You Don’t Have to Do Excursions on Every Cruise (Or at All!) — And I’m Living Proof

When people first start planning their cruise, one of the biggest questions that Im asked is:
“How much extra do I need to spend on excursions?”

There’s this idea floating around that if you’re not ziplining through the jungle or taking a catamaran to snorkel every single day, you’re not doing it “right.” But I’m here to tell you — you absolutely can skip excursions and still have an amazing cruise. In fact, out of all the cruises I’ve been on (and it’s a lot), I’ve only booked two excursions. Ever.

The first? Snorkeling with sea turtles in St. Thomas on a girls’ trip — just me and a friend, floating in crystal-clear water and soaking up every second. The turtles were still coming back into the cove from the after the hurricane so there weren’t many, but I’ll never forget that huge one coming up to surface from under me. 
The second? Swimming with dolphins in Montego Bay during my daughter’s very first cruise — and yes, I cried. Totally worth it. They’re one of my favorite animals and they are so velvety smooth. 

But you know what? Some of my favorite cruise memories came from doing nothing but exploring on our own, relaxing on a nearly empty ship, or just grabbing a beach chair steps from the port. No tour buses, no strict schedules, no extra cost.

Here’s the deal: not every port calls for a big adventure. Sometimes wandering around the shops, enjoying a fresh coconut on the beach, or even heading back to the ship for a quiet pool day is exactly what your vacation needs. (And if you’re the type who loves peace and quiet? Port days are golden on board — the spa, hot tubs, and even waterslides are practically empty!)

Plus, skipping excursions means more room in your budget for other things — like specialty dining, souvenirs, or that massage you’ve been thinking about.

So if you’re planning a cruise and feeling overwhelmed by all the “must-dos,” let me remind you: this is your vacation. You get to do it your way. And I’m here to help you figure out exactly what that looks like.

Whether you want dolphins, down time, or a mix of both, I’ll help you plan a cruise that fits your family, your vibe, and your budget — no stress, no pressure.

📩 Ready to start dreaming up your perfect cruise? Let’s chat and make it happen!