At each port, you’ll be offered the opportunity to book a place on any one of a number of different excursions arranged by the cruise line. Depending on your destination, you may have the opportunity to go on a sightseeing trip, or attend a cultural event or take in some sort of activity.
Listed below are some of the most unique cruise port excursions that you can enjoy around the world:
Stingray City, Grand Cayman
Many Caribbean cruises will feature Grand Cayman on their itinerary. If you find yourself on such a cruise, you simply have to take in the wonders of Stingray City.
Stingray City is an area of shallow sandbars found on the Northern sound of Grand Cayman which is populated by hoards of friendly stingrays, all looking for an easy meal and human-interaction!
Getting there from the cruise port will involve a short boat ride, and once you have arrived, there are several different ways in which to enjoy the experience, these being snorkeling, scuba diving or a glass bottom boat ride.
If you’d like to dive down with the stingrays, you’ll need to ensure that diving equipment is provided by the excursion provider. You’ll need to make sure you can get your hands on a weighted wet suit so you can stay at the bottom of the shallow water.
If you’re a little nervous of the stingrays, or would just rather keep your feet from getting wet, you can take a glass-bottom boat ride. This can also be an ideal, although less personable, experience if the weather is too windy for snorkeling or diving.
Overall, this is an extremely unique and exciting activity. The stingrays are completely wild, and are under no obligation to visit the sandbar. This is no artificial, man-made aquarium. This is a very real experience, with real animals in the real ocean.
Glacier helicopter tours and dog sledding, Juneau, Alaska
Although this excursion is quite expensive, it’s likely to be a once in a lifetime experience that you will never, ever forget.
From the cruise port, you’ll be transferred by bus to the heliport where your adventure will begin. During your exhilarating helicopter ride to the dog camp, you’ll experience the spectacular icefalls and rock formations of the Juneau Icefield. This area is only accessible only by air, and the surrounding region is filled with lush forests, glassy alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and awe-inspiring glaciers.
Once you reach the dog camp, you’ll be met by one of the highly-experienced ‘mushers’ who will give you a tour of the kennels. You’ll notice that the dogs are extremely well-cared for. Once your tour is complete, you’ll be taken to your sled and your team will be hooked-up. The rush that you’ll experience during the sled is incredible. Your adrenaline will flow as your sled skids along the ice, and you’ll even have the opportunity to have a turn as being the musher of the sled.
On return to the dog camp, if time allows, you’ll be able to spend some time with the dogs. This is where you’ll really notice just how happy, and well looked after they are. Although beware, the dogs may bark or howl if you don’t pay them enough attention! You can also take this time as an opportunity to chat to the mushers, and ask them any questions you have.
You’ll then board the helicopter once more and be taken back to your port where you can begin reflecting on a truly amazing, natural experience.
Bathing in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa is an area of mineral-rich water formed by the outflow of a local geothermal power station. Although this may sound unappealing, it is actually an opportunity not to be missed.
Although the temperature in Iceland between October and April plummets below freezing, you mustn’t let that put you off stripping down to your bathing suit to experience the deliciously warm waters of the Blue Lagoon! The contrast between hot and cold is what makes this particular experience so unique.
Located around 45 minutes from Reykjavik, your journey to the Blue Lagoon will take you across dark, rocky terrain in what seems like another planet. In winter, your first signs that you’re nearing the Lagoon will be a plume of white steam that is visible about a mile away.
On arrival, you will be asked to shower, before donning your bathing suit. You’re then free to experience the lagoon. The water contains various minerals such as silica and sulphur which are claimed to be therapeutic. The bottom of the lagoon is covered by silica salts, which you are encouraged to use as a mud-pack on your skin.
The lagoon is very large, and there are plenty of nooks to explore, where you will feel a little more isolated from the crowds. There is also a sauna and steam room at the lagoon which you are free to use, as well as a waterfall that is great sit under.
Cave Tubing, Belize City
One of the most popular excursions at Belize City is cave tubing. Sounds fun doesn’t it? Well, it is!
You’ll be picked up by your guide at the port, and taken on a short bus ride to the jungle, where you’ll be provided with everything you need (some items will be available to rent). Here, you’ll grab your inner tube, and begin your hike through the jungle to the cave entrance.
On your hike, your guide will most likely point out any items of interest to you and your group, including the surrounding vegetation, wildlife and the culture of the local people. Stories of group members being offered a taste of live termites upon the discovery of a termite nest have been told of, but remain unconfirmed…!
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