9 Cruise Shore Excursions That Are More Than Worth It

After booking a cruise, you might be tempted to arrange your own shore tours and forgo any cruise shore excursions. And yet, while it's certainly an option to walk around and explore on your own, cruise excursions are specifically designed to ferry travelers to the highlights of each destination, offering unique experiences that can be hard to replicate on your own.

With these packaged shore excursions, a mile-long photo reel and a permanent grin are just two of the fabulous things you can expect to leave with as you sail from port. Spotlighting the skies over Dubai to the highway views in Maui to the cool waters of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the nine cruise shore excursions that follow are more than worth booking.

1. Whale, Eagle And Bear Sightings — Oh My!

If you're looking to spot a whale spout while vacationing in Alaska (who isn't?), there's perhaps no better place to do so than the waters of Point Adolphus surrounding Icy Strait Point. Even though the wilderness can be unpredictable, this port comes with a whale-watching promise. Here, whales are so plentiful that a sighting is actually guaranteed by your tour provider or a refund is issued.

On this cruise excursion, you'll be on the lookout by land, air and sea — at one point following your guides by foot through the Spasski River Valley, searching high and low for bald eagles and brown bears. And have that zoom lens punched in during the catamaran cruise portion, when your chances of seeing a whale spout or even breach are high.

2. Travel Back In Time To Mayan Rule, Then Plunge Into A Cenote

Even in the year 750 A.D., the Maya were building up a storm. On a cruise excursion during your port call in Progreso on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, you'll tour the incredibly well-preserved ruins of one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites, Chichén Itzá. Encompassing six square miles, it's home to various ceremonial sites including pyramids, temples and an observatory.

And what better way to cool off and wind down after a sunny trek than by taking a refreshing dip followed by a local lunch? This region is known for its mysterious cenotes — natural sinkholes formed in limestone caves. Jump on the opportunity to go for a memorable swim in one before tucking into a plate of Yucatán specialties.

3. Go Off-roading Through The Countryside Of Crete

On a sun-drenched sailing through Greece, you might find yourself imagining what it would be like if you lived there. While chances are you probably need to return home after your cruise vacation, you can pretend to be a local for a day on this shore tour that allows you to explore Crete, the largest and most populous Greek island, by 4x4 Jeep.

During your six-hour cruise excursion, you'll feel the wind in your hair as you drive past some of the island's most stunning scenery en route to two traditional villages in the White Mountains. Learn about what it's like to be a modern-day shepherd before being treated to an authentic lunch at a family-run taverna.

4. Find Nemo While Snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef

For those wondering "are cruise excursions worth it?" a snorkel encounter at one of the world's most famous coral reefs will surely make a believer out of you. During a call to Australia's Airlie Beach, board a catamaran directly from your ship to head toward the glorious Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Once you arrive at the Whitsunday Islands — often on lists of the most spectacular reef systems in the world — your shore excursion guide will instruct you on gear before you explore a dazzling rainbow of marine life underwater. Plus, this full-day shore tour includes afternoon tea and a buffet lunch to relish after you're finally coaxed back on board.

5. Take The World's Most Scenic Drive On The Road To Hana

From surfing to volcano hikes, there are plenty of thrilling shore trips set in Maui. Soaking in the serenity of Hana on the island's east coast has to be one of your best bets during a cruise in Hawaii for the laid-back vibes and unparalleled views.

On this cruise excursion, you'll spend hours gazing out the window on a full-day panoramic coastal drive featuring the ultimate photo ops and a tasty lunch break. Expert commentary from your guide will supply context as you pass some truly awe-inspiring vistas.

6. Sip Rum In The Home Of Captain Morgan

When in the Virgin Islands, it's customary to try some of the best spiced rum around, which is famously distilled by the global brand Captain Morgan. Named after a legendary 17th-century pirate, Captain Morgan is a label synonymous with the beloved spirit, and it all began right in St. Croix.

In addition to touring the visitor center and sampling a flight of rum, thirsty participants on this boozy shore excursion will appreciate a visit to a local brewery. Leatherback Brewing, founded in 2018, is a craft beer outfit shining with island pride and offering a solid variety of ales, lagers and IPAs, as well as a refreshing spiked seltzer.

7. Taste Your Way Through Cartagena, Coffee Break Included

The bustling Colombian city of Cartagena is a vibrant epicenter of antiquity and modernity perched along the tropical Caribbean coast. This cruise shore excursion will give you a literal taste of local life as you admire the colorful historic architecture surrounding residential neighborhoods, 17th-century forts and the stately plazas of Cartagena.

Munch on fresh tropical fruit as you learn about the city's role in the Spanish Inquisition. Then head to Old Town's largest and oldest square, where you can enjoy a coffee in a country famously associated with delicious java. Continue your multisensory tour at a local restaurant where you can further indulge in regional specialties like arepas before ending with a sweet treat at Portal de los Dulces.

8. Soar Above Dubai In Style

Dubai is like a city from the future, and it's hard to fully appreciate its towering architectural splendor from the ground. In a place where the world's rich and famous come to play, why not splurge on the view of a lifetime with a helicopter ride over Dubai? 

This short but spectacular thrill ride will whisk you to the heights of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as well as over the man-made World Islands, designed to look like a world map and best appreciated from above. Return to Atlantis on Palm Island to head back to your ship and brag to your friends about this epic shore excursion.

9. Get Up Close And Personal With Mt. Fuji

Japan's highest peak is not only considered a sacred mountain; it's also one of the most recognizable natural wonders in the world. On a cruise to Shimizu, considered the port of Mt. Fuji, head to the 400-year-old Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, located in the foothills of this majestic peak in the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, on an unforgettable shore excursion. If you're visiting in spring, prepare to be surrounded by Japan's iconic pink cherry blossoms.

Climb to the open-air observation deck to witness Fuji's snow-capped summit. And don't forget to take time in the visitors center to learn about the history, including seismological history (Fuji is also an active volcano!) of this much-revered mountain.

Spot a shore excursion you simply won't be able to live without? It all starts with booking the cruise.