Our Promise: Safe, High-Quality Private Shore ExcursionsEvery Private Shore Trips tour is built around one non-negotiable priority — getting you back to your ship safely, on time, and stress-free. We have been arranging private shore excursions across Europe since 2001, and in that time we have never had a guest miss their ship. That record is not an accident. It is the result of careful itinerary planning, strict timing protocols, experienced local partners, and a company-wide commitment to making sure your port day is something you enjoy rather than something you worry about. Back-to-Ship GuaranteeSince 2001, we have never had a guest miss their ship. Every itinerary is planned with strict timing controls, real-time awareness of traffic and port conditions, and built-in operational buffers. All tours are scheduled to conclude at least one hour and thirty minutes before your ship's departure, ensuring a comfortable, unhurried return to port under all conditions. If an unforeseen delay during your private tour — such as a traffic accident, road closure, or vehicle breakdown — prevents you from returning to the cruise terminal before your ship departs, we will arrange and pay for your transportation to the next port of call. This guarantee covers all private shore excursions booked through Private Shore Trips. You explore with confidence. We handle the timing. Zero Missed Ships Since 2001
All tours end 90+ minutes before departure. If something goes wrong, we cover your transport to the next port.
Full Guarantee Details →
0
Ships Missed
20+
Years Operating
90 min
Early Return Buffer
4.9 / 5
TripAdvisor Rating
100%
Private Tours
What We Promise Every GuestCarefully Vetted Guides & PartnersWe don't list a tour until we've evaluated the local operator, met the guides, and confirmed they meet our standards. Many of our guide partnerships go back over a decade. Every guide is English-speaking, locally licensed, and experienced with cruise passengers and port-day timing. Cruise-Specific Itinerary PlanningEvery tour is designed around cruise port logistics — dock locations, tender schedules, driving distances, and the realistic amount of sightseeing possible within your port call. We don't sell generic city tours and hope the timing works. We plan backwards from your ship's departure. Continuous Quality ReviewWe read every piece of guest feedback, track performance across destinations, and travel to ports ourselves to ride routes and evaluate guides. When something falls short, we address it directly with our local partners. Our 4.9 TripAdvisor rating across 168+ reviews is the result of that ongoing process. Fair, Transparent PricingOur pricing reflects private transportation, experienced licensed guides, and cruise-specific itinerary planning. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges. We encourage comparison with other providers — differences in timing safeguards, guide quality, and itinerary structure often explain pricing variations. We are always happy to clarify what is included. Flexibility Built InPrivate touring means your day adapts to you, not the other way around. Want to linger at the Colosseum and skip the Trevi Fountain? Your guide adjusts. Kids need a gelato break? Done. Mobility concerns? Your guide knows the most accessible routes. No fixed script, no group consensus required. A Real Person to CallWe are a small company and you can reach us by phone or email before, during, and after your trip. If something changes — your ship skips a port, your arrival time shifts, you need to adjust the itinerary — you're talking to a real person who can solve the problem, not a call center or a chatbot. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat exactly does the Back-to-Ship Guarantee cover?If an unforeseen delay during your private tour — such as a traffic accident, road closure, vehicle breakdown, or other event beyond your guide's control — prevents you from reaching the cruise terminal before your ship departs, Private Shore Trips will arrange and pay for your transportation to the next port of call. The guarantee applies to all qualified shore excursions booked through us. It does not cover delays caused by the guest, such as choosing to extend the tour beyond the agreed schedule. Have you ever had a guest miss their ship?No. In more than 20 years of arranging private shore excursions across Europe, we have never had a guest miss their ship. Every itinerary is planned to conclude at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure. Our guides and drivers monitor traffic conditions in real time and adjust the route if needed to ensure an on-time return. The Back-to-Ship Guarantee exists as a safety net, but our goal is to never need it. How do you ensure guide quality across so many destinations?We select local partners and guides through a combination of direct evaluation, referrals from trusted operators, and ongoing performance review. We travel to destinations to meet partners face to face, ride the routes, and assess the experience firsthand. Guest feedback is reviewed after every tour and any issues are addressed directly with the local team. Many of our guide partnerships go back over ten years — we invest in long-term relationships rather than rotating through the cheapest available option. Why are your tours priced higher than some competitors?Our pricing reflects what is actually included: a private vehicle exclusively for your group, a licensed English-speaking guide or Driver Guide who specializes in working with cruise passengers, cruise-specific itinerary planning with strict timing protocols, and the Back-to-Ship Guarantee. Some lower-priced competitors use shared vehicles, unlicensed guides, or do not offer ship-return guarantees. We are always happy to walk you through what is included in our pricing so you can make an informed comparison. What happens if my cruise line changes the port schedule?Cruise lines change ports and arrival times more often than most passengers expect. If your ship skips a port, changes its arrival time, or alters the schedule, contact us as soon as you know. We will work with our local partners to adjust tour timing, swap to an alternative date, or issue a refund if the tour can no longer take place. We handle itinerary changes regularly and our policies are designed to be fair and flexible. Who do I call if something comes up?We provide contact information for both our U.S. office and your local operator before your trip. If something changes on the day of your tour — your ship arrives late, you need to adjust the meeting point, or any other issue arises — you have a direct line to someone who can help. In most cases, our local operator will be your first contact. Booking With Confidence |