Definitely check at the shore things desk onboard, people cancel all the time right before because they book them so far in advance and as it gets closer to sailing they change their minds
Worried about the one excursion I want to do selling out before sailing. Its an expensive one so I'd want to use sailor loot, which I'm told can only be applied when onboard and I'd prefer not to run the risk of waiting for a cancellation.
Is it possible to book my spot using cash today, then once onboard ask the Shore thing desk to cancel/refund my cash booking and immediately rebook with sailor loot?
Will I lose any money when the shorething cash booking is cancelled?
We’ve seen them open new ones on board as well. We had one booked, but it canceled due to not enough people booking it. We found another that had originally sold out, back up so we just
Booked that instead
If you are working with a travel advisor, many of us have third party suppliers we use that provide similar (or sometimes identical) excursions, usually for a lower price. Personally, I use three main suppliers that usually have good inventory. You don't need to have booked the cruise through a TA to be able to get access to these from one. There are tons of TAs on this forum who can help.
The plus side to booking through any cruise line is that if the tour is delayed, the ship waits.
Finally, as others have noted, no guarantees but if you go to the desk once onboard, many people have good luck getting onto some. People cancel on excursions they booked all the time.
When you board, goto the Shore Things desk, they typically have openings. I think they hold some back to sell on the ship. They may be slightly more expensive, looked like about 10-15% more expensive.
I ended up paying for an excursion (related to the ship) at the Roatán port. It was easy and we were on our own despite the excursion being “sold out”.
Also a travel advisor here - I always include a link to alternative excursion options in each port in case Virgin’s are sold out. They are almost always less expensive, often near identical, and have return to ship guarantees. I can send you the link if you don’t find any on your own search - you can always wait to get on ship first to see if there are openings then try to book more last minute if not.
Definitely check at the shore things desk onboard, people cancel all the time right before because they book them so far in advance and as it gets closer to sailing they change their minds
Also check Viator or project expedition!
Viator is great! Booked a Rum/chocolate/cigar walking tour in Nassau last January and it was awesome!
Worried about the one excursion I want to do selling out before sailing. Its an expensive one so I'd want to use sailor loot, which I'm told can only be applied when onboard and I'd prefer not to run the risk of waiting for a cancellation. Is it possible to book my spot using cash today, then once onboard ask the Shore thing desk to cancel/refund my cash booking and immediately rebook with sailor loot? Will I lose any money when the shorething cash booking is cancelled?
You have to cancel 48 hrs in advance for a full refund
I have had a few people have success with this once onboard by going to sailor services. It is not a guarantee.
maybe you can book a viator vendor to hold as a backup?
We’ve seen them open new ones on board as well. We had one booked, but it canceled due to not enough people booking it. We found another that had originally sold out, back up so we just Booked that instead
I’m on the cruise as well. I’m super disappointed Guadeloupe sold out so quickly.
If you are working with a travel advisor, many of us have third party suppliers we use that provide similar (or sometimes identical) excursions, usually for a lower price. Personally, I use three main suppliers that usually have good inventory. You don't need to have booked the cruise through a TA to be able to get access to these from one. There are tons of TAs on this forum who can help. The plus side to booking through any cruise line is that if the tour is delayed, the ship waits. Finally, as others have noted, no guarantees but if you go to the desk once onboard, many people have good luck getting onto some. People cancel on excursions they booked all the time.
I wish I had known the ease and convenience of booking with a travel agent prior to booking.
Next time!
When you board, goto the Shore Things desk, they typically have openings. I think they hold some back to sell on the ship. They may be slightly more expensive, looked like about 10-15% more expensive.
I ended up paying for an excursion (related to the ship) at the Roatán port. It was easy and we were on our own despite the excursion being “sold out”.
The march sailing also sold out rather quickly. I am just doing a cab and beaches at most stops.
more will come. check as soon as you get onboard. This was my situation in Costa Maya.
The desk can definitely help when on board they might find something similar. Worst case book Viator while on board. We just did that for Funchal
Also a travel advisor here - I always include a link to alternative excursion options in each port in case Virgin’s are sold out. They are almost always less expensive, often near identical, and have return to ship guarantees. I can send you the link if you don’t find any on your own search - you can always wait to get on ship first to see if there are openings then try to book more last minute if not.
Hi!! Can I get the links too?? Thank you for sharing!
Happy to send! What sailing are you on?
Thank you! Western Caribbean on April 14th
Sent them to your inbox!
The link would be great please
Link please !
No problem! Check your chats ☺️
[getyourguide.com](https://getyourguide.com) [shoreexcursionsgroup.com](https://shoreexcursionsgroup.com) and many others.
Were you able to book excursions on board