Action ashore general information
On our website you'll find all the information you need to know about things to do ashore on your holiday with Ocean Village. The activities are listed by destination and you'll also find details of a range of trips based out of Palma or Bridgetown that you can do before you either fly back to the UK or join the next cruise. It sounds obvious, but before you book, please make sure that you've chosen an activity from a destination that's on your cruise itinerary!
How To Book
As many of the activities on offer have a limited capacity we recommend that you book early to reserve your place(s). Action ashore is bookable 8 – 10 weeks prior to departure when you’ll also receive an ‘action ashore’ booklet from us in the post.
There are 4 ways to book:
Book Online From the 'Already Booked?' section simply select 'Book Your Action Ashore' and enter your booking reference. You'll then be able to book your place(s) and see/print off a summary of your activities.
By Phone - Call our Reservations Team on 0845 358 5000 (quoting your booking reference) and they will be able to book your activities for you. A confirmation will then be sent to you by post.
By Post - Complete the booking form and send it to: Ocean Village, Action Ashore Reservations, Richmond House, Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3PN. Please do not send payment with your booking form. A confirmation will then be sent to you by post.
In Person - If you want to wait until you're on holiday before you decide which activities to do, then you can also make bookings at the Action Ashore desk on the ship - but please note that some of the trips may already be full!
Whichever way you book, the cost of your activities will be added to your on-board account when you join the ship, and the tickets will be delivered direct to your cabin.
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Prices
All prices include transport to/from your activity, entrance fees and use of equipment - unless otherwise stated in the activity information. Meals and refreshments are included only where stated. All prices are subject to alteration without notice. Children's prices only apply to those aged up to and including 12 years old; infants under 3 years of age will be carried free of charge, subject to them not occupying a seat on the trip. Children aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian on all trips.
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Incidental Costs
You should bear in mind that the cost of some beach facilities and refreshments that are not included in the price must be paid locally and will reflect the cost of living in the country concerned. You are advised to check prices before any commitments are made. You may also like to recognise good service from your tour guide with discretionary tips.
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Travel Insurance
It is essential that before booking any activities you ensure that the terms of your travel insurance policy cover the activities planned for your trip. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate travel insurance.
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Timings
Please note that the timings listed for each activity are approximate, and that the departure times stated are when the last vehicle leaves the quayside. The departure times and meeting points for each tour can be found in the ship’s newspaper, published the day before you arrive in each port. If there are any changes to your departure time or your itinerary then you’ll be told by the Action Ashore team or via the passenger information system on the ship.
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Clothing
Not sure what to wear? Advice on appropriate clothing for your holiday can be found under 'FAQ's' - but if you have any queries the staff at the Action Ashore desk on board will be pleased to help.
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Going Ashore
Remember that temperatures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean can get much higher than in the UK and you should take this into account when booking your activities. When going ashore we recommend that you apply sunscreen, leave any valuables on the ship, take some water with you and look after your belongings while ashore.
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Transport
Please be aware that the standard of transport does vary between countries. Air-conditioned coaches are not always available and in some places local buses are the best that can be provided. Cars or taxis may also be used at some ports. Please note that smoking is not permitted aboard any sightseeing vehicle.
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Car Hire/Private Arrangements
If you wish to hire a car, book a private driver and guide for the day or arrange a private tour for a small group at any of the destinations then please contact the Action Ashore staff on board at least 48 hours before arrival at the port concerned. Car hire, unless otherwise agreed, will be payable in local currency to the local representative on the day. Any costs incurred by Ocean Village when making private tour arrangements will be charged to your on board account. If you decide to cancel once confirmation has been received, any cancellation fees incurred will also be charged to your account.
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Mobility
Please refer to the Mobility information on page 8 and in the main Ocean Village brochure (in the 'Important Information' section).
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Escorts
Where possible an Ocean Village Ship's Escort will go with you on your activity, but due to work schedules we cannot guarantee that every activity will have an Escort.
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Refunds and Cancellations
Pre-reserved excursions can be cancelled or amended at no cost either online or by phoning Reservations up to 7 days prior to departure. A cancellation fee of 10% will be charged on any excursion cancelled by passengers on board before bookings close. We regret that we are unable to refund the cost of excursions that are cancelled by passengers after bookings close, generally 24 hours prior to arrival in the relevant port. Cancellations due to medical conditions will only be refunded on presentation of a tour ticket stamped by the ship's doctor. All shore excursions require a minimum participation, which if not achieved, may mean the excursion will be cancelled. In this event an alternative may be offered, otherwise a full refund will be given. In the event of any excursion being cancelled for reasons beyond our control, a full refund will be made. However, should any excursion have to be abandoned or amended after setting off due to reasons beyond our control or difficulties on route, the best possible refund will be arranged according to the circumstances.
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Independent Travel Ashore
Passengers who choose to go ashore independently of the Ocean Village Action Ashore programme do so at their own risk. Private taxis and public transport connections can usually be found near the port area, but passengers are reminded that local transport links can be unreliable and subject to change. Please note that if you are not on the ship by the 'Back On Board' time stated in the ship's newspaper and on the gangway signage then the ship will sail without you.
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Respect!
We care about the environment and are conscious of the potential impact our activities may have on the local natural heritage. We take proactive steps to reduce these and to deliver more responsible forms of tourism so that our visits cause as few social 'pressures' as possible. This is why you'll sometimes see special environmental messages against a particular activity or may be advised of certain issues by your Guide. Please help support our environmental efforts when ashore.
In many of the Caribbean ports there are local operators offering the possibility to swim with or pet dolphins in a confined environment. In order to maintain our commitment to environmental issues we do not offer excursions which include captive dolphins unless the operator satisfies our criteria for the safety and welfare of the animals.
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Other Information
All activities are operated by responsible and experienced local organisers. Only Ocean Village authorised Action Ashore Managers are permitted to arrange, or accept payment for such excursions, or act as tour agents during the cruise. The information on the website represents Ocean Village's plans and intentions at the time of the Action Ashore brochure going to press. Subsequent events may cause us to unavoidably change our plans, which could affect the published itineraries or prices. In the event of such changes or alterations, where possible, you will be advised in advance but all information on this website is subject to alteration without notice.
Please note that the photography used on the website depicts typical locations and ambience which may be experienced on an Ocean Village activity and that the details and equipment shown may vary from that offered on a particular activity.
Any Queries?
If you have any queries about our Action Ashore activities please contact our Reservations team on 0845 358 5000 or visit the Action Ashore desk on board.
