From meeting your local guide to making the most of your day ashore, here's how your private shore excursion comes together.

There's something exciting about waking up in a new port, knowing that a whole day of discovery lies ahead. Perhaps you're about to explore the ancient streets of Rome, sample local flavours in a Mediterranean market, or venture into the spectacular landscapes of Alaska.

With a private shore excursion from ToursByLocals, you'll have a local guide ready to help you make the most of your time ashore. And while every destination is different, there are a few things you can look forward to wherever your cruise takes you.

1. A private tour that's truly yours

One of the best things about a private shore excursion is that the day revolves around you.

Whether you've booked a completely customized itinerary or chosen one of your guide's existing tours, no two experiences are exactly alike. Your guide will take your interests, preferences and pace into account, making the experience personal to you and your travelling companions.

Love history? Your guide can bring centuries of stories to life. More interested in food, architecture or everyday local culture? Let them know! And if you'd rather spend a little longer enjoying a beautiful viewpoint than rushing to the next attraction, that's part of the pleasure of exploring privately.

Your guide brings the local knowledge. You help shape the experience.

2. Get to know your guide before you arrive

Your shore excursion experience begins well before your ship reaches port.

Both before and after booking, you can communicate directly with your guide through ToursByLocals. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself, share what interests you most about the destination and discuss any special requests.

Travelling with children or elderly travel companions? Have a particular passion for art or history? Prefer a relaxed pace with time for a leisurely lunch? These are all helpful things to share. The more your guide knows about you, the better they can tailor your day.

You'll already know what's included in your tour, as these details are clearly outlined before booking. And because you'll have provided your ship's name when reserving your excursion, your guide will be aware of its arrival and departure schedule, and can track its arrival in port. Of course, it's always worth confirming those details, just for peace of mind.

Think of this as the beginning of a conversation with someone who's looking forward to showing you around their home.

3. A friendly face waiting in port

When your ship arrives, you'll know exactly where to meet your guide.

Your booking information will include clear meeting instructions, at or adjacent to the cruise terminal. The precise location varies depending on the port, but your guide will make sure you know exactly where to go once you disembark.

You'll also have your guide's phone number, so you can contact them directly via text or call if you have any trouble finding each other or encounter an unexpected delay.

And for additional peace of mind, ToursByLocals has a 24-hour emergency support line, connecting you with our team if you need assistance.

Once you've met your guide, it's time to leave the logistics behind and enjoy exploring!

4. Your day, your pace

Forget following a flag through crowded streets or keeping up with a large group. This is your day to explore in the way that suits you best.

Perhaps you'll wander through a historic neighbourhood, stopping to hear the stories behind its buildings. Maybe your guide will introduce you to a favourite local café or explain the traditions behind a regional dish. Your guide will always do their best to time the day to avoid the bus tour crowds at popular vistas or attractions, and you’ll find yourself in quiet neighbourhoods and local spots that just don’t cater to the tour bus crowds. And spontaneity is king! You might discover that the most memorable part of your day is an unexpected conversation or a place you hadn't even planned to visit.

With a private guide, there's room for curiosity. You can ask as many questions as you like, spend more time on the things that fascinate you and enjoy the perspective of someone who knows the destination intimately.

Of course, your guide will also keep an eye on the clock, making sure your explorations fit comfortably within your time in port.

5. See more with private transportation

One of the advantages of a private shore excursion is how much you can experience in a single day.

The vast majority of shore excursions on ToursByLocals involve private transportation, particularly when the most interesting places to visit lie beyond the cruise terminal. In ports located right in the heart of a city, you may decide a shorter walking tour of the historic centre may be the perfect way to explore instead.

Having a private vehicle opens up all kinds of possibilities. Docking in Livorno? You could visit Pisa and explore the rolling countryside and historic towns of Tuscany. Arriving in Barcelona? Venture beyond the city to discover the dramatic mountain scenery and historic monastery of Montserrat. And from the port of Southampton, you could spend the day exploring the ancient wonders of Stonehenge and the charming town of Salisbury.

Private transportation also offers comfort and convenience, especially when you're travelling with family or friends, or hoping to cover more ground without navigating unfamiliar public transit.

Every tour description clearly explains what's included, so you'll know what transportation arrangements to expect before you book. And a tip for booking at your disembarkation port: guides can typically accommodate a lot of luggage in their vehicles, so take advantage of the storage and plan a tour on that final day, before heading to your hotel, or the airport.

6. Back to your ship, with peace of mind

We know that one of the biggest considerations when booking an independent shore excursion is getting back to the ship on time.

Your local guide understands the importance of your cruise schedule and plans your day accordingly, allowing time for the return journey. They're familiar with local roads, traffic patterns and the practicalities of navigating their destination.

ToursByLocals also offers a Return to Ship Guarantee on eligible shore excursions, providing an additional layer of reassurance when you book independently. You can read the full details of our guarantee before travelling.

The idea is simple: you should be able to enjoy your time ashore, knowing that the practical details are being taken care of.

7. One great day ashore? Your only regret will be wishing you'd booked more!

There's something we hear again and again in traveller reviews: their private shore excursion was the highlight of their cruise.

It's not hard to understand why. The personal connection with a local guide, the freedom to explore at your own pace and the chance to experience a destination through a local perspective can make a few hours ashore feel like a much richer journey.

In fact, if you've only booked a private tour in one port, don't be surprised if you find yourself wishing you'd booked more!

Every port has its own stories, flavours, landscapes and experiences to discover. One day might take you through the streets of an ancient city; the next, into the countryside for a scenic drive, a market visit or a memorable meal.

So if you've already booked a private shore excursion, why not take a look at the other stops on your itinerary? Your next favourite day of the cruise might be waiting just ashore.

Explore Private Shore Excursions.