Each port is different. In Villefranche on the French Riviera, for example, it is easy to stroll ashore and explore; or hop on the train to Monaco or Nice. It’s the same story at Santa Margherita on the Italian Riviera, where you can take the ferry to the resort of Portofino. Equally, in the Caribbean, many of the ports are in the middle of the main town or just a short walk away. Once you disembark, there are generally crowds of taxi drivers and guides offering island tours.

But what if the port is not quite so convenient? The Italian town of Civitavecchia, for example, is the port for Rome but it’s nearly two hours away if you take the organised coach tour. However, you could catch the train from the nearby station – the high-speed service takes just under an hour – for a fraction of the cost. And, of course, you could always organise your own taxi.

Whatever you do, though, make sure you allow enough time to get back on board. Cruise ships will wait if their own tours are delayed, but they won’t hang around for tardy independent travellers.

For peace of mind, you could consider transfer-only options that cruise lines offer from some ports. For Rome, the cruise company coach transfers to and from Civitavecchia are significantly cheaper and give you the day to explore on your own.

Some travel agencies, and especially cruise specialists, such as White Star Cruises (0800 612 3354; www.whitestarcruises.com), will also put together personalised shore excursions. Shorex Travel (0333 123 4911; www.shorextravel.com), meanwhile, is a new company that offers a number of shore options at North American ports.

However, sometimes cruise excursions are the best option. In Russia, for example, visitors need visas to go ashore if they are not part of a cruise excursion group. In destinations where there could be language issues it is sometimes easier to stick with the official outings. This can also be true in Alaska where for “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences it’s best to stick to the cruise line’s own tours.

Book in advance as the most popular options often sell out before the cruise even departs. You don’t want to be left aboard while everyone else swans off ashore.

Travel queries in brief

The consumer travel expert Sophie Butler answers your travel queries

We are taking our car to Portugal this summer and have noticed that a new system of road tolls has been introduced. Can you explain the system?
Robert Smith

Sophie Butler replies

You now need a temporary automatic toll device (DEM) for certain motorways, loaded with a minimum of €10 (£9). It’s available for hire from some service stations and other outlets. Visit www.theaa.com for further details.

Niagara Falls visa rules

We are planning a holiday in Toronto and plan to visit Niagara Falls. We may want to view the falls on the US side but will return to Canada on the same day. What are the visa rules?
Rashmi Thakrar

Sophie Butler replies
The Visa Waiver Programme extends to British travellers entering the US by land from Canada. You aren’t required to register under ESTA, but will need to complete an arrival and departure record card (I‑94W) and pay $6 (£3.70) at the border.

Luxury hotel breaks near Huddersfield
We would like to celebrate our coming 30th wedding anniversary in luxury. Any suggestions for a short break at a hotel or pub within 100 miles of Huddersfield?
Bev Millington

Sophie Butler replies
The Good Hotel Guide 2011 (www.goodhotelguide.com) lists several good places within easy reach. One example is The George Hotel in Hathersage (01433 650436; www.george-hotel.net), which offers good deals on short breaks.

A visit to Lapland with children

I’m thinking of taking my grandchildren – aged three and six – to Lapland to see Father Christmas this winter. Could you advise on a travel company?
Jenny Lolliot

Sophie Butler replies
Canterbury Travel (01923 822388; www.santa-holidays.com) and Transun (01865 265200; www.transun.co.uk) are two Lapland specialists to consider.