Disembark for These Unique Shore Excursions
Princess passengers looking for a truly unforgettable experience during their cruise vacation can bypass simple sightseeing tours and opt for shore excursions that cater to each destination. From southeast Asia to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, travelers can disembark to experience cultures and traditions they may never encounter again - why not take the opportunity to get adventurous?
Cruising through the skies
Rather than floating on the water, travelers can soar through the clouds with private plane and helicopter tours above some of the world's most incredible landscapes. On a Hawaii cruise to Maui, passengers can book a helicopter tour to Hana, which boasts stunning mountains and valleys that can only be viewed from difficult hikes or, for lucky Princess guests, from the comforts of a luxury helicopter. Flying over dramatic waterfalls hidden in some of the most secluded rainforests in the world as well as the Haleakala Crater, travelers won't want to forget their cameras during this once-in-a-lifetime excursion.
If passengers are staying at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge in Alaska's Denali National Park, they can sign up for a flightseeing tour in a private jet with their closest loved ones. Cruising thousands of feet above the Alaska Range, passengers will see the southern face of Mt. McKinley, Foraker and Hunter before crossing over the Kahiltna Glacier, the longest in Denali National Park. Fliers also have the option of deplaning in the middle of the Ruth Glacier, where they can treat themselves to never-ending views of the incredible terrain.
Get dirty hiking, biking and four-wheeling through the jungle
Why settle for staying in a bus when Princess offers 4x4 adventures through forests around the world? In St. Lucia, passengers on a Caribbean cruise can take rugged trips through the valleys and mountains, including Mt. Gimie, the island's highest peak. After taking photos at the mountain top, thrill seekers will careen down rural dirt roads through dense forests and conclude their journey at La Tille Falls, a stunning waterfall ideal for an afternoon swim.
On a New Zealand cruise, travelers can experience what it's like to be a Kiwi, who are notoriously adventurous and always pushing the limits of thrill-seeking sports. Locals prefer getting their heart racing with gravity-defying activities such as Zorbing and bungee jumping. Princess passengers itching to test their fear threshold at the street luges of Tauranga. Similar to Winter Olympic luging, these wheeled go-carts fit one person and are easily steerable, allowing adventurists to decide whether they want to fly down the mountainside or take a leisurely ride through the wilderness.
Close encounters with nature
Traversing through the skies and jungles leaves little room for close interactions with flora and fauna, and if passengers want to take their time getting to know their habitat, Princess offers nature excursions where they can pet, feed and play with native creatures.
Cruises that call in Tahiti give travelers the chance to snorkel in crystal waters while being surrounded by friendly and harmless stingrays. Ideal for families with small children, this shore excursion allows swimmers to wade through the crystal-clear lagoon as sea turtles make their way through the shallows to feast on small fish.
In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, visitors can book an excursion to not only climb to the top of a 600-foot-tall waterfall, but also swim at Dolphin Cove, where the fun-loving mammals nudge their soft noses against swimmers' legs as a sign of affection.