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It is never a must to pre-book shore tours, but if you would be "really disappointed" if you missed a certain tour, than I would highly recommend you pre-book it. I know this is generalizing, but without any other details, I can't be more specific. You mentioned Western itinerary; my only must do tour recommendation would be Swim with the Sting Rays at Grand Cayman. You may investigate a private tour with Capt. Marvin or Capt. Crosby - two reputable tours. If you wish to be safe and secure with a ship tour, then bite the bullet and book with the ship. You will get priority disembarkation at this tender port and they will get you back to the ship in plenty of time. They say the rays are hungry in the early morning, so an early trip may be best, but the water and air temp may be cooler. It all depends on when you sail. If you have any specific tours that interest you and you would like an opinion, please feel free to email me.We recently did a cruise where pre-booking was not an option. As soon as I boarded, we took our form to the location where they were accepting the tour requests. We wanted the Ocean to Ocean train tour of Panama. I did not want to miss this one as there was no shore alternate.Bon Voyage
It is never a must to pre-book shore tours, but if you would be "really disappointed" if you missed a certain tour, than I would highly recommend you pre-book it. I know this is generalizing, but without any other details, I can't be more specific. You mentioned Western itinerary; my only must do tour recommendation would be Swim with the Sting Rays at Grand Cayman. You may investigate a private tour with Capt. Marvin or Capt. Crosby - two reputable tours. If you wish to be safe and secure with a ship tour, then bite the bullet and book with the ship. You will get priority disembarkation at this tender port and they will get you back to the ship in plenty of time. They say the rays are hungry in the early morning, so an early trip may be best, but the water and air temp may be cooler. It all depends on when you sail. If you have any specific tours that interest you and you would like an opinion, please feel free to email me.
We recently did a cruise where pre-booking was not an option. As soon as I boarded, we took our form to the location where they were accepting the tour requests. We wanted the Ocean to Ocean train tour of Panama. I did not want to miss this one as there was no shore alternate.
Bon Voyage
