Cheaper but less freedom? What the future of cruise excursions to shore looks like

One of the joys of cruising has always been the freedom to wander ashore at will or pick up tours from local firms, often at cheaper prices than the cruise line’s own excursions.

But Covid-19 put an end to this. When the first cruise companies restarted Mediterranean sailings during the summer, strict health and safety protocols left no margin for such a free rein.

Passengers were only allowed ashore on official cruise line trips; no ifs, no buts and no exceptions.

The ship to shore “social bubble” was strictly enforced and those who flouted them were barred from returning to the ship, as one family found to their cost when they broke away from their tour group in Naples during an MSC Cruises voyage in August and were subsequently prohibited from reboarding (another passenger suffered this fate in October).

This new style of Covid-era cruising, with face coverings, social distancing and no more help-yourself buffets, has won general support from cruisers, but for a significant number the clampdown on going ashore has been one step too far.

A survey by cruise agency Mundy Cruising showed that 70 per cent of respondents were against shore visits being confined to a cruise line’s own excursions, while message boards on cruise forums underline fierce opposition from some commenters.

Experienced cruise customers, well used to making their own arrangements, are generally more opposed to such constraints, and therein lies the problem as this group of loyalists are expected to lead the recovery of this market sector once ships start sailing again next year.

P&O Cruises has decided to take proactive action, revealing plans to unveil a new range of cheaper shore trips with prices from £20.

“We are still finalising these and they will be released soon,” said P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow. “We have developed a new range of excursions at a lower price point which will have wide appeal.

“Once guests have booked their holiday, they will then be able to log on to their cruise personaliser and view the choice.”

Other companies have been less forthcoming, declining to give details of any planned changes, though Fred Olsen Cruise Lines confirmed it was looking carefully at this issue with a team working behind the scenes to develop plans in readiness for a return to service next year.

“What we are trying to avoid is for our guests to feel obliged to go on paid-for excursions,” explained product and customer services director Clare Ward.

“With that in mind, our destination team is working through a number of options for our guests to ensure that, when they join us back on board in 2021, they have a wonderful experience both on and off the ship.”

However, Mundy Cruising managing director Edwina Lonsdale did not feel such changes would usher in an era of cheaper shore excursions as, in the long-term, they would not be viable.

“Cruise companies have got to do what it takes to get going again and kickstart demand. It’s about removing as many barriers as they can,” she added.

MSC Cruises, which restarted operations during the summer and currently has one ship sailing in the western Mediterranean, confirmed that because of the restrictions on going ashore guests were offered a special deal of three tours for €100 (£90).

“Guest feedback on the way the excursions are run has been incredibly positive,” said a spokesperson for the Swiss-based line.

“We are able to ensure that every aspect of the guest’s time ashore meets appropriate standards of health and hygiene, from ensuring that transfers are properly sanitised and tour guides and drivers are wearing PPE, through to ensuring there are reserved areas for MSC Cruises guests at attractions.”

However, Miles Morgan, chairman of agency chain Miles Morgan Travel, felt the current scenario would be overtaken by the onset of rapid testing and the vaccine breakthrough.

“The issue then comes down to price as it’s long been recognised that cruise company excursions are overpriced,” he said.

“For a company like P&O, it’s a numbers game and more about what they need to do for customers, particularly with their new ship Iona which is looking for a lot more new-to-cruise clients.”

Over the last decade, cruise lines have significantly expanded their range of tours and trimmed prices on some options to face off competition from local vendors and excursion specialists such as CruisingExcursions.com and Viator, which claim to offer similar outings for around 30 per cent less.

In response, cruise companies are increasingly adding more diverse and VIP arrangements that are difficult to replicate, such as exclusive concerts, out-of-hours tours of museums and other key attractions and visits to local homes.

Ultimately, they also hold the trump card when it comes to peace of mind as cruise ships will wait patiently for their own tour groups to return, but latecomers who’ve struck out on their own always run the risk of that stomach-sinking moment when the ship sails off without them.