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Ship to Shore: Amazing Cruise Excursions
Written by Nate Robinson
From snorkelling among private archipelagos to marching alongside Antarctic penguins, these are the world’s best once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions.
There’s no question: with cruise ships like Celebrity Ascent, Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting a new bar for exceptional experiences onboard, there’s never been a better time to sail the high seas.
While the ships are (deservedly) the star of the show, in many cases, the same level of craft and care displayed onboard applies to onshore excursions – think underwater expeditions through technicolour reefs, guided explorations of ancient Roman ruins and overland treks to far-flung Portuguese quintas (winery estates), a glass of rich port the ultimate reward for a day well spent.
But for the experienced sailor craving unique experiences, there’s a new level of shore excursion emerging. Private island waterparks, colour-drenched carnivals, exclusive archipelagos and more – these once-in-a-lifetime adventures are often only accessible to cruise guests. Read on to discover our pick of the world’s very best.
Amazing onshore excursions exclusive to select cruise lines
Savour unforgettable moments with AzAmazing Evenings
If cruising with Azamara Cruise is an extended symphony – punctuated by Broadway-inspired entertainment, sommelier sessions and flawless service – attending an AzAmazing Evening is undoubtedly the crescendo. Included in every sailing of seven nights or longer, AzAmazing Evenings are landmark itinerary moments carefully curated to fully immerse passengers in the destination’s culture and customs.
Lose yourself in the fantasy of Colombia’s Barranquilla Carnival – one of the largest in the world – in Cartagena, watch in awe as the Signature Samoan Choir performs at Wellington’s Opera House or mingle at an exclusive chateau garden party in Marseille (champagne and jazz included).
Each AzAmazing Evening is exclusively organised for guests of the ship. The best part? It’s included in the package price.
Hurtle down North America’s tallest waterslide with Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s cay-note attraction is an exclusive island paradise in the sun-kissed Bahamas. After extensive renovations, the island reemerged in 2019 as Perfect Day at CocoCay, a technicolour wonderland packed with thrills – including the near-stratospheric Daredevil’s Peak, North America’s tallest waterslide – and countless places to chill.
With wave pools, hidden palm-fringed oases, an adults-only beach club, child-friendly waterparks live entertainment, volleyball and helium balloon rides all in store, the island is designed to easily accommodate a shipload of guests – including from the jaw-dropping Icon of the Seas (at time of writing the largest cruise ship in the world). While many of the high-octane activities include a surcharge, most of the island’s attractions are included in the package price, with complimentary dining and onboard drinks packages extending onshore.
March alongside Antarctica’s penguins with Seabourn
Is an Antarctic expedition one of the coolest excursions in the world? With an average temperature of −10 °C (14 °F), we’d have to say yes. And as one of the very few luxury cruise lines sailing from Argentina to the southernmost continent, Seabourn takes its duty as Antarctica’s ambassador seriously, offering a complimentary waterproof parka and the services of a highly experienced onboard expedition team.
The experience is inclusive of expeditions and landings by zodiac boat, with flexible itineraries designed to maximise sightings of humpback whales and adorable penguin colonies. Guests may opt to enjoy kayak excursions around sunken icebergs or spectacular treks across towering glaciers. Return from your adventures to an excellently appointed suite… and Seabourn’s signature caviar and champagne service.
Set foot on Papa New Guinea’s exclusive Conflict Islands with P&O Cruises
A picture-perfect example of the rare freehold atoll (privately owned archipelago), Papua New Guinea’s Conflict Islands are one of the few remaining untouched paradises in the world. P&O Cruises offers excursions to what is possibly one of the most peaceful places in the world: sheltered by pristine reefs and surrounding the massive rim of a sunken volcano, each of the archipelago’s 21 islands offers superb snorkelling opportunities. Visitors can also explore the Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative’s Sea Turtle Nursery, which has helped more than 150,000 baby hatchlings safely reach the ocean since its establishment in 2017.
Amazing onshore excursions available on multiple cruise lines
Celebrate cherry blossom season with a Japan cruise
Nowhere is the Japanese concept of mono no aware – roughly translated as ‘the feeling of things,’ an awareness of impermanence – more on display than in its ever-changing foliage, with the iconic cherry blossom season especially revered. Beginning at the onset of spring (late March to early April), cherry blossoms explode in an eye-catching display of pink and whites. Princess Cruises’ Japan and South Korea itinerary offers the perfect chance to see the event in all its glory.
Fall in love with Europe’s magical Christmas markets with Riverside Luxury Cruises
It’s never more tempting to ho-ho-hop off than while cruising down the Danube at Christmas, with holiday markets popping up across Vienna and Austria. As snow falls across Europe, grab a cup of hot chocolate (or mulled wine) and soak up the spirit of the festive season. A Luxury River Cruises itinerary – sailing on Mozart, the company’s flagship – means that you’ll be returning to unparalleled comfort, with extravagant dining options and an onboard spa and sauna, a wonderful choice after joy-filled winter evenings.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Which Cruise Line is the Best for You?
