shore excursions

This is our first cruise so can anyone offer any advice if it is better to get a shore excursion through carnival or try on our own when we get off the ship. A few people have told us it would be a good way to save money. Thanks.....

[Jim Bragg]

With this being your first cruise you might be better off doing your tours through the ship. This is especially true if you do not speak the local language or go far from the ship or are the least bit concerned about your welfare,safety, or missing the ship. The thing to remember is that when you go on your own, you really are on your own in a foriegn country. The price diffearance is not much and in many cases well worth it. Now if you are going on a shopping tour of downtown St Thomas then no, just take a taxi. Same for Cozumel.
Jim

[HappyCruiser383]

I agree with Jim. Booking on your own may save you a whopping $10 per person but booking through the ship is security that's worth more than $10. I've seen people miss the ship. It's really sad to see woman and children crying their eyes out on the pier as the ship is leaving them behind.

[Jim Bragg]

Yes, there will be a time when you are more confidant and know the ports better on subsequant trips and you may opt for a private tour later on when you know more about what is going on. First-time cruisers, book the ships tours.
Jim