PORTS OF CALL / SHORE EXCURISIONS

About our ports of call and excursions: we tend to be more independent travelers and don't love group-based, large bus-type shore excursions, although we'll sign up for them if it's the only way to experience something or the safest way to do so.

We're comfortable using public transport in most places, if it's efficient. We always aim to give ourselves a good buffer to make it back to the ship with plenty of time for unexpected traffic or other hiccups along the way.

Throughout our years of travel, we've figured out the kind of experiences we're after:

• We're strong hikers--we're comfortable with 3–8 miles most days, occasionally 8–12, and prefer a trek that will give us a view or lead us to a waterfall or some other natural wonder.

• We love good food: markets, regional specialties where the locals eat, casual excellent meals in one-of-a-kind places.

• We’re always down for a good geothermal hot spring.

• A good wine or liquor tasting is great; not so much with beers or breweries.

• If there is snorkeling available, we love to try it. On the whole, we prefer to snorkel off a beach but if the only way to do good snorkeling is off a boat, we are not averse to signing up for a tour.

• A walk through a good botanical garden is always welcome.

• Art museums often figure into our travels, particularly if they are notable or exceptional for some reason.

• We don’t go for just any typical tourist site but if it’s a “must do”, “one of a kind” kind of thing, we’re up for it.

• We also love to, as we call it, “walk around and look at sh*t.” Urban walks in interesting places, beautiful lake/sea/riverside esplanades, etc.

DISCLAIMER: We do not receive any income, goods, or services to endorse or visit any establishment or company listed in our shore excursions. In the spirit of caveat viator -- let the traveler beware -- all shore excursion descriptions reflect our own personal experience and are provided for informational purposes only. We make no guarantees regarding accuracy, availability, timing, or feasibility. Conditions change, and what worked for us may not work for you. Cruise passengers are solely responsible for their own planning, and for ensuring they return to the ship on time. Missing a ship is your responsibility, not ours.