How to be savvy when planning port days

Port days are one my favourite parts of cruising. New places, new adventures, new opportunities to eat something you definitely don’t need to! But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that being a bit smart with your planning can save you money, stress, and the awkward moment where you realise you’ve paid triple for the same tour somebody else found cheaper online. Here you can find out how to be savvy when planning port days.

Cruise lines make it incredibly easy to book excursions through them. You open the app, tap a button, and you’re sorted. Convenience at its finest. The only downside is that convenience usually comes with a slightly eye watering price tag. So here’s how to plan your port days like someone who loves the finer things in life but hates paying full price for them.

Start With the Cruise Line’s Excursion List

Before you do anything else, have a proper browse through what your cruise line is offering. Seriously, this step is gold.

Why? Because their excursion list gives you a perfect overview of:

• The top things to do in each port

• How long they take

• What’s realistic based on timings

• What other guests will likely be doing

  
  

Think of the cruise line’s list as your inspiration board. You don’t have to book any of it, but it’s a great way to see what’s available and build your own plan.

And who knows, you might even find something worth booking if the price feels fair. It does happen.

Check Alternatives on Viator and Get Your Guide

Once you’ve found a few things you’re interested in, hop onto Viator or Get Your Guide. More often than not you’ll find the exact same tours for less. Sometimes a lot less.

These platforms offer:

• Cheaper versions of ship excursions

• Smaller group sizes on many tours

• More flexibility with timings

• A wider variety of activities

  
  

And if you like reading reviews before you part with your cash, the amount of feedback on these sites is a huge help.

An incredible experience kayaking in Olden - and a fraction of the price

On my Norwegian Fjords trip, a good friend of mine recommended kayaking in one of the Fjords – a real bucket list activity.  The price through the cruise line was incredibly expensive, so I hopped onto Get Your Guide and found a smaller company in Olden who offered the experience at a fraction of the cost and it was fantastic. Saved myself a fortune.

One thing to keep in mind: if you book independently, you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. No leisurely cocktails if you’re cutting it fine.

Explore DIY Options

Some ports are wonderfully easy to explore on your own. A quick shuttle into town, a wander around, maybe a little lunch somewhere with a view of the ship. You don’t always have to be doing an activity. No planning needed.

If you prefer more structure, many places offer:

• Local taxis

• Hop on hop off buses

• Public transport

• Beaches within walking distance

  
  

A little research goes a long way and can save you a lot of money.

Be Smart With Timing

If your tour finishes an hour before all aboard time, that’s perfect. If it finishes 10 minutes before, that’s stress you do not need on holiday.

Leave wiggle room. Sit and enjoy a drink before getting back on board. Pretend you live there. You’re on a cruise, relax!

When Booking With the Ship Makes Sense

Even the most bargain loving among us sometimes chooses the safer option. Booking with the ship can be the right call when:

• The port is far from the main attractions

• The timing is tight

• The tour involves ferries or long journeys

• You really don’t want the stress of managing logistics

  
  

If the ship’s tour runs late, they will wait for you. If your independent tour runs late, well, those sail away horns sound a little different. And you may even end up on YouTube. Search pier runners. It’s worth it.

Me loving kayaking!

Final Thoughts

Being savvy on port days is all about balance. Get inspiration from the cruise line, then compare prices and options elsewhere. Sometimes the ship’s excursion is the best fit. Sometimes it’s not even close. The key is giving yourself enough time to plan so you can enjoy the experience without overspending or rushing.

Do a little homework, keep an eye on timing, mix convenience with smart choices, and your port days will be some of the highlights of your entire cruise.