Travel Advisors Cruise Over to Book Independent Shore Excursions
Skift Take
Shore excursions offered by third-party companies are growing in popularity among passengers and travel advisors alike. Independent options tend to offer more customization than ship-sponsored tours while also offering financial benefits for travel advisors.
As cruise ports grow ever-more congested and travelers seek alternatives to coach tours, it's little wonder that third-party shore excursion companies featuring small groups and curated experiences are finding favor with passengers. Unless they offer all-inclusive pricing, cruise lines usually don't pay commissions on excursions, but the independent companies do.
While some passengers may be concerned with issues such as getting back to the ship on time, this appears not to be a problem with reputable shore excursion companies. Of course, vetting companies on their safeguards and contingency plans is always a good idea.
At the same time, perhaps as a result of increased competition, many cruise lines are upping their game on shore excursions by offering small-group and customized options that are a far cry from the dreaded coach tour.
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