SHORE EXCURSIONS - YES OR NO?

At port in Nassau (Photo: Gerry)

Should I sign up for a shore excursion?

Whether you are a first-timer or a cruise veteran, that usually lands in the "frequently asked questions" column.

Here are a few observations based on our own experiences:

• Generally speaking, most port visits are eight hours or less, and if you've never been there before, a shore excursion is a good way to see a lot in a short time. It also can provide an insurance policy against the captain's stern admonition that anyone not back on board by sailing time risks watching their friends wave goodbye from their stateroom balconies. Ship-sanctioned tours guarantee you won't be left behind.

• In most cases, be prepared for lots of standing, waiting and close quarters on buses. A guided tour is just that -- guided. Not everyone walks as fast as you do.
• Do your homework. Visit cruise websites where passengers share their experiences. Research the cruise line's descriptions of what the tour provides. Most tours aren't cheap, so make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

Pam shops on St. Thomas

• Apply common sense when a tour involves shopping excursions. Admittedly, I'm not the expert here (Pam, help me out), but I'm skeptical on the true value of "duty free" shopping. Just saying.
• Be patient. Surprising as it sounds, things don't always go as planned. Traffic snarls, a sudden downpour, the person in the tour group who didn't listen and finally got back to the bus 30 minutes after everyone else. It's rare to have everything go as planned, so just relax.
• Dress sensibly. That means dress for comfort. Shoes made for walking, not the dance floor. And you might want to pack an umbrella, some bottled water and a snack as well. "Be prepared" is good enough for the Boy Scouts, and good advice on tours as well.
• Should you book in advance? Most of the time, we haven't and have yet to miss a tour because it was sold out. But that does happen. Again, do some research or ask your travel agent.

Bottom line, port visits are a personal choice. If you love adventure and don't mind that you don't speak the language and driving on the other side of the road is no big deal in a rented vehicle, go for it.

For the less inclined, "if this is Tuesday it must be Belgium" isn't a bad way to see the world.

-- Gerry, for Cruising Squared