15 Cruise Excursions That Are Totally Worth Doing

First-time cruisers are usually excited about all the relaxation and indulgence onboard the ship, but they may not realize that the excursions are one of the best parts of cruising.

Whether it’s a tour of a new city, an afternoon of adventure, or a day spent shopping in a charming town, cruise excursions let you explore several cities or countries in just a few days.

On big cruise ships, there are seemingly endless options for on-shore entertainment. Here are 15 cruise excursions that could step up your travel game.

While on a cruise, you may find yourself in an area where there’s wildlife you won’t spot anywhere else. Maybe you’re in Maine with the puffins or Alaska with the moose. Going on a wildlife tour gives you a safe opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitat.

From snorkeling to surfing, sometimes you want a shore excursion that gets you off the ship but not out of the water. These excursions show you some of the most interesting perspectives of the area, particularly when you’re in the Caribbean with impressive marine life.

If you feel like an active excursion where you’ll get to see the area while also getting a workout, look into booking sporting excursions like horseback riding, biking, or kayaking. Most of these activities are geared toward all levels, including beginners, so you won’t feel left behind, even if it’s your first time on a horse or in a kayak.

For those who crave adrenaline, there are adventure excursions that will give you a different look at the world around you. From ziplining high above the rainforest to going on an ATV ride in the desert, you’ll get your heart pumping with excitement.

If you’re traveling to a new-to-you city, use the cruise to experience a cliff notes version of the area. Sign up for an excursion that includes a walking tour or bus tour that will show you all the highlights of the city before returning to the ship.

The food on the cruise ship may be delicious (and included!), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore the unique dishes available off the ship. Whether you’re on a Mediterranean cruise and you stop for a pasta-making class in Italy or you dine on a freshly grilled catch in Colombia, experiencing the diversity of the local food is part of the fun on a cruise.

Imagine hopping off your cruise to see Michaelangelo’s David in Florence. If you’re in the vicinity of some of the world’s best museums, then it’s worth getting off the ship and experiencing the culture for yourself.

Depending on the time of year, you can take whale-watching trips to see these majestic creatures everywhere from the coast of Maine to Los Cabos, Mexico. Just make sure your trip aligns with when they’re most likely to be in the area’s waters.

Are you fascinated by the ancient world? Consider excursions to see the Mayan ruins while you’re on a cruise in Mexico or stopping at the pyramids while on a Nile River cruise. This is truly combining the best of old and new.

When your cruise happens to dock near an intriguing wine region, see if there’s a wine-tasting excursion or class to experience. Sipping on wine in the area where it’s produced helps you understand the story and provenance on a deeper level.

It can be hard to fit in a cultural performance when you only have but so many hours in a day. But if you hit an afternoon matinee, you can generally get to the performance and back on the ship with plenty of time to spare.

Yes, there’s probably a pool and deck on the ship, but there’s nothing like laying in the sun and sand and relaxing with a book in hand. Many cruise ships have excursions where you can spend the day off the ship and on the beach. This could include a day pass to a local resort — food and drink included.

You’re already on the water, why do you need to get on a different boat? There’s something different and magical about an afternoon or evening spent on a sailboat. It’s more intimate and rugged than a cruise ship, and you feel like you’re one with the water.

For a splurge-worthy excursion, book a helicopter tour. In places like Hawaii or Alaska where the landscape can quickly get treacherous, a helicopter ride can offer once-in-a-lifetime views.

Ghost tours aren’t just for Halloween! If you’re near a major city, chances are there’s a ghost tour. These quirky tours are a great way to learn more about a town’s history without doing a traditional guided walking tour.

When you’re booking a cruise, make a note of whether the shore excursions are included. Generally, on larger commercial ships, you’ll have to pay for each shore excursion individually.

But, on smaller, higher-end ships, daily shore excursions may be included with your booking rate. Either way, make sure you know ahead of time, so your cruise travel budget won’t veer off course. Just make sure to bring your favorite travel credit card.