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How do I book shore excursions with Celebrity Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 26 August 2025
  • 7 min read

How do I book shore excursions with Celebrity Cruises?

When embarking on a cruise with Celebrity Cruises, one of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to explore fascinating destinations along your itinerary. Beyond the luxurious onboard experience, Celebrity Cruises offers guests a wide variety of shore excursions designed to immerse travelers in local cultures, adventures, and unique experiences. Whether you dream of snorkeling in the Caribbean, wine tasting in Europe, or exploring historical landmarks in Asia, booking a shore excursion ensures a safe, organized, and unforgettable journey.

But how exactly do you book shore excursions with Celebrity Cruises? What options are available, and when is the best time to secure them? In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know—covering booking methods, tips, benefits, and frequently asked questions—so you can plan your adventures with confidence.

1. Understanding Shore Excursions with Celebrity Cruises

Before learning how to book, it’s essential to understand what shore excursions are and why they are integral to the cruise experience.

What Are Shore Excursions?

Shore excursions are guided activities or tours organized for cruise passengers when the ship docks at a port. Celebrity Cruises partners with local operators and certified guides to create curated experiences, ensuring quality, safety, and convenience.

Types of Shore Excursions Available:

  • Adventure Excursions: Ziplining, hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling.

  • Cultural Experiences: Guided tours of museums, temples, and historic landmarks.

  • Culinary Excursions: Local food tastings, vineyard tours, and cooking classes.

  • Luxury & Private Tours: Chauffeured city tours or yacht trips for smaller groups.

  • Family-Friendly Excursions: Activities designed for all ages.

  • Accessibility-Friendly Excursions: Designed for guests with mobility challenges.

Celebrity Cruises labels excursions as Destination Highlights, Small Group Discoveries, and Private Journeys, giving passengers flexibility based on preference.

2. Ways to Book Shore Excursions with Celebrity Cruises

Booking excursions is straightforward, and Celebrity Cruises provides multiple options to suit different planning styles.

a) Book Online Before Your Cruise

One of the easiest ways is through the Celebrity Cruises website or mobile app.

Steps:

  1. Log in to your Celebrity Cruises account.

  2. Access the “Manage Reservation” section.

  3. Select your booked cruise itinerary.

  4. Browse available shore excursions for each port.

  5. Add excursions to your cart and complete payment.

Booking early is highly recommended since popular tours often sell out months in advance.

b) Use the Celebrity Cruises Mobile App

The Celebrity Cruises app makes booking excursions quick and convenient.

Features:

  • Browse excursions by port.

  • Read detailed descriptions, including difficulty level, duration, and cost.

  • Filter based on interest (adventure, culture, culinary, etc.).

  • Book instantly and save excursions to your digital itinerary.

c) Book Onboard at the Shore Excursions Desk

If you prefer deciding once onboard, you can book directly at the Shore Excursions Desk.

Advantages:

  • Speak with excursion specialists.

  • Ask questions about activities, fitness levels, and family suitability.

  • Access last-minute availability.

However, onboard booking may mean limited options if tours are already full.

d) Private Journey Concierge Service

For those seeking tailor-made experiences, Celebrity Cruises offers a Private Journey Concierge. This allows you to design custom tours, whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a luxury cultural immersion.

How It Works:

  • Contact the concierge service before your trip.

  • Share your interests, group size, and preferences.

  • Receive a personalized itinerary crafted exclusively for you.

3. Benefits of Booking Shore Excursions with Celebrity Cruises

Why book through Celebrity Cruises instead of third-party vendors?

Safety and Reliability

Celebrity partners with reputable local operators, ensuring excursions meet strict safety and quality standards.

Convenience

Everything is organized for you—transportation, timing, and coordination with ship schedules.

Ship Connection Guarantee

If a tour runs late, the ship will wait for you when booked through Celebrity. This is not guaranteed with independent operators.

Variety and Expertise

Celebrity offers a wide range of excursions, from adventurous to cultural, all guided by knowledgeable professionals.

4. Best Time to Book Shore Excursions

The best time to book is as soon as possible after reserving your cruise.

  • Before the Cruise: Guarantees availability and allows you to budget in advance.

  • During the Cruise: Offers flexibility but comes with limited choices.

  • For Popular Ports: Book 2–3 months before sailing to avoid disappointment.

5. Cost of Shore Excursions

Prices vary depending on destination, activity type, and exclusivity.

  • Group Tours: More affordable, ranging from $50–$150 per person.

  • Adventure Tours: Moderate cost, around $100–$250.

  • Private Journeys: Premium pricing, often starting at $400 and upwards.

Celebrity Cruises allows guests to prepay excursions or add them to their onboard account.

6. Tips for Booking Shore Excursions

  1. Research the Ports: Understand what each destination offers before selecting an excursion.

  2. Book Early: Secure high-demand tours months before sailing.

  3. Check Activity Levels: Ensure the excursion matches your fitness and mobility level.

  4. Bundle Experiences: Some ports offer multiple short excursions in one day.

  5. Use Loyalty Perks: Captain’s Club members may receive discounts.

  6. Stay Flexible: Weather and port conditions may change schedules, so have a backup plan.

7. Shore Excursion Categories by Destination

Caribbean

  • Snorkeling in Cozumel.

  • Rum tasting in Barbados.

  • Jeep adventures in St. Thomas.

Europe

  • Wine tours in Tuscany.

  • Greek island sailing.

  • Paris day trips from Le Havre.

Alaska

  • Dog sledding in Juneau.

  • Glacier helicopter tours.

  • Wildlife safaris in Ketchikan.

Asia

  • Temple tours in Bangkok.

  • Sushi-making classes in Japan.

  • Street food tours in Vietnam.

8. Accessibility-Friendly Shore Excursions

Celebrity Cruises ensures inclusivity by offering accessible excursions for guests with mobility challenges.

Features include:

  • Wheelchair-friendly vehicles.

  • Step-free access to attractions.

  • Personalized assistance where needed.

Guests are encouraged to contact Celebrity’s Access Team in advance for tailored recommendations.

9. Canceling or Modifying Excursions

Celebrity Cruises has a straightforward cancellation policy.

  • Pre-Cruise Cancellation: Refunds are usually available if canceled within the allowed period.

  • Onboard Changes: Subject to availability.

  • Weather Cancellations: If excursions are canceled due to weather, refunds are automatically processed.

10. Independent Shore Excursions vs. Celebrity-Organized

Some guests consider booking with local independent providers. While this may save money, there are risks:

  • The ship will not wait if you’re late.

  • No guarantee of safety standards.

  • Lack of English-speaking guides in some regions.

Booking through Celebrity provides peace of mind, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use onboard credit for excursions?

Yes, onboard credit can be applied toward shore excursions booked in advance or onboard.

Q2. Do excursions include meals?

Some excursions include meals or snacks, but details are always specified in the description.

Q3. Are excursions kid-friendly?

Yes, many excursions are designed for families, and age restrictions are clearly listed.

Q4. What happens if the ship cannot dock?

a port stop is canceled, guests receive full refunds for excursions.

Conclusion

Shore excursions are one of the highlights of sailing with Celebrity Cruises, offering you the chance to explore the world safely, comfortably, and with expert guidance. From the moment you book your cruise to the day you step off the ship at a new destination, Celebrity makes the process of booking and enjoying excursions simple and stress-free.

Whether you book online in advance, through the Celebrity Cruises app, at the onboard desk, or via the Private Journey Concierge, you’ll find countless ways to make your vacation unforgettable. With the guarantee of safety, reliability, and seamless coordination, choosing excursions through Celebrity Cruises ensures your adventures are as smooth as your time onboard.

So, the next time you set sail with Celebrity, remember: the world awaits beyond the deck, and the best way to experience it is through the shore excursions thoughtfully curated just for you.

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