What to know before you go
Provide ship name, call date and all-aboard time. Confirm the shore-side meeting point rather than assuming pier pickup. Choose a shorter route if your port window is limited. Obtain the return plan in writing before committing.
Build the day from the all-aboard time backwards
First confirm when you must be back on the ship, then account for the shore-to-ship process, a return buffer and the journey back from your final stop. The remaining window is your activity time. A long itinerary described as a full day may not fit a short call.
Tendering changes the meeting time
Check your cruise line’s instructions for getting ashore. Independent guests may not be off the ship at the time shown as port arrival. Tell the excursion organiser whether an arrival time is an estimate and ask how late arrival or missed tender slots are handled.
Useful details for a shore excursion quote
Provide ship name, sailing date, port call, all-aboard time, passenger count and mobility needs. Ask for the exact shore-side meeting point, a contact for the day, the return plan and cancellation terms if the ship does not call. Do not assume a return guarantee unless the operator expressly provides one.