Mom?…what can we do off the ship?
In yesterday’s entry, a guest shared why she felt cruising makes the perfect family vacation. I wanted to add to that there are some exciting adventures available, once you get to a port of call. Cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions – planned, guided tours and activities – to help guests make the most of their time on shore. Some excursions – such as wine tastings, gourmet cooking classes or arduous climbs – are suitable only for adults. But, plenty are family-friendly, perfect for kids and parents to share.
When Royal Caribbean International visits Alaska’s port of Icy Strait Point and Chichagof Island, families can climb aboard 4×4 vehicles for a rugged ride through the forested, mountainous landscape. Then, everyone will want a turn on one of the world’s longest zip lines – an impressive 5,330 feet, including a 1,300-foot drop in elevation.
On a Princess Cruise that stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, your family can take a Jeep ride through the scenic countryside (sorry, kids – drivers must be at least 25). After a stop in the small farming community of El Colorado, drive on to one of the area’s gorgeous beaches, where you can swim, bask in the sun or relax in a shaded hammock.
Families that sail with Carnival Cruises to Nassau in the Bahamas can live like pirates for a day. After boating to a beautiful white sand beach, search for hidden treasures sparkling in the sand beneath the clear water. After swimming, snorkeling or relaxing on the beach, take your bounty back to Nassau trade for special offers in the downtown shops.
Disney Cruises’ visits to Cozumel, Mexico, offer an opportunity to try another type of watercraft – a submarine. Families can board the U.S. Coast Guard-certified Atlantis, which descends 100 feet to view tropical fish and coral formations. Speaking of Disney, this weekend they just announced expansion plans to their private island paradise Castaway Cay. They will be building a floating splash park out in the lagoon.
Families can’t resist the opportunity to walk up to the crater of volcanic Mount Vesuvius when they call on Naples, Italy, with MSC Cruises. An alternative is a guided walking tour of the archaeological site of Pompeii, the city destroyed in 79 A.D. by an eruption of the volcano.
There are hundreds of other shore excursions available to you and your family. When you are ready to talk about what to do off the ship, why not talk to us? We look forward to hearing from you!
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