Call free 0800 019 0063 We are open today between 9am and 8pm

Home / FAQ / What Are Shore Excursions

Find Your Perfect Cruise

What are shore excursions?

When a ship stops at a port of call, there will be organised expeditions to shore with expert guides provided either by the cruise line or other third party companies.

Organised shore excursions are available in almost every port of call allowing guests to make the most of their time on shore discovering as many of the sights as possible, safe in the knowledge that they will be returned to port in time for the ship’s departure.

Organised tours are also good for visiting attractions that are located a bit further afield and are ideal for obtaining insightful and enriching knowledge from expert guides.

These excursions almost always cost an additional fee, unless you are cruising with some of the more luxury 6 star cruises lines, but guests are able to budget for these by booking in advance. Pre-booking isn’t always necessary as the tours can be booked onboard ship with your Tour Director.

One of the major appeals of Cruising is the variety of destinations available and shore excursions  are the ideal way to enhance each port visit by exploring what each has to offer. The tours on offer can range from sightseeing city tours to Dog sledding or Glacier Hiking for the more adventurous!

Booking with the cruise line means that you know the tour provider is licensed and reputable, and gives you the security of knowing that the ship won't depart until all of its guests have returned.

There are now also a growing number of other third party companies such as Cruising Excursions which allow you to book excursions dependent on your cruise itinerary and can tailor make packages to suit your needs.

At Stewart Travel you can be safe in the knowledge that our Cruise Experts will do everything they can to secure the right cruise and shore excursions for you – call us today on 0800 019 0063 to arrange your perfect cruise!

What our clients say

Platinum Service Award Winners

Average Customer Rating: 4.9/5

Brilliant

Friendly informative told me everything I wanted to know

Mr Armour / May 2026

Helpful friendly staff

It was so easy to go in and tell them what we wanted to do and when we wanted to go and they did all the work finding out flights and tours. Gave us some options it was that easy. Staff was so friendly and helpful definitely recommend them

Mrs Watt / May 2026

Helpful and patient and friendly

Demi the rep at Stewart travel was so helpful and patient in helping book our holiday

Mrs Cairns / May 2026

Read All Reviews

Speak to a Cruise Expert