7 Continents | 350+ Ports | 10+ Years of Cruising | 100% DIY
🚢 The Danny and Peter Promise
We aren’t travel agents or corporate writers. We are Holland America Line 5-Star Mariners and MSC Diamond Members who believe the best way to see the world is at your own pace. Every guide on this hub is built from our personal GPS tracks and “boots on the ground” experience.
Our goal? To give you the confidence to skip the expensive shore excursions and discover the “Gold Standard” of DIY travel.
âš“ Global Mastery: Quick Facts
- âš“Total DIY Expertise: 10+ years of sailing and 350+ ports personally explored.
- 🌍 Coverage: Full guides for all 7 continents, from the smallest Caribbean cays to the largest Asian hubs.
- đź’ˇ Our #1 Global Tip: Research your transport before you dock. A little “DIY” prep saves you hundreds of dollars and hours of waiting on tour buses.
🗺️ How to Use These DIY Guides
- 🗺️Select Your Region: Use our Cruise Destination Hub grid below to find the specific area where you are sailing.
- 📱Save Your Maps: Every individual port guide includes our custom-pinned Worldwide Port Maps. Open them on your phone before you leave the ship’s Wi-Fi.
- 🚶Follow the “Gold Standard” Itinerary: We provide a timed, step-by-step route for Independent Cruise Travel, including which trams or buses to take.
đź“Ť Our Global Footprint: The Danny & Peter Map
Explore the 350+ ports we’ve personally navigated. Click any pin to see our DIY tips and transit secrets for that destination.
[Google My Map – Worldwide Cruise Ports]
🧠Explore by Destination
Select a region below to access our expert DIY itineraries and port-specific survival guides.
âť“ DIY Cruising: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to explore ports on my own?
Yes. In over a decade of travel, we have found that staying on the main public transport routes and using local “Gold Standard” data makes DIY Shore Excursions just as safe as a ship tour—and far more rewarding.
Will the ship leave without me?
This is the #1 fear for cruisers. Our guides always emphasize the “All Aboard” time and prioritize transport methods (like trams and walking routes) that aren’t affected by unpredictable city traffic.
Do I need local currency for every port?
While credit cards are widely accepted, our guides will specify when you need “Exact Change.” For example, many European and Asian trams still require small coins for the ticket machines.
Why Trust Our Guides?
When we first started cruising a decade ago on ships like the Westerdam and Koningsdam, we realized that the “official” port talks were often just sales pitches for expensive tours.
We started documenting our walks, tram routes, and local finds to help fellow cruisers find the authentic heart of each city. Today, our “Gold Standard” guides are used by thousands of DIY travelers to create their own perfect days ashore—without the excursion price tag.