Hello, I'm Elke, and together with my husband, I've been an enthusiastic cruiser since 2014. I had wanted to go on a cruise for years, but my husband was more skeptical. So we booked a Mediterranean cruise, to see if this way of traveling was right for us. We were immediately hooked by the cruise virus, and since then, we've explored Europe on 24 cruises. At some point, the idea for this travel blog emerged, where I share our experiences with you. Additionally, I provide valuable tips for both, cruise beginners and seasoned cruisers who prefer to plan their shore excursions individually.

I hope you enjoy Elke's Cruises, and I look forward to helping you plan your cruise!

It's hard to discover the world more comfortably than on a cruise. Once the suitcase is unpacked, the hotel always travels with you. Since the ships set sail for the next port at night, you typically wake up in a different city or even another country the next morning.

Shore excursions are undoubtedly the highlight of any cruise, as sea voyages are also travel adventures. For most cruisers, seeing a lot and experiencing a lot is the key ingredient for a perfect trip.

Once the cruise ship has docked in the port, you have three options for shore excursions:

1. Organized excursions through the cruise line

2. Organized excursions by local providers

3. Self-organized excursions on your own

If you haven't researched the individual ports and considered what you would like to see in advance of your cruise, you will ultimately rely on the excursions offered by the cruise line.

Therefore, it is advisable to prepare for a cruise. If you know what you want to see, you should think about how to best implement your wishes. On this page, I will introduce you to many cruise ports and hope that my port descriptions will help you in selecting your excursions.

In every port, cruise lines offer excursions. Booking through the cruise line is the most convenient and secure way to arrange shore excursions. If the excursion returns late to the port, the ship will wait. If a port is not visited, the refund of the booked excursion is merely a formality. The selection is large and varied, and everyone can really find the perfect excursion. Excursions can be reserved relatively quickly after booking the cruise. For those who prefer to deal with excursions once on board, there is an excursion desk on every ship. In the theater, excursions are usually presented in detail the day before reaching the port. Excursions are a lucrative additional income for the cruise lines, and as such, they are heavily promoted. However, these excursions are often somewhat more expensive and can usually be booked at a lower price on-site or through relevant portals.

Meanwhile, in ports that are regularly visited by cruise ships, local providers have become a good alternative. The range of excursions is diverse, and the prices are often more affordable than those offered by cruise lines. In almost all ports, local guides are available and offer their excursions right at the dock. A great way to book a local provider from home is through platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide. These platforms connect shore excursionists with local providers. Here, you can find detailed information about the offerings and also read reviews from other shore excursionists. Additionally, these providers now offer good cancellation options in case the ship cannot dock at a port for any reason. They cater not only to cruise passengers but also provide tickets for many attractions without waiting in line, culinary excursions, and tickets for various hop-on hop-off buses. On my page, you will find many tips for excursions with local providers.

Under 'Book Shore Excursions,' you will find excursion offers from Meine Landausflüge. Meine Landausflüge is a German provider that offers excursions in small groups with:

- Pickup at the port

- Small groups

- Mostly German-speaking tour guides

- Guarantee to return to the ship on time

- Flex option (free cancellation up to 60 minutes before the start of the excursion)"

Those who prefer to embark on a shore excursion individually and alone can certainly do so. Some shore excursion guests do not wish to explore the surroundings in groups or follow a set program.

It’s best to inform yourselves in advance about the conditions at the individual ports, for example, here on my page. Under port information, I have summarized the most important details for many destinations. In industrial ports, free shuttle buses take you from the port area; in other ports, this service is charged. You can obtain road maps and excursion information either at the terminal or at the tourist information center.

Taxis and rental cars are available at almost every port. Taxis often offer excursions at fixed prices. Hop-on-hop-off buses also provide city tours.

If you go ashore on your own, keep an eye on the time. If you are late, the ship may not wait for you. For excursions with local providers, you are guaranteed to be back at the ship on time. If you still miss the ship, the organizer will ensure that you catch up with the ship at the next port. For excursions through the cruise line, the ship will definitely wait for late returning guests. If, for cost reasons, the ship cannot wait, the cruise line will ensure that you reach the ship at the next port."

If you like my website and would like to support my work, it would be great if you could book your trips through the links I have provided here. There are no costs for you, but I receive a small commission.

It is important that you go to the sites through my links and do not leave the page until the booking is complete.

Thank you very much for your support!

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