Once you’ve hit on a week that works for everyone, followed by a dream destination, and, finally, the cruise line and itinerary, most of the planning is done. Now, all you have to do is get to the port: Everything you need is on board, and nobody needs to get behind the wheel. As for shore excursions, booking through the cruise line (where transportation is provided in a group setting) eliminates someone from feeling left out because they are the only ones who’d like to go deep-sea fishing or wander through ruins. Fortunately, nobody is totally alone on a ship-sponsored shore excursion.