What are shore excursions?
As well as sailing to remote destinations on your voyage with Swan Hellenic, you’ll also have the chance to delve deeper into the special places you visit. Cruise excursions are an important part of your time with us as these activities provide enriching experiences, expertly tailored to your itinerary.
Imagine soaking up the atmosphere as you wander around a sun-drenched Italian temple built in the 4th century B.C., or taking in the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s stunning Westfjords on a thrilling 4x4 ATV (all-terrain vehicle) ride. How about exploring mysterious caves and rock formations on an exciting RIB boat adventure along the Algarve Coast, then cooling off with a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters? Or taking a scenic tour of Norway’s Geirangerfjord by kayak, gliding through pristine water as you watch out for local wildlife?
At each destination, a wonderful, preselected shore excursion is included in your travel fare. Carefully selected for you, these excursions are chosen to showcase each of the impressive locations your voyage visits. In places outside of polar regions, we also offer additional cruise excursions as an optional extra. Our memorable excursions are carefully planned by a knowledgeable, well-travelled team to ensure every aspect is delivered to the highest standards. Plus, they’re designed to be accessible to different fitness levels, and appeal to a wide range of interests. You’ll have an experienced expedition team with you on your trips, on hand to answer any questions you might have, and ensure you have the best time possible on your unforgettable cruise activities!
Unmissable adventures
When it comes to must-see destinations, all of our voyages have exciting, enjoyable shore excursions! From immersing yourself in your snowy surroundings, marveling at captivating glaciers and majestic icebergs on an exciting Zodiac cruise in Antarctica, to enjoying an off-road experience on Cape Verde’s Sal Island in the Atlantic Ocean, or visiting Santo Domingo’s Botanical Garden, the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean, whichever ports you visit with Swan Hellenic, there’ll always be plenty to discover! No matter which destination you choose to visit, our choice of shore excursions means you’ll have the chance to really embrace the amazing places you visit on your travels, and make even more unforgettable memories as you explore!
As you may have guessed, there are a range of shore excursions for you to enjoy. Cultural excursions might involve visiting ancient ruins, historical landmarks, fascinating museums, and religious sites, and learning about the local culture, traditions, and history. Archaeological excursions may focus on exploring sites with rich archaeological significance. With nature excursions, you’ll visit destinations known for their stunning natural beauty, including hiking to amazing waterfalls, kayaking past gigantic glaciers, snorkeling with tropical fish, or exploring sprawling, beautiful national parks and mountains. Other excursions might take you to places where you can see local wildlife, such as whale watching, visiting an animal sanctuary or birdwatching.
Booking your shore excursions
Some of our shore excursions may have limited places available and advance booking requirements. So, to avoid disappointment, we recommend you pre-book your excursions before your Swan Hellenic cruise to make sure you don’t miss out. This is the best way to organize your spot on the excursions you’re interested in, especially for popular options with limited availability. Details of the excursions available on your voyage can be found online and in the brochure for your cruise. Information is also provided in your personal pre-trip documentation packs (Zodiac excursions don’t need to be pre-booked). If you have any questions or would like to book your excursion, please use our Contact Us form, and we will get back to you!
Useful information…
Follow these tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, and get the most out of your adventures with us!
- First off, familiarize yourself with the destinations you'll be visiting, and the types of activities available on your shore excursions.
- Be sure to carefully review the description of each excursion, and pay attention to any physical requirements. This will help you choose cruise trips that work best for you.
- If you’re not sure about an excursion, speak to your travel advisor, contact us or have a look online to find out more.
- Be sure to book early to secure your place on the included and optional excursions.
- Pack appropriately for your excursions, for instance, taking the right kind of clothes, sunscreen, and a camera!
- Your safety is our top priority, so please listen carefully to the safety instructions provided by the expedition team.
- If you have any questions about a shore excursion when you’re on board, feel free to ask the expedition team. They’re there to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
- We sometimes use the GetYourStream audio listening application during our excursions, so it’s worth downloading the app before your cruise. Go to Google Play (for Android) or the Apple Store (for iPhone) and search for "GetYourStream - live stream".
Frequently Asked Question
Do you take your passport on shore excursions?
Generally, no, you don’t usually have to take your passport on shore excursions. They are kept in the Purser’s Office. You take a ship card with you.
Are shore excursions worth it?
This depends what your interests are, but we think our shore excursions are definitely worth it! We choose excellent educational excursions that highlight the region we are in, and put a lot of effort into planning them, so you get the best experience possible, and make memories you’ll never forget. Whether that’s hiking through a rainforest and meeting indigenous locals, exploring a vibrant West African Voodoo Market, or watching penguins waddling about in Antarctica!
How can I find a shore excursion I'll enjoy?
Read the excursion description carefully, and if you’re not sure you’ll enjoy the proposed activity, maybe a different one will be a better fit? We recommend speaking to your travel advisor, or doing some research online to find out more about excursions if you’re unsure about something.
Can I leave the cruise ship without an excursion?
Yes, you can. In the majority of our ports.
Can you book excursions outside of the cruise line?
Generally, this is difficult to do and not recommended.