How to Plan Your Own Excursions (No Cruise Ship Markups!)

After taking cruise after cruise (and loving every minute of it!), we’ve learned a little secret that’s saved us tons of money and allowed us to explore destinations on our own terms: planning our own excursions.

Cruise line excursions are convenient, yes—but they’re also marked up like crazy and often overly crowded and cookie-cutter. If you’re looking to get off the ship, experience more, and spend less, here’s exactly how we plan our own excursions like pros.

Why Skip Cruise Line Excursions?

Let’s get real: cruise-sponsored excursions often:

• Cost 2–3x more than what locals charge directly

• Limit flexibility (you’re stuck with a group and strict timing)

• Feel touristy or rushed

• Don’t always support local businesses the way private or DIY options do

By planning your own, you get:

• A more personal experience

• Custom itineraries based on what YOU want to see

• Direct contact with locals and small businesses

• Significant savings

Step-by-Step: How to Plan Your Own Excursions

1. Research Your Ports Ahead of Time

Before your cruise even starts, look up each port you’re visiting.

Ask yourself:

• What is this port known for?

• Are the top attractions close to the port, or will you need transportation?

• Is it walkable, or do you need a taxi/private driver?

Tools we use:

• Google “Top things to do in [Port Name]”

• YouTube port walk-throughs & vlogs

• Cruise Critic forums (goldmine of info)

• Pinterest & travel blogs

• Our own past experience (we always take notes)

2. Decide on Your Ideal Day

Create a loose itinerary of what you’d love to do, like:

• A waterfall + a beach + a local lunch

• Sightseeing + shopping + historic site visit

• Snorkeling + local rum tasting + chill time

Pick 2–3 highlights max—you won’t have all day. Keep return times in mind. Cruises wait for their excursions, not you!

3. Hire a Private Driver or Small Tour

This is our go-to for ports where things aren’t walkable.

We usually:

• Hire a private driver for the day and make our own stops (works great in places like St. Lucia, Nassau, or Curaçao)

• Or book small group tours via trusted third-party platforms

Where to book:

• Viator (backed by TripAdvisor, easy to cancel) >>>Book Here vi.me/d4tql

• GetYourGuide

• TripAdvisor Experiences

• Local company websites or Facebook pages

• Or even by asking your Airbnb host or local Facebook groups

  
  

We always check:

• Reviews (especially from other cruisers)

• Communication (Do they respond quickly?)

• Timing (Will we get back 1–2 hours before all-aboard?)

4. Double Check Logistics

A few things we never forget to verify:

• Meeting Point: Is it walking distance from port or do we need to take a shuttle?

• Time Zone: Cruise ships often stay on “ship time”—not local time. Always confirm.

• Duration: Make sure you’ll be back at least 1–1.5 hours before all-aboard time.

• Cash vs. Card: Some local vendors only take cash.

We also screenshot all confirmations and directions just in case Wi-Fi is spotty.

5. Build in Flexibility

We love private excursions because if we fall in love with a spot (like a beach or rum bar), we can linger longer. But we also plan a little buffer to get back comfortably and stop for last-minute snacks or photos.

6. Pack Like a Pro

Here’s what we always bring for DIY days:

• Printed directions or screenshots

• A dry bag or waterproof pouch

• Small bills for tips

• Portable phone charger

• Snacks (especially if we’re skipping a formal lunch)

• Water shoes if hiking or beaching

• Cruise card + ID

• Emergency contact info from the ship

Our Favorite DIY Excursions (Real Examples!)

Nassau, Bahamas:

We hired a private driver who took us to Parliament Square, the Rum Cake Factory, Atlantis, Queen’s Staircase, and local rum tasting spots—WAY more than the cruise tour offered, and we skipped the big bus crowd.

This was BEST tour we’ve ever done! Our guide was awesome.

St. Lucia:

Our private island tour was incredible—volcanoes, waterfalls, cocoa plantation, and the Pitons all in one day with a guide who shared so much local insight.

Curaçao:

We explored Kokomo Beach, the Hato Caves, Mambo Beach, and Queen Emma Bridge—on our own time with a private driver we found on TripAdvisor.

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Lastly:

• Don’t overbook your time—always build in cushion.

• Trust your gut—only book with vendors you feel confident in.

• Support locals where you can—it’s often more authentic and impactful.

• Take notes during each trip—it helps for your next cruise (and blog content!).

  
  

Planning your own excursions takes a little more effort upfront, but it gives you more freedom, better value, and truly memorable experiences. After many cruises, we honestly prefer this over the cookie-cutter group tours—and it lets us travel deeper, not just pass through.