Many travelers like the idea of enjoying all of the amenities of a cruise ship but they also want to be able to enjoy some exciting activities away from the ship. These guests are the reason that many cruise lines are now offering adventure cruises. The options for an adventure cruise include activities such as scuba diving excursions, a hike on a glacier, sport fishing, educational activities or even a stop for a safari. And with all of these great options, adventure-minded travelers need to focus on a few key factors when selecting the perfect adventure cruise for their vacation.
Time Can Be Critical
When being completely honest, most people will admit that longer is always better when it comes to vacation. But in the case of adventure cruises, that might not always be the case. You will want to decide how many days of adventure you are interested in and how much time you would like to have to relax and recharge on the ship. If you are not normally very active in your daily life, then a three-day hike up a mountain might not be the best choice. But a single day of exploration at the same mountain would be perfect. The other consideration is how in-depth an experience are you looking for? Do you just want to indulge in a few dives to see the fish and the coral or are you interested in participating in aquatic surveys for conservation purposes? This information will help you to select the perfect adventure time frame as well as the perfect cruise length.
Is There Something For Everyone?
Another important bit of information concerns your travel party. Does everyone in the group enjoy the same adventure activities or will some people wish to skip the adventure and remain poolside with a good book? If your party will be splitting up for some activities, be sure that there are sufficient onboard activities for the less adventurous members of your group. If some members of your group will be remaining on the ship while others enjoy excursions, you might also encourage them to pre-book activities, classes or even spa treatments prior to the cruise to ensure that they can enjoy their vacation to the fullest.
Be Prepared
Not all adventure cruises require special equipment or clothing, but some do and you will want to be well prepared. If you do not have a parka or scuba gear of your own but will obviously need it for your adventure, check with the cruise line about rental gear. Some ships have a large number of rental items while others are more limited and will rent on a first come, first served basis. So make arrangements early if you need to rent or borrow equipment.
With just a little planning and research you will be able to select the adventure cruise that is perfect for you and every member of your travel party.
