Cruising is a popular mode of travel for globetrotters for several reasons. It makes a terrific option if what you have in mind is to cover multiple destinations without having to transfer and move a lot, and if you want a fundamentally all-inclusive travel with just a single up-front price. Aside from these great reasons to opt for a cruise, it can offer you a luxurious holiday and let you build many wonderful memories whether alone or with a travel party.
Going on shore excursions at various ports of call remains to be among the highlights of a cruise giving travelers the opportunity to immerse in local attractions, culture and gastronomy. These can be arranged by the cruise or by a local operator. Choosing between the two options can be hard. Adventurers may want to plan shore excursions on their own too with the help of a local expert for a guide. For safety – if you are travelling with kids, elderly, or alone – it is best to go for the cruise line’s jaunts.
For one thing, cruise lines have the expertise (and the resources) to safely bring you to secret and famous attractions. There are even cruise lines that offer extended shore excursions that can satisfy your hunger for adventure. Check out this article “4 Great Land Tours You Can Add to Cruises” written by Andrea M. Rotondo for Fodor’s Travel – Cruises Section.
… From getting back to nature in Alaska’s Yukon country to discovering ancient temples in Cambodia and game drives in Africa, land extensions are an affordable way to explore destinations in depth before you even board your ship. Here, a closer look at four great options to consider for your next adventure.
HOLLAND AMERICA’S 15-DAY YUKON + TRIPLE DENALI EXPEDITION IN ALASKA
… This particular excursion begins in Anchorage, where you’ll board the domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer and head to Denali National Park for three nights. From there you’ll explore Fairbanks’s gold-rush heritage, Dawson City for two nights (including a paddle-wheeler cruise along the Yukon River), and Whitehorse. You’ll continue your trip via coach before boarding the historic White Pass Train for a two-night visit to Skagway. Then it’s time to board your ship that will show you Alaska’s Inside Passage at its finest, with visits to Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and Vancouver.
SILVERSEA’S 4-NIGHT PRE-CRUISE: VICTORIA FALLS AND BOTSWANA’S ELEPHANTS
… The adventure begins when you touch down in South Africa’s Johannesburg to spend the night at The Michelangelo. In the morning you’ll fly to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where you’ll tour the majestic falls before transferring to Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, a game lodge in Botswana. Here, you’ll see your first game drives in 4×4 vehicles—with luck you’ll see everything from elephants, buffalos, and hippos to lions, puku, and antelope. A safari cruise along the Chobe River caps off your stay. On day four, you’ll fly to Cape Town for an overnight stay at the elegant Cape Grace hotel. In the morning, you’re treated to a city orientation tour before boarding the ship.
Your third option is to experience Angkor Wat, Cambodia through Oceania Cruises. This shore excursion will let you see the majestic temples in Siam Reap. Oceania Cruises offer these as pre- or post-cruise extras. The excursion includes a tour of the Pink or Banteay Srey Temple Complex, Ta Phrom Temple, and Banteay Samre, as well as that of the city, Angkor Thom. The latter is known for its attractions such as the Terrace of the Leper King, the ancient Banyon Temple, and the Elephant Terrace – an unbelievable art on a sandstone wall depicting hunting scenes and images of three-headed elephants.
Let Paul Gauguin Cruises take you to French Polynesia. If this tropical paradise is a dream, make it happen with the sightseeing tours offered by Paul Gauguin Cruises at a price and resorts you can’t resist – InterContinental’s Le Moana Bora Bora, Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, Tahiti, Hotel Maitai Rangiroa, and Moorea Resort & Spa.
Going on a cruise because you are travelling with a family is not a reason not to have an adventurous vacation. Satisfy your sense of adventure by finding out from the cruise line in advance about their shore excursions such as these pre- or post-cruise tours. This way, you would know which cruise to choose.