Cruise excursions are often the most anticipated part of any cruise, and with 138 cruise days and approximately 74 port days, the excitement only grows.
Viking Ocean Cruises released a menu of excursions for each port in July, complete with pricing. In August, the reservation window opened for our cabin class. Viking offers a complimentary excursion at each port, typically a 2-3 hour coach tour that highlights the area—perfect for first-time visitors wanting a general feel of the destination and a brief opportunity to explore.
In addition to the free excursions, Viking also offers more extensive optional tours at an additional cost. These excursions often include exclusive access, food or wine tastings, or longer trips to more remote locations.
Of course, world cruisers can also opt for third-party excursions from companies like Viator or Tours by Locals, or simply hire a driver at the port. While these options are usually less expensive, they come with their own risks.
On our world cruise, we preferred a balanced approach of complimenary and optional excursions. We leaned towards Viking’s offerings, as they guarantee that the ship won’t leave without you. Here are some of the excursions we’re particularly excited about:
Miraflores Locks & Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center
Explore the operational areas of the Panama Canal with a private guide from the Panama Canal Authority. Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center to learn about this engineering marvel and the massive expansion project completed in 2016, which doubled the canal’s capacity.
Sail Bora Bora by Catamaran
Sail by Mount Otemanu’s towering green summit as you pass reef islets and iconic water bungalows on stilts. Tcatamaran will anchor, allowing time to swim in the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling equipment is available to explore the abundant marine life, including rainbow-hued fish, blacktip reef sharks, manta rays, or friendly gray rays. Afterward, relax onboard with chilled refreshments.
Waiheke Island – Auckland, NZ
We first visited this stunning island in January and can’t wait to return. Taking a morning ferry to Waiheke, home to a small community of painters, writers, and nature lovers. After arrival, follow the scenic coast to Onetangi Beach, known for being one of New Zealand’s most picturesque spots. Enjoy visits to wineries and view estates perched on cliffs overlooking pristine beaches.
Overland to Central Province of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Take a scenic drive from the coastal plains to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, located within the old Royal Palace precincts. Visit the temple and attend a ceremony with thesenior monk. After an overnight stay, enjoy a private audience with one of Sri Lanka’s senior Theravada Buddhist figures, followed by the priest’s blessing. The next day, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which boasts over 4,000 plant species and a stunning orchid collection. Take a relaxing walk through the gardens.
Maldives Escape Luxury and relaxation await us for a beach day at one of the top island resorts in the Maldives. While we live in Florida with fabulous beaches, we figured that by Day 83 of the cruise, which will mark the half way mark of our adventure, we will be more than ready for a beach day and some cold refreshments and check out what promises to be the mecca of tranquility and relaxation. Plus our son Zachary and Sedona will be traveling to Maldives about two weeks after we get here, so we get the chance to see it for ourselves and have shared stories.
Marrakesh Overland
Arrive in Agadir, Morocco, and embark on a 3-night stay in Marrakesh. During our time there, we will explore the city, visit the souks, and do some shopping and bargaining. We also plan to tour a 14th-century Islamic school. On our return to the ship, now docked in Casablanca, we will stop in Essaouira before exploring the Moorish architecture and famous “White City” of Casablanca.
Along the way, we are looking forward to a plethera of trips and visits to explore the cities of Cabo San Lucas, Honolulu, Singapore, Sydney, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Zansibar, Cape Town, Porto prior to arriving at London.
So stay tuned as we depart 12/19/24 and hope to update the Blog as we prepare and then as we travel.