The essential independent excursion providers every cruiser should know
By Yvan Junior Blanchette | Travel & Cruise Specialist | ÆRIA Cruises
Choosing the right excursion provider can turn an ordinary port day into one of the highlights of your entire cruise. With so many options available, it’s normal to wonder whether to book with Venture Ashore, Shore Excursions Group, Resort For a Day, Viator, or GetYourGuide.
Each company is different. They each have their own history, personality, strengths, and ideal type of traveler. Understanding what sets them apart helps you choose better, and enjoy richer, more memorable experiences ashore.
Here is a clear guide to the most popular excursion providers used by today’s cruisers.
Venture Ashore
A cruise-focused company built around small groups
🌐 Visit Venture Ashore
Background
Venture Ashore is one of the newer players in the market, but it has grown rapidly. Founded by experts in cruise tourism, port logistics, and land-based operations, their mission is simple: offer high-quality excursions tailored to ship schedules and to the expectations of modern travelers.
Strengths
Venture Ashore sets itself apart with unique itineraries and small group experiences. Their guides are often passionate local specialists who focus on cultural immersion, authentic encounters, and more refined activities.
Best for
Travelers who want more than a basic bus tour. Perfect for culture lovers, food enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a more personalized excursion. Also ideal for cruisers who want an independent tour with a guaranteed return to the ship.
Shore Excursions Group (SEG)
One of the most respected names in the cruise industry
🌐 Visit Shore Excursions Group (SEG)
Background
SEG was founded by former executives from major cruise lines. Their goal was to offer the same structure cruisers know, but in smaller groups and at better prices. They quickly became a favorite, especially in North America.
Strengths
SEG offers one of the largest catalogs in the industry — especially in the Caribbean. They excel in beach days, snorkeling excursions, classic guided tours, and family-friendly activities. Their service is consistent, and their selection is huge.
Best for
Travelers who want something straightforward, safe, reliable, and easy to book. Families with children. First-time cruisers. Anyone who wants a stable independent alternative to cruise-line excursions.
Resort For a Day
The perfect choice for a relaxing day
🌐 Visit Resort For a Day
Background
Resort For a Day began as a small company offering single-day passes to hotels. They later partnered with major resorts across the Caribbean and Mexico to give cruisers full access to resort amenities.
Strengths
Pool access, private beaches, buffets, bars, adults-only areas, family clubs, quiet zones essentially a full resort day without the crowds or constraints.
Best for
Travelers who simply want to unwind. Couples, families, retirees, or anyone who prefers a peaceful, all-inclusive-style day at a hotel rather than an active excursion.
GetYourGuide
The modern, curated platform for cultural travelers
🌐 Visit GetYourGuide
Background
GetYourGuide started as a European startup before becoming a global leader. They stand out thanks to their clean interface, partnerships with major attractions, and highly efficient booking system.
Strengths
Skip-the-line tickets, museum access, walking tours, workshops, and urban cultural experiences. For European cruise ports, GetYourGuide is often one of the best options.
Best for
Travelers who enjoy culture, big cities, and organized sightseeing. Ideal for Rome, Barcelona, Athens, Amsterdam, Copenhagen — and any urban port of call.
Viator
The world’s largest marketplace for tours and activities
🌐 Visit Viator
Background
Founded in the 1990s and later acquired by Tripadvisor, Viator is now one of the largest platforms in the world. Thousands of local operators list their tours, giving travelers an enormous variety of options across almost every destination.
Strengths
Viator offers an exceptional range of activities: cooking classes, private tours, adventure outings, classic guided visits, private drivers, cultural experiences, day cruises, and more. You can filter by price, group size, accessibility, duration, and many other criteria.
Best for
Independent travelers who love comparing options and shaping their own experiences. Perfect for cruisers looking for unique activities that don’t always appear in cruise-line catalogs.
Which provider should you choose?
It depends on your travel style — each company has its personality.
Venture Ashore for small groups and expert guides.
SEG for value, reliability, and ease of use.
Resort For a Day for stress-free relaxation.
Viator for variety and flexibility.
GetYourGuide for cultural cities and iconic attractions.
All major providers offer guaranteed return to the ship, so you can confidently explore beyond the ship’s offerings.
Conclusion
A port day is often one of the most memorable moments of a cruise. Knowing the strengths and specialities of each provider helps you choose the right experience — and enjoy each destination to the fullest.
And if you’re not sure which provider to choose, if you’re hesitating between two options, or if you’d simply prefer someone to guide you, I’m here to help. I evaluate these providers every day and can book your excursions for you, making everything simple and perfectly tailored to your cruise.
Make the most of every port of call. You deserve it.
Yvan Junior Blanchette
Travel & Cruise Specialist | ÆRIA Cruises
📞 (450) 820-9720
✉️ yvan@aeriacruises.com
🌐 www.aeriacruises.com
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