Which Cruise Lines Include Shore Excursions A Complete Guide

Most major cruise lines do not include shore excursions in their base fares, but a few premium and luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea offer all-inclusive experiences with complimentary tours. Mid-tier lines such as Princess Cruises and Holland America provide optional excursion packages or free basic tours on select itineraries, while budget-friendly Carnival and Royal Caribbean typically sell add-on excursions. Always check the cruise line’s policy—some promotions may include free tours as limited-time perks.

Key Takeaways

• Premium lines like Regent and Seabourn include most shore excursions in base fares.
• Oceania Cruises bundles excursions in higher-tier fares for select destinations.
• Holland America offers free tours in every port but limits group sizes.
• Norwegian Cruise Line rarely includes excursions; budget extra for port activities.
• Look for “all-inclusive” packages to save on pre-paid excursion bundles.
• Expedition cruises (e.g., Lindblad) include guided tours as core itinerary features.

Why Shore Excursions Matter on a Cruise Vacation

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to explore new destinations. While the ship itself offers luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and entertainment, it’s the shore excursions that truly bring the journey to life. These guided tours, activities, and cultural experiences allow travelers to immerse themselves in the local environment—whether that means snorkeling in turquoise waters, hiking ancient ruins, or sampling regional cuisine. However, not all cruise lines include these excursions in the base fare. Some bundle them into premium packages, while others charge à la carte, making it essential to understand the policies of each line before booking.

Choosing a cruise line that includes shore excursions can significantly enhance your vacation experience while also helping you manage costs. Excursions can range from $50 for a city walking tour to over $300 for private helicopter rides or exclusive dining experiences. For families or groups, these add-ons can quickly inflate the total trip price. That’s why savvy cruisers are increasingly looking for lines that offer inclusive excursions as part of their value proposition. This guide dives deep into which cruise lines include shore excursions, what types of activities are covered, and how to maximize your onshore adventures without breaking the bank.

Cruise Lines That Fully Include Shore Excursions

While most mainstream cruise lines charge extra for shore excursions, a select few stand out by offering inclusive or complimentary tours as part of their standard cruise fare. These lines typically cater to travelers seeking a more all-inclusive, hassle-free experience. Below are the top cruise lines that either fully include shore excursions or offer generous packages at no extra cost.

1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury with Complimentary Excursions

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is widely recognized as the leader in all-inclusive luxury cruising, and shore excursions are no exception. Every guest receives unlimited complimentary shore excursions in each port of call. With over 2,000 excursions offered annually, guests can choose from a wide variety of options, including:

• Cultural walking tours of historic cities (e.g., Venice, Dubrovnik, Kyoto)

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• Scenic nature hikes and wildlife safaris (e.g., Alaska’s Denali National Park)

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• Exclusive culinary experiences (e.g., cooking classes in Tuscany)

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• Private guided tours with local experts

Regent’s excursions are curated by destination experts and often include transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes even lunch. For example, a recent 12-night Mediterranean voyage included a private wine-tasting tour in Bordeaux, a guided visit to the Acropolis in Athens, and a boat trip to the Blue Grotto in Capri—all included in the base fare.

Pro Tip: Book excursions early, as popular options (like helicopter tours in the Grand Canyon) can fill up quickly. Regent also offers a “Concierge Excursion” service for guests who want to design custom tours at no extra cost.

2. Oceania Cruises: Free “Go Local” and “Go Beyond” Tours

Oceania Cruises, known for its gourmet dining and destination-rich itineraries, includes at least one complimentary excursion per port on most sailings. Their “Go Local” tours are designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, such as:

• Visiting local markets and artisan workshops
• Participating in traditional crafts (e.g., pottery in Portugal)
• Sampling street food in Bangkok or Marrakech

On longer voyages (10+ nights), Oceania often adds a “Go Beyond” excursion—a more elaborate tour like a private catamaran sail in the Caribbean or a guided safari in South Africa. These are also included at no extra charge.

Real-World Example: On a recent 14-night Alaska cruise, guests enjoyed a complimentary whale-watching tour in Juneau, a tram ride up Mount Roberts, and a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier—all included. Additional excursions (e.g., dog-sledding or flightseeing) were available for purchase.

3. Viking Ocean Cruises: Included Tours in Every Port

Viking Ocean Cruises takes a “destination immersion” approach, offering one complimentary excursion per port on nearly all itineraries. These tours are typically 2–4 hours long and focus on cultural and historical highlights. Examples include:

• A guided walk through Old Town Dubrovnik, including a visit to the city walls
• A scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast with stops in Positano and Ravello
• A traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto

Viking’s excursions are led by local guides and include transportation, entrance fees, and bottled water. While the included tours are more “moderate” in activity level (suitable for most ages), guests can upgrade to premium experiences like private tours or helicopter rides for an additional fee.

Tip: Viking’s excursions are designed to be accessible and educational. If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities (e.g., scuba diving or zip-lining), you’ll need to book those separately.

Cruise Lines with Partially Inclusive or Credit-Based Shore Excursion Programs

Some cruise lines don’t fully include shore excursions but offer partial inclusion through onboard credits, package deals, or free basic tours. These programs can still provide significant savings, especially for budget-conscious travelers.

1. Princess Cruises: MedallionClass Experience with Free “Discovery Tours”

Princess Cruises introduced the MedallionClass program, which includes a free “Discovery Tour” in select ports. These tours are designed to showcase local culture and history, such as:

• A guided visit to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain
• A walking tour of Old Quebec with maple syrup tasting
• A visit to the Sydney Opera House and harbor cruise

While not every port offers a free Discovery Tour, Princess provides a $100–$200 onboard credit per person on longer voyages (7+ nights), which can be used toward shore excursions. Additionally, guests can book excursions through the Medallion app, which offers real-time availability and discounts.

Example: On a 10-night Alaska cruise, guests received a free “Gold Panning & Scenic Tram” tour in Skagway and a $150 onboard credit. They used the credit to book a glacier helicopter tour (normally $299) for just $149 out of pocket.

2. Holland America Line: Free “Signature” Tours and Onboard Credits

Holland America Line includes one free “Signature” excursion per cruise on select sailings. These tours are curated to highlight unique local experiences, such as:

• A private garden tour in Madeira, Portugal
• A traditional Polynesian luau in Papeete, Tahiti
• A visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

For other ports, Holland America offers a “Shore Excursion Credit” of $50–$100 per person on cruises 7 nights or longer. This credit can be applied to any tour, making it a flexible option for customizing your onshore adventures.

Pro Tip: Book your free Signature tour early—spots are limited. The onboard credit can also be combined with early-booking discounts (up to 20% off) for additional savings.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Free “Port Adventures” and “Free at Sea” Perks

NCL doesn’t include excursions in the base fare but offers “Free at Sea” promotions that can cover shore excursion costs. When you book a qualifying cruise, you may receive:

• A free shore excursion credit (up to $500 per stateroom)
• Free “Port Adventures” in select destinations (e.g., a free walking tour of Old San Juan)

The “Free at Sea” program is highly customizable. For example, you could use the excursion credit to book a private catamaran sail in St. Thomas or a cooking class in Rome. NCL also partners with third-party tour operators (e.g., Viator) to offer discounted rates.

Real-World Scenario: A family of four booked a 7-night Caribbean cruise with NCL’s “Free at Sea” package. They received a $400 excursion credit and used it to book a full-day snorkeling trip in Grand Cayman and a zip-lining adventure in St. Maarten—saving over $600 compared to à la carte pricing.

Mainstream Cruise Lines with À La Carte Excursions (But Smart Ways to Save)

Most major cruise lines—including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and MSC—charge extra for shore excursions. However, there are strategies to reduce costs and maximize value, even without inclusive packages.

1. Royal Caribbean: Dynamic Pricing and Early-Bird Discounts

Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of excursions, from family-friendly beach days to extreme adventures like bungee jumping in New Zealand. While all tours are à la carte, the line uses dynamic pricing, meaning:

• Prices drop as the departure date approaches (if spots remain)
• Early bookers (60+ days pre-cruise) get up to 20% off
• Last-minute deals (48 hours before port) can offer savings of 30–50%

Example: A “Dolphin Encounter” in Nassau was priced at $129 early, dropped to $99 30 days before, and was offered for $69 two days before the port call. Booking early or last-minute can save hundreds for a group of four.

2. Carnival Cruise Line: “Fun” Tours and Group Discounts

Carnival’s excursions are designed to be budget-friendly and fun-focused. Many tours cost under $100, such as:

• Beach day passes with food and drinks
• Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours
• City hop-on/hop-off bus tours

Carnival also offers group discounts (10% off for 4+ guests) and “Excursion Bundles” (e.g., three tours for the price of two). For families, the “Kids’ Excursion Pass” ($49 per child) includes three free tours.

Tip: Use Carnival’s “Price Match” guarantee—if you find a lower price for the same tour through a third party, they’ll match it.

3. Celebrity Cruises: “Xperience” Tours and Onboard Credits

Celebrity Cruises positions itself as a premium line, offering high-end excursions like:

• Private yacht charters in the Greek Isles
• Helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon
• Exclusive wine-tasting experiences in Tuscany

While these tours are expensive (often $200+), Celebrity provides onboard credits on select sailings (e.g., $200–$500 per stateroom). These credits can be applied to excursions, spa services, or specialty dining. Celebrity also offers “Xperience” tours—small-group, immersive activities that are slightly more affordable than private options.

Example: A couple used their $300 onboard credit to book a private sunset sail in Santorini (normally $450), reducing their out-of-pocket cost to $150.

Specialty and River Cruise Lines with Inclusive Shore Experiences

Specialty cruise lines, particularly river and small-ship operators, often include shore excursions as standard due to their focus on destination immersion and smaller guest capacity.

1. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: All-Inclusive River Cruising

Scenic’s river cruises (in Europe, Asia, and Africa) include all shore excursions, with no additional cost. Guests enjoy:

• Daily guided tours (cultural, historical, or scenic)
• Private access to landmarks (e.g., after-hours visits to the Louvre)
• Free use of e-bikes and GPS-guided walking tours

Scenic also offers “Freechoice” excursions, allowing guests to customize their itinerary. For example, in Vienna, you could choose between a classical music concert or a guided bike tour.

Real-World Example: On a 15-day Danube River cruise, guests visited 12 cities and participated in 20+ included excursions—from a Mozart concert in Salzburg to a wine-tasting in Wachau Valley.

2. AmaWaterways: Complimentary Tours and Active Options

AmaWaterways includes one complimentary tour per port on all river cruises. These tours are led by local guides and cover key attractions (e.g., Cologne Cathedral, Budapest’s Parliament). For active travelers, AmaWaterways also offers:

• Free guided bike tours (using onboard bicycles)
• Walking tours with headsets for clear commentary
• “Gentle” and “Active” tour options for different fitness levels

Tip: AmaWaterways’ “Culinary Tour” series includes free cooking classes with local chefs—perfect for foodies.

3. Lindblad Expeditions: Adventure-Focused Excursions

Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, focuses on educational and adventurous excursions. On small-ship voyages (e.g., Galápagos, Antarctica, Alaska), all shore activities are included, such as:

• Zodiac boat landings for wildlife viewing
• Guided hikes with naturalists
• Underwater exploration with snorkeling gear

Lindblad’s excursions are led by experts (e.g., marine biologists, historians) and often include photo lessons, lectures, and citizen science projects.

Example: On a 10-day Galápagos cruise, guests enjoyed daily snorkeling with sea lions, guided walks to see giant tortoises, and a sunset kayak tour—all included.

Data Table: Shore Excursion Inclusion by Cruise Line

Cruise Line	Excursion Inclusion	Number of Free Tours	Additional Notes
Regent Seven Seas	Unlimited complimentary	Unlimited	All-inclusive; concierge tours available
Oceania Cruises	1+ per port (Go Local/Go Beyond)	1–3	Longer voyages include premium tours
Viking Ocean	1 per port	1	Cultural/historical focus; upgrades available
Princess Cruises	Free Discovery Tours + onboard credit	1–2	Credit of $100–$200 on 7+ night cruises
Scenic River	All excursions included	Unlimited	Daily guided tours; e-bike access
Lindblad Expeditions	All shore activities included	Unlimited	Adventure/educational focus; expert-led

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cruise Line for Your Shore Excursion Needs

When deciding which cruise lines include shore excursions, it’s essential to match your travel style and budget with the right line. If you value luxury, convenience, and variety, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises offer unparalleled inclusion. For cultural immersion and educational depth, Viking Ocean and Scenic River Cruises are ideal. Travelers seeking adventure and wildlife experiences will find great value with Lindblad Expeditions.

For those on a tighter budget, lines like Princess, Holland America, and NCL provide partial inclusion through onboard credits and free basic tours—strategies that can still yield significant savings. Mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, while not inclusive, offer flexible pricing and group discounts that make excursions more affordable.

Ultimately, the key is to research and plan ahead. Book early for the best excursion selection, monitor dynamic pricing, and leverage onboard credits. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, swimming with dolphins, or sipping wine in a Tuscan vineyard, the right cruise line can turn your onshore dreams into reality—without unexpected costs. Happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines include shore excursions in their base fare?

Most mainstream cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer shore excursions as add-ons, but a few—such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea—include them in their base fare. These luxury lines often provide complimentary curated tours at each port.

Are shore excursions included on luxury cruise lines?

Yes, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, and Azamara typically include premium shore excursions in their all-inclusive pricing. These tours often feature exclusive access, smaller groups, and high-end experiences tailored to discerning travelers.

Do family-friendly cruise lines include shore excursions for kids?

While most family-focused lines like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean don’t include shore excursions in their base price, they offer kid-friendly tours at an extra cost. Some packages may bundle excursions for families booking suites or specific promotions.

Which budget cruise lines include shore excursions?

Budget cruise lines rarely include shore excursions in their base fare, but lines like Viking Ocean Cruises stand out by offering complimentary basic tours at select ports. Others, like Princess Cruises, may include them as part of limited-time deals or loyalty perks.

Can I find all-inclusive cruise lines with unlimited shore excursions?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea are among the few all-inclusive cruise lines that include unlimited shore excursions in their fares. These lines cater to travelers seeking a seamless, no-extra-cost experience at every destination.

Do expedition cruise lines include shore excursions in remote destinations?

Expedition lines like Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and Hurtigruten include guided shore excursions as part of their adventure-focused itineraries. These often feature Zodiac landings, wildlife spotting, and expert-led hikes in polar or remote regions.