It is difficult to choose an excursion based solely on flowery words in a brochure. I have been on enough cruises to know that some excursions are a good value and some are not. But, as a single woman traveling alone, I didn’t think I would be comfortable doing outside tours in foreign countries.
I found out later that some repeat world
cruisers set up outside tours, through their own travel agencies, from tour advertised
on the internet, or knowing tour operators who gave good tours in the past.
The whole purpose of going on a
world cruise, for me, is to see the cities, the sights, the world wonders of
each country – the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, Komodo
Dragons, Ayers Rock, Iguazu Falls, Terra Cotta Warriers, the Amazon River,
Antarctica, etc.
The Shore Excursions booklet made
for a very interesting read, and I found myself choosing the biggest and
best-sounding, and the total kept rising.
In late July, I met with the lady
who will be joining me on the cruise. We
poured over the excursions, and I made a spreadsheet for her, too. I changed some excursions after our talks; and
with notes from the veteran cruises on the Cruise Critic website, I changed
more. Even so, it seems I will be a very
busy lady in each port!
Now, though, I have hurt my knee and
leg and am having a hard time walking. I
have looked at the excursions – again! – and have noted those with the “strenuous”
activity icon and those that require “a lot of walking on uneven ground” or “212
steps to the theater”, for example. I am
hoping for the best with physical therapy, knowing that I can change excursions
almost up to the last minute. But, I
like the tours I’ve chosen!! (More about them in a later blog.)
Just the other day, the “official” 2012
Grand World Voyage Shore Excursion book came in the mail. It was a treat to sit
down and read through the tours offered.
It’s a generalized listing, without the pricing or times on the .pdf I printed out so many months earlier, but it
sure is pretty with lots of gorgeous photos of each port of call. So, here I go
again, reviewing the excursions I have chosen to see if there is anything “better”
I want to do.
SHORE EXCURSION IDENTIFIERS
THE
Here’s how Holland
America
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Medallion Collection
A series of exclusive experiences
designed to accommodate our most discerning guests, our Medallion Collection
tours are each carefully chosen to provide an in-depth perspective. They
offer unparalleled access to events and sights not normally readily
available. First-class style, smaller groups, multi-day Overland Adventures -
elite activities for a privileged few.
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Encore Collection
Been there, done that? Think
again. Our Encore Collection, designed especially for repeat guests, lets you
discover what lies beyond the well-known attractions you've already seen.
Barbecue with Argentine gauchos, bike the tree lined boulevards of
and again. |
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World Wonders Collection
Natural treasures, architectural
marvels, technical wonders: to the Seven Wonders of the World we add our own
nominations based on decades of leadership in global travel - the grand
palaces of
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Cruise With Purpose Collection
For every global citizen who has
ever dreamed of either giving back or paying it forward, the innovative
Cruise with Purpose Collection is quite simply about improving our planet one
voyage at a time. Assist in scientific research, bring much-needed supplies
to an orphanage, participate in a fair trade program or cultural exchange,
replant native forest or restore fragile habitat-your footprint will be light
and your soul enriched.
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Signature Collection
This exclusive touring option for
independent minded travelers lets you completely customize and maximize your
time ashore by reserving private transportation (along with an English
speaking driver and guide) in advance. Whether you travel by car or minivan,
customized boat, classic floatplane or stretch SUV limousine, you choose the
companions, sights and pace that perfectly suit you.
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Icons
Very light activity including short
distances to walk; may include some steps.
Requires intermittent effort
throughout, including walking medium distances over uneven surfaces and/or
steps.
Requires active participation,
walking long distances over uneven and steep terrain or on steps. In certain
instances, paddling or other non-walking activity is required and guests must
be able to participate without discomfort or difficulty breathing. 
Specially designed for guests who
enjoy a slower pace, these excursions offer sightseeing mainly from the
transportation vehicle, with few or no stops, and no mandatory disembarkation
from the vehicle during the tour. The pace will be gentle and taking your time
is encouraged. 
This tour includes a meal-lunch on
daytime tours, or dinner on evening tours
This tour includes a small snack or
tasting of local specialties. The snack is not a meal.
The number of people able to
participate in this tour is strictly limited. Reasons for limiting capacity may
include the number of transportation seats available, or the need to maintain a
safe ratio of guides for hikes, fishing and water activities.
