I'd be afraid to wait because then it might be sold out.

I always intend to book with the cruise line, then end up finding better things to do on my own. I am very careful not to book anything that might cut it close, time-wise and I carefully research my vendors to make sure that other cruisers haven't had problems with them and that there won't be a problem if the ship's schedule changes. There is really no right answer to this question. Some would never take the risk of booking outside the cruise line, others would never pay the premium to do so. I'm a book with the indies kind of girl.

 I am waiting till i get there to book any excursions. I just dont know what i want to do there. Maybe nothing?? LOL 

It really depends but I've always found that I could get cheaper rates booking on my own before but you can't wait too long as the good deals will seel out.

 check this out, here are some great excursion deals in the Caribbean, staring at $30us!  http://grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/CruiseExcursionDeals.htm

 

Buyer Beware if you book away from Carnival.  We used a website last year to book a parasailing trip.  When we got there, the guy told me his equipment was broken, but if I paid cash he could get me on another company's boat.  No Thank You!  I did get a refund from the website, but I missed out on a great memory with my son and we were both dissapointed, because I did not have time to go find another place to parasail.

 Hi!  when you book your shore excursions with the cruise ship you are guaranteed that the ship will not sail off without you if your excursion returns late!!!!  

I have done both, excursions with the ship and independent excursions - the independent shore excursions if I use them I make sure we are at the port for at least 8 hrs or longer - and our excursions is no longer than 3 hrs - 4 hrs at the most.  That way if the bus/car etc... from your independent company breaks down etc... you still have enough time to get back to Port on your own by taxi etc...  Make sure your independent excursion leaves early morning which gives you the afternoon if anything happens.

I have seen a many people waive to the ship as we leave port!  It's not funny!  First they are fined $200 - $300, then they need to find a hotel, pay for their diner and brekky, get a flight to the next destination = very expensive!

 

 

 

 

 there is so much to choose from!  of course sometimes we have 2 or 3 that we really want to do.  The good excursions do get booked fast - sold out prior to the sail date.  good luck, hope you get to do what you will enjoy.

 

 

We had four ports on our first cruise. At the first stop, we had a very bad experience with some cayman cabbies and almost missed our ship. So, for our next three ports, we booked excursions through carnival and it was completely stress free! In my opinion, if you're going to spend that much on a cruise to 'get away from it all' then why would I want to risk the frustration and stress from uncontrolable outside forces.

Excursions are at a fixed price but if you wait you are liable to be shut out.