When you book an American Queen Voyages cruise, you can expect a travel experience full of highlights. Luxury vessels that are high-tech and modern, beautiful scenery and world-class service are all reasons your vacation will be amazing. Then you have the shore excursions. When you have time to step off the boat to explore ports of call, there is so much to see and do.
To make the most of your valuable onshore time, you must carefully plan your time. That means researching and deciding what your on-the-ground travel style should be like. Will you fill your time with tours, relax or go on a shopping spree? The options are wide open. To inspire your adventurous soul, we’ve curated a list of shore excursions that are fun, exciting and popular.
Mexico & Costa Rica
Mexico is a diverse country, with every port being uniquely fascinating. From mountain biking, deep sea fishing and cooking in Huatulco to snorkeling with sea lions in La Paz, you will be living your vacation moments to the fullest. Embarking on a jungle safari, zip lining, shopping in historic cities, are some more of the fantastic activities you can take part of in Mexico. Of course, we must mention the food. Nothing beats authentic Mexican dishes in Huatulco or Manzanillo, with the spice levels hot like the locals like it.
Of course, many of the shore excursions take place in the amazing ruins Mexico is famous for. In Puerto Chiapas, you can take a shore excursion to see the Mayan Tree of Life and learn all about Mayan history and culture. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Izapa Ruins.
Every shore excursion in Costa Rica is blissfully warm and relaxing. The atmosphere in this lovely Central America destination is what vacation dreams are made of. Expect history and culture galore in San Jose and one-of-a-kind nature experiences. Imagine sipping on coffee at sugar cane plantations, feasting on juicy tropical fruit, hiking through rainforests, and learning about Costa Rican culture. Mother Nature is present in Costa Rica in many ways and our shore excursions give you a wonderful look at how unique this corner of the earth is.
Canada & New England
Cool cities, charming towns, and plenty of nature and wilderness are woven into the shore excursions in Canada.
Who could resist an Anne of Green Gables tour at Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island? Step into the storybook experience, sample fresh seafood, roam around the lush PEI National Park and take in the town with colorful buildings by the waterfront. Halifax shore excursions are slightly more upbeat in a city with a lively arts and culture scene, great shopping and dining, and plenty of historical sights. Hit the road for the picturesque town of Lunenburg or go to Peggy’s Cove and see the lighthouse. You won’t get thirsty either with wine tastings and brewery tours to enjoy.
In Quebec City, you are guaranteed a sophisticated time with art galleries, museums and shopping all along cobblestoned streets. The Arts & Wonder: Shining Sights in Quebec City shore excursion featuring Montmorency Falls and the Isle d’Orléans is full of breathtaking views. Take in the sights from the suspension bridge or embark on a cable car ride to the top of the cliff.
Alaska & British Columbia
Our Alaska & British Columbia shore excursions wow travelers as they stop at places like Vancouver, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Wrangell. Wildlife scenes straight out of National Geographic are only part of what guests can expect. Bear sightings, deep-sea fishing, kayak tours, and Zodiac safaris are all thrilling excursions that make the most of the incredible scenery of Alaska.
We hope this article has helped you brainstorm about all the possibilities for your next American Queen Voyages cruise. The time is limited at each port, but you sure can pack a lot into the day. After a day of exploration, you have the haven of your cabin to return to as your cruise departs, destined for another wonderful stop in the coming days. You will be talking about the extraordinary shore excursions you went on and looking forward to the next one as you are gently lulled back into a blissful state of relaxation.
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