Embark on a journey along the water and immerse yourself in the world of cruise excursions! What are the recent trends shaping this unique experience? Follow the guide to find out everything and not miss anything during your next getaway at sea.
Deeper, more authentic experiences
Today’s cruise passengers are no longer satisfied with simply visiting ports of call; they are looking for authentic connections with the destinations visited.
“We have seen an increased demand for intimate, personalized experiences,” says Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. Their tours on specific areas of interest have become very popular, offering unique experiences based on travelers’ hobbies and passions. Popular tours include praline tasting in Regensburg, Germany, or learning about local traditions like pretzel weaving in Wertheim.
More active offers
A growing number of travelers are booking active excursions. THE hikes are particularly popular, whether walking to scenic spots or historic castles. AmaWaterways was the first to offer bicycles on board, followed by other companies. Bike tours allow travelers to explore destinations like locals, pedaling along riverside paths and through small towns.
Immersive and unique experiences
Many cruise passengers looking for adventures appear on their wish list. Princess Cruises, in partnership with Discovery™, offers Discovery Exclusive Tours, offering unique experiences like tubing down a river in Dominica. Their Animal Planet™ excursions allow you to interact with nature in new ways, like seeing Akureyri from the top of an Icelandic horse or taking a camel ride in Timanfaya National Park.
Regent Seven Seas offers more than 3,800 unlimited and free excursions, but their Regent Choice Shore Excursions (additional charge) offer memorable experiences such as flying over the Alaskan forests to the Mendenhall Glacier.
Accessible excursions
Many cruise lines offer accessible excursions. Celebrity’s Shore Excursion Coordinator helps guests find accessible tours in certain ports and provides specific recommendations. Wheelchair-accessible guided tours include tours of city centers and ancient ruins or accessible trains like the White Pass Scenic Railway in Alaska.
Private and personalized experiences
Many travelers are looking for private, tailor-made excursions that reflect their interests and passions. Cruise lines are responding to this demand by offering customizable options. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer Private Journeys, tailor-made shore excursions planned exclusively for each client by destination experts.
Family and intergenerational excursions
Exploring new places is a great way to bond as a family, and more and more cruise lines are booking cruise excursions tailored to families and suitable for several generations. One example is the “Time Travel” adventure through Rome offered by Holland America.
One thing is certain, cruise excursions are a huge success. It is therefore advisable to book your excursions in advance to guarantee your place.
