Which is best, cruise line shore excursions or private tours
A Private Tour of Hong Kong is absolutely your best option
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
I have personally completed 2,340+ Private Tours and Experiences (over 6,000+ guests) since April 2011 and I am considered one of the finest Private Tour Guides in Asia.
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Which is better, cruise line shore excursions or private tours
A Private Tour of Hong Kong is absolutely your best option
The Ocean Terminal, Cruise Ship Terminal in Hong Kong | est. 1966
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The Kai Tak Cruise Ship Terminal, Cruise Ship Terminal in Hong Kong | est. 2013
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Yes, Hong Kong has 2 Cruise Ship Terminals, one in a perfect location and one in a terrible location but that is another story and I have covered that in other blog posts and yes, the Ocean Terminal is in a perfect location and these days only smaller cruise ships go there, the mega cruise ships go to the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and honestly it makes no difference to me, it is what it is!
This is my Hong Kong | Hong Kong Shore Excursions with Jamie
Shore Excursion | Overview
Jamie, your local friend in Hong Kong
This is what I have to say and after this and for context I have given the Ai results of the question of which tour is better.
Make the most of your Cruise Ship Shore Excursion when you visit Hong Kong on your amazing cruise ship, I am a real expert in organising Shore Excursions for couples, families and small groups with pick up at the at either the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal or the Ocean Terminal in Hong Kong… by small groups I mean 6 people or less, I do NOT do large group tours.
I know the easy option for you is to book a shore excursion with the Cruise Company or a specialist Shore Excursion Company with tours available in 100+ ports or perhaps book a ride on the Big Bus Company Bus but if you want to really learn about what makes Hong Kong tick then book a Private Shore Excursion with Jamie.
Please note I do NOT do car tours | shore excursions in a private car but I have great friends that specialise in this area and I am more than happy to recommend them.
Please note, I have been doing private tours since 2010 and research is what I do, I am an information junkie, I know the companies that do Shore Excursions for the Cruise Lines in Hong Kong (and I have even been on one (I snuck into a tour at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong just to listen to what the guide said and how things where organised) and honestly I was NOT impressed.
The Cruise Lines tend to book the Travel Agent who offers the lowest price which means corners are cut
they operate to a fixed itinerary with no chance of it being customised to what you might want to see
you see everything on a coach with 20 - 50 people or more
you have a local guide or who may or may not be proficient in English and who work to a memorised script, they even have awful jokes scripted for them and yes, they talk through a microphone and yes, at Victoria Peak you are pretty much left to your own devices
you have a fixed amount of time at each stop (which cannot be adjusted)
you may or may not be taken to a jewellery factory under the guise of it being a cultural thing, this is nonsense, a lot of Travel Agents own jewellery companies, it is basically forced shopping and in some cases you are locked in the showroon for an hour, I simply cannot believe that in this day and age they still do this.
some shore excursions have meals included, trust me, the restaurant the tour company goes to will NOT be great, the restaurant who offers the cheapest price gets the business.
if the weather is bad they still do not adjust the tour itinerary
I was the pioneer of Private Tours in Hong Kong putting up my first website in 2010 and by 2012 there was a bunch of us doing them, we are all firm friends and communicate daily and our aim is simple, to offer a far superior tour than what you might experience on a shore excursion put together by the Cruise Line and ergo, a tour on a coach.
This issue I address below in detail but the short form version is very simple, neither myself or my friends who do Private Tours have never, ever had a situation where out guests missed the departure | sailing time of the cruise ship, we know this can be an issue in some countries and cities but NOT in Hong Kong.
At the end of the day I do understand that the cost of a tour is important, you may well be on a long cruise with many port calls and doing shore excursions can get to be an expensive proposition but the phrase “you get what you pay for” is very apt in Hong Kong, I maybe expensive but you will get a far superior experience with an English, Hong Kong resident of 53 years, a veteran of over 2,340+ private tours with approaching 6,500 guests from all walks of life.
My Tour Guests at The Ocean Terminal, Cruise Ship Terminal in Hong Kong | est. 1966
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Shore Excursion | Meeting Point and returning to the Cruise Ship Terminal
Hong Kong has 2 large cruise ship terminals
The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal est 2013
The Ocean Terminal est 1966
When you book the shore excursion be sure to let me know the name of the cruise ship so I can double check where it will dock in Hong Kong.
In general the Ocean Terminal which is in a fabulous central location takes the smaller cruise ships (500 - 2,000 passengers) whilst the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal takes the mega ships of 5,000+ passengers.
The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is NOT in a central location and even after 12 years transport is still a major issue.
It makes no difference to me which cruise terminal your ship docks at, it is what it is!
So we are clear - I pick you up at the Cruise Terminal and I drop you off at the Cruise Terminal at the conclusion of the Shore Excursion.
Shore Excursion | Tour Length
Generally most shore excursions are touted as a half day (4 hours) or full day (8 hours) tour, I would say that the best tour length would be a 6 hour or 8 hour tour - this to me is a better bet for a Shore Excursion but I have no issue doing 4 or 5 hour tours - The choice is yours.
Shore Excursion | Food, Snack and Rest stops
This is your call, we can rest at anytime, we can stop for snacks and drinks at anytime and if you want a full blown lunch or dinner then that is also fine, please note I have eaten in well over 1,300 Chinese Restaurants but do NOT do food tours, I generally steer away from cheap dodgy Chinese Restaurants, I have some favourite places of course but to be honest most people would prefer to see sights rather than stop for a meal. As I said, it is your call.
Shore Excursion | I am over 60 are there any physical limitations?
I know from personal experience that Cruise Ship Passengers tend to be a little older and I absolutely take this into account, i am over 60 myself and I have always worked on the basis of quality over quantity, I do not rush around trying to cram in as much as possible, my tours are actually quite engaging, it is my job to make sure you have the best possible experience and learn about this fabulous city.
Please note and as mentioned below I do not do car tours.
We rest and chat as and when the situation dictates
Shore Excursion | Small Group Sizes
I prefer to limit my shore excursions to 6 people maximum
On one of Jamie’s shore excursions you are not on a bus with 15 | 30 | 50 other passengers wearing stickers and following a barely understandable guide with poor English holding a flag working to a prepared script - even the lame jokes are scripted.(I am not kidding) oh and speaking through a microphone!
I have done well over 100 shore excursions since 2011 and generally the group size was 2 - 4 people, in my long experience, the more people in the group the slower the tour goes, please bear this in mind.
This is a private tour with no stops at jewellery shops under the pretence of watching jewellery being made (a cultural experience?) and such, we use public transport and walk and you will get a full immersion into what Hong Kong is all about from a Hong Kong resident of 53 years and with me no subject is off the table so to speak!
My private shore excursions are perfect for those who are in Hong Kong on a cruise ship for 1 - 2 days... oh and I will make sure you do not miss your ship!
Shore Excursion | Should I worry about missing my ship?
No., absolutely not and I have never had a guest miss their sailing time or a flight out of Hong Kong.
The cruise companies would like you to believe that independent tours such as the ones I offer carry this risk, I am always very well aware of your ship’s departure time, and my tours are designed to get you back to the Cruise Terminal with plenty of time to spare.
This is really something you have no need to worry about.
Shore Excursion | Cost Effectiveness, Tour Quality and Value for Money
Cruise Lines often charge a huge premium for their shore excursions and passengers may find better deals and more value for money with independent companies such as myself.
I have researched extensively over the years the shore excursion market in Hong Kong and pretty much all the cruise lines offer the same sort of tours with 15 - 50 people crammed onto a coach and the tour operator they use is generally the one that offers the lowest price to the Cruise Company, I have done some of these tours so I know, the quality is simply not there and I always feel so sorry for people on these tours, you would be much better off buddying up with other couples to reduce the per person cost of the tour, more on that later.
In my experience the TOUR QUALITY offered by these coach tour companies are very poor, it is the guide that makes the tour and we have many guides in Hong Kong that have no business doing tours, I am English, I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years and I pioneered the Private Tour Industry in Hong Kong in late 2010 and yes, being English generally means we have no communication problems
… and yes, a lot of guides who lead shore excursions provided by the Cruise Ship do not speak very good English, they are flummoxed if they have to deviate from their script and many of them are simply too young, from my personal experience in the business, the best guides are over 35 and get way better with age oh and in many cases have done over 1,000 tours, that experience really shows
I have completed well over 2,330 tours and bear in mind I did not do a single tour for 3 years from 2020 - 2023 as Hong Kong was closed to tourists.
Shore Excursion | A premium quality Personalized Shore Excursion to give you memories that will last a lifetime.
My tours are private tours and every time I do a tour I have no fixed plan or itinerary, I like to spend 5 - 10 minutes discussing with you, what YOU would like to see within the allotted time frame of the tour… however, in general my guests leave it to me, I have a lot of experience and have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years, on a Cruise Ship sponsored shore excursion you have to follow the tour itinerary with no chance of customising the tour, I can quite honestly say I have NEVER, ever done the same itinerary twice and I have done over 2,330 private tours of Hong Kong.
Shore Excursion | Small Group Sizes and buddying up with other couples to reduce the per person tour cost.
As mentioned, in general for shore excursions I have 2 - 4 guests but have done tours with as many as 8 guests, it is simply a fact that the bigger the group the slower the tour, please do bear this in mind and my preference is for 6 people or less.
I have a lot of experience doing shore excursions where 2 or 3 unrelated couples will band together to share the cost of the tour, I have no problem with this, many times couples make firm friends with other couples on a cruise and that works for me as well but as mentioned, I do not really like going over 6 people (or 3 couples) as the tour just seems to slow to a crawl and sometimes people disagree with what they want to do!
Shore Excursion | I am getting off the ship and need to go to Hong Kong International Airport at the end of the tour
I have done this many times including twice very recently, our first port of call after I pick you up is to get your luggage to a luggage storage facility at Hong Kong Station, home to the Airport Express train that goes from the Central Business District to Hong Kong International Airport.
At the end of the tour I will reunite you with your luggage and get you onto the Airport Express Train, it stops in the departure hall of the Airport! I am also happy to accompany you to the Airport and get you checked in, your call as they say.
Shore Excursion | Expert Local Private Tour Guide
When you book a Shore Excursion with Jamie you get me Jamie, I do NOT employ any other guides. If I am not available or you wish to do your shore excursion in a private car then I will introduce you to my friends, we are all part of a tight knit group of the BEST private tour companies in Hong Kong with shared aims and a passion for providing the very best experiences.
So that is what I have to say, so read what I listed below for the “balanced opinion” so to speak, many of the arguments and | or comments do NOT apply to Hong Kong but some concerns are quite valid.
The World according to Grok
I am warming up to Grok AI - if you ask the right question is collates information in a very professional and seamless manner Case in point - the question that all Cruise Ship Passengers must ask prior to visiting each port on their cruise.
Which is better: cruise line shore excursions or independent tours
Choosing between cruise line shore excursions and independent tours depends on your preferences, travel style, and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you decide:
Cruise Line Shore Excursions
Pros:
Convenience: Booked through the cruise line, so logistics like transportation and timing are handled, ensuring you return to the ship on time.
Reliability: Cruise lines vet their excursion providers, reducing the risk of scams or poor-quality experiences.
Group Experience: Often designed for larger groups, which can be social and include onboard acquaintances.
Priority Disembarkation: Excursion groups often get off the ship first, maximizing your time at the port.
Safety Net: If an excursion runs late, the ship will wait, unlike with independent tours.
Language and Accessibility: Guides typically speak your language, and excursions often cater to a range of mobility levels.
Cons:
Cost: Cruise line excursions are often more expensive, sometimes significantly, than independent tours for similar experiences.
Less Flexibility: Fixed itineraries and schedules may feel rushed or overly structured, with less time for personal exploration
.Crowds: Larger groups can lead to a less personalized experience and longer wait times at attractions.
Generic Itineraries: Excursions may focus on popular tourist spots, missing off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Independent Tours
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Often cheaper, especially if booked directly with local operators or through platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.
Customization: Smaller groups or private tours allow for tailored itineraries, focusing on your specific interests.
Authenticity: Local guides may offer deeper cultural insights or access to less touristy sites.
Flexibility: More freedom to adjust plans, linger at favorite spots, or explore spontaneously.
Cons:
Risk of Delays: If a tour runs late, the ship won’t wait, potentially leaving you stranded or requiring costly catch-up travel.
Research Required: You need to vet operators for reliability, which can be time-consuming and carries some risk of scams or poor service.
Logistical Challenges: Arranging transportation to and from the port can be tricky, especially in less developed areas.
Language Barriers: Local guides may not always speak your language fluently, which can affect the experience.
Key Considerations
Port Time and Location: In ports with limited docking time or sites far from the port, cruise excursions are safer to ensure you return on time. For longer stops or nearby attractions, independent tours are more feasible.
Destination Familiarity: In unfamiliar or less tourist-friendly destinations, cruise excursions provide a sense of security. In well-known or easy-to-navigate ports (e.g., European cities), independent tours are often fine.
Group Size Preference: If you prefer intimate experiences, independent tours are better. If you enjoy group dynamics, cruise excursions may suit you.
Budget: If cost is a priority, independent tours can save money, but weigh this against the risk of missing the ship.
Activity Type: For specialized activities (e.g., scuba diving, historical tours), independent operators may offer better expertise or smaller groups.
What Recent Discussions Say
Based on web sources and posts on X:
Many travelers on platforms like Reddit and Cruise Critic note that independent tours can offer better value and more authentic experiences, especially in ports like Rome or Santorini, where local operators provide tailored tours at lower costs.
However, cruise line excursions are often praised for their seamless organization, particularly in ports with challenging logistics (e.g., tender ports or remote destinations like Alaskan glaciers).
Some travelers mix both: cruise excursions for complex or time-sensitive ports and independent tours for easier, budget-friendly stops.
Recommendation
Choose cruise line excursions for: first-time cruisers, ports with short stopovers, remote or logistically complex destinations, or if you prioritize convenience and peace of mind.
Choose independent tours for: experienced travelers, budget-conscious trips, longer port stops, or when seeking unique, personalized experiences.
Hybrid Approach: Consider a mix based on the port. Research independent options for major cities with good infrastructure (e.g., Barcelona, Athens) and stick with cruise excursions for trickier destinations (e.g., Belize, certain Caribbean islands)
13 reasons to book a Private Tour of Hong Kong
The size of the group is limited to 1 - 6 people
Itineraries customised to your personal specifications with unrivalled flexibility
Go at your own pace based on your personal dynamics and circumstances
You can choose the date and starting time and it can cost a lot less than you think!
Beat the crowds! you will absolutely maximise the time for actual sightseeing
You get a local resident | expert with an insiders knowledge of Hong Kong - the ultimate benefit
Flexibility on changing the itinerary during the tour if required
An opportunity to make amazing memories with family and friends
An in-depth learning and participation experience
You will get a great value for money experience and you will get the best guides
The undivided attention of your Private Tour Guide
Going from attractions A to B to C to D to E seamlessly and hassle free with an expert
You will absolutely have a lot more fun! (p.s. and someone to take your picture!)
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2025 All rights reserved. |
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