Shore Tours

Shore tours are a popular choice for cruise passengers looking to maximize their limited time in port. These personalized excursions cater to small groups, ensuring a more intimate experience led by knowledgeable local guides. Participants can discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems, gaining valuable insights along the way. While entry fees may not be included, the tours are designed to optimize sightseeing opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a deeper culture or simply want to check off the top attractions, shore tours offer a convenient and engaging way to explore your destination. But what can you expect from these specialized excursions, and how do they differ from standard tourist offerings?

Good To Know

• Shore tours provide guided exploration of popular landmarks and attractions for cruise ship passengers with limited time in port.
• Tour packages typically include a licensed guide, transportation, and visits to notable sites like the Bay of Fundy and historic landmarks.
• Shore tours are often designed for small groups of up to 7 passengers to offer a personalized experience.
• Customers should be aware of non-refundable policies and that entry fees to attractions are not always included in the tour price.
• Reviews of shore tours highlight the importance of experienced guides, group size, and accurate representation of the itinerary and activities.

Tour Overview

Shore Tours offers a 4.4-rated (based on 29 reviews) shore excursion for cruise passengers with limited time in Saint John, Canada.

The tour includes landmarks like the Bay of Fundy, Fort Howe National Historic Site, Reversing Falls Rapids, and Saint John City Market for shopping and snacks.

It’s an ideal option for groups of up to 7 passengers looking to make the most of their time. A licensed tour guide is included, though entry fees to locations are not.

The tour begins one hour after the scheduled time if passengers haven’t boarded.

Tour Details

The tour is priced from $650.00 per group of up to 6 passengers. This includes a licensed tour guide, though entry fees to the locations aren’t covered.

Passengers should meet at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, and the tour will begin one hour after the scheduled time if all participants haven’t boarded.

The tour operates daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, from December 27, 2019, to October 22, 2025. Confirmation is received upon booking, but the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are given for cancellations.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but does have infant seats available.

Scheduling and Availability

The Shore Tours operate daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, running from December 27, 2019, through October 22, 2025.

Booking confirmation is received at the time of booking. However, the tours are non-refundable, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.

The tour begins one hour after the scheduled time if passengers haven’t boarded. This tour is suitable for cruise passengers with limited time, as it covers popular landmarks in Saint John, Canada, including the Bay of Fundy, Fort Howe National Historic Site, Reversing Falls Rapids, and Saint John City Market.

Additional Tour Information

Although the Shore Tours aren’t wheelchair accessible, they’re located near public transportation.

Infant seats are available for families with young children. Passengers should be prepared for a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour includes activities like walking around historic sites. The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating.

Here are four key things to keep in mind:

1. Entry fees to locations aren’t included in the tour price.
2. The tour will commence one hour after the scheduled time if passengers haven’t boarded.
3. The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are given for cancellations.
4. The Shore Tours offer a comprehensive sightseeing experience in Saint John for cruise passengers with limited time.

Customer Review Highlights

Passengers provided mixed feedback on the Shore Tours experience.

On the positive side, many reviewers praised the quality of the tour guides, the cleanliness of the vehicles, and the informative nature of the experiences.

However, some criticized the group size and vehicle arrangements, which led to a lack of privacy.

Plus, a few guides were noted to have limited English proficiency and historical knowledge.

Customers also mentioned that some attractions, like Standing Rock, weren’t accurately reflected in the promotional materials, leading to missed experiences.

Booking and Payment

Booking a Shore Tours excursion is a straightforward process. The company offers pricing starting from $650 per group of up to 6 passengers.

While entry fees to locations aren’t included, a licensed tour guide is provided as part of the package. Customers should note that the tour will depart one hour after the scheduled time if all passengers haven’t boarded.

Additionally:

1. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
2. The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.
3. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
4. Infant seats are available upon request.

Tour Itinerary

The Shore Tours excursion takes cruise passengers on a comprehensive exploration of Saint John’s top landmarks and attractions.

Over the course of the tour, guests will visit the stunning Bay of Fundy, the historic Fort Howe National Historic Site, the captivating Reversing Falls Rapids, and the lively Saint John City Market for shopping and snacks.

The group size is limited to 7 passengers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

While entry fees to the locations aren’t included in the tour price, a licensed guide is provided to share insights and lead the way.

Meeting Point and Departure

The Shore Tours excursion departs from the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, located at 111 Water St, Saint John, NB E2L 0B1, Canada.

Passengers are required to meet at the terminal prior to the scheduled tour start time. If passengers haven’t boarded the tour within one hour of the scheduled departure, the tour will leave without them.

The tour includes:

1. A licensed tour guide.
2. Pickup from the cruise terminal.
3. Entrance fees to attractions aren’t included.
4. Confirmation received at the time of booking.

This is a non-refundable tour, and no refunds are available for cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English?

The tour information does not indicate if it’s available in languages other than English. Customers would need to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about language options before booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour operates on a fixed schedule, running from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The tour length and inclusions are set, with no opportunity to customize or lengthen the experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

No special equipment is required. The tour only requires moderate physical fitness. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Participants should bring any necessary personal items like water, snacks, or medications.

How Are Gratuities Handled for the Tour Guide?

Gratuities for the tour guide are not included in the tour price and are typically left to the discretion of the participants. It’s customary to tip the guide 15-20% of the total tour cost if you’re satisfied with the service.

Can I Request a Customized Tour Itinerary?

According to the tour details, customization of the itinerary is not mentioned. The tour follows a set schedule and locations. Passengers are unable to request a customized tour itinerary for this particular shore excursion.

The Sum Up

Shore tours offer cruise passengers an exceptional opportunity to explore the highlights of a destination within a limited timeframe. Led by knowledgeable guides, these personalized excursions provide an intimate and engaging experience, allowing visitors to discover significant landmarks and enjoy the local culture. With a focus on maximizing sightseeing opportunities, shore tours are an ideal choice for travelers seeking memorable and enriching experiences during their cruise.