Topic: Shore excursions 'increasingly important'

Shore excursions are becoming an increasingly important part of cruise holidays, according to an industry group.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that its members are expanding their range of shore trips in order to ensure that their existing customers keep coming back and also to attract people who are new to cruising.

Available shoreside activities now range from a few hours in a city or coastal resort to several days spent in some of the world's most famous tourist destinations.

Terry L Dale, president and chief executive of the CLIA, said: "The member lines of CLIA enjoy the highest rates of repeat business in the travel industry but they also have a huge untapped market of vacationers that have never realised that they can pursue what they love doing most on a cruise.

"Creative, unusual land programs, from short shore excursions to overland adventures that may last several days, keep loyal returning customers happy and intrigue non-cruisers, helping to motivate them to give it a try."

He went on to say that the common denominator between both groups is "the indisputable 'wow' surprise factor".

The CLIA highlighted some of the most popular shore excursions on offer around the world, from sport-themed trips to culinary adventures.

...I've had cause to worry about the future of the more adventurous excursions recently.

Earlier this year, we did a kayaking excursion in Grenada. There were only four of us plus the ship's representative and two guides. The other week we did a Jeep safari from Lisbon with a dozen others. It turned out that ship's representative (from the Tours department) was with us on a similar safari in Marmaris a couple of years previously. She told us that the Marmaris excursion doesn't operate any more and that all safari-type excursions are under threat due to the dreaded 'health and safety'. Apparently the cruise line gets too many complaints from people who get dirty and bumped around!

So if you're one of those who's complained about excursions you really shouldn't have gone on in the first place, please spare a thought for those of us who love them!


(This is a rear-engined kayak. Fred's not tired - there's a glass bottom!)



After all, what's a little dirt?

too right, we went on kayaking trip in Antigua, people complaining too hard work, it was advertised you needed to be reasonably fit, some were not and struggled to keep up. Spoiled it for others. We loved it. But the rep there was telling us the same story.

Dave, I love kayaking and on one excursion was amused at the rather glamorously clad lady who moaned because she'd 'got wet'.
No...really?
Well it was pouring down!!!

QUOTE:

too right, we went on kayaking trip in Antigua, people complaining too hard work, it was advertised you needed to be reasonably fit, some were not and struggled to keep up. Spoiled it for others. We loved it. But the rep there was telling us the same story.

In any case, when you've had too much excitement...


...you can always take a fag and beer break!

(And no, that's not me!)

Regards

QUOTE:

...I've had cause to worry about the future of the more adventurous excursions recently.

Earlier this year, we did a kayaking excursion in Grenada. There were only four of us plus the ship's representative and two guides. The other week we did a Jeep safari from Lisbon with a dozen others. It turned out that ship's representative (from the Tours department) was with us on a similar safari in Marmaris a couple of years previously. She told us that the Marmaris excursion doesn't operate any more and that all safari-type excursions are under threat due to the dreaded 'health and safety'. Apparently the cruise line gets too many complaints from people who get dirty and bumped around!

So if you're one of those who's complained about excursions you really shouldn't have gone on in the first place, please spare a thought for those of us who love them!


(This is a rear-engined kayak. Fred's not tired - there's a glass bottom!)



After all, what's a little dirt?

WOW how bril is that, i wish i had gone on that, 63yrs old and still love a challenge. i am green with envy. good for you i agree if you dont like a bit of a dare /challenge then dont go, if all you do after is moan. dont spoil it for others. a bit of muck never hurt anyone. have a shower then do it again.

QUOTE:

Dave, I love kayaking and on one excursion was amused at the rather glamorously clad lady who moaned because she'd 'got wet'.
No...really?
Well it was pouring down!!!

cant stop laughing at that one, it takes all sorts to make the world go round,

I am just a tad...by about forty years:D:D:Dtoo old to do these activities but I would expect to get wet and dirty... for goodness sake I get wet and dirty peeling potatoesmy only complaint about shore excursions is that they are far too expensive but if you enjoy it do it:pand stop wining...or should that be whining

we are not going until 20 October. Cruising on Celebrity Eclipse, Have heard good reports about this ship