All About Cruises

Tag: excursions

  • Great Cruise Activities for 2019

    Great Cruise Activities for 2019

    The days of booking a cruise to recline in a lounge chair on the deck and watch the sea go by are long gone. Guests on today’s cruise ships still want to be able to relax on the deck for a bit, but not until they have satiated their desire for activity and excitement. Some of these activities are taking place in the newly outfitted fitness and spa areas of the ship, while others are a part of the new style of adventure excursions being offered on both river and ocean-going cruise ships.

    River cruises have always been known for their opportunities for intimate excursions to discover some of the best-kept secrets in the towns along the rivers of multiple continents. But now those tours and excursions are stepping it up a notch with guided bike tours, hiking excursions and even short adventures in smaller boats, kayaks or paddleboards. Not only do guests enjoy seeing these amazing new towns and cities, but they are also enjoying the exercise and healthy lifestyle that has become the norm for many. Cruising is about indulging a little bit, but there seems to be a demand for a bit more balance and self-control than in years past. Guests are enjoying the gourmet meals and fancy adult beverages but counterbalancing all of those carbs and calories with a good dose of physical activity.

    When many travelers picture an Alaska cruise, thoughts circle around ice-cold temperatures and short periods of time spent in a parka on deck as they observe the snow and wildlife from afar. But again, there is far more to do on an up-close and personal level if you have the desire. Small Zodiac boats spend hours ferrying passengers clad in cold weather gear to glaciers for climbing, hiking and fishing adventures. In the warmer areas, guides lead hikes to explore the bear habitats, some of the best salmon fishing in the world or the lifestyle and customs of some of the more remote villages.
    In the tropical climates cruise guests are now exploring Mayan ruins, the Rainforest, and assorted sand-covered slices of tropical paradise with more excitement and adventure than ever before. Local businesses offer the opportunity to get a birds-eye view with parasailing, treks over rope bridges suspended hundreds of feet in the air, and from zip lines that add the feeling of actually being that bird in flight. Other adventures take guests to the solitude and beauty found only underwater for snorkeling, scuba diving and even a tour in a small submersible.

    Anyone who has chosen not to book a cruise because he or she thinks it will be too boring or sedentary needs to rethink that decision. Cruise ships offer as many or even more activities and adventures than can be found in most towns or even major cities. The new cruise lifestyle is definitely keeping up with the desire to be active.

  • Make Your Alaskan Trip Unforgettable: A Whale’s Song Expeditions

    Make Your Alaskan Trip Unforgettable: A Whale’s Song Expeditions

    One of the primary reasons many cruise ship travelers book Alaskan journeys is to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitats. And while gorgeous views from cruise ship decks are breath-taking, to really get an up-close, once-in-a-lifetime view, excursions like those from A Whale’s Song Expeditions are the way to go.

    The Best of Alaskan Wildlife Tours

    Travelers who book with A Whale’s Song Expeditions can join dedicated wildlife sightseeing and photography tours that last several hours to several days. Experienced and knowledgeable naturalists and photographers lead group and private tours on small, comfortable boats. Space is extremely limited, usually to no more than six guests, so that tours can explore without disrupting animals’ natural behaviors. Guides enthusiastically share information about animal behavior and the area’s natural history, as well as answer questions and provide artistic and technical guidance and mentoring on photography tours.

    * Go birdwatching at Saint Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge and see auklets, puffins, and many more species where they breed and care for their young.
    * Hear what whales actually sound like when they communicate via the boat’s hydrophone during a wildlife tour.
    * Experience natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the U.S., from majestic Mount Edgecumbe to Tongass National Forest, the largest in the country.
    * Participate in photography workshops as part of a photography tour to gain a better understanding of photo composition, hands-on camera work, and equipment care in outdoor settings.

    Responsible Tourism

    Anyone who’s traveled extensively has likely heard how tourism can actually leave a place worse off, especially in natural areas where human intervention can affect wildlife populations. This is especially true for destinations where animal life is the big draw for tourists and travelers. The owners of Sitka-based A Whale’s Song Expeditions understand those concerns – even share those concerns – and take them seriously. That’s why the company has demonstrated a commitment to responsible tourism and conservation of their local environment in word and deed. Company memberships include Whale SENSE and the World Cetacean Alliance, and 5% of the company’s profits are donated to local environmental and cultural conservation organizations.

    An Alaskan cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that deserves a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. From otters busy caring for young in their nurseries to bald eagles on the hunt, humpback whales breaching the surface to brown bears and cubs frolicking near the shore, these are the things that make an Alaskan vacation stand out. And with A Whale’s Song Expedition tours, they’re all within reach in a way that’s engaging while still mindful of animals’ inherent dignity.

  • A River Cruise For Millennials

    A River Cruise For Millennials

    River cruises have always been a favorite type of travel for those who want to experience more than just a cursory view of a few ports of call. But these trips often catered to early risers and those who were a bit older. The sedate morning outings simply do not mesh with the lifestyle or the desires of millennials. However, U by Uniworld has changed the way 21 to 45-year-olds look at a river cruise.

    Millennials are an inquisitive group who want to have the time to make a personal connection with destinations. And this could be in the form of a bike tour, an adventure outing or taking a class in mixology at a great local establishment. But the one thing that millennials don’t want to do is jump out of bed at 6 a.m. to get on a tour bus packed with hundreds of other passengers. So U has tailored the entire vacation to this hip group of travelers. Excursions are often scheduled for later morning or early afternoon departures, and most are for small groups with varied interests.

    The fresh new approach to river cruises starts with the length of time spent in ports of call. Many cruise lines will work to cram as many stops as possible into the cruise itinerary. But U is happy to offer a more laid-back schedule. A typical 8-day Rhine tour visits seven cities which includes the port of departure and the port at which passengers disembark. What this offers passengers is the opportunity to experience the nightlife in many of the host cities.

    The next big difference is in the entertainment options offered onboard the vessel. Gone are the nightclubs, bars, and casinos which have been replaced by activities such as a silent disco where you can listen to the DJ with headphones or chat with your friends. The key is that the choice is up to you. You might also decide to take part in a yoga class, try your hand at painting on the top deck as the staff offers a variety of wines for your enjoyment, or just relax on a deck to read, reflect and relax. And unlike many of the ocean cruises, you will never need to worry about connectivity. WiFi is complimentary and widely accessible.

    River cruises are no longer just for the senior crowd who wants to tour museums and ruins in the morning and be back onboard the ship in time for a light lunch and a nap before an early bird dinner. Millennials will feel right at home on the new U by Uniworld.

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