When will they be released? Will more be added later?
Providing shore excursions is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful planning and coordination.
[Departing Darwin, Australia at sunset. Taken from my room at the bow]
Shore excursions cannot be finalized until close to the sailing date due to the need for the cruise line to secure agreements with numerous local guides and bus lines. These agreements must ensure that the cruise line receives a share of the profits to cover the costs of staff involvement.
The timing of these agreements is contingent upon the finalization of the itinerary, which relies on other agreements with port authorities and unpredictable weather forecasts. As a result, cruise lines may release a limited number of excursions early on, with additional options being added as more agreements are reached.
[MSC Bellissima at Osaka Port Terminal]
In conclusion, patience is key when considering booking a shore excursion. By understanding the complexities involved in the process, you can better appreciate the effort that goes into providing a memorable experience for passengers.
Patience, as always, is a virtue, if you're looking to take a shore excursion or two! (When cruising I do, when they provide what I'm looking for.)
If you're impatient or want something to compare the official ship excursions to, you might check out my own private walking tours of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Nara, Japan.
[Kitano, in Kobe]
[Arima Maiko (you might know them as geisha)]
[Rainy day walk in old-town Kyoto]
