One of the best parts of cruising is visiting new destinations on port days. After all, we travel to explore and to expand our understanding of the world, and cruising makes this easy to achieve. While some people simply amble off the ship with basic ideas of where to go — like the local beach or shops within walking distance — others choose to embark on pre-arranged shore excursions to dive further into the local culture. Of those two choices, we highly recommend shore excursions … and here’s why.
Kensington Cruises
Excursions often provide a curated “best-of” experience, making them ideal if you’ve never been to the location before. They’re usually led by local guides who offer cultural context and historical insights — like the significance of a Maya ruin or the battle history of an Irish castle — that you simply wouldn’t get wandering alone. Plus, many tours grant exclusive access to must-see sites, such as private, after-hours museum visits, while others confer “skip-the-line” privileges at crowded landmarks like the Colosseum.
One company that is taking shore excursions to new heights is Kensington Cruises, the cruising arm of popular tour provider, Kensington. Their private-guided shore excursions let you transform your next cruise into a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience customized just for you.
With these tailor-made private-guided shore excursions, you’ll leave the crowds and motorcoach lineups far behind. From historic tours and cultural encounters to active adventures and culinary escapades, you can enjoy enriching personal experiences with a private guide and driver in over 265 ports around the world.
Examples of their private-guided shore excursions include:
- In Santorini, Megalochori, Island Winery: Journey into the soul of Santorini on a wine tour blending ancient heritage, dramatic landscapes and indulgent flavors. From sweeping island views to a tasting of rare volcanic wines, this half-day escape culminates in a leisurely lunch amid the vines.
- In Rome, Italian Heritage Journey Excursion: Your heritage comes alive with a genealogist by your side as you explore your ancestral Italian towns. Start planning pre-trip with your own documentation or kick off research with the expert genealogist.
- In Alexandria, Giza and Old Cairo: Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and enter the Great Pyramid of Cheops. With your guide, explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the sacred landmarks of Old Cairo before finishing your day amid the vibrant alleys of Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
- In Buenos Aires, Exploring San Telmo & La Boca: Follow your private guide to bohemian San Telmo and the colorful, culture-rich streets of La Boca. Browse antique treasures in San Telmo’s famed Plaza Dorrego, then wander Caminito’s open-air museum of brightly painted homes shaped by immigrant heritage.
Kensington Cruises also customizes pre- and post-cruise experiences that allow you to discover extraordinary adventures and hidden gems in over 100 destinations. From private wine tasting in Cape Town or olive tasting in Arles, a private cooking class with a market visit in Barcelona or a private-guided tour of the pyramids of Giza, Kensington provides another way for you to add something truly personal to your cruise.
Contact our travel agency to learn more about Kensington Cruises.
Wine tour, Santorini, Greece
Pienza, Italy
