Cruise Vacation: Best Shore Excursions

When deciding on a cruise, bear in mind that a big part of your vacation is going to be spent in port. It’s therefore advisable to familiarize yourself with the ports of call on your itinerary before you embark on your trip. I spent more than 15 years aboard a variety of major cruise lines, putting together shore excursions for passengers, and each port, no matter where you are in the world, has something great—that’s why ships call in these ports in the first place!

I suggest spending a few port days on your own and the other couple of days on a specially organized excursion. The type of excursion offered depends on your destination, but rest assured there will be one or two things that you will just have to try. Whether walking on a glacier, dog sledding through the forest, going on safari in Africa or exploring ancient ruins, be sure to take that unique excursion. It will make your trip!

There are a few advantages to going on a shore excursion arranged by the cruise company. Most importantly, all tour operators are required to abide by the cruise line’s strict requirements, which is an important part of your safety, especially in a foreign country. Using local guides and exploring on your own is just as much fun, however, if it’s a major trip, I would suggest sticking with the cruise line’s excursions. Find a good balance between the two.

Next: Bahamas, Mexico and Caribbean Cruises; Alaska Cruises