Shore Excursions Not Run by Cruise Lines Are a Hit With Passengers and Travel Advisors Alike
Photo Credit: Barry and Julie Karp, owners of ShoreTrips, on a shore excursion in Mexico City. Passengers are increasingly looking for shore trips that are off-the-beaten-path and with smaller groups than cruise-led excursions. ShoreTrips
Skift Take
Independent shore excursions are proliferating, enabling passengers to avoid the crowds and travel advisors to earn commissions. With competition more intense, some cruise lines are attempting to improve their excursion offerings as a result.
With strong appeal for cruise passengers seeking to avoid coaches and crowds, shore excursions offered by third-party providers, especially those emphasizing small groups, immersive experiences, and off-the-beaten path destinations, are growing in number and popularity.
Independent excursions, which unlike most ship-sponsored excursions pay commissions, are also finding favor with travel advisors who say they result in more customization and trip satisfaction for clients while also boosting the bottom line.
“People are really looking for experiences, and the more you can personalize something like a shore excursion, the stronger you are as an agent,” said Vicky Garcia, co-owner and chief operating officer of Cruise Planners, a franchise network with 2,500 agencies. “People are less likely to want to get on a bus with 40 others these days. I feel that way myself.”
Growing Ranks of Third Parties
Among the most successful of the growing ranks of third-party excursion provi
