Latest news with #shoreexcursions
Travel Weekly
3 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Cruise guests increasingly seek private, premier shore excursions
Amid record-high spending for onboard and shoreside experiences since the pandemic, demand for premier and private shore excursions has reached new heights. Guests are increasingly seeking to spend time on land in a comfortable setting with only their immediate travel companions. That often means a private car rather than a tour bus and an itinerary tailored to their particular needs and cravings. Shore Excursions Group CEO Paul Kiritsy said that trend is growing in Europe in particular. It doesn't matter the ship size or whether it's contemporary or luxury, said Rinat Glinert of Venture Ashore, another third-party shore excursion provider. But there are two groups she's noticed who are particularly drawn to private experiences: travelers with accessibility challenges and families. Those groups find the convenience of a private driver and a tailored itinerary to be worth the extra expense, Glinert said. Tim Harwood, owner of MyExcursions, which specializes in higher-end, personalized experiences, said last year was the company's best ever. "A lot of people are still just looking for the personal experience to cover some of the main sites, but they don't want to step on a coach or they may be a little less mobile, and they want to have that comfort of knowing they can proceed at their own pace," he said. Cruise lines are seeing similar shore excursion trends. Christine Manjencic, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' vice president of destination services operations, said the company has noticed a shift over the past few years in its guests' shore excursion patterns. "We are seeing them interested in small-group tours and more immersive excursions such as Go Local experiences where they can truly dive into the culture and history of the destination they are visiting," she said. "Our classic shore excursions where guests can see highlights of the destination with a large group are still popular among first-time visitors, but we are also seeing an increase in guests who prefer a more intimate and exclusive experience that enables them to get that perfect picture for their social media." Cruise excursions with culinary elements are popular, such as this visit to a vineyard in France. Photo Credit: Venture Ashore Culinary tours in high demand One particular type of experience appears to be gaining popularity: anything related to food. Whether it's cooking classes or a stop at a restaurant with a particularly scenic vista, guests are looking to taste the flavor of a destination on their brief stop off of the ship, said Glinert of Venture Ashore and Harwood of MyExcursions. "I think that's one of the things that really connects you to a destination," Glinert said. "You have those core memories of something that you did that was speaking to more than just your sense of sight, so I think there's a lot there that's building in the culinary space. We've got requests for people who want to go truffle hunting. All kinds of stuff." Guests spending more on excursions The interest in more premium excursions, and excursions overall, coincides with continued increased spending. Sometimes guests spend more on excursions than the cruise itself, Glinert said. "They're really looking for something that is going to elevate their cruise experience, and they're willing to pay for that," she said. Shore Excursions Group, which recently sold its 5 millionth tour, has seen the average order value increase by nearly 40% since the pandemic, Kiritsy said. The company pays commissions and has tracked an increase in travel advisor sales after integrating its own marketing into popular booking platforms advisors use like Odysseus, Revelex and VacationPort. The group's sales are up 50% from such platforms, thanks to a 200% increase in advisors activating Shore Excursions Group offers, Kiritsy said. All of this means excursions are selling out more quickly and bookings are happening earlier, Kiritsy said. For Caribbean excursions, guests are booking an average of 10 weeks prior to sailing, and in destinations like Alaska and Europe, it's 14 weeks prior, he said. In Europe, new restrictions on vehicle sizes for accessing certain sites have also caused excursions to book up because they simply can't accommodate as many people as they previously could, Glinert said. Shore Excursions Group is suggesting that advisors book excursions early to ensure clients have the experiences they want, Kiritsy said. "Once the cruise is booked and you know where you're going, we definitely recommend securing the excursions," he said. "They definitely will sell out, and you don't want to miss out on the best excursions in each of those ports."
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Silversea Cruises Comes Ashore To Bring Music To Ancient Aegean Ruins
For cruise ship lines, providing an outstanding passenger experience on-board is job one. Because of this focus, shore excursions are typically handed off to trusted vendors, who pick up the passengers near the dock and transport them to the bus tour, bike ride, restaurant tasting, museum or other activity. But sometimes, cruise companies put together their own special events for guests. We experienced this on in an ancient amphitheater on the west coast of Anatolia, modern-day Turkey. Silversea put on a concert and special event for its passengers at the ancient city of Ephesus that blended the best in ancient and modern culture. At the end of April, my wife and I took a Silversea Aegean cruise from Athens to some storied outposts of Greek civilization, including Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos and Ephesus on the Turkish coast. I had been somewhat concerned about visiting Turkey with the turmoil in the Middle East but felt secure on our one-day visit. Ephesus is on the west coast of the Turkish mainland, about 11 miles from the present-day resort and port town of Kusadasi, the 'place of birds.' Ephesus is considered one of the most significant archeological sites in the world. Once a thriving port city, Ephesus is thought to have been originally settled around 1200 BCE, towards the end of the Bronze age. From its Greek founding to its Roman take-over, its thousands of meters of stone blocks, column and tiles tell a compelling story of families and empires rising and falling. A walk along its long stone road takes you past the Library of Celsus, a well-preserved library with a reconstructed façade (no books, of course), and the Roman Temple of Hadrian from the 2nd century, put back together from fragments. Ephesus is primarily known as a Ionian Greek city, but it was later conquered and rebuilt by the Romans. For many years a major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was an important city for early Christianity, as the apostle Paul's 'Epistle to the Ephesians' I found the Terrace Houses, a complex of six Roman residences, fascinating. The wealthy homes were unrestored, but the unearthed mosaics and frescos were beautiful. Excavations showed that Ephesus boasted two agoras, one as a marketplace, the other for state business. Ephesus also includes the remains of the Temple of Artemis (or Diana) a huntress and goddess of fertility. The temple was built by Croesus, famed for his wealth, about 550 BCE. This Greek and later Roman temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for its enormous size and magnificent artwork. It was destroyed by invading Goths in 262 and never rebuilt. The area also includes the Basilica of St. John, believed to be the burial site of St. John the Apostle, and the Virgin Mary's House, thought to be the last residence of Mary. The ancient city also had a Great Theater on the slope of Mt. Pion. The theater was 100 feet high and held up to 25,000 people. Much of the theatre survives. If you look at it, then close your eyes, you can imagine actors on the stage, a gladiator battle, or even the Apostle Paul, preaching to the Ephesians condemning pagan worship. We spent four hours on an expertly-guided tour of the area during the day, dodging the occasional stray cats and dogs. The Ephesus Museum just outside the excavated city held many of the artistic and sculptural treasures salvaged from the ruins, kept safe from local tombaroli inside. As part of our tour we walked by the Odeon of Ancient Ephesus, also known as the Small Theater, without paying too much attention. What we did not realize that the Odeon would be the site of a classical concert, staged by Silversea under the stars and amongst the ruins. After the tour, we had a couple of hours on the ship. We were running late for our show, but as in exclusive restaurants, the managers would adjust the dining schedule to accommodate guests. We arrived late for dinner at 6:40PM as we had to run out for the Silversea concert at Ephesus at 7PM. Nonetheless, the crew managed to feed us a mahi-mahi and a healthy stuffed cabbage along with a beautiful Caprese salad. Well-fed, we disembarked to the buses with our fellow 21st century voyagers. We returned to the ancient city as the light started to fail. In the ruins of Ephesus, well-dressed 21st century passengers departed from their advanced cruise ship, equipped with the most modern technology for navigation and passenger comfort. They were guided by Silversea employees to a spot for a photograph that would later be presented to them as a beautiful print. A few steps away Silversea crew had set up a red-carpet reception with wine and snacks. After we drank and walked among the ruins, we were ushered into the Odeon. The intimate crowd of about 100 fit snugly on the lower level of an amphitheater built for 1500. The Odeon was built in the 2nd Century for musical events and meetings of the aristocratic council. We sat on the stone benches in the gathering darkness, like audiences had for 19 centuries. In front of the steeply raked seats, a group of smartly-dressed musicians from Turkey played the music of another century, the greatest hits of Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi and other classical composers. Flickering candles revealed the shapes of columns and stone walls as they provided light for the intimate concert in the ancient city. 'At Silversea, we're focused on creating memorable experiences that let our guests explore the world in new and exciting ways,' says Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea. 'Whether it's exploring historic sites or enjoying exclusive events through our unique land programs, our broad land experience offerings bring guests closer to the heart of every destination.' The concert was romantic and special. In the chill of the evening, we held hands and headed back to the ship, lost in our thoughts.
Travel Weekly
28-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
CLIA sues Alaska cruise port Skagway over new tour tax
A new taxation structure for tours in Skagway has prompted CLIA to sue the Alaska borough. Skagway now taxes the full price that cruise lines charge their passengers for shore excursions (including the cruise line's commission), when before it taxed the excursion's base price only. Skagway's assembly passed the tax ordinance in December, and CLIA sued on behalf of cruise lines on May 8. In the lawsuit, CLIA argues that the new tax is "duplicative." "The cruise industry has been a long-time partner and vital contributor to Skagway, creating hundreds of jobs and supporting countless small businesses," a CLIA spokesperson said. "Through close collaboration, taxes and fees, we have cultivated a mutually beneficial relationship that betters both the community and the industry. However, we oppose provisions of Ordinance No. 24-12 that violate the U.S. Constitution and Alaska state law by imposing new and duplicative taxes on shore excursions sold by cruise lines." On its website, Skagway says a million cruise passengers visit Skagway every year. CLIA has threatened similar litigation over a new state law in Hawaii that introduces an 11% tax on cruise ships when they dock. In both instances, the cruise industry has argued that the legislation violates the U.S. Constitution's Tonnage Clause, which says states can't tax ship tonnage without congressional approval. Travel Weekly has asked the borough of Skagway for comment.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why European Cruise Itineraries Don't Always Tell The Full Story
Sculpture at Le Havre cruise ship port shows its importance as a container port. When you book a European cruise, it's easy to be drawn in by iconic names on the itinerary: Paris, London, Florence and more. But while the brochure may promise a stop in these cities, the reality is often quite different. Cruise ships rarely dock in the center of major capitals. In fact, some of the most famous cruise destinations are located hours away from the nearest port. There are several reasons why this happens, and it's worth understanding them before you step aboard. More importantly, knowing what to expect helps you plan how to spend your time in port, whether you travel independently or stick with the cruise line's organized shore excursions. Many of Europe's most visited cities are inland. The likes of Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Seville were never designed to receive ocean-going vessels. Instead, they developed around rivers and ancient trade routes long before cruise ships became a mode of travel. Even when coastal cities exist nearby, they're not always capable of handling the megaships of today. Modern cruise vessels are huge, requiring deep water and extensive facilities. That means they're often routed to major commercial or container ports, which are better equipped for embarkation, refueling, and moving thousands of passengers. These ports are functional, but not always scenic or close to the city that's been advertised. There's also the matter of logistics. Large cities often struggle with traffic and crowd control. Docking further away can help spread the load and streamline passenger transport. Here are a few well-known cruise itineraries where the advertised city is much farther from the port than travelers may realize. Le Havre for Paris: Although Le Havre is billed as the port for Paris, the French capital is more than two hours away by train or coach. A day trip is possible, but time on the ground is limited. For a more relaxed alternative, nearby Honfleur offers Normandy charm with cobbled streets and historic harbors. Southampton for London: Southampton is often described as London's cruise gateway, but the capital is about two hours away. While a full-day excursion is feasible, traffic and train delays are common. If embarking in Southampton, spending a few days prior to the cruise in the British capital is a wise move. Civitavecchia for Rome: Rome's cruise stop is the port of Civitavecchia, located 50 miles from the city. Travel time is around 90 minutes each way, making independent sightseeing a challenge on shorter port days. Train connections are regular, so many travelers still opt to visit Rome's iconic landmarks. Cádiz for Seville: Although Cádiz is used as a launch point for Seville, the port city itself is a worthwhile destination. Seville is about 90 minutes away by coach, but the central port, ancient history, waterfront promenade, sun trap beaches and numerous tapas bars of Cádiz please many cruise travelers who stay put. When you're facing a long distance between ship and city, your first decision is whether to travel on your own or book a cruise line excursion. The answer depends on several factors. If your port call is relatively short and the destination is more than an hour away, it's usually best to book through the ship. These excursions are timed carefully and, crucially, the ship will wait if there's a delay. Independent travelers don't have that safety net, and cruise lines won't hold departure for latecomers unless they're on an official tour. On the other hand, if the ship is docked for a full day and you're comfortable using local transport, travelling independently can offer more freedom and potentially save money. This is especially true in places like Civitavecchia and Southampton, where train services are frequent and reliable. In either case, it's essential to build in plenty of extra time and carry appropriate travel insurance in case of delays or missed connections. There's a silver lining to these distant ports. Often, the smaller towns where ships dock are underrated destinations in their own right. Places like Honfleur or Cádiz might not be world capitals, but they offer a more relaxed, authentic taste of the region, and you won't spend half the day on a highway. By managing expectations and understanding the geography behind your itinerary, you can avoid disappointment and plan a more rewarding day ashore. Whether you choose to chase the headline city or stay and explore the port itself, a little research goes a long way. Finally, be wary of overnight ports. An overnight stop might sound like a generous amount of time in port, but the reality can vary. On some itineraries, particularly those chasing the northern lights, ships may remain docked well into the next day, giving passengers plenty of time to explore. However, not all overnight listings are created equal. A ship that arrives at 4pm and departs at 7am the following morning technically qualifies as an overnight stay and may show the itinerary across two days, even though it offers relatively little time ashore. Before making plans, check the actual arrival and departure times. This is especially important if you are booking independent excursions or transfers, as early departures can easily catch people off guard. When timing is tight, it may be wiser to stick with cruise line tours.
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Forbes
When It Makes Sense To Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions
P&O Cruises' Aurora cruise ship docked in Olden, Norway. Shore excursions are a major part of cruising, offering a chance to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination on the itinerary. Deciding how to explore each port can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing the convenience and peace of mind of cruise line tours against the freedom and potential savings of going it alone. Many experienced cruise travelers mix and match, booking cruise line excursions for more ambitious trips or riskier destinations and doing their own thing in walkable cities or familiar ports. The key is to weigh the cost against the convenience, and always plan with the ship's departure time in mind. Here's when it makes sense to stick with the ship's own excursions. Most cruise ship port calls last most of the day. However, half-day port calls, often used as a 'pit stop' on the way to or from an itinerary's main destinations, make time ashore much tighter. Cruise line excursions are timed with the ship's schedule and come with a vital guarantee: if your tour runs late, the ship will wait. Independent travelers don't enjoy the same protection. Miss the 'all aboard' time and you'll be making your own way to the next port at your own expense. This safety net is often worth the higher cost, especially in destinations with unpredictable traffic, ferries, or long distances between the port and the main attractions. Some shore excursions involve more than a bus ride and a walking tour. Think glacier hikes in Alaska, guided snorkeling trips from a tender port, or multi-leg journeys involving trains, boats, or 4x4s. Cruise lines work with vetted local partners and handle all the coordination, leaving you to relax and enjoy the experience. Coaches lined up at Flåm cruise port ready for excursions. In remote or logistically complex destinations like Iceland's volcanic interior or the jungle ruins of Mexico and Central America, cruise line tours reduce the stress and risk of tackling these places on your own. In countries where safety is a concern or where few locals speak English, the comfort and structure of a cruise line excursion can go a long way. Guides are usually bilingual and you're less likely to be exposed to uncomfortable situations. Even in safer or better-known destinations, certain experiences are only available through the cruise line due to exclusive access or limited capacity. Examples include after-hours visits to historic sites or behind-the-scenes access at cultural institutions. If something catches your eye that you couldn't reasonably book yourself, it might be worth the splurge. Many cruise passengers receive onboard credit as part of a booking promotion, a loyalty perk, or compensation for itinerary changes. While this credit can be spent on anything from cocktails to spa treatments, using it on a shore excursion can be a smart move. That's especially true if it means ticking off a once-in-a-lifetime experience like a helicopter ride over a glacier or a guided tour of a world wonder. Since most cruise lines allow you to apply onboard credit toward excursion bookings, it's an easy way to offset the premium price while still getting the convenience and security of an official tour. That said, going it alone can be incredibly rewarding and often cheaper. If you're returning to a familiar port, simply want to wander a local town, or plan to hire a private guide with excellent reviews, an independent option may suit you better. The same is true for smaller ports, in which options for independent tours may be limited. Norway's Flåm Railway is a good example of an excursion that can be booked independently. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the cruise ship port, and independent passengers will share the train (albeit in different carriages) with people booked on official excursions. For independent options such as this, booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment. Before booking a cruise line deal, check services such as Shore Excursions Group, Get Your Guide, or Viator to see what's available. Just be sure to leave plenty of time to return to the ship, keep an eye on local traffic or weather disruptions, and carry contact details for the port agent, the cruise line, and a local taxi company, just in case.
