Navigate top cruise ports - with a guide or solo
— -- While half the fun of a cruise vacation may be the ship itself, cruises also get you to special places — such as the soft sand beaches of the Caribbean, the glacial wilderness of Alaska and Europe's fascinating historic cities.
At each port of call, you can explore via an organized shore excursion sold by the cruise line or head off on your own.
Shore excursions are often the pricier option, but the tour operators are vetted (for quality and safety) and you're guaranteed you'll get back to the ship on time. If you prefer a DIY approach, plan carefully and don't miss the boat — if the ship leaves without you it will cost a bundle to get to the next port of call.
To help you make your choices, here are our picks of the best things to do at 10 top ports of call.
Specific excursions vary by line; prices are approximate.
Nassau
Best excursion: It's become practically de rigueur in the Caribbean to spend time communing with a dolphin. The popularity doesn't make the experience less amazing. Head off from Nassau on a scenic cruise by catamaran on the Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter (four hours, $130) to learn about the wonderful animals from trainers. Then get in the water on a floating platform and touch. Or actually swim with a "Flipper" (four hours, $199).
Best on your own: Take a cab to Ardastra Gardens, the island's funky little zoo, where you can observe the lemurs, parrots and monkeys and see the highlight attraction, sure to make you smile, pink flamingoes trained to march in formation. Admission is $16 adults, $8 kids (4-12).
Cozumel
Best shore excursion: The mysteries of the ancient Maya civilization are explored on the Tulum Mayan Ruins excursion (seven hours, $90). You travel by boat to the mainland and head by bus to Tulum and the amazingly well-preserved remains of a cliff-top fortress and city that was inhabited from A.D. 564 to 1521. Free time is allowed to marvel at the Mayan knowledge of the solar system, catch views from the summit or head to the white-sand beach below.
Best on your own: Head to Chankanaab Nature Park (a 10-minute cab ride from the downtown pier). The park has botanical and archeological areas and admission includes a Sea Lion Show, Dolphin Presentation and Manatee Exhibit. The top attraction is the powdery white sand beach. Snorkelers will spot fish as soon as they get into the clear water (equipment available for rent). Admission is $21 adults, $14 kids (3-11).
Rome
Best shore excursion: The advantage of an excursion, for first-timers in particular, is you see the major sights without standing in major lines. The St. Peter's, Sistine Chapel and Colosseum tour takes you by bus to the Eternal City and into the must-sees (10 and ½ hours, $229, including lunch). Stare in awe at the Bernini-designed Piazza San Pietro, magnificent St. Peter's Basilica and the treasures in the Vatican Museum, including Michelangelo's remarkable Sistine Chapel; then visit the Roman Colosseum, the greatest archeological remnant of Ancient Rome.
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