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Shore Excursions?

Travel Info
Is it neccessary to book shore excursions when you go on a cruise? My husband and I are going to Key West and Nassau on the Carnival Celebration. Can't we just walk around and hang out on the beaches and goof off on our on for the day? Or do the ships port where it's impossible to find your way around or what? This is the first time either of us have been on a cruise.

Travel Tips

we have been to Nassau already and we did not get any Excursions through the cruise line and we are glad we did not, Nassau is easy to walk to most of it and there are cabs and tour guides that bombard you as soon as you step off the ship walk around first then go the the cab (about $25 for 2 hrs each person) if you want, there is a horse drawn carriage tour too.

we have found most port to be the same with the exception of on in Costa Maya Mexico that is mostly a place to get Mayan ruins site, that is the only one I would book the Excursions through the ship. a quick search of hte ports of call is helpfull too Source(s): o:)NA
Other Travel Tips

No it's not required at all. When you get off the ship you'll have many locals offering private tours or you can jump in a taxi and do your own thing. In Nassau you'll be docked downtown in the shopping area, and if you take a 5-10 minute taxi you'll be at the beach near the Atlantis hotel where most people go. In Key West, you take a train shuttle into town (it's free), and again everything is there. Not much for beaches in Key West though, mostly shopping. Their both fun ports though, so you'll definately enjoy yourself with whatever you do. Have fun!!!
WE cruise many times and never book a tour. Most places you dock at a pier in a town and you can just get off the ship and go where you want or even when you are required to take a tender to shore you can go on your own. Just be sure that you have the correct time on your watch and know what time you are to be back on ship. They will leave you.
experienced cruiser
dont book a excursion for either place. key west u can just walk duval street or you can rent one of those scooters or electic cars.. they are a plast. go to the blonde girafee for key lime pie. they also have those trolly tours for real cheap if u dont want to walk. in nassu u can walk around and take a taxi to atlantis. atlantis is that nice resort that has bars casinos shopping,,, everything. its a cheap fare i forget the price but its cheap. the straw market is fun too.
get a cab or shuttle and do what ever you want .just watch the time