There are many ports that are not located near the city center.

• Many cruise lines partner with local transportation companies and offer shuttle-bus service from the port to the city. Schedules and days of operation are usually published in the ship's daily bulletin. Tickets may be purchased for a nominal charge at the Shore Excursion Desk.
• Guests are welcome to utilize other local services as well. Depending on the port of call there will be may options available, including buses and taxis, or car, motorcycle, and moped rentals. Just choose the one that works best for you.

U.S. dollars and traveler's checks are accepted in most ports.

• Many Purser's Desks will cash or exchange traveler's checks, large U.S. bills, Canadian dollars, and British pounds.
• The Purser's Desk also provides currency-exchange information for each port.

Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional. But keep in mind that in some countries, these personnel may expect that if you are pleased with their services, you will reward them.

• A commonly accepted guideline is $1.00 per person for a half-day tour and $2.00 per person for a full-day tour.

This depends on when you make your cruise reservation and how long your cruise is.

• If you make a reservation within the period when final payment is due, you will be required to pay the cost in full, and no deposit will be accepted.
• If the cruise reservation is booked with plenty of advance notice, deposit amounts can vary. As a general rule, expect to pay anywhere from $150.00 to $500.00 dollars per person as a deposit, depending on the length of your cruise..
• A lower deposit is required for a shorter cruise, a larger one for a longer cruise.
• Keep in mind that your deposit may also be higher if you decide to cruise over a holiday time frame.

Depending on your particular cruise, some of the cities you visit may be ancient, with narrow streets and perilous staircases or they may be relatively isolated and have rugged jungle terrain. The shore excursions offered by the cruise line are sure to vary as well.

• Most tours will require some degree of walking. However, some excursions will involve hiking, stair climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, and various other types of physical activity.
• The ship's Shore Excursion Desk or Purser can help you decide if a particular tour is suitable for you.

Each shore excursion is different, but as a general rule your shore excursion will include the following:

• A guide, or professional who is familiar with the area and activity you will be performing.
• Transportation to the excursion.
• Entrance fees
• Some excursions will also include some type of refreshment or meal.
• Other information to consider when choosing a shore excursion encompasses the following. This information should be included in every shore excursion description.
  • Minimum age requirements
  • Level of fitness required
  • Duration of trip
  • Restroom availability

Yes. All guests are required to be back aboard the ship no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, which is listed in the ship's daily activity bulletin and posted at the gangway.

If you leave a tour en route, it will be your responsibility to secure transportation and return to the pier on time.

This really depends on the nature of your shore excursion, and your port of call. You will want to consult your Shore Excursion Desk for details on the activity and tips on how to dress.

• Please be aware that some of the countries you will be visiting may have more conservative ideas about dress than what you are accustomed to back home.
• Religious sites and places of worship (temples, shrines, etc.) are considered very sacred and impart special codes of conduct. To be on the safe side, always be prepared to dress conservatively, avoiding shorts, above-the-knee skirts, sleeveless shirts or blouses, and sleeveless dresses.
• Travelers should wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes at all times.
• Port lectures given by the cruise line will help you and answer your specific questions.

Most tour departure times complement the ship's meal-service hours, so you can enjoy your meal on board and then go ashore. However, if you take a full-day tour, or if you take more than one tour in a day, your return to the ship may not coincide with meal hours (most likely, a buffet or snack will be available upon your return).

• Consult the ship's daily bulletin for information on meal schedules.

Most tours depart from a previously specified point on the pier. If you are not sure you can always check with the ship's Shore Excursion Desk.

• Prior to arrival in each port of call, the Shore Excursion desk will usually hold a seminar on the upcoming port of call, covering local customs, what you can expect to happen on your shore excursion, and what is the best clothing to wear.
• If you miss this you can find shore excursion information in the ship's daily newsletter, or by contacting the Shore Excursion Desk, or Pursers Desk. Some cruise lines even have the information playing on one of the TV channels in your room.
• When the ship is at anchor, staff will be on hand to assist you to the departure point.
• Departure times are subject to change should the vessel's arrival or sailing time be amended.
• You are requested to strictly adhere to the time of departure, as you don’t want to be left behind.

While standards of transport vary considerably throughout the world, most excursions utilize the best quality transportation available in each port (air -conditioned vehicles are not always available).

• Guests wishing to travel with friends should leave the ship together, as this will help the tour staff to allocate space in the same vehicle.
• If you are concerned, ask the Shore Excursion Desk for transportation specifics.