You have been looking forward to going on a cruise for some time now. You have saved up your pennies and vacation days and are now set for your vacation. As you are booking your trip, the cruise line you are considering traveling with asks you whether you are interested in going on a shore excursion while on your cruise. The answer you give depends on whether you are a first-time cruiser or have traveled multiple times. Are shore excursions worth your time and extra expenses while on your trip?
Shore excursions are basically guided tours that allow you to experience the local culture and cuisine as part of your trip. All cruise lines offer shore excursions to their clients at an additional cost. Going on a shore excursion is an excellent way to experience new cultures and meet with new people when your cruise ship docks in different ports. So, what are some of the shore excursions you can go on to improve your cruise experience?
Cultural and culinary shore excursions
Whether it is visiting the stunning archaeological sites in Costa Maya or the ancient citadels of Malta, going on a cultural excursion will really enrich your travel experience. Most cruise lines will arrange for exciting day-long or overnight tours that will allow you to learn more about the way of life of the people of the country your ship docked at. You can choose fun outdoor activities like going for a picnic on the beaches of Hilo, Hawaii, or wine tasting in the ancient cellars of Malta, which have been around for over 400 years.
Activity-based shore excursions
If you’re the kind of tourist that wants an adrenaline rush, you can opt for fun outdoor activities. You can choose to zip-line through the lush forests of Kauai, Hawaii, and get a bird’s-eye view of the tropical jungle and mountains. You can also decide to go on a helicopter tour of Juneau, Alaska, where you will get to an all-round aerial view of the beautifully formed glaciers. Many cruise ships offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, leaving you spoilt for choice. Some cruise lines offer discounts for children under the age of 12 and will not charge any child under 3. It is best to communicate with your cruise line in advance if you would like to go on a shore excursion with your family as they might have some rules about bringing your children along with you.
Guided versus personal shore excursions
It is not a must that you go on a shore excursion arranged by your cruise ship. If you’d like to save your cash and still enjoy the location you docked at, you can just as easily hop into a taxi and visit local attractions. The only disadvantage of doing this is that you might end up missing out on some fascinating tourist sites that a local tour guide could have taken you to. In large cities like Brunei, you might encounter a language barrier, which is very frustrating for any traveler. A tour guide will also alert you on the traditions and cultural differences you need to be aware of, such as covering up when visiting mosques. Going on a ship guided tour will also ensure that you cannot be left behind should you be late on your trip because they must wait for you to return.
Find the shore excursion that’s best for you by getting in touch with your cruise line and learn more about the packages they are offering. You can then choose one depending on your budget and your interests. Shore excursions are a sure bet when it comes to enjoying your cruise. You will create some unforgettable memories and always remember how great your cruise was.
