I booked independently on my last cruise and the tours were less than half the price and great! Carnival's tours usually run $75-$100 pp for the "good ones". But, because it does make me nervous to book independetly, I haven't do so this time...yet. Sending my credit card number via e-mail to somebody who I don't know is a risk. Also, if something happens to delay you while on the excursion, if your not with Carnval, the ship won't wait!