably, but the groups are much larger at the peak of summer in June and July.

Joining me on the tour was a solo French tourist and a three people from England on a motor bike tour of Europe.

Cesar had a speaker with him, but did not need it given how small the group was. He started by explaining the significance of the plaza we were meeting at, and why there's a giant statue of María Pita. She's the heroine of the city who helped defeat an English attack in the 16th century.

Cesar carefully explained the details of each site we would visit, pointing out the historical significance, architectural intricacies, and other facts about the area.

Although he apologized for his English, I thought he was very easy to understand and extremely knowledgeable. In fact, I was blown away how much he knew. Being a free tour, I was expecting someone who was a walking Google Map at best, but he knew lots of details and clearly was well-versed in the information.

I was also leery of a glorified sales pitch, but once again, he had no angle or anything he was pushing.

We took a very leisurely pace through the old city of La Coruna, and made at least 9 stops that I could count.

We visited historic churches, military buildings of significance, scenic overlooks, and famous spots.

The tour took 2 hours, although he volunteered to keep going longer. I would have taken him up on the offer, but it was 12:30pm and I was getting very hungry for lunch. To his credit, he provided a Google Map link with all of his favorite restaurants in the area.

At the end of the tour, I tipped him €20, although I observed others were tipping about €10 per person.

I was very impressed by this tour offering, and I think Leeor is definitely right these are great introductions to any European city to get a sense of the place before you venture off on your own.

If you're someone who wants to get a walking tour of a city, GuruWalk seems like a really good choice. 

During our tour, we passed other tours that were significantly larger groups and clearly from the cruise ship. I can't speak to what they may have included beyond the walking tour, but I felt good about my choice in tours.

As an example, the "Historic Old Town Stroll" shore excursion offered by Royal Caribbean costs $50.99 per adult ($30.99 per child) and its description sounds exactly like what we saw on our free tour.

The downsides to the GuruWalk tours are there's no telling how big your group will be, nor who your guide will actually be. And there may only be one or two tours offered that fit for a cruise ship visitor.

Moreover, these are quick walking tours. If you're looking to see more than a few square blocks, a paid cruise ship shore excursion might be a superior choice.

But if you're looking to get a look at what makes the city you're visiting interesting and then go off on your own after, these might be a good option for a city port visit.

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The places your cruise ship visits are among the top reasons people choose a cruise vacation, but there are mistakes and red flags to avoid when in port.

Each port of call has a variety of tours and activities you can do. You could book a tour through Royal Caribbean or something on your own. In either case, you want to carefully vet any excursion before you book it.

As a frequent cruiser, I've gone on all sorts of shore excursions in ports around the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Most of my shore excursions have been great, but a few turned out to be duds.

It's a good idea to check what's included with the cost of your tour, safety protocols, what time it begins and ends, as well as what you'll actually do during the tour.

Here are the red flags I look for in any shore excursion before I book that could take away from your enjoyment.

Long transit times for a short visit

A shore excursion that involves many hours in transit to leave you with a short amount of time at the actual destination might be worth rethinking.

It's not uncommon to find a shore excursion that takes you to a bucket list worthy spot, such as visiting a major city, exploring Mayan ruins, or viewing natural wonders.

The problem with some of these tours can be you'll spend more time on a bus travelling to and from the site than actually at the place.

Common examples include Chichén Itzá, visits to Paris, or a transfer to Walt Disney World.

Sometimes cruise ships dock in ports significantly far from these places. While it is possible to go and see these areas, it involves a long bus ride.

If this is your only opportunity to ever visit, then perhaps a marathon bus ride is worth it.  Otherwise, save it for a land visit.

Read more: 8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

No refunds if your ship can't dock

Before you book any shore excursion, read the rules on cancelling.

In my opinion, any tour operator should refund all of your money (including the deposit) if your ship is unable to dock. Whether it's because of poor weather that day or an itinerary change, the refund policy should cover that scenario.

Most shore excursions don't include a refund if the weather is poor, but if you are physically unable to make it to the tour because your ship isn't in port, then they should refund your money.

If you book a tour with Royal Caribbean, this is standard practice.  However, some third party shore excursions you can book on your own may not offer it.

Read more: What to do if Royal Caribbean's shore excursions are sold out

Panoramic sightseeing tours

It might sound like a great tour, but panoramic sightseeing tours may leave you disappointed with time at the places you'll see behind a window.

Bus tours are great if you like a more casual view, or perhaps you have mobility issues. Moreover, never underestimate how wonderful air conditioning is in the summer months.

However, if your goal is to walk around and explore historical sights or beautiful natural wonders, I'd recommend avoiding a tour that advertises how much you can see from the bus you'll be on.

When I've done these sorts of tours, I usually end up frustrated that I didn't have enough time to see the places.  

"Let me give you a tour of the island"

An island tour from someone with a flimsy sign is not who you want to book a tour on the spot with.

When you walk out of the port area, there's usually a group of taxi drivers who want you to pay them to take you on a tour of the place you're visiting. While I doubt there are safety concerns with them, I would not recommend booking a tour with them because of how open-ended that can be.

Without knowing anything about the tour operator, their knowledge of the area, or total costs, I think there are too many variables.

If you want a driver for the day and/or a private tour of the port you're visiting, I'd recommend doing some research ahead of time and booking that in advance.  That way you can do your research online and read reviews and get recommendations for whom to work with.

Read more: Quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

Museum tours

Museums are a great idea for an activity in port, but you don't need to book an organized tour.

It's easy enough to get to most museums by taking a cab, and then once in the museum, exploring on your own.  

Not only will a museum shore excursion cost you more, but you'll be moving at the pace of the group and without the option to spend more time at the exhibits that interest you.

If you're worried about being able to understand the tour in your native language, there could be audio tours available from the museum or even utilize Google Translate app to be able to instantly translate signs.

Beach breaks

Just like museum tours, you don't need an organized tour to go to the beach.

Sometimes a shore excursion includes a visit to the beach in addition to the primary activity, but if you just want to spend the day at the beach, I'd question the value of an organized tour.

One issue with a beach shore excursion are crowds. If your tour is going to this beach, other shore excursions probably are too, and that's the recipe for a crowded beach day.  Sometimes crowded beaches are unavoidable, but in the Caribbean where beautiful beaches are a dime a dozen, I wouldn't do it.

The other issue with a beach break excursion is it's probably cheaper to book it on your own. 

Do your research and look up taxi rates along with the fees for accessing the beach, resort, or park.

How can you safely explore ports on a solo cruise?

Whether you enjoy traveling alone or have a travel buddy back out at the last minute, solo cruises are a great way to enjoy a peaceful vacation on your own terms.

However, it's normal to feel concerned about your safety.

Traveling to a new place always poses new challenges and requires research to make sure you stay safe while exploring the port. 

Especially if you're a young woman like myself, you may be wondering how to safely exit the cruise ship and tour ports without getting robbed or worse.

While on my second solo cruise, I decided to try group shore excursions.

This month, I traveled to Spain and Italy on a 7-night Oasis of the Seas sailing,

With the chance to see historic cities like Barcelona, Florence, Rome, and Naples, I wanted to ensure that I could explore safely and see all the Mediterranean ports had to offer.

I purchased three Royal Caribbean shore excursions: one in Florence, one in Rome, and the third in Naples, visiting Pompeii.

After taking three different group shore excursions on my own, I discovered they were a great way to enhance my cruise and safely see the world.

1. I didn't have to exit the ship alone

One benefit of purchasing shore excursions through Royal Caribbean was that the tour groups met directly on the ship.

Instead of exiting alone, I just had to walk down a few decks to the Royal Theater.

This was a huge benefit, especially in Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, which are infamous for pickpockets.

No matter where we walked, I was traveling in a larger group who could look out for each other.

Read more: Where to keep Seapass Card, phone, and cash when on a shore excursion?

2. Tour guides ensured I made it to and from my destination

Solo trips can be dangerous because there's no one else to look out for you.

If I'd explored ports on my own, there would be no one who knew where I was going or what time I planned on being back.

In contrast, shore excursions through Royal Caribbean provide tour guides, whose job is to make sure you get to your destination and back to the ship safely.

One of my guides took her responsibility so seriously that she called herself our "mother" for the trip.

Each guide would take note of every person's name and room number, ensuring that they could easily check if anyone was missing.

Not only that, they also provided emergency numbers to the tour guide and the company. 

If I'd gotten lost or in trouble, I had someone to call.

Even when tours gave us free time to explore, we were assigned a meeting place and time, so they would have noticed if I didn't return.

These measures served to ease my anxiety and free my mind to enjoy the historic cities.

3. I could strike up conversations and make friends with my tour group

Group tours also provided the opportunity to meet people and make friends, rather than exploring every city alone.

Whether we were taking the bus to Rome or walking around Pompeii, I found that there was always someone I could talk to or relate to.

This made it less lonely to travel by myself, especially because many of the other cruisers were also from the U.S.

Even while solo traveling in a foreign country, a group tour allowed me to find people who spoke my native tongue.

Safety in numbers applied here. The more people I met and talked to, the more could recognize and look out for me.

And vice versa applies: when I saw cruisers I recognized from my tour, I gave them directions and passed on information from our tour guide.

4. Background information was provided about each location

When you're traveling alone, there's only so much information you can teach yourself.

And while I checked out books and read articles about the destinations I planned to visit, you don't know what you don't know.

As a solo traveler, you don't want to be that person standing in the middle of the street Googling where to go, so my tour guides became an invaluable resource.

Each of my guides hailed from the region we were visiting and took the time to tell us about the history and culture.

They taught us words like "thank you" and "good morning," handed out maps of the cities, and pointed out important landmarks.

In Florence, we received some free time to explore on our own. Before we left, our guide even pointed out the restaurants she recommended we visit.

Getting background information from a knowledgeable local was one of the best ways I enhanced my cruise.

5. Some tours provided water and bathroom access

Another benefit of purchasing shore excursions is that it often becomes an all-in-one price.

When you pay for one, you receive transportation, a tour, and sometimes food, water, and bathroom access.

While my Mediterranean cruise took us to exciting destinations, the cruise ports were often pretty far from the most famous cities. For example, it took us three hours to travel from the cruise port, La Spezia, to Florence, Italy. 

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

Having transportation already taken care of really eased my mind.

Additionally, the tour guides ensured we made bathroom stops and told us where to get food or water.

One culture shock I experienced in Europe is that you have to pay to access public restrooms.

However, our tour guides ensured we wouldn't have to. To prevent us from paying, they took us to rest stops or gave us tickets that would exempt us.

This saved me money and lessened the number of places I would have to find and go to alone.

6. The ship waits to depart if we get delayed

Royal Caribbean shore excursions are also great for solo cruisers because the ship is contracted to wait for you if the tour is delayed.

When we were traveling to Florence, our tour was delayed by an hour because of an accident on the road. We didn't get back to the ship until 7:00 P.M.!

I felt better knowing that the crew would have to wait for us before they sailed to our next port.

As a solo traveler, getting left behind in a foreign country by yourself sounds like my worst nightmare!

Staying with a group for my tours ensured that I wouldn't be left alone, and the ship would wait for us if anything happened.

Cruise ships offer exciting shore excursions to unique areas, but how can you make sure they’re safe?

Royal Caribbean cruises have the appeal of taking you to multiple exciting ports of call, from the gorgeous landscapes of Alaska to the ancient ruins of Greece. 

But when you’re traveling to a new and foreign location, safety is always a top priority.

Ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable experience during your shore excursions takes some careful preparation.

While most shore excursions come with safety in mind and experience tour guides, being smart and proactive is the best way to stay safe.

Especially if you have special concerns (like pregnancy or a disability), are traveling alone, or haven’t been on a cruise before, some extra research and preparation will help you stay protected throughout your cruise.

Here are our top tips for safely taking a cruise ship shore excursion at any port of call.

1. Book through the cruise line

One of the simplest ways to tour a port of call is by purchasing a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean.

Although more expensive, shore excursions sold through Royal Caribbean have been carefully reviewed.

The tour groups and guides have been vetted.

Not only that, but the cruise ship will also wait for your excursion if it runs late.

You’ll be perfectly safe from being left behind in a foreign place!

Read more: 8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

2. Research extensively beforehand

Before you even purchase your preferred shore excursions, take your time to research each aspect of the experience.

Investigate each port of call you’ll be visiting. Even if you have multiple stops in the same country, don’t assume that they’re all the same.

Research will tell you about the safety level, available activities, the landscape, weather, and other important information.

You’ll also need the specific details for your shore excursion: the price, duration, activity level, and dress code.

Knowing all this beforehand helps prepare you for a safe and fun experience.

Read more: Is Royal Caribbean still going to Labadee, Haiti?

3. Don’t be afraid to speak up

I was on a cruise that stopped at Cozumel, Mexico, and was walking through the busy tourist port, when an older man approached me and offered me an already-opened bottle of beer.

When I politely refused, he started to insist that I drink, saying it didn’t matter if I was underage.

I firmly said no, and kept quickly walking.

Can you imagine what might have happened if I had gotten nervous, hadn’t said no, or even agreed to drink the beer?

Being firm, smart, and unafraid to speak up when something seems wrong is a key way to protect yourself.

Of course, you want to be aware of cultural differences, and be careful that you don’t degrade any local customs.

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

But your safety is what’s important here, so speak up if something feels wrong! 

Trust your intuition, and don’t let anyone make a sucker out of you.

4. Listen to your tour guide

Your shore excursion’s tour guides will be the best source of knowledge about your port of call.

They are extremely trained and experienced in doing exactly what you need: keeping you safe while giving you a fun experience!

Listen to their safety briefings, which will involve important information about safety, meeting points, and any potential hazards.

Take note of any guidelines they give you.

When you’re in any unfamiliar or remote area, listening to experts is the best way to keep yourself safe.

If you do experience any problems or feel unsafe at any time, let your guide know that you need help.

5. How to keep your money safe on excursions

You're probably going to need cash during your shore excursion, whether to pay the tour, tip someone, or purchase souvenirs.  So how do you keep that safe, especially when you're on a beach or snorkeling trip?

As a tourist, try to keep a low profile, and don't wear jewelry or hold large amounts of cash. 

Your best bet is to treat valuables, such as cash, like you would normally at home.  Keep it in a wallet, and ensure it's out of sight in either your pants, purse, or backpack.

If you prefer, there are various types of waterproof wallets you can purchase. A simple dry pack that can fit your cash, identification, SeaPass card, and a credit card is all you need (Note, this link is an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use).

No matter where you store your cash, keep it out of sight. Put valuables in a bag, and then cover it up so a passerby cannot see it easily. 

If you're somewhere where pickpocketing is a concern, you can carry valuables in a hidden pocket worn under your clothing.

6. Stay with your tour group

For additional safety, try to stay with your group. 

Traveling with a larger group—one of whom is an experienced tour guide—ensures that no one can single you out or take advantage of you.

While some tours do have opportunities for you to explore along, try not to wander too far.

There’s safety in numbers. 

Not only that, but a Royal Caribbean shore excursion will consist of other people on the same cruise ship, and who likely speak the same language as you. They’re a great source of help if you run into any problems.

Even when in a big group, make sure you also stay vigilant of your surroundings!

7. Respect local laws and customs

This is where doing research ahead of time really comes in handy.

To keep yourself safe, you need to understand the context of where you are traveling.

What is considered polite and respectful? What should you wear? Who should you speak to—and who should you not?

Familiarizing yourself with the local traditions and laws ensures that you don’t accidentally do anything considered disrespectful or offensive.

You are a visitor to this country, so make sure that you educate yourself and respect all cultural differences.

Read more: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

8. Get an Internet connection

While this isn’t required—and it’s certainly trickier when you’re in a new country—having Internet access can really ease your mind when it comes to personal safety.

You have an easy way to do immediate research. You’ll have access to Google Translate, local maps, and a way to call or text anyone if you’re in an emergency.

There are a few ways you can get an Internet connection when you’re off the cruise ship in a foreign country.

You can try to find a restaurant or cafe that has free WiFi. Many areas understand that tourists may need Internet access, and they’ll be happy to provide it to you if you purchase something.

You could also buy a SIM card to get local data. These are sold everywhere, such as in airports or near currency exchanges.

If you need an e-SIM, there are several ways to buy them online. I like to use the app Airlo, which allows you to buy an e-SIM for any country and choose a specific timeline for it to be activated.

If you're looking at your shore excursion choices and not finding anything that excites you, it might be time to try a day pass to a resort instead.

In any port your cruise ship visits, you'll find lots of different tours. Bus tours, hiking, beach breaks, and historical sights are very common.  So common, that after a couple of visits you may find yourself at a loss of what to do.

I certainly felt that way in some ports of call, especially some Caribbean islands that are well-known for their beaches. I found taking a beach break tour or a taxi to a beach nice, but lacking often in more of the services I like in my day.

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

Cruising with my kids, it's nice to have shade, food and beverage choices, and sometimes a pool too. I'll admit that while there are stunning beaches to visit, I prefer the pool more than the ocean. But my wife tends to like the ocean.

Out of a need to find a compromise, I discovered that resort day passes were a great choice for so many Caribbean islands.

Years ago, a day pass involved calling the resort directly to inquire if they offered such an option.  It was difficult to know which options existed.

Luckily, the process has gotten a lot easier.  There are a few sites out there that sell resort day passes, specifically for cruise ship passengers.

A day pass to a resort gives you access to their grounds and many facilities. Think of it like being a hotel guest without the room.

There are two day pass websites I frequently check and book through: ResortForADay.com (contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use) and ResortPass.com.

No matter which site you choose, the process is pretty much the same. Browse available resorts on the island your ship will be visiting, and book a pass for each person in your party.

Some passes are quite cheap, and others much more expensive. It comes down to how popular the resort is, which amenities it includes, and if it's all-inclusive or not.

Transportation from the cruise ship to the resort and back is never included, so you'll need to arrange that on your own.  I almost always just take a taxi at the port.

One consideration before booking is if it includes food and drinks.  Many are all-inclusive, but not all.  By having all your food and drink included, you get a single price for the day, although it's going to cost more.

For the all-inclusive resorts, there could be a restaurant to go into to dine, or it could be waiter service at the pool. Keep in mind that some resort restaurants have a dress code related to bathing suits, so it might be a good idea to pack a change of clothes.

Some resorts have a stipend, where part of your admission cost will be used towards the food served there. The downside to this strategy is I've found most resorts price their food quite high, so that stipend goes quickly.

In some cases, there are resorts that offer simply a day pass and no food or drink with it. You can usually pay as you go with the food there.  This has a lower up-front cost, but depending on how much you consume, you might end up paying a lot before the day is over.

With ResortForADay, you'll pay a deposit at the time of booking and then have to pay the remainder of the balance once you get to the resort.  

With your pass, you'll get access to chairs and umbrellas that the resort offers. Depending on the resort, the amount of chairs will vary. Some have a lot, some few.  Shade is also a consideration, as it varies considerably from one to another.

Read more: Guide to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion

Just like any shore excursion, there are a few things to bring along:

• Confirmation of your reservation
• Identification for the adults
• Money
• Towels
• Accessories for your day (sunglasses, sunscreen, etc)

When you arrive to the resort, you'll need to have proof of your booking with you.  I recommend having a print out to make it simpler. Plus, the agent at the resort will likely need to take it to reference, and phones return to a lock screen often.

All resorts check your identification, and some hold onto it as a sort of collateral while you're visiting.

Once checked-in, you will be free to roam the grounds and use the resort. Almost all provide a bracelet to wear during your stay.

Being that this is a hotel, there will not only be other cruise ship passengers visiting, but also resort guests. In short, the chair hog situation could be present depending on the day.

I've found depending on the resort, weather, and my mood, I love having access to both the beach and pool.

Quite often we go between the two, and then having the convenience of food and drink service makes booking a day pass worth it every time for me and my family.

I love the flexibility it provides, especially with timings. Unlike a group tour, we can arrive and depart when we're ready. This means if my kids are done early, we can hop in a taxi and go back.   Or if things are going really well, we can stay a bit longer.

Not all resorts are the same, so it's important to do your research into what you're getting with a visit.  I recommend skipping the publicity photos the resort provides and doing an internet search for the resort name to get first-hand reviews, as well as photos of the facilities.

You should also be crystal clear on what is and what is not included. Look for verbiage on the individual resort listing to understand what you'll be getting, and what you need to bring or pay extra for.

Just like any excursion you do on your own apart from the cruise line, manage your time to avoid being late. The cruise ship will not wait for you if you're late, so take note of how long it took to get from the cruise terminal to the resort and pad extra time to return.

Ultimately, I find a resort day pass is the perfect family shore excursion for a Caribbean visit, especially if I've visited the island a few times.

I value the amenities you get with a resort pass, and greatly prefer to be able to enjoy the time at the resort on my family's schedule instead of a group visit. It's probably not the cheapest shore excursion you'll find, but I find good value in what I get.

The next time you're considering tours and nothing jumps out at you, perhaps a resort pass might be the best choice.