Princess Cruises Excursions: Making Memories at Every Port
Cruising offers the chance to visit all kinds of amazing destinations, but you’ve got limited time at each port. That’s where Princess Cruise excursions come in. These shore trips let you see the highlights and hidden gems of every stop on your itinerary. Whether you want to lounge on a secluded beach, go on a historical walking tour, or zipline over a rainforest, Princess has an excursion for you. With knowledgeable local guides, convenient transportation, and exciting activities for all interests, Princess excursions make exploring each port easy and fun. So don’t waste a minute of your cruise staying on the ship. Get out there and make memories at every port with a Princess shore excursion!
Planning Your Perfect Princess Cruise Itinerary
Choose a Destination That Speaks to You
With Princess cruises sailing to over 360 destinations on all seven continents, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’ve always dreamed of gazing at glaciers in Alaska, wandering ancient ruins in the Mediterranean, or spotting wildlife on an African safari, there’s an itinerary for every traveler’s bucket list.
Mix Excursions for the Perfect Balance
The key to crafting your perfect cruise itinerary is finding the right balance of scheduled excursions and unstructured free time. Princess’s wide range of excursions, from guided tours to immersive cultural experiences, are a great way to make the most of your time in each port. But don’t forget to leave some days open to explore on your own or simply relax on the ship.
Plan Ahead and Book Early
While Princess cruises offer plenty of flexibility, some excursions may sell out, especially on popular sailings. Booking excursions in advance on Princess’s website ensures you won’t miss out on must-see attractions. You can also save up to 20% by bundling excursions. And for the ultimate convenience, consider an all-inclusive cruise package with drinks, Wi-Fi, and crew appreciation included.
With the freedom to craft your perfect itinerary, both on and off the ship, a Princess cruise is the ideal getaway. By choosing a destination you love, balancing scheduled excursions and free time, and planning ahead, you’ll be on your way to making memories that will last forever.
The Best Princess Cruises Shore Excursions for First-Timers
One of the major highlights of cruising with Princess is experiencing exciting new destinations. For first-time cruisers, shore excursions are the perfect way to explore port cities and the surrounding areas. Princess offers a variety of excursions at each port of call to appeal to different interests.
Classic City Tours
Can’t-miss city tours give you an overview of the destination’s history and culture. In Juneau, Alaska, the City and Glacier Tour visits Mendenhall Glacier and explores Alaska’s capital city. In Cozumel, Mexico, the Tulum Mayan Ruins Tour explores the ancient walled city and stunning Caribbean beaches. These tours hit the highlights so you can get a taste of the local flavor in a short time.
Adventure and Wildlife Excursions
For thrill-seekers, many Alaskan ports offer helicopter flightseeing, whale watching, and bear viewing tours. In Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Whale Quest tour soars over massive glaciers and whale-filled waters. Caribbean destinations like St. Thomas and St. Maarten provide opportunities to go snorkeling, sailing, or zip lining through the jungle.
Whether you want to soak in culture, experience natural wonders, or strap in for an adventure, Princess has you covered. Their highly-rated shore excursions help first-time cruisers make the most of every destination. With a variety of options at each port, you can craft your perfect itinerary exploring all the world has to offer.
Insider Tips to Maximize Your Time in Port on a Princess Cruise
To make the most of your time exploring a port of call on a Princess cruise, use these insider tips from seasoned cruisers.
Book excursions ahead of time
Don’t wait until you’re onboard to book excursions. Popular excursions, especially those with limited space, may sell out quickly. Booking in advance ensures you get to experience your top choices. You can easily book excursions on the Princess website up to 4 days before your cruise.
Get off the ship early
Princess’ excursions depart directly from the pier, so you can avoid crowded meeting areas on the ship. Rise early on port days and enjoy breakfast at your leisure. You’ll be among the first to disembark, giving you more time to explore. The all-aboard time is usually 30-60 minutes before the scheduled departure, so keep an eye on the time.
Explore on your own
If you want to explore at your own pace, disembark as early as possible and head out on foot or via taxi or rideshare. Princess port maps point out nearby attractions within walking distance. Some ports offer bike rentals or hop-on hop-off bus tours for easy DIY exploring. Just make sure to check if the port is pedestrian-friendly and budget extra time for transportation to avoid missing the all-aboard.
Take advantage of shipboard amenities
While in port, take advantage of your stateroom steward cleaning your room and fresh towels by the pool. The buffet and main dining rooms will still be open for those not on excursions. It’s a perfect opportunity to try the extra-fee specialty dining without the usual crowds. The spa, gym, casino, and shows will also operate as usual for those opting to stay onboard.
By following these tips from seasoned Princess cruisers, you’ll be able to make the most of your limited time exploring each port of call. The key is planning ahead and using your time efficiently so you can experience as much as possible, whether on an excursion or exploring on your own. Happy cruising!
At the end of the day, Princess Cruises’ shore excursions are all about creating amazing memories during your time in port. With knowledgeable local guides, convenient transportation, and carefully curated experiences, you can rest assured you’re getting an authentic taste of each destination. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, sample local cuisine, or embrace some action and adventure, there’s a Princess excursion perfect for you. So don’t just stay on the ship when you’re docked at an exciting new place. Get out there, see the sights, and make some unforgettable memories with a Princess Cruises shore excursion!
