the shore excursion group

Suggested companies

Venture ashore, getyourguide.

Shore Excursions Group   Reviews

In the Travel Agency category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.4.

6,212 total

Most relevant

My tour with shore excursion group was…

My tour with shore excursion group was very fun! tour guide was excellent and easy to find once disembarking the ship. Excellent customer service and experience. would do it again! Booked the tour for myself, sister in law and in laws and we all loved it!

Date of experience : January 02, 2024

Kona Coffee, Green Sea Turtles and absolute beauty.

Our guide, Rusty, was fun and engaging during all the included activities. Our time at the coffee plantation was very interesting and informative, and although lunch was not provided on the tour, we stopped at a great little Poke cafe and had a very tasty lunch. The stop at The Painted Church was beautiful and our time searching for and finding the green sea turtles was exciting and fun. In all, it was a great day.

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

I cruise all the time

I cruise all the time. Usually 10 months out of the year and doing a World Cruise every year. Shore Excursions Group was fantastic. I use the group department since I will take a group from the ship. I will look over all their excursions pick what I like and gather a group from the ship. I will usually get around 30 guests. All the tours have been fantastic and everyone on my tours have loved them. I am not an agent just a passenger, but I do highly recommend this company no matter how big or small your group is. If I had a question, they were always there with a quick email (no phone service overseas). I will use them always in the future. Passengers like my tours over the ships for the cost and the fun and it is not me but Shore Excursions Group.

Request Jose Rosario for your driver

Our driver, Jose Rosario, made our day! He was the best tour guide. We had a wonderful experience at The Mexican Hot Springs. Hector and all the staff were very welcoming. We had the most delicious lunch of homemade guacamole, freshly made chips, and delicious queso. After our excursion, we wanted to go shopping before returning to the cruise ship. Rosario took us to the best downtown store, Michael Gallery for handcrafted art, jewelry and Mexican vanilla. We had a great day!

Date of experience : March 06, 2024

Zip lining in DR and Jost Van Dyke in BVI

We booked two excursions with Shore Excursions Group for our March cruise with NCL. We went zipping in the Dominican Republic and took a boat to Jost Van Dyke. Prices were very reasonable, times were followed strictly, and communication excellent. We have used this company for other cruises as well and are always pleased. I highly recommend Shore Excursions Group.

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

Cruises.com best for cruises

Timing of emails. Great help through Angel, when I phoned to get clarifications as the site was down. Notified in time when tour was cancelled, thus had time to book another one.

Date of experience : April 19, 2024

They charged a $25 "less than 3 days…

They charged a $25 "less than 3 days prior fee" for a booking made May 2 for a May 9th excursion.

Date of experience : May 02, 2024

Great experience

This was a snorkeling excursion in Grand Cayman. The whole experience was wonderful. The guide was easy to locate, the bus ride to the boat was narrated and the crew on the boat was super. They were very helpful and informative. The snorkeling was very good.

Date of experience : March 07, 2024

All of the excursions that I book…

All of the excursions that I book through Shore Excursions group are excellent! I like that they are less expensive and more intimate than through the cruise line. There are more interesting options as well!

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

Great day in Honduras

We had a very nice, knowledgable guide who took us around the island. The monkeys and sloths were a huge hit and the highlight of the tour. Our bus was very comfortable, and it ended up being a private tour for our party of 10, which was great for flexibility to stop wherever we wanted. He made sure to get us back to the boat in plenty of time.

Holiday traffic meant that we were…

Holiday traffic meant that we were stuck on the bus for 2 hours. Perhaps this activity should not be scheduled on a holiday weekend where it is known in advance to be a busy traffic event. Also, the on board toilet was completely out of order???

Excellent small tour experience

Our tour guide gave us lots of interesting information and great recommendations for eating and shopping. Our driver was wonderful. Two dogs ran out in front of our van and he skillfully avoided hitting them.

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Avoid their Caribbean Tours

Had great experiences with their Alaska tours but absolutely HORRENDOUS experiences with their Carribean tours. The Carribean tours were short, very unsafe, and not even remotely close to what was described in their ads. When I requested refunds,I was informed the management team would need to investigate. Since then, I have not received any communication, and certainly no refund. I would strongly recommend you not use this company for any tours in the Caribbean.

Date of experience : January 12, 2024

Reply from Shore Excursions Group

Hello Susan, We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered during your recent tour with us. Your feedback is of utmost importance to us, and we highly value your input as we strive to enhance the quality of our tour experiences. A refund was issued for Seven Mile Beach Getaway on January 12, If this is in reference to another matter. please feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected] so that I can personally address this matter for you. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we look forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Craig

Amazing experience

Really enjoyed our experience, great time, great guides, amazing day.

Date of experience : March 08, 2024

Best Excursion for the Family

Best Excursion for the Family! Our family of 7 people ages range from 82 to 7 years old. Was fun for Grandma to go 100 feet under the sea and experience seeing the bottom of the ocean for her first time! All the kids enjoyed seeing the shipwreck and sea life. The captain made sure that both sides of the submarine were able to view everything. My husband and I both have gone scuba diving but this was a completely different experience! Highly recommend this!!

Date of experience : July 07, 2023

Customer service is effective and professional.

We booked 2 Private Origins of Naples tours from SEG. Our tour guide Fabiana was waiting for us at the port entrance on time. She is care and professional. She combined our 2 groups to one because the other local guide didn't show up, but Fabiana didn't leave us, she tried to contact the local office for us and decided to take all of us as a shared group. Our 2 hours in Naples was relax and fun. Fabiana is knowledgeable for the city history, culture and food. The management team are professional and enthusiasm to solve the small problem for us. We're satisfied and confidence to use their service again in the future travel. We strongly recommend Shore Excursions Group.

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Highly Recommend

We've now used Shore Excursions Group for multiple excursions, and not only have they all been very good or excellent, but when we have had any issues, Shore Excursions has stepped up and assisted, or provided us a partial refund. Highly recommend!

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

Bait and switch

Bait and switch. We recently use SEG to book an island tour on Oahu during a Hawaii cruise. After meeting our guide and starting out for the day we realized that the tour we were on was not the one we’d signed up for. We were not the only ones. One of the other patrons who had booked through a different company said she had received an Email explaining that the original tour had been canceled and giving her the option be booked on the new tour or cancel. We did not receive an Email. The tour was similar, but two stops we were really looking forward to had been omitted.

Hello George, We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered during your recent tour with us. Your feedback is of utmost importance to us, and we highly value your input as we strive to enhance the quality of our tour experiences. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected] so that I can personally address this matter for you. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we look forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Craig

A pleasure to work with

We did three excursions shore excursions. Everything was very easy to book. We were picked up promptly at our cruise port. The excursions were interesting and the guides were wonderful. I found the prices to be very reasonable for what was included.

Date of experience : March 19, 2024

the website was easy to navigate

the website was easy to navigate. It would be great to have a better understanding on distances from the port to the actually excursion. The individual I spoke with on the phone was pretty decent.

Date of experience : April 15, 2024

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

It's easy to shop for and book excursions on our website! CLICK HERE and enter your cruise information on the homepage to see all the great excursions currently available. You can also call us at 1.866.999.6590 Mon-Fri 9am-6pm EST.

E-tickets are emailed within 3 days of placing your booking. CLICK HERE to see the current status of your booking.

To modify or cancel your booking CLICK HERE .

We know that your time in port is one of the most important parts of your vacation, so we take our commitment to deliver great shore excursions very seriously. That's why shore excursions are our only business. We carefully select only the best tour operators in each port, and, because we are not trying to reserve excursions for thousands of people at a time, in many cases we are able to choose tour providers who carry much smaller groups of travelers on more intimate, personalized experiences. Because we know that it can be confusing to choose the best tour in each port, we have a staff of shore excursion experts available to answer your questions and provide suggestions on the best tour options to meet your individual needs. And we stand behind the tours we deliver. Please see more information on the guarantee we offer by clicking on this link. Our Guarantee

You can book your excursions on this website. Simply CLICK HERE and enter your ship and cruise departure date to see all of excursions we offer your cruise including special offers and deals!

Shore excursions include transportation according to the itinerary, meals, refreshments, guides, and entrance fees as indicated in the individual tour descriptions.

Because some tours book up well in advance of the tour departure date, we recommend reserving your excursions as far in advance as possible. This will give you the best chance of reserving your first choice in each of the ports.

We require you to make a reservation at least three days in advance of your ship's departure, not including the cruise departure day, so that we have the ability to ensure that all of the arrangements are confirmed, finalized, and communicated.

Yes. If you want to book within 3 days of your cruise start date you will need to pay a $25 USD Expedite Fee.

Yes. Many of our tours offer children's prices for children under the age of 12 years. Toddlers aged 2 and younger sitting on a parent's lap (not occupying a seat), are not charged for most tours. Please see the individual tour descriptions for specifics on pricing.

Our site supports multiple currencies‎. Please book without any additional foreign transaction fees using your preferred currency and credit card!

Yes. In Alaska, please allow at least 30 minutes between each tour. In all other regions, please allow at least 60 minutes between each tour.

Please refer to the restrictions section of each detailed tour description for specific recommendations for physically challenged passengers. However, to the extent passengers are able to walk on their own, we recommend tours designated as requiring a low level of activity. The transportation on some tours may be able to accommodate a collapsible wheelchair stored below the bus; however, scooters or motorized wheelchairs are often too large to be stored on the transportation used for the tours. If passengers are non-ambulatory, we generally recommend independent transportation for their comfort and convenience. Our Shore Excursion Experts can provide suggested tours. We also recommend that non-ambulatory passengers be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them throughout the duration of the tour.

When you book an excursion we will email you an electronic ticket within 3 days. This ticket includes details on where and when your excursion begins, the tour providers contact information, and a 24/7 emergency line in the unlikely event you require assistance. You can check the status of your e-ticket here: CLICK HERE

If you need to make changes to your reservation or to cancel a tour, please contact one of our Shore Excursion Experts during regular business hours and they will be happy to assist you.

Excursion purchases are fully refundable outside of 14 days prior to the tour date. Beginning on the 14th day prior to the tour date, excursion purchases are non-refundable.

To modify or cancel your booking CLICK HERE or call us at 1.866.999.6590.

Yes. All of the excursions on our website may be booked for a group of people. To do this simply enter the number of people when placing the booking. For those customers willing to pay more for a custom group experience, please visit the Groups page on this website so you can provide us some additional information.

Our goal is to deliver great experiences. If you were not pleased with your excursion, please call us at 1.866.999.6590.

If you are unable to take your excursion because your ship misses the port, is late arriving to the port, or the tour provider cancels the tour for any reason. you will automatically be issued a refund. The refund will be applied to the form of payment you used to book the excursion.

Yes. You will receive a full refund for your tour if you cannot make a tour departure due to a ship delay or a missed port call. You will of course also receive a full refund if weather or an equipment problem prevents the tour operator from delivering the tour. Simply let us know within two weeks after the date of the tour, and we will issue a full refund.

No. Although the cruise lines would like you to believe that independent tours carry this risk, all of our tour operators are well aware of your ship's departure time, and our tours are designed to get you back to the ship with time to spare. One of our employees worked onboard cruise ships for 16 years, and not once did a passenger on one of his sailings miss the ship because an independent tour was late getting back to the ship. In the extremely unlikely event you were to miss the ship due to one of our tours, we guarantee that we will pay the full cost of your meals, hotel, and transportation to the next port of call, and we will handle all of your arrangements for you.

Yes. We offer an "Excursion Protection Plan" which provides you a full refund if you are unable to participate in your tour for any of the following reasons: you miss your ship due to transportation problems (airlines, car, bus, etc), you become sick or have some other medical issue, or you are unable to disembark the ship for immigration reasons.

The level of activity varies by tour. In order to help you understand the level of activity involved in each tour, we have created the following three categories.

Minimal (Easy) Physical Activity:

Only light walking and no major climbing required. You may need to negotiate a few steps.

Moderate Physical Activity:

A fair amount of walking is required, and you may need to climb up full flights of steps and or negotiate uneven terrain.

Significant (Difficult) Physical Activity:

A large amount of walking and or climbing is required, often over unpaved and uneven terrain. You should be in good physical health if you reserve one of these tours.

Please refer to the specific tour descriptions to see which category applies to the tour. If you have more specific questions, please contact one of our Shore Excursion Experts during normal business hours.

While the specific recommended attire is described in the individual tour descriptions, travelers should always wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses in locations with ample sun.

Review your booking confirmation to find clear directions on where to go for each excursion and when you need to be there. Your confirmation will also explain what to do in the rare event that you experience difficulty in meeting with your guide.

Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional but greatly appreciated by those guiding you through your tour. A commonly accepted guideline is $3.00 USD per person for a half-day tour and $5.00 USD per person for a full-day tour.

For most tours, there is no minimum age for children as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests under the age of 18 years are not permitted to participate without a parent or guardian. In some cases, an unaccompanied minor may be permitted on a tour if a wavier is signed by the parent. Please call us for details on specific tours.

When you book an excursion we will email you an electronic ticket within 3 days. This ticket includes details on where and when your excursion begins, the tour providers contact information, and a 24/7 emergency line in the unlikely event you require assistance.

YES. We guarantee that our prices are the lowest you can find. If you find a lower price for a tour we offer, we will match it. The Price Match Guarantee will not apply if the cheaper offer is obtained via a limited time promotion, promo code, cash back, coupon, voucher or member’s discount.

No. Although the cruise lines would like you to believe that independent tours carry this risk, all of our tour operators are well aware of your ship's departure time, and our tours are designed to get you back to the ship with time to spare. One of our tour developers worked onboard cruise ships for 16 years, and not once did a passenger on one of his sailings miss the ship because an independent tour was late getting back to the ship. In the extremely unlikely event you were to miss the ship due to one of our tours, we guarantee that we will pay the full cost of your meals, hotel, and transportation to the next port of call, and we will handle all of your arrangements for you.

We have never had a customer miss their ship. Our team possesses over 80 years of combined cruise line experience and we are not aware of a single case in which a customer on an independent tour missed a ship. In the extremely unlikely event that you miss your ship due to the late arrival of one of our tours, we will arrange and pay for your accommodations, meals, and transportation to the next port of call, and we will pay you an additional $1,000 USD per customer for the inconvenience.

Refunds are automatically issued for the following reasons: 1) your ship misses or is late to port, 2) the tour is cancelled for any reason by the tour provider, or 3) you cancel your booking at least 14 days prior to the tour departure date. Refunds are applied to the form of payment used to book the excursion.

No worries. CLICK HERE to get your personal booking link.

Please ask your agency owner or headquarters for your commission information.

We'd look forward to working with you! CLICK HERE to sign up with us.

Our Travel Agent Portal is a great tool providing all your booking data, reporting, commission, tips on maximizing sales an automated way to sell excursions to your clients! CLICK HERE to register.

Please submit your invoices to [email protected].

Please call us at 866-999-6590.

You can submit any changes using our Vendor Portal. CLICK HERE to access the Vendor Portal.

Thank you for your interest. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to submit the following information: cruise port, tour name, tour description, tour dates/times, costing, tour duration, your website, email and phone number, and your insurance information. We need all of this information to review your tour. If you are unable to provide all of this, unfortunately we cannot consider it.

Please use the contact us form below to propose a date and time. Our team will follow up with you to confirm.

The Vendor Portal is a comprehensive tool which allows tour providers to view and process orders, submit your changes, update contact info, and export order info for invoicing. CLICK HERE to access the Vendor Portal.

It's easy to shop for and book excursions on our website! CLICK HERE and enter your cruise information on the homepage to see all the great excursions currently available. Book soon - the best excursions sell out fast! If you'd prefer to send us an email, please provide the information below.

If you currently work with us, you can quickly obtain answers to your commission questions using our Travel Agent Portal. To access the Portal, CLICK HERE . If you do not currently work with us but want to, please CLICK HERE .

To submit a claim for your Excursion Protection Plan, please download this form , complete it and email it to us at [email protected]

Almost all the excursions on our website can accommodate groups. Simply select an excursion, enter your group size, and select the date/time to check pricing and availability. For those clients interested in custom experience, we can develop custom excursions for your group. Custom excursion prices typically start at 75% higher than the standard excursions on our website. If you'd like to book a custom excursion, please call as at 1.866.999.6590.

Thanks for your interest in our Travel Agent Portal. To register, CLICK HERE .

We are very sorry if you experienced a customer service issue. To email us about it, please provide the information below.

We'd love to work with you! CLICK HERE to sign up with us.

We're happy to answer your question. Please provide the information below.

Call Us: 1.866.999.6590 Mon-Fri 9:00am-6:00pm EST

Join AAA today Membership gives you access to Roadside Assistance, Deals, Discounts, and more.

• Add Members
• Gift Membership
• Member Benefits Guide
• The Extra Mile
• Renew Expires in 28 days

AAA Visa Signature® Credit Cards

Earn a $100 Statement Credit

After spending $1,000 on your card within 90 days of account opening.

• Advice back All Advice Travel Auto Money Home Life
• Destinations back All Destinations Northeast States Southeast States Central States Western States Mid-Atlantic States National Parks Road Trips International Travel Inspiration
• Connect back All Connect Community Stories Authors & Ambassadors
• Guides back All Guides Doing Your Taxes Protecting Your Valuables Winter Driving Buying and Selling a Car Buying and Selling a Home Getting Organized Home Improvement Improve Your Finances Maintaining Your Car Saving Money Staying Healthy Traveling
• Series back All Series AAA World Member News AAA's Take KeeKee's Corner AAA Traveler Worldwise Foodie Finds Good Question Minute Escapes Car Reviews

Shore Excursions Group

4,500 Excursions in Over 300 Ports Worldwide

Enjoy hand-picked tours and activities in popular destinations from Shore Excursions Group. Choose your excursion size, browse special deals, and explore multi-port packages. Shore Excursions Group leverages its expertise to offer you high-quality, worldwide cruise excursions and a best-price guarantee. Excursions are hosted by local experts for a more personalized experience.

Make your vacation even more memorable with enriching excursions from AAA's trusted partner, Shore Excursions Group*.

*Clicking the link below takes you to an external partner website, where you can book your excursions.

With Shore Excursions Group, You Can Expect:

• Lower prices • Worry-free travel • Satisfaction guarantee • 24/7 support • Guaranteed return to ship

Excursions sell out quickly. Make your reservations today!

Terms, conditions and cancellation policy apply. See Shore Excursions Group site terms & conditions page for details.

Welcome to AAA

To enjoy customized local content, please enter your ZIP Code below.

Limited Time Offer!

Please wait....

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should i book my excursions through shoreexcursions.com, is there more risk of us missing the ship if we don't book directly through the cruise line, does shoreexcursions.com have the best prices, how do i reserve my shore excursions through shoreexcursions.com, will i receive a booking confirmation and voucher to prove that i paid, how soon in advance should i reserve my excursions, how close to the tour departure date can i make a reservation, if i want to book at the last minute, less than three days before departure, do i have any options, what is included in the price of the excursions, what should i wear on my excursion, how much physical activity is involved in the tours, where do i go to meet my tour once i get off the ship, what is your policy regarding cancellation, i'm already on my cruise and have an emergency. who can i contact about my tour, what currency are the shore excursion prices shown in on your site, what if i miss my tour because the ship is late or cannot make it into port will i get a refund, am i expected to tip the tour guide and/or driver, what if i need to cancel or make changes to a reservation i already made, are there special prices for children, are there any age restrictions on some tours, is there time for me to take more than one excursion in one day at a port of call, can i protect my tour purchase, just in case i can't take the tour, are there tours for physically challenged passengers, do you offer custom shore excursions for groups, get updates & promotions.

Subscribe to our E-mail List

or continue with

Reset Password

Enter the e-mail address associated with the account. We'll e-mail a link to reset your password.

Home » Is Shore Excursions Group Legit?

Is Shore Excursions Group Legit?

Last updated on September 17th, 2023 at 09:33 pm

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the key aspects to consider is how to make the most of your time at each port of call . Shore excursions provide an opportunity to explore the local culture, visit iconic landmarks, and create unforgettable memories.

However, choosing the right excursion provider is crucial to ensure a seamless experience. In this article, we delve into Shore Excursions Group (SEG), examining their legitimacy, their guarantee to get people back to the ship on time , and the potential savings that can be enjoyed by booking with them.

Table of Contents

  Is Shore Excursions Group Legit?

Without a doubt, Shore Excursions Group is a well-established and reputable company offering a wide range of shore excursions to cruise passengers. With years of experience in the industry, they have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality tours and exceptional customer service.

Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the positive reviews and testimonials from thousands of satisfied travelers who have chosen their services. They offer 24/7 support for travelers from any place in the world as part of their commitment to excellent service.

SEG offers a range of experiences for travelers, such as cultural, scenic, culinary, water/beach, and active shore excursions. SEG is the largest excursion company in the world, offering more than 3,000 excursions in over 300 ports worldwide.

Check our their FAQ page for more helpful info.

Check out Shore Excursions Group Reviews on Trust Pilot if you’re skeptical. 

Shore Excursion Group Uses Local Experts

Shore Excursions Group works in collaboration with local tour operators at each port of call . They have gotten to know and establish a relationship with the local experts that are on the ground in each of their excursion locations.

This relationship ensures that travelers receive authentic experiences and knowledgeable guides who possess in-depth knowledge of the destination. By partnering with trusted local experts, they offer a variety of carefully curated tours that cater to different interests and preferences.

Shore Excursions Group Offers More Personalized Service

The majority of other companies sell cruises and other forms of travel, so their energies are spread over numerous enterprises. SEG focuses exclusively on shore excursions. They are able to use the expertise they have acquired in this area to offer the highest quality shore excursions delivered by local experts in the most cost-effective way for their customers.

Since they are not a large cruise line that needs to cater to thousands of travelers each day, SEG is able to give you a more personalized experience. And, many of their excursions are not available from cruise lines.

Depending on your preferences, Shore Excursions Group offers tours for large groups of 20 – 50 people, which is similar in size to tours offered by cruise lines. They also offer small group excursions in groups of 2 to 20 people. These excursions offer a more personalized experience.

If you prefer to travel with just your party alone, and to possibly customize your shore tour, there are private tours that SEG can arrange for you too.

You Will Get Back to the Ship on Time, Every Time

One of the major concerns for cruise passengers when booking shore excursions is the fear of missing the ship’s departure. At times, it is the cruise lines themselves that perpetuate this unfounded fear. 

Shore Excursions Group understands the importance of punctuality. It is the backbone on which their business is founded.  SEG has implemented a robust system to ensure passengers return to the ship on time.

Their “On-Time Return Guarantee” also provides peace of mind to travelers. They carefully plan the duration of each tour to allow sufficient time for exploration while considering the ship’s departure schedule.

In the unlikely event that a tour runs late due to unforeseen circumstances, Shore Excursions Group takes full responsibility for arranging and covering the costs of getting passengers back to the ship at the next port of call.

This guarantee reflects their commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. By booking with Shore Excursions Group , travelers can enjoy their excursion worry-free, knowing that their timely return to the ship is a top priority.

To date, Shore Excursions Group has successfully facilitated over 3.8 million excursions worldwide. Specializing exclusively in excursions has enabled SEG to consistently deliver a quality experience to travelers and to keep travelers coming back.

Savings through Shore Excursions Group

In addition to their reliability, Shore Excursions Group offers significant cost savings compared to booking excursions through the cruise line. Cruise lines often charge premium prices for shore excursions, which can strain your budget. Shore Excursions Group, on the other hand, focuses on providing excellent value for money.

By working directly with local tour operators, Shore Excursions Group eliminates unnecessary intermediaries and passes the savings on to the customers. This allows travelers to access high-quality excursions at more affordable prices, without compromising on the experience.

On average, booking with Shore Excursions Group can save travelers up to 40% or more compared to cruise line prices, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious cruisers.

Refund Policy

If you miss a SEG excursion because your ship was late into port, or missed a port of call, you will receive a full refund. If weather or an equipment problem prevents a tour operator from delivering the tour, you will also receive a full refund.

Price Match Guarantee

Moreover, Shore Excursions Group offers a price match guarantee. If a customer finds the same tour offered by another company at a lower price, Shore Excursions Group will match that price and offer an additional discount. This commitment ensures that customers receive the best possible value for their money.

When To Book A Shore Excursion

Some excursions book up well in advance, so it is best to book as far in advance as it is possible. If you decide at a later time, or if you catch a last-minute cruise, three days in advance of your ship’s departure is the latest that you could book an excursion with SEG.. This ensures that SEG has the ability to make all of the necessary arrangements for you in place.

Final Thoughts on Shore Excursions Group

Since 2015, CruisePortAdvisor.com has partnered with Shore Excursions Group to offer shore excursions to our visitors. During that time, we have never had a single complaint about Shore Excursions Group sold through our website. 

Shore Excursions Group has established itself as a legitimate and reliable provider of shore excursions, offering exceptional experiences and outstanding customer service. Their guarantee to get people back to the ship on time reflects their commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.

Moreover, the potential savings of up to 40% or more compared to cruise line prices make Shore Excursions Group an attractive choice for those seeking value for money.

When planning your next cruise vacation, consider Shore Excursions Group as your trusted partner for memorable and affordable shore excursions.

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

About Jonathon Hyjek

Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)

RECENT POSTS

Cruise news this week, what does it take to keep cruise passengers fed, royal caribbean cruise line loyalty programs: sailing to rewarding adventures, retirement home vs life at sea on a cruise ship, do i need travel insurance for a cruise, the pros and cons of cruising on a smaller cruise ship, grab your tour with cruise port advisor now, a short description introducing your business and the services to visitors..

© 2023 cruiseportadvisor All Rights Reserved.

• Book Excursions
• Anchorage, AK
• Baltimore, MD
• Cape Liberty, NJ
• Charleston, SC
• Ft Lauderdale, FL
• Galveston, TX
• Honolulu, HI
• Jacksonville, FL
• L.A. (San Pedro), CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Montreal, QC
• New Orleans, LA
• Norfolk, VA
• NYC – Brooklyn
• NYC – Manhattan
• Port Canaveral, FL
• Quebec City, QC
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• San Juan, PR
• Seattle, WA
• Vancouver, BC
• Whittier, AK
• Alaska & Pacific Northwest
• Central & South America
• Cruise Ports in Bermuda
• Dominican Republic
• Mexico & Mexican Riviera
• Eastern Canada & Quebec
• New England
• Los Angeles (San Pedro), CA
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Cruise Blog
• Cruise FAQ’s

ShoreExcursion.com – About Us

ShoreExcursion.com is an affiliate site for Shore Excursions Group, Viator, Venture Ashore, Project Expedition, and other top shore excursion providers.

ShoreExcursion.com was created by cruisers, for cruisers.

Our founder, Jim Cassidy, has been active in the cruise business since 1991, and has sailed on many cruises. He realized there was a need for a single site where cruisers can research all of their best sightseeing tour and activity options for each port of call.

The cruise lines offer their own excursions, but usually at a premium cost, and with limited options. They also try to scare you into thinking that you have to buy your tours only from them, or you’ll be somehow left at the port waiving goodbye to your ship. That simply is not true. You have far more excursion options, and all of our excursion suppliers guarantee to get you back to your ship on time.

One-Stop Shop for Shore Excursions

ShoreExcursion.com is a “one-stop shop” for the best shore excursions offered in each port of call.  We’ve partnered with the largest shore excursion suppliers in the world to create a single site that features all of your best options.

We’re based in beautiful Delray Beach, Florida, USA.

Jim Cassidy has worked for some of the largest cruise lines and cruise agencies in the world, including Princess Cruises, 1-800-CRUISES, Travel Services International, Airtours, MyTravel, National Leisure Group, WMPH Vacations (iCruise.com, CruiseCheap.com, AlaskaCruises.com), Arrivia, and Avoya Travel.

He started both ShoreExcursion.com & ShoreExcursions.com as a marketplace for independent shore excursions, giving cruisers a convenient site to find more tour options. He established partnerships with some of the largest shore excursion companies in the industry, including Shore Excursions Group, Venture Ashore, Viator, and Project Expedition.

Jim Cassidy, Owner, ShoreExcursion.com

Our Mission

Our mission is to make sure that you enjoy your cruise to the fullest, creating memories that will last a lifetime.  Each destination you visit opens up opportunities for you to meet new people and to learn about their culture, their food, their traditions, and their way of life.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Private tour and avoid the circus. - Ephesus Shuttle Private & Mini Group Shore Excursions

• Europe    
• Turkiye    
• Turkish Aegean Coast    
• Aydin Province    
• Kusadasi    
• Kusadasi - Things to Do    
• Ephesus Shuttle Private & Mini Group Shore Excursions

Private tour and avoid the circus.

We arrived on a cruise ship and it was a joy to avoid the chaos of the arrival terminal and meet our private guide. Departing early we remained ahead of the crowds attending the sites around Ephesus. Our guide (Yavus) was knowledgeable and informative with a nice balance of leaving us our own time. Following an enjoyable local lunch we watched traditional rugs being made (Yavus was helpful here in managing the ‘sales pitch’). Having a vehicle at our disposal meant we could stay and go as we wanted. When you consider how much it costs to get here, and how limited the time is, this tour represents great value.

Can't say enough good things about this experience. Communication was excellent and timely. The Mercedes minivan, just for the two of us, was pristine and comfortable. We had a driver AND guide; both extremely professional. Our guide, Alex, was incredible. His knowledge of the local area, its history, and Ephesus is vast and really allowed us to fully appreciate the destination. I would definitely include the terrace houses on your visit to Ephesus and the museum at Selcuk has both incredible Artemis statues from the nearby ruins of Artemis' Temple as well as many significant artifacts from Ephesus. We stopped for a lovely lunch for typical Turkish food. My husband bought a beautiful leather jacket at a low stress, high quality leather outlet. There is no pressure to shop anywhere but if you are interested in ceramics, leather, or rugs, Alex will take you to authentic and high quality locations. Especially if you have never been to Turkey before, I would highly recommend Alex and Ephesus Shuttle.

We had a terrific time with Ephesus Shuttle. We selected this tour for a port day in Kusadasi while on a Mediterranean Cruise. Our guide met us at the designated place, and we boarded a clean comfortable van for our drive to the Ephesus archeological site. This is a place not to be missed. The guide was friendly, fun and informative. I would recommend this tour without hesitation.

Our guide was the most knowledgeable person I have ever met. He was informative and managed to keep our 16 yeqr old engaged. He even gave us some unique ideas of other things to see along the way.

We had a marvelous tour of Ephesus and the site of virgin Mary’s home in the region - with a very knowledgeable guide ! Our tour included a traditional Turkish lunch and a tour of a Turkish rug factory. Great trip!

We had an absolutely amazing time! Tour guide was very knowledgable and it was good to hear things from a biblical prospective. They were very accommodating to our needs and even offered airport shuttle service. Absolutely recommend!

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

These amazing shore excursions will make you want to book a cruise

From a private concert in Venice to an Arctic hike with an adventure photographer, be inspired by these unique shore excursions

But more often than not, the real highlights of your cruise will be the shore excursions, when you dock in hard-to-reach parts of the coast or sail into historic port towns to discover the local culture and history.

But what are shore excursions and how can you make sure you're getting the most out of them on your cruise?

What is a shore excursion?

Put simply, shore excursions are the activities you enjoy in the ports you dock in during your cruise .

While there might be activities to get involved with on board, depending on your cruise line, the most memorable days will be those spent exploring the cities, towns, and natural landscapes you're sailing to.

The nature of these excursions will vary depending on your destination and the cruise line you're travelling with.

Some itineraries include plenty of free time to explore different ports at your own pace (like Good Housekeeping's 15-day Caribbean and Antilles cruise ), while others involve a full schedule of included activities with expert local hosts.

Are shore excursions worth it?

Whether it's worth booking a cruise with a lot of cruise excursions will depend on what you want from your holiday.

Shore excursions are best for those who want to learn about a destination's history, culture, architecture, and cuisine . If you're looking for pure and simple relaxation, a cruise with plenty of free time to sunbathe on rooftop decks and swim in clear ocean waters might be more your cup of tea.

For those who want to delve into the culture of the destinations they're visiting, shore excursions are a highlight.

They're never compulsory, so if you want to spend a day relaxing on board or exploring independently, that's always an option. But some shore excursions really are too good to miss.

One of the best things about these activities is that you don't have to spend too much time researching the best tour guides, navigating local transport, and buying tickets for local attractions.

The best shore excursions handle all this for you, so you just need to turn up on time and enjoy your day in the safe hands of expert guides.

Which cruise lines have the best shore excursions?

Most major cruise lines offer a good range of shore excursions, sometimes included in the cost of your cruise, and sometimes at a supplement.

Princess has won awards for their shore excursions and partners with local experts to create authentic experiences with first-hand insights. How about tasting local honey and cheeses with the owner of a countryside retreat in Auckland? Or taking in the local craft beer scene in Tallinn with a master brewer?

Silversea is another line with a great selection of activities to choose from. It offers a special Silver Shore Concierge, with personalised planning for independent on-shore experiences.

Uniworld is another line that has created some fabulous cruise excursions that you won't find anywhere else. Due to its small ship size , Uniworld is now the only luxury cruise line to sail through the heart of Venice .

Once there, you can enjoy special shore excursions like visiting the famous Rialto market and exploring St Mark's Basilica after hours to see an atmospheric lighting ceremony.

What are the best shore excursions?

Just as there are various types of cruise — from boutique river cruises to epic expedition voyages — there are also many different kinds of shore excursion, from authentic foodie experiences to archaeological tours.

The best ones are those that allow you to discover the true essence of a destination in a way that suits you. Our advice is to take your time to choose the right cruise line, do your research, and pick a sailing with activities that most appeal to you.

To help get your research kick-started, we've rounded up some of the best shore excursions available from Good Housekeeping Holidays' cruises, with wine tastings in sunny vineyards along the Douro and market visits with celebrity chefs part of our exclusive offering.

Visit Torcello's ancient basilica with an art historian

There's so much to discover on a cruise around the Venetian Lagoon, from St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, to hidden gems around Venice and the lagoon's islands.

One of our favourite shore excursions on our upcoming Venetian cruise is a visit to the island Torcello's famous basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. You'll have exclusive access before doors open to the public to see the stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgment without the crowds and with the company of an expert art historian. Situated in the north of the lagoon, Torcello is an excellent place to escape the city crowds and find peace from Venice.

And back on board the Uniworld ship, you can look forward to an exclusive event with top chef James Martin, who will host a talk, Q&A and book signing, as well as craft and cook a mouthwatering gala dinner one evening.

FIND OUT MORE

Taste some of the Douro Valley's best wines at the Quinta da Roeda estate

A cruise along Portugal's Douro River Valley is all about the wine. This world-famous valley holds UNESCO status and is the world's very first demarcated wine region. It's famous for its full-bodied, sweet port wines, as well as several non-fortified varieties.

On Good Housekeeping's Douro cruise you'll have several chances to taste these mouthwatering wines. A highlight is a stop to taste some of the region’s famous ports at the Quinta da Roeda estate, near Pinhão. You'll take a guided tour of the estate and see its extensive terraced vineyard that sweeps the north bank of the Douro before tasting the excellent Croft Port, which is produced here.

See Russell Watson perform at an exclusive concert in Venice

While many shore excursions are about discovering a location's most intriguing landmarks and landscapes, some cruises offer exclusive, on-shore events to make your cruise that bit more special.

As part of Good Housekeeping's cruise of the Veneto lagoon, for example, you'll enjoy an exclusive evening with Russell Watson, one of the UK's best-loved classical artists.

For lovers of opera, shore excursions hardly get better than this. The virtuoso tenor will perform an intimate concert to an audience of around 125 guests at an amazing venue in the heart of Venice. He'll also give an exclusive talk, and you'll have the chance to get a complimentary CD signed by the man himself.

Hike to Norway's Briksdal Glacier with a local geologist

The best Norway cruises are all about nature, with shore excursions that allow you to get up close and personal with the stunning natural landscapes found along the country's coast and on the banks of its exquisite fjords.

Good Housekeeping's Norway cruise is packed with a whole host of wonderful shore excursions, but a real highlight will be the opportunity to hike up to the Briksdal Glacier with a local geologist.

Briksdal was formed thousands of years ago and an expert guide will tell you more about this glacier and others like it in the region. While still breathtaking, Briksdal has retreated around 859m in the last century, a stark reminder of the effects of climate change.

Take a walk along Norway's Arctic coast with an adventure photographer

Another brilliant chance to immerse yourself in Norway's nature comes on an exclusive cruise with a very special guest - research diver and cameraman scientist Doug Allan, who has worked on David Attenborough's Blue Planet. Doug has won seven Emmys and five BAFTAs, and has twice won the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

There are lots of shore excursions to look forward to on this cruise, but a highlight for budding nature photographers will be an Arctic Coastal walk with Doug, who'll share his expertise and insights and help you capture these unique landscapes on camera.

The cruise departs at exactly the right time of year to spot the incredible Northern Lights , too, so you might get the chance to snap a showstopper pic of this otherworldly phenomenon.

See Vienna's famous Lipizzaner horses in training with Lucy Worsley

Vienna is packed to the brim with culture, from classical music venues where Mozart once played, to baroque palaces, beautifully-tended gardens and grand coffee houses. The city is also home to the Spanish Riding School, where beautiful Lipizzaner horses have been trained to perform a special equine dance for hundreds of years.

On Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise you'll make an exclusive visit to the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with historian Lucy Worsley, where you'll get a fascinating insight into the training work of the riders and their beautiful Lipizzaner stallions.

On arrival, you'll enjoy an aperitif and an introductory talk before seeing the training of the young stallions in the imperial atmosphere of the baroque winter riding school, accompanied by classical Viennese music.

Visit a food market in Kalna with Atul Kochhar on a cruise of India

Any India cruise is bound to include plenty of opportunities to savour the country's delicious cuisine. Good Housekeeping's cruise along the Ganges is no exception. You'll be joined by a special guest, top chef Atul Kochhar, who'll give a talk and Q&A about his illustrious career, from winning his first Michelin star at Tamarind in London to opening his own restaurant, Benares, which won him his second.

Look forward to a brilliant shore excursion with Atul; a visit to a colourful market in Kalna, where you can pick up some fragrant spices and wonderful souvenirs. Atul will give an insight into some of the ingredients available here and take some back to the ship for a cooking demonstration later in the day, where he'll share his passion for Indian cuisine.

See the fascinating temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia

The Mekong River has so many archeological gems, ancient religious sites, and vibrant cities along its banks that you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shore excursions. But if we had to choose a favourite on our epic 17-day cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, it might be a visit to Cambodia's vast temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.

This is the world's largest religious building, and it's scale is simply jaw-dropping, covering an incredible 400 km2. The temples were originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, but over time has become used as a site of worship for Buddhist monks and nuns. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site with an English speaking guide on our bucket-list Mekong cruise.

Learn about traditional Ainu culture on Japan's Hokkaido island

One of the best things about shore excursions is that they can help you learn about the diverse indigenous cultures of the places you're visiting. For example, many Japan cruises will take you to Hokkaido, where you can get to know the ancient Ainu culture and explore the sprawling wilderness of the country's northernmost island.

Hokkaido is the only spot among Japan's main islands where a non-Japanese indigenous culture has survived as an important identity. On Good Housekeeping's Japan cruise, you'll enjoy a shore excursion to see the cornerstones of Ainu culture, like beautiful attush robes, traditional dances, and a distinct cuisine.

The Ainu are also famous for their crafts, which you'll see all over Hokkaido, from intricate wood carvings to colourful embroidery with symmetrical patterns.

See the prettiest Christmas markets along the Rhine

As far as festive cruise excursions go, you can hardly beat a trip to a traditional European Christmas market. On a cruise along the Rhine, you can tick several off your wish list in one go, perhaps picking up some unique Christmas gifts as you go.

That's exactly what you'll do on Good Housekeeping's cruise along the Rhine in early December. There are several market visits to look forward to, but one of the highlights is bound to be a visit to the enchanting Mainz Christmas Market.

This is one of the oldest cities in Germany, and its historic festive market is located on the Domplatz, with chalet stalls adorned with twinkling fairy lights set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Cruise holidays

Our guide to Danube river cruises

The best river cruises

The best cruises for 2024

Explore Antarctica with Good Housekeeping in 2024

Explore Bordeaux on a luxury river cruise

The most beautiful Danube cities and towns

Cruising with Susan Calman: Antarctica

A Hurtigruten Northern Lights birthday cruise

The cruise trends you should know for 2024

A guide to Japan cruise holidays

How to book a Caledonian Canal cruise

Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

C ruise lines offer shore excursions for your convenience. Instead of spending hours reading up on a port, crafting the perfect eight-hour activity schedule or researching local tour guides, you can simply choose from a list of curated tour options. Easy peasy ... except you can still screw it up.

If you want the perfect day in port, you need to be savvy about your tour planning. Avoid rookie mistakes, and never do these 10 things when booking shore excursions for your next cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Don't skip the destination research

Cruise line shore excursions try to cover the most popular sights and attractions in a destination, but your ship might not offer a tour to every interesting spot in or near the port. If you don't do your own destination research and only make your tour decisions based on what the cruise line is offering, you might miss out on an activity you'd enjoy more.

Take the time to do some independent sleuthing for each port on your itinerary before deciding how to spend your limited, precious time ashore. Perhaps you'd prefer a local hike you can do on your own, a religious site that's especially meaningful to you, or an attraction or tour that relates to one of your specific hobbies or interests.

Related: Tips and tricks to make your first cruise go smoothly

Don't ignore the reviews

Can you tell the difference between an overcrowded tourist trap and a fabulous site from the shore excursion description? I can't, and neither can anyone else. The marketing copy is designed to sell the tour.

Read what other travelers have to say about a specific excursion or attraction before plunking down your money and signing up for that tour. You don't even need to seek out a third-party site. Some cruise lines have shore excursion reviews right on their websites.

Don't gloss over the fine print

Cruise lines provide a lot of details about a shore excursion, from how long it lasts to how much physical activity is involved and how you'll be exploring. Yet so many cruisers don't bother to read the full description or the fine print. If you skip this step, you won't realize that the bus tour only passes by, rather than stops at, a famous cathedral or museum. Or, you might miss a note explaining that there's no free time or food included.

I went on a tour in Cagliari, Sardinia, sold as a long morning of walking on cobblestoned streets. One elderly passenger, struggling and out of breath, turned to me and said, "I had no idea this tour would involve so much walking!" I had to bite my tongue. Who would have guessed that about a tour called "Exploring Cagliari On Foot?"

If you want to know exactly what you're booking, take the time to read the complete description.

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts

Don't neglect the independent option

Cruise line tours are convenient, but they're not always the most customizable or economical options. If you're traveling as a family or with a group of friends, you might be better off hiring your own guide for the day. Not only could it be less expensive than five or six shore excursion tickets, but you'll also be able to create a tour based on your interests.

Even couples traveling alone might find more affordable group tours offered by independent operators or tour options not offered by the cruise line. Online message boards and Facebook groups can be great resources for finding other travelers on your cruise ship interested in joining you on a private tour.

Don't book your excursions too late

Not all shore excursions are large group bus tours with multiple departures. Boat trips and cycling tours might have caps on the number of participants, and some tour times are more popular than others. In some ports, cruise lines might arrange a special experience — such as Cognac blending or pasta making — that is meant for a small group.

If you have your heart set on a particular tour, don't assume it will have space available if you wait to book until you board your cruise ship. Look over the shore excursion options in advance, and be ready to reserve your spot online as soon as they open for booking. If not, you risk losing out on the opportunity to have that cool once-in-a-lifetime experience, such as salmon fishing in Alaska or wagyu sampling in Japan.

Related: What can you do if your cruise cancels port calls?

Don't ignore your personal limitations

Easily carsick? Hawaii's winding Road to Hana is not for you. Not physically fit? Skip the hiking and biking tours, no matter how fun they sound. Usually the first to get seasick? A catamaran ride is the wrong choice.

Don't let the romance of a tour description convince you to overlook your physical limitations. Overdo it, and you'll waste a vacation day feeling miserable — or, worse, end up with an injury. No beautiful waterfall or ancient ruin is worth that.

Don't assume you need an organized tour

Don't feel compelled to take a tour just because one is offered. Plenty of ports don't require a shore excursion. Some — like St. Tropez or Mykonos — are truly lovely places to wander, get lost in the shop-lined streets and end up at an alfresco restaurant for a long, wine-soaked lunch.

Just be sure to read up on the area around the dock so that you know whether you'll be pulling right up to the center of the action or if sightseeing on your own requires a shuttle or a cab. Grab a tourist map, or use a map app on your phone so you don't get lost.

Related: 16 things you shouldn't leave a cruise ship without trying once

Don't go-go-go all day, every day

In a misguided attempt to maximize their vacation time, some cruise travelers make a point to book all-day tours on every port day, exhausting themselves with endless sightseeing or active endeavors in the hot Caribbean sun. Especially on port-intensive itineraries, this can lead to excursion burnout.

Your best vacation is made up of activities that make you happy. When you're in the sun-drenched Caribbean , it's perfectly OK to skip the waterfall hike or the visit to a rum distillery and book a resort pass to spend the day on a cushy lounge chair by a quiet pool, frozen drink in hand.

Don't cancel at the last minute

Most cruise lines allow you to cancel your shore excursion plans with a certain amount of notice. You can take advantage of that flexibility by booking tours early to reserve a spot and canceling if you find a more interesting private tour or decide that you'd rather have a day to wander on your own.

If you don't want to forfeit the price of the tour, however, you need to cancel in advance, usually one or two days before that port of call. If you contact the shore excursion desk that morning to say you're not feeling well and want to skip out, you'll still get charged on your final cruise bill.

Related: 15 ways the cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish

If you came all this way on a cruise to see the local sights, don't let the cost of exploring limit that experience. Staying on the ship — or wandering the sometimes-sad area right by a port — is no way to get good value from your cruise vacation.

Budget wisely for in-port exploration when you plan your sailing so you can experience the attractions and activities that sold you on the destination in the first place. If you have to, skip that massage or cocktail — things you can easily get back home — in order to afford a couple of excursions. After all, who knows when you'll be back in that part of the world again?

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.