are excursions included on crystal ocean cruises

Do crystal cruises include shore excursions?

Crystal Esprit -- the 62-passenger yacht from Crystal Cruises that sails the West Indies, Dalmatian Coast, Greek Isles and Seychelles -- also includes most shore excursions in its cruise fares. In almost every port, you can select from one or two active and cultural Complimentary Crystal Adventures.

What are the differences between Regent&Crystal Cruises'excursions?

More in-depth or exclusive tours incur an extra fee, but Regent generally offers more free than extra-fee excursions in each port. Crystal Esprit -- the 62-passenger yacht from Crystal Cruises that sails the West Indies, Dalmatian Coast, Greek Isles and Seychelles -- also includes most shore excursions in its cruise fares.

What are the best cruises with complimentary excursions?

On Crystal Yacht Cruises, aboard the line's 62-passenger yacht Crystal Espirit, passengers have a choice of two complimentary excursions in every port: one option focuses on the culture of the region while the other is usually some type of "soft" adventure like ziplining or river rafting.

Are there any free shore excursions on a luxury cruise?

With so many different types of free shore excursions, luxury cruise travelers should have no problem finding a line that suits their touring style. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers some of the most inclusive -- and most expensive -- cruise fares in the industry.

What is included on crystal ocean Cruises?

Crystal Cruises: The All-Inclusive Crystal Experience; All-Inclusive cruises include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout both ships as well as gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff and much more!

Is Crystal Cruise Line all-inclusive?

What You Get: Crystal provides an all-inclusive cruise experience that appeals to its tradition-minded passengers. Fares include gratuities; all drinks; one evening of dining in specialty restaurants Prego and Umi Uma; 24-hour room service; all enrichment courses and fitness classes; and Wi-Fi.

Are excursions included on Cruises?

Some luxury lines and most river lines include some shore excursions in their fares. Often basic city tours will be included, while more extensive tours and activity excursions are available for an additional charge.

Do you have to pay for cruise excursions?

You are free to come and go at will from most cruise ships while they are in ports of call. Shore excursions are simply one means to explore the areas visited by the ship and to participate in available activities off the ship.

Are meals included on Crystal Cruises?

All passengers receive one complimentary meal at Umi Uma (excluding the sushi bar, which is a no-extra charge option at any time). Any additional visits incur a $30 per person surcharge. Tips for specialty dining are included in the cruise fare.

Is Crystal a luxury cruise line?

We are looking forward to bringing our visitors aboard and demonstrating once again why Crystal Cruises is the world's most awarded luxury cruise line.

How do you get free cruise excursions?

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Can you get off a cruise ship without an excursion?

In most cases, you don't need to book a shore excursion in order to explore a port of call. You can simply walk off the ship and stroll into town or catch a cab to take you wherever you want to go.

Is it better to book excursions before cruise?

The primary benefit of booking excursions through the cruise line is that they guarantee your return to the ship. This generally means that if you're on a tour that's scheduled to finish 30 minutes before sail-away and the tour is in some way delayed, the ship will wait until you're safely back onboard to set sail.

Is it cheaper to buy shore excursions on the ship?

Yes it is cheaper. You'll find taxis and mini-buses right outside the port area. The drivers often have boards and leaflets highlighting places to go. They know their stuff - so they mimic the cruise tours and get you back well on time.

How much do you tip on cruise excursions?

Whether they are an employee of the shore excursion company, a step-on guide, or the vehicle driver, extra appreciation is the proper etiquette. Rates are generally $5/person for guides and $2/person for the driver for one-day trips.

Why are cruise excursions so expensive?

One of the largest sources of cost in any excursion is the transportation to get to and from an area. While many guests opt for taxis, do not overlook public buses. The "chariot of the people" is available in many ports you will visit, and will cost a fraction of private transportation.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise ship?

This probably goes without saying, but if you're claustrophobic, having a balcony is absolutely worth the money. The fact is, inside cabins are small and cozy, meaning no natural light at all. You may be ok with an ocean view, but still feel a bit closed in.

What is the new Crystal cruise ship?

Silver EndeavourCrystal Endeavor will join the Silversea Cruises fleet this month, Royal Caribbean said in a news release Monday. The ship, which will be renamed Silver Endeavour, "is designed specifically to take travelers to the world's most remote destinations, including both polar regions," the company said.

How many ships does Crystal cruise have?

Crystal Cruises has 3 ships in the fleet. From the moment you step on board, you will experience Crystal Cruises' dedication to making your cruise with us a perfect one. Our Six-Star Commitment means each instant must be memorable, every detail sublime.

What cruise lines have free water sports?

Water Sports. Luxury cruise lines that have ships with water sports platforms -- such as Windstar, Paul Gauguin Cruises , SeaDream and Seabourn -- offer another kind of free activity. These ships carry a variety of water toys -- snorkel gear, kayaks, standup paddleboards, rafts for floating -- and when the weather and port regulations are right, ...

What is the Crystal Esprit?

Crystal Esprit -- the 62-passenger yacht from Crystal Cruises that sails the West Indies, Dalmatian Coast, Greek Isles and Seychelles -- also includes most shore excursions in its cruise fares. In almost every port, you can select from one or two active and cultural Complimentary Crystal Adventures. Free shore excursions include bird-watching, hiking, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, culinary excursions and even ziplining over a jungle canopy. Additional in-depth experiences -- up to seven or eight options, including things like scuba diving, fishing, golfing, and private cars and guides -- are available in some ports for an additional fee.

What cruise lines offer welcome service?

It also allows passengers on tours that end in the city to choose to stay longer in town and come back to the ship on the shuttle. Azamara, Crystal Cruises, Viking, Regent, Silversea, Oceania and Seabourn are among the lines that offer this welcome service.

How long is a cruise overview tour?

However, as the overview tours usually last just a half-day, cruise travelers will have time to do independent touring before or after, going into the church or museum they most want to see, taking time for shopping or a snack in a cafe, or doing some other local activity if the ship is in port late.

What do cruise chefs do?

Most often, the chef will point out produce, fish, cheese or meat that is a regional specialty. It's a fun way to meet other foodies on your cruise and get to know the chef.

Does Seabourn offer free shopping with the chef?

Both Seabourn and Windstar regularly offer free "shopping with the chef" shore excursions. (Other lines like Regent and Silversea also offer similar market tours on specific itineraries with foodie themes.) Watch the daily program for details, and be sure to sign up ASAP since slots can go fast.

What do lines do on the beach?

On special days, lines with onboard water toys throw sumptuous beach parties, taking over a beach and reserving it exclusively for their passengers. Activities staffers bring all the water toys to the shore and set up an over-the-top barbecue with steak and lobster and bar service, so passengers can feel like they're at an exclusive beach resort.

Are shore excursions included in the fare for my luxury cruise?

Regent Seven Seas has the most liberal policy for shore excursions: an unlimited number of tours are included in your cruise fare (though it does offer extra-fee excursions to more off-the-beaten-path sites , as well as those that include a unique mode of transportation, like a horseback ride or helicopter tour).

Are the free tours good or are the ones that cost extra better?

Oftentimes, the free tours are introductory "first looks" at a destination. For example, a freebie might take you on a walking tour of the port's old-town neighborhood with a visit to a museum and cathedral, or maybe you'll enjoy a wine tasting or tour of an artisan's workshop that makes a craft for which the region is famous. The paid options are often experiences like a catamaran sail and snorkel, or a helicopter tour followed by a picnic. More personalized tours, such as a private car rental with a driver and English-speaking guide, always cost extra.

What type, and how many, shore excursions can I expect to choose from in any given port?

Shore excursions come in a variety of flavors. There's the standard city or "old town" walking tour, which is often packaged with a visit to a nearby museum or cultural site. There are also immersive experiences like a tour of a vineyard with a wine tasting or a visit to a famous restaurant packaged with a cooking class. Active and "soft" adventures are also popular excursions and range from things like snorkeling and diving to horseback riding and ziplining to river rafting and hiking. Some people worry that a luxury line will offer fewer tours in port or that they will be of the "boring" variety, but that's really not the case. In ports that have a lot of sightseeing options, your cruise ship will have plenty of options from which you can choose.

What if I want to explore a port but I don't want to book an excursion with a lot of people?

Luxury lines never cram a bus to the gills so even basic tours are comfortable and enjoyable since you'll travel with a manageable number of people. When a lot of travelers want to take the same tour, a luxury line will have multiple buses and guides so you don't have to worry about overcrowding. High-end lines also understand that not everyone wants to book an excursion and travel in a pack with other people. Each of them offers private tours that can be devised by the concierge or destination services department, and/or a half-day or full-day car rental with a driver and English-speaking guide so you can customize a private tour that explores only what interests you most in the port of call. And, don't forget that you can book tours or private guides independently off the ship. Check Cruise Critic's destination forums for recommendations from other cruisers.

Do luxury cruise lines offer different shore tours than mainstream cruise lines?

Yes, the destination departments of luxury cruise lines have contacts around the world that assist in planning unique VIP shore excursions. While the mainstay city tours and wine tastings are always on offer, look for special access options that the line has specifically negotiated on your behalf. For example, Crystal Cruises offers a private visit to Doge's Palace in Venice, a museum that's usually swarming with thousands of tourists. In Bilboa, Spain, you can don a hard hat to visit Santa Maria Cathedral, a 13th-century church that is undergoing restoration. The project's architect or technical adviser leads these tours. Silversea treats some cruisers to a 1940s-style dance party at Hanger 37 at Pearl Harbor's Pacific Aviation Museum in Honolulu.

Is the shore excursion experience any different on a luxury ship?

Sometimes it's the little things that make an impression. It's not uncommon for a luxury cruise line to distribute rain ponchos and/or umbrellas to passengers who are about to embark on a shore excursion during inclement weather. Complimentary bottled water for everyone -- distributed before the tour and often on the tour bus -- is a matter of course. The transfer vehicles are usually quite nice and new. Coaches are well air-conditioned and often have a restroom in the back. Luxury lines also limit the number of passengers on each bus so everyone gets a bit more elbow room. Likewise, if your tour includes transportation via expedition vehicle (like a Jeep or SUV), you might only be traveling with one or two other couples. Overall, guides will generally accommodate a smaller group of travelers so you are assured a more personalized and intimate tour.

How do I book shore excursions with my cruise line?

Once you have a booking number for your reserved cruise, you'll be able to log on to the company's website and make some selections when it comes to your voyage, including which shore tours you'd like to reserve in advance. Alternatively, you can wait until you board the ship and book your shore tours on the first day of the cruise or throughout the voyage. The ship's destinations manager can assist you and there is usually a destinations desk where you can fill out a reservation card and pop it in the box, even during off hours when the desk isn't manned.

Can you discuss river cruises on Crystal?

As an FYI, the moderators discourage discussion of river cruises on the regular Crystal board. Any threads on River generally get transferred to the River Cruise forum by them. While not Crystal-specific, you will find a wealth of good info there.

Is the Regents cruise more expensive than the Crystal?

Just compared a similar Crystal and Regents cruise. The Regent was more expensive but not by much when you figure in business class international air plus excursions, transfers etc. I guess depends upon definition of luxury and inclusive

Is advertising a misleading term?

It is a bit misleading but advertising is advertising.