That is always the gamble with any non ship sanctioned excursion. I sure would hate to be the ones late getting back and seeing the butt end of the ship getting smaller. Sometimes the extra $$ for ship sanctioned excursions are worth it when you factor in the safety net of that ship noy leaving until the excursions get back. When we went on cruises we usually booked the excursion through the ship except a local shopping trip within walking distance of the pier.