to Plan Your Own Cruise Excursions Like a Pro (with PortTrip)

About

Porttrip

Cruising is one of the best ways to see the world — but exploring each port doesn’t have to mean overpriced group tours or crowded excursions. That’s why we built PortTrip: a travel companion for cruisers who want to explore independently, without missing out.

We’re not a tour operator. We don’t sell excursions. We believe you can plan incredible cruise port days on your own, especially with the right tools. PortTrip was made to help you:

  • Understand each port’s layout, transportation, and timing

  • Discover attractions and activities that suit your interests

  • Build flexible day itineraries — and access them offline

  • Feel confident going off the beaten path

Our mission is to empower you to have better, more personal port experiences — all while saving money and ditching the cookie-cutter tours. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned explorer, PortTrip makes it easy to plan your day, your way.

Want to skip the expensive cruise line tours and plan your own cruise excursions instead?

It’s easier than you think — and with the PortTrip app, you can explore cruise ports with confidence, even offline.

This step-by-step guide will teach you how to plan DIY cruise excursions that are fun, flexible, and cost-effective — all without relying on group tours or cruise line packages.

Why Plan Your Own Cruise Excursions?

Planning your own excursions offers more freedom, flexibility, and potential savings than cruise-sponsored tours. Here’s why more and more travelers are choosing to go independent:

  • Save money by booking local transport and attractions yourself

  • Avoid crowds and explore on your own schedule

  • Customize your day based on personal interests

  • Discover hidden gems outside of tourist traps

With PortTrip, a cruise excursion planner app, you don’t need to spend hours researching. You’ll find transportation tips, activity ideas, and sample itineraries for every port of call — all in one place.

How to plan your own DIY cruise?

  • Each cruise port is different — some are walkable, while others require shuttles, ferries, or even trains to reach city centers.

    Use PortTrip to check:

    • Where the cruise terminal is located

    • How far it is from the main attractions

    • Whether free or paid port shuttles are available

    • Tips on taxis, public transportation, or walking routes

    Knowing the logistics of your port is key to a smooth day ashore.

  • Before planning any activities, look at your arrival and departure times. Then consider:

    • Disembarkation delays (can take 30–60 minutes)

    • Required back-on-board time (usually 30–60 minutes before departure)

    • Transit time to and from the city or attractions

    PortTrip lets you create custom itineraries based on your ship’s time in port, helping you stay on track and avoid missing the boat.

  • Avoid overloading your schedule. Instead, focus on one to three highlights per destination:

    • Must-see attractions or landmarks

    • Local food spots or markets

    • Relaxing experiences like beaches or scenic walks

    Inside PortTrip, you can explore curated activity suggestions tailored to your interests — history, culture, nature, food, and more — and save them to your personal plan.

  • Getting around in port is often the trickiest part of DIY shore excursions. That’s why PortTrip includes local transport tips for every destination:

    • How to use buses, metros, or ferries

    • Where to catch local taxis or rideshares

    • When it’s worth walking, biking, or booking a local driver

    You’ll know what options are reliable, how much they cost, and how long they take — no last-minute stress.

  • Once you’ve picked your activities and transportation, it’s time to organize your day. PortTrip helps you:

    • Drag and drop activities into your ideal order

    • Add meals, coffee breaks, or rest time

    • Estimate travel time and walking distances

    Your entire shore day plan is available offline, so even if you don’t have internet, you’ll never lose your schedule.

  • Even with the best planning, things can change. Here are smart tips to keep your DIY excursion stress-free:

    • Leave buffer time between activities

    • Have backup options in case an attraction is closed

    • Carry small cash, cruise ID, and any tickets or reservations

    PortTrip’s offline access ensures you can adjust your plan on the fly, even in ports with poor connectivity.

  • Many first-time DIY cruisers try to pack in too much. A good shore excursion isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about making memories.

    • Focus on fewer activities and enjoy them fully

    • Allow time for spontaneous discoveries

    • Choose a mix of culture, food, and downtime

    With PortTrip, your itinerary is fully editable, so you can adjust your day based on how you feel and what you find along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions but DIY cruising:

Can you plan your own cruise excursions?

Absolutely — planning your own cruise excursions is not only possible, but it’s also one of the best ways to save money and tailor your day ashore to your interests. Independent shore excursions give you the freedom to:

  • Explore destinations at your own pace without being rushed by a group schedule

  • Visit off-the-beaten-path attractions that cruise lines often skip

  • Support local businesses directly

  • Create a more authentic travel experience

Using the PortTrip app, you can easily plan your own cruise excursions with confidence. Our guides provide detailed information on what to do in each port, how to get around, and how much time to allow — all designed specifically for cruise travelers.

Learn more about how PortTrip works on our FAQ Page.

How do I know what to do in each port?

Knowing what to do in a cruise port can feel overwhelming, especially when you have limited time. That’s where PortTrip comes in.

Each port guide in the app includes:

  • A curated list of top attractions, local experiences, and must-see sights

  • Estimated time needed for each activity</li> <li>Distance from the cruise terminal and how to get there

  • Sample itineraries tailored to different time frames (half-day, full-day, etc.)

  • Local dining recommendations and hidden gems

Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, food tours, nature walks, beaches, or shopping districts, PortTrip helps you quickly identify and prioritize activities that match your interests — all without needing to browse dozens of separate blogs or travel forums.

Is it safe to skip cruise line tours?

Yes — it’s safe to skip cruise line excursions and plan your own port day, as long as you’re informed and prepared. Thousands of cruisers explore independently every day with no issues.

To stay safe and on time:

  • Understand the port layout and how long it takes to return to the ship

  • Use verified transportation (details provided in each PortTrip guide)</li> <li>Keep an eye on the time and always allow a buffer before “all aboard”

  • Research any known scams or safety precautions for the area

  • Download the PortTrip guide ahead of time to have offline access

PortTrip was created specifically to give you the tools and confidence to plan safe and reliable DIY cruise excursions, even in unfamiliar destinations.

Start Planning Your DIY Cruise Excursions with PortTrip

Whether you’re exploring the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, or beyond — PortTrip helps you make the most of every port.

✅ Offline access
✅ Port-specific tips
✅ Custom itineraries
✅ Local transportation help
✅ Excursion ideas and planning tools

📲 Download PortTrip on the App Store now and plan shore days your way:

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