What Cruise Lines Include Shore Excursions A Complete Guide

Most mainstream cruise lines do not include shore excursions in their base fares, requiring guests to purchase tours separately for an additional cost. Luxury and premium lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea are the exception, often bundling high-end, guided excursions at every port to enhance the all-inclusive experience. Always check your cruise line’s policy before booking to avoid unexpected expenses.

Key Takeaways

• Choose luxury lines: Most include free shore excursions in their fares.
• Check inclusions: Always verify if excursions are covered or cost extra.
• Book early: Popular tours fill up fast, especially on inclusive lines.
• Look for packages: Some offer discounted excursion bundles pre-cruise.
• Independent options: You can explore ports alone—saves money and adds flexibility.

What Cruise Lines Include Shore Excursions A Complete Guide

Shore excursions are one of the most exciting parts of any cruise vacation. Whether it’s snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, exploring ancient ruins in the Mediterranean, or hiking through lush rainforests in Alaska, these off-ship adventures transform a standard cruise into a journey of discovery. For many travelers, the appeal lies not just in the destinations themselves but in the value and convenience of having curated experiences included in the overall cruise cost. But here’s the catch: not all cruise lines include shore excursions in their base fare. Some offer them as paid add-ons, while others bundle them into premium packages or even include them as standard perks for all guests.

Understanding which cruise lines include shore excursions—and under what conditions—can make a significant difference in your vacation budget, experience, and overall satisfaction. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the policies of major cruise lines, highlights the differences between inclusive, semi-inclusive, and à la carte models, and provides practical tips to help you choose the right cruise based on your interests and financial goals. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing what’s included (and what’s not) will empower you to maximize your time ashore and get the most out of every port of call.

Why Shore Excursions Matter and What’s Typically Included

Shore excursions are organized tours, activities, or cultural experiences led by local guides and arranged by the cruise line. They’re designed to provide safe, reliable, and enriching experiences beyond the ship, often with transportation, entry fees, and expert commentary included. For many passengers, especially those unfamiliar with a destination, these excursions offer peace of mind and access to attractions that might be difficult or time-consuming to arrange independently.

The Value of Included Excursions

When a cruise line includes shore excursions, it typically means one or more of the following:

• Complimentary tours for all guests, such as city walks, museum visits, or scenic drives.
• Discounted or bundled pricing for premium experiences, often available through loyalty programs or suite-level perks.
• Exclusive excursions only available to passengers of that cruise line, offering unique access or private events.
• All-inclusive packages that bundle multiple excursions into a single upfront cost.

For example, a “free” walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town might be offered to all guests on a Mediterranean cruise, while a private catamaran sail in Santorini might require an additional fee—even on a line that includes some excursions.

Common Types of Included Shore Experiences

Even when not fully inclusive, many cruise lines offer a baseline of free or low-cost options:

• Port transfers to downtown areas
• Guided walking tours of historic districts
• Local food and cultural tastings
• Beach shuttles or access to private islands (e.g., Carnival’s Half Moon Cay)
• Scenic drives or hop-on-hop-off bus tours

These are often marketed as “included” but may have limited availability or require advance booking. It’s important to distinguish between truly free excursions and those that are merely “complimentary with purchase” of a higher-tier cabin or package.

Why Some Lines Don’t Include Excursions

Many mainstream cruise lines—like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival—operate on a pay-as-you-go model for excursions. This allows them to keep base fares lower while offering a wide variety of optional experiences. The downside? Excursion costs can add up quickly. A family of four could easily spend $1,000+ on tours across a 7-day cruise. In contrast, luxury and expedition lines often include excursions as a way to justify higher prices and deliver a premium, hassle-free experience.

Luxury and Premium Cruise Lines That Include Most Shore Excursions

If you’re looking for a cruise where most—or even all—shore excursions are included in the base fare, your best bet is to book with a luxury or premium line. These brands emphasize all-inclusive pricing, exceptional service, and curated experiences, making them ideal for travelers who want to explore without constantly reaching for their wallet.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: All-Inclusive, All the Way

Regent Seven Seas is one of the most generous when it comes to included excursions. With their “Free Unlimited Shore Excursions” policy, every passenger receives access to one complimentary tour per port, with no limits on the number of excursions or the price tier. Whether it’s a $250 helicopter ride over Iceland or a $75 wine-tasting in Bordeaux, it’s covered—no extra charge.

• Over 2,000 excursions available across the fleet
• Private car and driver options in select ports
• Expedition-style Zodiac landings in Antarctica and the Arctic

Example: On a 10-night Baltic cruise, guests can enjoy free tours in Copenhagen (Tivoli Gardens & canal cruise), Stockholm (Vasa Museum & Old Town), and St. Petersburg (Hermitage Museum & Peterhof Palace)—all included.

Oceania Cruises: Destination-Rich with Included Options

Oceania Cruises offers a “Free Land Discoveries” program, providing one complimentary excursion per port for all guests. These are carefully curated to highlight the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination. While premium experiences (like private tours or exclusive access) require an upgrade fee, the standard included options are often high-quality and well-attended.

• Excursions range from city walks to scenic train rides
• Smaller group sizes for a more intimate experience
• Optional “Beyond the Brochure” tours for an extra fee

Tip: Book early—complimentary tours can fill up quickly, especially in popular ports like Venice or Barcelona.

Silversea Cruises: Luxury Meets Local Culture

Silversea includes one complimentary shore excursion per port on most itineraries. What sets them apart is the quality and exclusivity of these tours. Many are designed by local experts and offer behind-the-scenes access—think private museum viewings, cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs, or cultural performances.

• Excursions are included on all sailings except select expedition cruises (where all tours are included)
• Optional “Silver Shore Collection” tours available for an additional fee
• Zodiac landings and guided hikes on expedition voyages (e.g., Galápagos, Antarctica)

Example: In Kyoto, Silversea offers a free tour of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and a tea ceremony—both included in the fare.

Scenic & Emerald Cruises: River and Ocean All-Inclusives

While primarily known for river cruises, Scenic and Emerald Cruises also operate ocean vessels where all shore excursions are included. Their “Scenic Freechoice” program offers multiple tour options per port—ranging from active (hiking, biking) to cultural (museums, local markets)—and all are free.

• Private car and driver option in select ports
• Included e-bikes and electric vehicles for self-guided exploration
• Expert local guides with small group sizes

Bonus: On Scenic Eclipse (their ocean yacht), guests enjoy free excursions on every port call, including helicopter and submarine tours in select destinations.

Expedition and Niche Cruise Lines with Fully Inclusive Excursions

For travelers seeking adventure, wildlife, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, expedition cruise lines are the gold standard for included shore excursions. These lines specialize in polar regions, remote islands, and ecologically sensitive areas where guided access is essential—and almost always included in the price.

Lindblad Expeditions (with National Geographic)

Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, is renowned for its immersive, educational, and conservation-focused voyages. On every itinerary—whether in Antarctica, Alaska, or the Galápagos—all shore excursions are included, led by naturalists, scientists, and expert guides.

• Daily Zodiac landings and kayaking excursions
• Wildlife spotting with marine biologists
• Photography workshops with National Geographic experts

Example: On a Galápagos cruise, guests enjoy multiple daily excursions to uninhabited islands, snorkeling with sea lions, and guided hikes to see giant tortoises—all included.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten offers expedition cruises to the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. On most itineraries, all landings and shore excursions are included, with a focus on sustainability and local engagement.

• Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and hiking in remote areas
• Included parka and boots for polar voyages
• Science-focused lectures and citizen science programs

Note: Hurtigruten’s “Classic” coastal Norway voyages (the original Hurtigruten service) do not include excursions, so be sure to book an “Expedition” cruise for full inclusion.

Quark Expeditions & Ponant

Both Quark Expeditions and Ponant offer fully inclusive polar and Arctic itineraries. On these cruises, guests participate in daily landings via Zodiacs, guided hikes, and wildlife observation—all included. Ponant also includes cultural excursions in ports like Reykjavik or Ushuaia.

• Quark: Focus on adventure and accessibility to extreme environments
• Ponant: French luxury with eco-friendly practices and gourmet dining
• Both include expert naturalists, parkas, and expedition gear

Tip: These cruises are more expensive upfront but offer exceptional value due to the all-inclusive nature—especially when compared to booking similar experiences independently.

Mainstream Cruise Lines: Limited or Optional Inclusions

While luxury and expedition lines shine in excursion inclusion, mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Princess typically do not include most shore excursions in the base fare. However, they offer several ways to access free or discounted tours, often through loyalty programs, promotions, or cabin upgrades.

Royal Caribbean: Free Options with Limitations

Royal Caribbean offers a few complimentary experiences, such as:

• Beach shuttles to private islands (Perfect Day at CocoCay, Labadee)
• Port transfers in select destinations (e.g., Nassau)
• Occasional “free” walking tours or city highlights (limited availability)

Most excursions are paid, with prices ranging from $50 for a bus tour to $300+ for adventure experiences like zip-lining or submarine dives. However, Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society (loyalty program) members receive discounts and occasional free tours.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Free at Private Islands

NCL includes access to its private islands—Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Harvest Caye (Belize)—with basic amenities like beach chairs, restrooms, and food. However, activities like snorkeling, zip-lining, or spa services require extra fees.

• Free beach access and shuttle
• Paid water sports, private cabanas, and excursions
• Occasional “free” cultural events in ports like Cozumel or Kauai

Tip: Use the NCL Free at Sea promotion to get a “Free Shore Excursion” credit—but it’s often limited to basic tours and has strict booking deadlines.

Carnival Cruise Line: Budget-Friendly, Pay-As-You-Go

Carnival operates almost entirely on a pay-per-excursion model. The only “included” experiences are:

• Access to Half Moon Cay (private island in Bahamas)
• Occasional free walking tours or beach shuttles in select ports

Excursions are competitively priced (many under $100), and Carnival often runs “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deals. However, costs can still add up, especially for families.

Princess Cruises: MedallionClass Perks

Princess Cruises offers minimal free excursions but provides discounts and priority booking for loyalty members (Captain’s Circle). They also feature “Princess Privileges”—free experiences like wine tastings, cooking demos, or cultural performances—but not full tours.

• Free port shuttles in many destinations
• Discounted excursions for repeat cruisers
• “Medallion” wearable tech for seamless booking and payments

How to Maximize Included Excursions: Tips and Strategies

Whether your cruise line includes excursions or not, there are smart ways to stretch your budget and enhance your experience. Here are actionable tips to help you get the most value out of shore excursions—included or not.

1. Book Early for Complimentary Tours

On lines like Oceania or Silversea, free excursions have limited capacity. Book as soon as your cruise opens for excursions (often 90–120 days before sailing) to secure your spot. Use the cruise line’s app or website to monitor availability.

2. Leverage Loyalty Programs

Cruise lines reward repeat guests. If you’re a member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor, NCL’s Latitudes, or Princess’ Captain’s Circle, you may receive:

• Free or discounted excursions
• Priority booking windows
• Exclusive tour options

Even if you’re not a frequent cruiser, consider joining the program before your trip.

3. Choose Higher-Category Cabins

On luxury lines, suite guests often receive additional perks, such as:

• More than one free excursion per port
• Access to private car and driver tours
• Concierge assistance with booking

Example: On Regent Seven Seas, suite guests can book multiple complimentary excursions per day—not just one.

4. Look for Promotions and Bundles

Many lines offer “Excursion Credit” or “Buy One, Get One” deals during booking. Carnival and NCL frequently run these promotions. Consider purchasing an excursion package upfront to lock in savings.

5. Combine Free and Independent Options

Even on inclusive lines, not every excursion may interest you. Use your free tour for a must-see attraction, then explore independently or book a local tour for something more niche. For example, use your free Oceania tour for the Louvre, then hire a private guide for Montmartre.

6. Check for Third-Party Deals

Websites like Cruise Critic, Viator, or GetYourGuide often offer shore excursions at lower prices than the cruise line. Just ensure the tour meets the ship’s docking time—missing the boat is a real risk!

Comparison Table: Cruise Lines and Shore Excursion Inclusion

Cruise Line	Excursion Inclusion	Number of Free Tours	Notes
Regent Seven Seas	Unlimited free tours	Unlimited (1 per port)	No limits on price or type
Oceania Cruises	1 free per port	1 per port	Premium tours available for fee
Silversea	1 free per port	1 per port	High-quality, culturally rich tours
Scenic & Emerald	All excursions included	Multiple options per port	E-bikes and private cars available
Lindblad Expeditions	All landings included	Multiple daily excursions	Expert naturalists, Zodiacs, kayaks
Hurtigruten Expeditions	All landings included	Daily excursions	Gear provided for polar voyages
Royal Caribbean	Limited free options	0–1 (private island access)	Loyalty discounts available
NCL	Private island access only	0 (except private islands)	Free at Sea promo offers credits
Carnival	Half Moon Cay access	0	Pay-per-excursion model

Conclusion

Choosing a cruise line based on its shore excursion policy can dramatically impact your vacation experience and budget. If you value convenience, luxury, and immersive experiences, lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, and Silversea offer exceptional value with included tours. For adventurers and nature lovers, expedition lines like Lindblad and Hurtigruten provide unparalleled access to remote destinations with all excursions covered.

On the other hand, mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Carnival keep base fares low but require guests to pay for most excursions—making loyalty programs, promotions, and smart booking strategies essential for maximizing value. No matter which line you choose, understanding the inclusion model—whether it’s truly free, limited, or pay-per-use—will help you plan a cruise that’s both enriching and financially sound.

Ultimately, the best cruise for you depends on your travel style, interests, and budget. Whether you’re sipping wine in Tuscany on a free Silversea tour, kayaking in Antarctica with Lindblad, or zip-lining in Costa Rica on a Carnival excursion, the key is to know what’s included and plan accordingly. With this guide in hand, you’re now equipped to choose a cruise that delivers unforgettable shore experiences—without unexpected costs or missed opportunities. Happy sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines include shore excursions in the base fare?

Yes, some premium and luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea include complimentary shore excursions in their base fare. These are often curated experiences designed to highlight local culture, history, or nature at each port.

Which cruise lines offer free shore excursions with certain packages?

Cruise lines such as Holland America Line and Princess Cruises offer free or discounted shore excursions when you book inclusive packages (e.g., “MedallionClass” or “Princess Plus”). These bundles often combine Wi-Fi, drinks, and shore excursions for added value.

Are there budget-friendly cruise lines that include shore excursions?

While most mainstream lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean charge extra, some budget-friendly options like Norwegian Cruise Line occasionally include excursions in special promotions or suite bookings. Always check for limited-time offers or loyalty program perks.

What luxury cruise lines include all shore excursions at no extra cost?

Luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises (with “O Life Choice”), and Viking Ocean Cruises include multiple shore excursions per port in their fares. These range from guided tours to private experiences, emphasizing immersive travel.

Do river cruise lines include shore excursions?

Yes, most river cruise lines like AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises, and Uniworld include daily guided shore excursions as part of their all-inclusive model. These are often walking or biking tours focused on cultural landmarks and local cuisine.

Can I customize included shore excursions on luxury cruise lines?

Many luxury lines, including Seabourn and Crystal Cruises, offer flexibility to tailor included excursions—such as choosing private tours or upgrading to exclusive experiences—for an additional fee. Always confirm options with the cruise line before departure.