Your Guide to Family Friendly Shore Excursions

Going on a cruise with the family opens up a wide world of possibilities, especially when it comes to shore excursions crafted with the kids in mind. Beyond all the fun-filled activities, these tours offer a chance for families to bond over shared experiences, fostering a deeper connection to and understanding of the destinations visited.

Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, encountering exotic wildlife, or snorkeling in crystal clear waters, many of these outings help to make sure that every member of the family, from the littlest tots to the most discerning teens, finds joy and enrichment in each port of call.

The Benefits of Cruise Shore Excursions for Families

Excursions provide invaluable opportunities for families to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together. These outings foster stronger connections between family members as they share new experiences, overcome challenges, and enjoy quality time with each other away from the routines of daily life.

Moreover, they offer rich learning opportunities for children, allowing them to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of the world, and develop important life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Each excursion presents a unique educational experience that can complement or strengthen what they are learning in their classrooms.

Furthermore, parents can rest assured knowing that our family-friendly excursions are geared toward safety and convenience. From carefully planned itineraries to experienced guides and comfortable transportation, we prioritize the well-being and enjoyment of every family member, ensuring a worry-free and memorable outing for all.

The Top Shore Excursions for Kids

The following section provides a diverse range of activities in popular cruising regions that are suitable for most kids. Some excursions, such as biking, Segway, or cooking classes, are tailored more for teenagers and adults, or are just not as easy to do with a wee one in tow (you can check our website for more information on these types of excursions if you will be traveling with teenagers or college-age kids).

Alaskan Shore Excursions

Wildlife Viewing Tours: Take a guided tour to spot Alaska’s iconic wildlife, such as bears, whales, and eagles. Many of our tours provide opportunities for up-close encounters with these majestic creatures while ensuring safety for the whole family.

This kid-friendly tour has you exploring Sitka’s wild side — a must for animal lovers in your family! Here’s your chance to view whales, sea lions, and more in a deep-water fjord, then observe orphaned Alaskan brown and black bears at a bear rehabilitation center.

At the Alaska Raptor Center you can get up close with bald eagles, owls, and other birds of prey, then wrap up your journey viewing the totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park.

Gold Panning: Step back in time and try your hand at gold panning in Juneau, a quintessential Alaskan activity that’s fun for all ages. Learn about the gold rush history of the region and keep an eye out for shiny nuggets as you sift through the gravel in search of treasure.

Kids will enjoy the costumed prospector guide as well as the gold claim certificate they can put on their wall for a reminder of their time seeking fortunes in the wilds of Alaska. And, speaking of fortunes, any gold you find is yours to keep!

Dog Sledding Adventures: Experience the thrill of dog sledding in Seward with the whole family! Visit a sled dog camp where you can meet the huskies, learn about mushing, and even take a ride on a wheeled cart led by a team of energetic dogs. The fun continues post-ride as you cuddle adorable Husky pups and get a photo of yourself decked out as an Iditarod musher.

Caribbean Shore Excursions

Snorkeling and Swimming with Pigs: Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Caribbean with this family snorkeling excursion that also has you swimming with pigs just off Nassau (yes, pigs!). You and your kids can swim and play with friendly pigs, then strap on your snorkeling gear and check out the coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish. Note: children must be at least 48 inches tall to participate in this particular adventure.

Cultural Tours and Sightseeing: Immerse yourselves in the rich history and culture of the Caribbean with guided tours of historic landmarks, museums, and cultural sites.

The Caribbean is blessed with several Mayan ruins to discover, and the Chichen Itza ruins in Progreso do not disappoint! This ancient, massive city covered four square miles, and was one of the most important and powerful during the Mayan civilization. Here, your family can roam the grounds and view the ruins including temples, ball courts, carvings, an observatory, and a wall of skulls. With 26 structures to explore, your kids won’t get bored.

Outdoor Adventures: Challenge your family to an adrenaline-pumping adventure as you zipline through lush rainforests while enjoying panoramic views of the Caribbean landscape.

Head to the Belizean countryside to a zipline park that will have you sailing on the lines between nine platforms, all under the eyes and assistance of watchful guides. Afterward, enjoy some free time in the park for lunch or to cool down in the nearby river. Note: available for kids three years and up, with a minimum of 40 pounds to get on the zip lines.

European Shore Excursions

Castle Explorations: Step back in time and explore Europe’s majestic castles and palaces. Many historic sites offer family-friendly tours and interactive exhibits, allowing children to experience history firsthand.

This exciting Slovenian tour combines the thrill of a cave with the majesty of a castle! The kids will get a kick out of touring the world-famous Postojna Cave on an electric train that winds you through a myriad of tunnels, halls, and galleries.

Over at nearby Predjama Castle, you can explore this centuries-old fortress built into the side of a cliff while learning about Erazem, a medieval kind of Robin Hood and the castle’s most notorious owner. Learn how this rebellious knight used the castle’s underground cave system both to plunder and later survive an army siege for more than a year before being betrayed by his servant. Be sure to bring your camera!

Boating Activities: Kids would relish a thrilling adventure on the water, with opportunities for exploration, discovery, and maybe even a chance to see some marine life up close.

Kids of all ages will revel in the exhilarating experience of a Viking ship ride in Norway, where they can imagine themselves as fearless warriors sailing through fjords while hearing tales of ancient sagas and adventures on the open seas.

You will get to appreciate Bergen’s waterfront from a different perspective, as well as the smile on your children’s faces as they get a chance to steer the ship and help hoist the sails (hint: you can join in on this fun as well!).

Cultural Shows: Cultural shows, like dance performances, offer a vibrant glimpse into the local traditions and customs, while providing entertainment for all ages to appreciate and enjoy together.

While in Barcelona, enjoy a fiery flamenco show in an intimate setting at a renowned flamenco venue. Seating is limited to 180 guests around the stage in a setting similar to that of a traditional flamenco family gathering. You’ll get the chance to see flamenco legends perform at stage level, feeling the passion and energy of the dancers as they mesmerize you with hand fans and intricate foot movements. Afterward, indulge in a gourmet buffet of Spanish cuisine, including tapas, rice, desserts and, of course, the famous paella. Note: Children under nine are not permitted at the last show of the day.

Tips for a Successful Family Shore Excursion

A memorable family shore excursion is one that combines safety, interactive activities, educational value, and scenic beauty. Look for hands-on experiences like snorkeling, kayaking, or cultural workshops that engage family members of all ages. Opt for activities where kids can learn about local marine life or explore historical landmarks, and choose excursions that showcase the destination’s natural beauty.

Consider family-friendly facilities and flexible duration options to accommodate everyone’s needs. Mix up the itinerary with a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained and engaged, and don’t forget to include opportunities to enjoy local cuisine. Finally, seek out souvenirs or mementos to commemorate the experience and create lasting memories together.

When going on a shore excursion, remember to bring:

Day pack: A backpack or other carryall is essential for holding your snacks, maps, souvenirs, and more
Wet bag: one of these is key to holding your valuables during any water-related activity; they also conveniently store wet bathing suits
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by bringing along reef-safe sunscreen with a high SPF rating (at least 15 SPF) and reapply often
Insect repellant: This is a must for any activities in the jungle or rainforest
Snacks: Pack some easy-to-carry snacks like granola bars, fruit, nuts, or crackers to keep everyone energized throughout the day
Water: Stay hydrated by bringing reusable water bottles for each family member
Proper Attire: Dress comfortably for the weather, and keep everyone warm with a light jacket or sweatshirt (even in the tropics). Consider bringing extra clothes for the kids in case they get wet or messy
Hats and sunglasses: Shield your eyes and face from the sun with hats and sunglasses
Beach towels: Don’t forget to bring along beach towels for any water activities
First aid kit: Be prepared for minor injuries by packing a basic first aid kit with items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antacids, and pain relievers
Portable phone charger: Ensure you have enough battery power to capture memories and stay connected throughout the day

With these essentials in tow, your family can make the most of your shore excursion while staying safe and comfortable.

Conclusion

Unforgettable adventures during cruise vacations offer families an unparalleled opportunity for bonding, exploration, and creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. By inviting families to embark on these journeys together, we aim to enhance the joy and connection experienced on board.

When planning shore excursions for the family, it’s wise to book them in advance to guarantee availability and snag your spots on popular activities. Remember to look for ones that offer activities suitable for most age groups; this way, everyone can feel included and engaged throughout the journey.

Our commitment to you and your family is to provide shore experiences that are filled with excitement and discovery. We encourage you to explore our website for a comprehensive look at our family-friendly offerings and industry-leading guarantees. Make the most of your family’s cruise experience and create enduring memories by giving us a call today.