5 Favorite Cruise Tours & Shore Excursions I’d Book Again
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and partners I’ve personally used and loved.
I’ve taken a lot of tours over the years — as a mom, a former homeschool teacher, a travel hacker, and now as a cruise‑obsessed traveler who’s on the road 12–15 times a year. Some tours were good, some were just okay, and a few were so memorable that I still talk about them years later.
These five are the ones that stuck with me. The ones that surprised me, delighted me, fed me, relaxed me, and reminded me why I love exploring the world. And no — I’m not ranking them. They’re all special for different reasons.
If you want to see exactly how I book my shore excursions (cruise line vs. third‑party, timing, safety, and my Stack & Save method), I have a full guide that breaks it all down.
St. Thomas — The Last‑Minute Tour That Saved the Day
Magens Bay - St Thomas Virgin Islands
Link: St. Thomas Cruise Port Review
This one made the list because it completely turned my day around. Our St. John tour was canceled without notice, and I was so disappointed — I had been looking forward to it for months. But this last‑minute St. Thomas tour ended up being beautiful, relaxing, and exactly what I needed after a rough morning.
Any tour that can rescue a day like that deserves a spot here.
Naples, Italy — The Tour That Exceeded Every Expectation
Don’t let this simple dish fool you - one of my favorite meals ever!
Link: Naples Shore Excursion
This tour was pure magic. I went in with high expectations, and it still managed to exceed every single one. The food was unbelievable. The olive oil tasting was so good we shipped bottles home. And one of my favorite meals of my entire life happened on this tour.
If you want a tour that feels like stepping into a postcard and eating your way through it, this is the one.
Stavanger, Norway — The Perfect Multigenerational Day
My dad and me on the boat ride in Stavanger - we still talk about this day
Link: Stavanger Norway Cruise
This tour is special because it made everyone happy — my parents, my son, and me. That’s not easy to pull off. It was peaceful, beautiful, and the kind of day you remember long after the trip is over.
If you’re traveling with parents, teens, or a mix of personalities, this is the kind of tour that keeps everyone smiling.
Skagway, Alaska — The Iconic White Pass Train
My parent on the White Pass Train in Skagway
Link: White Pass Train in Skagway
The White Pass Train is iconic for a reason. The scenery is stunning, the history is fascinating, and the whole experience is effortless. Everyone can sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment — no hiking, no rushing, no stress.
If you’re cruising Alaska for the first time, this is a must‑do.
Athens, Greece — The Food Tour That Stole My Heart
Amazing Food Tour In Athens - Arrive hungry!
Link: Athens Greece Food Tour
This food tour was everything I love about travel: fun, delicious, and such a great way to learn more about a city. We laughed, we learned, and we ate everything in sight. It felt like exploring Athens with a local friend.
If you love food, storytelling, and wandering through neighborhoods you’d never find on your own, this one is for you.
Lazy Girl Stack & Save Tip
I always stack my excursions with:
cashback portals
travel rewards cards
flexible cancellation policies
trusted partners I’ve used for years
If you want the full breakdown, here’s How I Book My Shore Excursions— it’s the exact method I use for every cruise.
Want More? Explore My Tours & Excursions Hub
If you’re planning your next cruise and want to see all my reviews, tips, and favorite partners in one place, head to my Tours & Excursions Hub. It’s updated constantly and includes every port I’ve visited — from Alaska to Europe to the Caribbean.
Join My Travel Hacking Moms Group
If you want to learn how to travel more for less, earn points without overwhelm, and get support from women doing the same thing, join my Travel Hacking Moms Group.
About Julie Davis
Julie is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps travelers earn free flights, cruise smarter, and make every trip count. She’s a mom, travel hacker, and cruise‑obsessed content creator who believes there’s no wrong way to travel — just smarter ways to do it.
👉 Read next:
How I Book Cruises & Save — my step‑by‑step strategy for finding deals and stacking perks
10 Essentials I Take on Every Cruise— the items I use every single sailing
