Ambassador Cruise shore excursions include guided tours bookable onboard or online, with prices ranging £25-75 per person. Independent exploration offers greater flexibility and lower costs, particularly in Mediterranean ports of Rome and Barcelona. Ship excursions guarantee return timing and local expertise but cost 2-3 times more than self-guided options.
I’m usually the sort who just wanders off and does my own thing, but I thought I’d give a couple of their organised tours a go for once. That wine tour in Portugal was absolutely fantastic, lovely little group and our guide was brilliant, really knew what he was talking about. He took us to these amazing places I’d never have stumbled across on my own. They’re pretty pricey, I’ll be honest, but sometimes it’s worth paying extra for the peace of mind. Especially somewhere completely new where you haven’t got a clue where you’re going.
Want to know more about Ambassador’s sophisticated adults-only cruises, their smaller ships, no-fly departures from eight regional UK ports, and unique destinations? Read our full Ambassador Cruises Guide.
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Understanding Ambassador’s Shore Excursion Programme
Ambassador operates quite differently from the mega-ship cruise lines when it comes to shore excursions. Their smaller vessel capacity means tour groups are genuinely intimate affairs, typically maxing out at 40-45 people rather than the cattle-herding experiences you might encounter elsewhere. The booking system opens roughly 90 days before departure online, though you’ll often find availability once onboard.
What surprises many first-timers is that Ambassador doesn’t overwhelm you with dozens of excursion choices per port. They typically offer 4-6 carefully curated options, focusing on quality over quantity. This reflects their more mature passenger demographic who appreciate thoughtful curation rather than endless options.
Pricing Structure and What’s Included
Here’s a breakdown of what you’re looking at cost-wise:
| Excursion Type | Price Range | Duration | Typical Group Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Walking Tours | £25-35 | 3-4 hours | 25-30 people |
| Cultural & Historical | £45-65 | 4-6 hours | 35-40 people |
| Food & Wine Tours | £55-75 | 4-5 hours | 20-25 people |
| Scenic Coach Tours | £40-60 | 5-7 hours | 40-45 people |
Most excursions include professional local guides, transportation and entrance fees. What they don’t always include are refreshments, gratuities or personal expenses. Always check the small print, as some “food tours” only include tastings rather than a proper meal.
The Independent Alternative
Now, let me share something most cruise passengers don’t realise: many of Ambassador cruises destinations are incredibly walkable from the port. In places like Lisbon, Palma or even Kotor port in Montenegro, you can often reach main attractions on foot or with a short taxi ride for a fraction of the excursion cost.
I’ve written about this in detail in my Mykonos shore excursion guide comparing ship vs independent options, but the short version is that independent exploration often works much better. In Mykonos, the local bus system is brilliant and costs about €2 compared to £45 for the ship’s beach tour. Similarly, in Venice, once you understand the vaporetto system, you’re golden for getting around on your own.
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Port-Specific Insider Tips
Mediterranean Gems
In the Med, I’ve learned that timing is everything. Ship excursions often coincide with coach tour arrivals from nearby resorts, creating crowds at popular sites. If you’re going independent, hit the major attractions either very early (before 9am) or late afternoon (after 4pm).
For Rome, forget the ship’s Colosseum tour. Book skip-the-line tickets online for €16 and take the Leonardo Express from Civitavecchia to Termini Station. You’ll save money and avoid the rushed coach commentary. The Venice cruise port guide I’ve written covers similar money-saving strategies.
Northern European Discoveries
Here’s where Ambassador’s excursions often shine. In places like the Norwegian fjords or Scottish islands, local expertise genuinely adds value. The guides know which viewpoints offer the best photos and can share stories you’d never discover independently. Weather can change rapidly in these regions, and ship tours adapt accordingly.
Booking Strategies That Actually Work
Here’s something the cruise lines don’t advertise: popular excursions often have last-minute availability even when they appear “sold out” online. People change their minds, weather affects plans, or they simply oversleep. I’ve snagged spots on “fully booked” wine tours by checking at the guest services desk each morning.
For Ambassador cruises first time passengers, I recommend booking one ship excursion early in your cruise to gauge the pace and style, then deciding whether to book more or go independent for remaining ports.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Ship excursions might seem all-inclusive, but watch out for these sneaky extras:
- Professional photos at scenic stops (£15-25)
- Guide gratuities (suggested €3-5 per person)
- Drink stops not included in “cultural” tours
- Optional extensions or upgrades offered during the tour
- Souvenir shopping stops with inflated prices
Independent exploration costs can also spiral. Factor in taxis back to the port if you misjudge walking distances, attraction entrance fees and the temptation of that perfect waterfront restaurant.
When Ship Excursions Are Worth Every Penny
Despite my love for independent exploration, some situations genuinely favour ship tours:
- Language barriers: In ports where English isn’t widely spoken, having a bilingual guide prevents frustration
- Complex logistics: Multiple stops requiring coordination work better with organised transport
- Limited port time: Some Ambassador cruises itineraries offer only 6-7 hours in port, making efficient group transport valuable
- Specialist interests: Wine tours, archaeological sites or cultural experiences benefit from expert commentary
- Physical limitations: Ship excursions accommodate mobility issues better than independent exploration
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Technology and Apps That Help
Modern shore excursion planning benefits enormously from smartphone apps. Download offline maps before you sail, as roaming charges can be brutal. Apps like Citymapper work brilliantly in major European cities, while Rick Steves Audio Europe offers free walking tour commentary.
For independent beach days, apps like Beachoo show real-time crowding levels at popular Mediterranean beaches. Much more useful than arriving at a packed stretch of sand via expensive ship shuttle.
Safety and Insurance Considerations
Here’s the serious bit: ship excursions include insurance coverage if something goes wrong. Independent exploration typically doesn’t, unless your travel insurance specifically covers shore activities. I learned this the hard way when a fellow passenger twisted an ankle on an independent hike in Madeira.
Ambassador’s excursions also guarantee you won’t miss the ship’s departure, something that becomes crucial when you’re exploring somewhere like Port Canaveral shore excursions why booking independently saves hundreds but timing becomes critical.
Group Dynamics and Social Aspects
One unexpected benefit of Ambassador’s shore excursions is the social element. Their mature passenger demographic means you’re often exploring alongside interesting, well-travelled people. I’ve made genuine friendships over shared discoveries in small Portuguese villages or discussing art in Florence galleries.
The flip side is that group pace might not suit everyone. Some people photograph everything extensively while others race through sites. Independent exploration lets you linger where you’re fascinated and skip what doesn’t interest you.
Bonus Tips From Nearly Two Decades of Cruising
- Weather backup plans: Always have indoor alternatives ready for independent days. Coastal weather changes rapidly
- Currency strategy: Many European ports accept euros, but smaller vendors prefer cash. Withdraw money shipboard to avoid poor exchange rates ashore
- Return timing buffer: Whether on ship excursions or independent, aim to return 90 minutes before departure. Traffic, weather or simple miscalculations can cause delays
- Local SIM cards: Purchase European SIM cards before sailing for reliable navigation and translation apps
- Restaurant reservations: In popular ports, book lunch reservations the evening before. Tourist areas fill up quickly when ships arrive
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I cancel a booked shore excursion if the weather looks poor?
Ambassador typically allows cancellations up to 24 hours before the excursion without penalty, and they’ll often cancel tours themselves if weather conditions become unsafe. You’ll receive a full refund to your onboard account if they cancel due to weather.
Do shore excursion prices include gratuities for local guides?
No, gratuities aren’t included in the excursion price. Local guides typically expect €3-5 per person for half-day tours and €5-8 for full-day experiences. This is optional but customary and appreciated.
What happens if I miss the ship because of an independent excursion?
You’re responsible for catching up with the ship at the next port at your own expense, which can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds. Ambassador’s ship excursions guarantee you won’t be left behind, but independent exploration carries this risk.
Are Ambassador’s excursions suitable for passengers with mobility issues?
Most excursions indicate their activity level and walking requirements in the descriptions. Coach tours with minimal walking are marked clearly, but always check with guest services about specific accessibility needs before booking.
Can I book excursions for ports later in my cruise while onboard?
Yes, the guest services desk handles excursion bookings throughout your cruise. Popular tours may sell out, but cancellations often create last-minute availability, so it’s worth checking regularly.
Do children pay full price on Ambassador’s multi-generational cruises?
On the special family-friendly sailings, children typically receive a discount on shore excursions, usually around 25-30% off adult prices for ages 3-17. Infants under 3 are often free but must still be registered for safety reasons.
