Creative Ways to Find & Book the Best Cruise Excursions
Want better cruise excursions, without settling for the generic bus tour? In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite creative ways to plan unforgettable port days, from using Instagram as a search engine to leveraging AI tools and crowdsourcing tips from friends. If you want your cruise stops to feel personal, intentional, and anything but cookie-cutter, this one’s for you.
While planning an upcoming sailing through Northern Europe, I realized I needed to share something on here: cruise excursions don’t have to be limited to what’s listed on the ship’s website.
With a little creativity (and a few modern tools), you can uncover unique, memorable experiences that feel far more personal.
Here’s exactly how I research cruise port days, complete with practical tips you can use for your next sailing.
Start With the Cruise Website (But Don’t Stop There)
Let’s begin with the obvious. Head to your cruise line’s website and browse the excursions for each port. Even if you don’t plan to book through them, this gives you:
A baseline understanding of what’s available
Insight into popular activities
Clues about logistics and transportation
An idea of timing and distance from port
Sometimes booking through the cruise line is necessary. For example, if a tour company is fully booked independently but still has availability through the cruise (this happens more often than you think), it may be your only option.
But don’t rush to book immediately. Use this step as inspiration for what to look for!
1. Use Instagram as a Search Engine
This one has been a game-changer. Instead of Googling first, open Instagram and type in your destination (for example, “Bruges Belgium” or the name of your Norwegian port) in the search bar.
Then:
Tap the magnifying glass
Scroll through Reels and posts
Save anything that catches your eye
Open a simple spreadsheet and jot down ideas
Why this works:
You see real visuals instantly
You discover hidden cafés, markets, museums, and neighborhoods
You get excited about places you didn’t even know existed
Instagram won’t usually give you exact tour links, but it will spark ideas like:
“That bike tour looks incredible.”
“I need that cinnamon bun.”
“That fish market looks amazing.”
It’s inspiration-first planning, and it makes smaller ports feel far more approachable.
(Pro tip: Set a 10–15 minute timer so you don’t fall down the rabbit hole.)
2. Use AI Tools to Get Hyper-Specific
Once you have a general feel for what interests you, bring in AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude.
The key here is specificity. Instead of asking:
“What are the best things to do in Bruges?”
Try:
“We’re an active couple who love food tours, bike tours, quirky shops, and art museums. We don’t enjoy long walking tours. What would you recommend in Bruges for a cruise port day?”
You’ll get:
More tailored recommendations
Restaurant suggestions
Transportation tips (train vs. taxi vs. shuttle)
Sometimes even direct links
Fun fact: Different AI tools often give completely different recommendations, even with the exact same prompt. That means double the ideas with minimal effort.
It’s also incredibly helpful for figuring out logistics between port and town, especially when the cruise dock is outside the city center.
3. Dig for Real Blog Posts (Not Just Tour Aggregators)
When you Google “Best things to do in ___,” the first results are usually big booking platforms.
Keep scrolling. Head to page one’s bottom — or even page two — to find personal blog posts.
Why they matter:
These are written by people who’ve actually been there
You’ll get insider restaurant tips
You’ll find charming shops and niche museums
You’ll read honest reviews
It’s one person’s perspective, but that’s exactly what makes it valuable.
Sometimes a small mention like “We found the cutest little shop near the square” becomes the highlight of your day.
4. Ask Your Friends
Don’t underestimate your own network. Post on Instagram stories, Facebook, or send group text! Try something simple like: “Heading to Bruges soon! Has anyone been? What should I not miss?”
You’ll often get:
Personalized suggestions
Hidden gems
Restaurant recommendations
Unexpected tips
Plus, it sparks fun conversations and reconnects you with people who share your love of travel.
5. Join a Destination-Specific Facebook Group
There is truly a Facebook group for everything.
Search for:
“Bruges Travel Tips”
“Norway Cruise Ports”
“Things to Do in ___”
Join before your trip. Ask questions. Read past posts. Save helpful threads.
Then after your trip, you can:
Share your own experience
Thank members for tips
Leave the group if you’d like
These groups are incredibly helpful for updated transportation info, seasonal recommendations, and real-time advice.
The Unexpected Bonus of Doing the Research
After hours of researching one small Norwegian town, I surprised myself. Instead of booking an excursion, I decided to do nothing structured at all. No official tour. No transportation stress or timed itinerary.
Just wandering through town, visiting the fish market, popping into shops, and enjoying a slow lunch.
I felt completely confident doing that because I had done the research. This allows me to not have FOMO, and feel confident in our plans. Sometimes the best port day isn’t the most packed one.
Final Thoughts: Cruise Excursions Don’t Have to Be Generic
When you combine:
Cruise site research
Instagram inspiration
AI tools
Blog deep-dives
Friends’ recommendations
Facebook groups
You end up with layered insight from multiple perspectives!
And that’s how you uncover truly unique experiences! It’s the ones that don’t always show up as the #1 TripAdvisor result.
Cruise travel doesn’t have to mean cookie-cutter days. With a little creativity and curiosity, your port days can feel just as meaningful and personal as any land-based adventure.