Getting Culture on a Cruise

A huge reason why so many of us love to travel is that we get to immerse ourselves in new cultures that have rich histories, which are often so different from our own. But, on cruise vacations, travelers often worry that they’ll have to rush from point A to point B, trying to cram in as many activities as they can before they depart for the next location. This leaves travelers feeling like they are racing the clock, making it difficult to truly experience all that a new location has to offer. Luckily, there are ways to alleviate these worries and help travelers get the most out of their time at sea.

Seek Out Cultural Tours and Experiences

Even if travelers are taking a cruise with a major cruise line, there are usually cultural events onboard, as well as cultural tours at the destination to enjoy. In fact, most large cruise lines have established relationships with reputable and reliable tour guides. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers the Bushwalk and Cultural Experience Tour in Australia where an aboriginal elder guides travelers through the region to experience cultural activities, beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony.  Or, if travelers visit Puerto Vallarta on a Carnival Cruise, they could sign up for the Hidden Mexico and Traditions Tour where they can have a typical Mexican lunch and visit a tequila distillery.

Consider a River Cruise

River cruises give travelers the luxury of relaxing on a ship but in a more intimate environment. They also do a lot of planning for the guests, making sure to stop at UNESCO World Heritage Sites and even customize itineraries based on location. Travelers will be able to check out all the must-see spots, sample the food and experience the culture all at their own pace. This lets travelers kick back and relax. Not to mention, you can still see the shore – what a relief.

Do Your Research

Planning is key for any successful vacation, but this is especially true for those taking a cruise. Always make sure travelers know just how much time they will have at one destination, and if they can, they should opt for cruises that give them the most time in one location. This will give them ample opportunity to visit local restaurants, art-galleries and museums. Travelers should also consider contacting the tourism bureau for each destination, as they offer in-depth resources such as maps with activity, restaurant and tour options, which can be so helpful for independent exploring.

For travelers going on a cruise, finding ways to incorporate culture for an authentic experience can be a challenge, but with a little extra effort, you can make it happen.