Cruise Vacation: Best Shore Excursions - 2

Bahamas, Mexico and Caribbean Cruises

From Mayan ruins to explore, dolphins and stingrays to swim with, shipwrecks and coral reefs to dive near, white sandy beaches to lounge on and plenty of margaritas and piña coladas to drink, each destination has its own unique flavor. Go cave tubing in Belize or hiking in the rainforest on a canopy tour through the Costa Rican treetops. You can also try an off-road safari, catamaran trip or an all-day booze cruise in Cozumel.

Although there are a wealth of outdoor activities, there are a lot of other things to do in the Caribbean. The region is known for incredible duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, parties and beaches. If you happen to call in Tortola (BVI), be sure to try a “Pain Killer.” Made from locally distilled Pusser’s Rum, you can choose your level of pain killer, from 1 to 4. The higher the number, the stronger the drink. So if working on your tan with a cocktail in hand is what you have in mind, this is the right place.

Alaska Cruises

Alaska is one location where you don’t have to be ashore to enjoy the sights. However, some amazing excursions are offered. Take a helicopter glacier tour or a float plane up to Taku Glacier Lodge for an incredible feast, enjoy salmon bakes or pan for gold—all are great family tours. If you’re feeling energetic, Alaska is one of the best places to go hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, whale watching or fishing.

 

• Take a seaplane ride to get an eagle-eye view of Alaska’s vast wilderness.

Sonny Side Up!

Alaska is also a great place to shop for unusual items, including artwork, giftware and jewelry. You’ll see beautifully carved totem poles in many towns, as well as in local taverns and authentic saloons. Many Alaskan towns, born as a result of the gold rush, have preserved a lot of original historical structures and buildings.  

A word of advice: Try the Alaskan seafood, and definitely go on a salmon bake. Salmon is one of Alaska’s biggest industries, and they sure know how to serve it: from smoked salmon chowder and salmon steaks, to tinned and barbecued salmon. It’s delicious, but then so are the Alaskan king crab legs! The northern state even has its own brew of beer: Alaskan Amber, one of several from the Alaskan Brewing Company.

Next: European Cruises: Scandinavia, the Baltics, the Mediterranean