Shore Excursions - What to Choose??

By Mid-April I had printed out all 150 pages of the Shore Excursions booklet that I had saved to my computer as a .pdf file.  I then compiled an Excel spreadsheet with all the dates, ports of call, times in port, and my first 3 choices of excursions at that port, noting times and prices.   When I went online at Holland America to book the excursions, it was easy to just page down the spreadsheet without spending a lot of time re-reading the descriptions online.

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 HOLLAND AMERICA COLLECTIONS

Here’s how Holland America classifies their tours:

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.

 

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 Barcelona, ride an Icelandic pony across a windswept beach near Reykjavik. These tours showcase hidden gems, unusual angles and inside stories that will bring you back time and again.

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 St. Petersburg, the moai statues of Easter Island, and the Great Wall of China, among others. What they have in common is the ability to inspire awe.

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.

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.

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.