Ships Pricey Excursions ...WHY?

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JennyT

Guest
I am trying to book the Atlantis Submarine in Grand Cayman as I've heard nothing but amazing things about it, we aren't divers but I love the ocean and my kids are really excited about being on a submarine.

My question is how come its so expensive to book the excursion through the cruise ship, Royal Caribbean charges $86 per adult and $44 for our kids each. I found the exact same Atlantis Submarine trip on Atlantis Submarines in Grand Cayman and they only charge $69 for adults and $34 for kids!!!

So why is it so much more to book with the ship? We'd save $54 is we book on our own, is there a catch???
 
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ginny

Guest
The catch is how are you going to spend that $54? Do it on your own and enjoy the savings.
 
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tonylab

Guest
You can walk to Atlantis in Cayman. It is only a block from the south tender pier. It is more expensive on the ship because both the company and cruiseline must make money off of you. Note: it is also expensive because it is RCCL. Carnival only charges $71.
 
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cannonball

Guest
Even if you take the ship's excursion transportation will NOT be included because it's such a short distance from the pier to the Atlantis facility that they have you walk. This a definately an excursion that would be safe and smart to book on your own. Of course, either way it is definately a must-do for nondivers, IMHO.
 
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Natalia

Guest
We did the Atlantis sub in April on our own. I don't think its even a block from the tender area. Go right and its across the street from Hard Rock Cafe. As mentioned, the price difference is just profit for the cruise line, and possibly you have a RCI guide (which is not needed, Atlantis provides a narated tour, nicely done). There is really no risk doing this one on your own, its only about an hour and a half tour. We did the earliest trour, 9ish I think, then did Captain Marvins after that, and still had time for a some shopping and walking around. Have fun!
 
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TracyRN

Guest
I just tried to book the Atlantis but there rates just went up to $75.50 for winter season, now til mid april...still much cheaper than our ship and the other rates I've found online...cheapest other one was $84.00
 
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NewMexico Nita

Guest
Re: Discounts

We almost always book our excursins on our own. Exception is very long tours that might make us late back to ship. I don't want to be standing on shore waving to those who are sailing cause I goofed up. The private excursions are usually less crowded, more personal and much cheaper. The first few times we cruised we booked with the ship. I would recommend new cruisers to book with ship until you learn to play the game.
 
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Srpilo

Guest
Re: Discounts

There's almost No reason to book excursions from the Cruiseline's...Never !

In this day and age of the Internet, you can book your own excursion for less money almost 100% of the time , especially when visiting the "Generic" Caribbean ports,

Even "1st timers" with a little bit of research can go it alone...Its easy.

Remember , With the fare wars between the cruiselines and the Unbelivable low fares now being offfered on a 7 night Caribbean cruise, the cruiseline's have to squeeze every extra penny from You while on board, and VERY HIGH priced excursions is the new trend. So don't be Victim of "Cruiseline robbery" , Don't be lulled in by the Scare tactics either ( the ship will leave without you, etc. ).Just , plan well, and Book it Youself !! IMHO

Srpilo
 
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Goldie

Guest
Re: Discounts

Thanks Bubblez, the Grand Cayman Cruise Excursions site is great!! I just booked the a double whammy. We are doing Stingray city in the morning and the beach horseback rdiing in the afternoon...and I should be back in town in time to pick up a rum cake....cheers!!!!
 
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Aaron

Guest
Re: Discounts

The only problem with booking the Atlantis privately is that it is a limited admnission and limited time vehicle. The cruise lines coordinate the times with Atlantis and book the times in blocks. This is one of the only excursions I booked through the ship. My time is more valuable than the $50 savings if I had to stand in line for several hours.
 
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Natalia

Guest
Re: Discounts

I emailed ahead of time and booked online, they were really nice and answered all my questions. No wait, scheduled the 9am (or 9:30?) trip... was fine.
 
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