Cruise Vacation: Best Shore Excursions - 4

Hawaiian Cruises

Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii. Think luaus, grass skirts, leis and fire dancers, and of course some of the world’s best beaches. Taking a cruise around the islands is a treat; exploring them is even better. Rich in volcanoes, rainforests, lush foliage, fruit and flowers, the Hawaiian Islands are a treasure. Take a helicopter ride over an active volcano, start the day on top of the world atop the 10,023-foot high Haleakala volcano, go whale watching, swim in waterfalls and eat your way through a macadamia nut factory before stopping at Hilo Hattie to pick up your Hawaiian souvenirs and Kona coffee.

Tee off in the tropics on some of the world’s best golf courses with breathtaking views, then swim with sea turtles before heading back into town for a traditional Hawaiian luau.  

 

• Stock up on all the Hawaiian knickknacks you can carry at Hilo Hattie.

lrargerich

South American Cruises

There’s a vast difference between the northern and southern parts of South America, especially in the terrain. The farther south you go, the more desolate it becomes. Ushuaia is the most southern city in the world and close enough to Antarctica to take a short trip to the bottom of the earth. Argentina is known for breeding horses and Ushuaia's Riding Club is the perfect place to begin your journey across Tierra del Fuego and ride alongside the slopes of Mount Susana towards the Beagle Channel. If you enjoy riding, you won’t find a more breathtaking backdrop.

South America is filled with ancient treasures, wonders of the world, different cultures and amazing people. Whether you are in Brazil during Carnivale, sailing down the Amazon to Manaus, or making the trek 8,000 feet up to Machu Picchu, you’ll discover a whole new world.

 

• Explore the farthest reaches of the Earth on your cruise vacation.

Ricardo Martins

Construction of the mountaintop city, hidden between two mountains, began in 1460. Machu Picchu wasn’t known outside the Inca world until 1911; today, it’s one of the most significant symbols of the ancient Inca Empire and a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary. When considering a visit, note that there is a lot of walking and a fair amount of hiking to get to the ruins. The air is also thinner at such an altitude.

If you’re a wine drinker, be sure to indulge in some Chilean and Argentine wines. Renowned vineyards are scattered over the continent, producing some of the world’s best wines. Argentina is also known for its high-grade meat and incredible steakhouses, so you’ll be in for a real culinary treat.