Types of Shore Excursions, Compared
Eight kinds of port day, what each involves, and who each one suits best.
Plan My Port DaysThe Eight Main Types
Port brochures can list dozens of tours, but almost all of them fall into a handful of types of shore excursions. Knowing the type tells you most of what you need: how active it is, how long it takes, what to wear and what can go wrong.
| Type | What it involves | Fitness | Typical pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, paddleboards, catamaran sails | Light to moderate; swimming ability needed | Half day |
| Beach and beach club | Loungers, a beach or a club with facilities | Easy | Flexible |
| Food and drink | Market tastings, street food walks, cooking classes, tastings | Easy walking | Half day |
| Culture and history | Old-town walks, museums, cathedrals, ruins | Easy to moderate walking | Half to full day |
| Adventure | Zip-lines, ATVs, rafting, canyoning, hikes | Moderate to strenuous | Half day |
| Wildlife and nature | Whale watching, rainforest walks, bird reserves | Varies | Half day |
| Scenic rides | Rail journeys, cable cars, sightseeing flights, panoramic coaches | Easy | Half to full day |
| City overview | Coach or small-group tour of highlights | Easy | Half day |
How to Choose Between Them
- Pick the one type each traveller would hate, and rule it out.
- Mix types across the cruise: a lazy beach day after a big city day.
- Match type to port: some ports are famous for reefs, others for old towns.
- Check the season: whales, waterfalls and flowers keep their own calendars.
- Read the small print on fitness, minimum ages and weight limits.
Ship-Sold or Independent, by Type
Some types are easy to do independently: a beach near the pier or a walk around an old town. Others are usually simpler through an organised tour, such as anything far inland, with equipment, or with timing that is tight. Whichever you choose, the timing principles on port excursions on your own apply.
Find Tours by Type and Port
Once you know the type, browse real options on Caribbean Cruise Ports, Alaska Port Excursions, Europe Port Excursions, Asia Shore Excursions and South America Shore Excursions. Shore Activities covers other regions. Saving on excursions once you are booked is covered on Cruise Saving.
Regional Twists on Each Type
The same type of shore excursion changes character from one region to the next. A water day in the Caribbean usually means reef snorkelling or a catamaran; in Alaska it means a whale-watching boat or a sea kayak among icy coves, with warm layers instead of swimwear. A culture day in the Mediterranean is ruins, cathedrals and old towns; in Asia it is temples, markets and street food. Adventure in Central America leans to zip-lines and rainforest, while in Norway it is hiking above fjords.
So when you read a port’s list of tours, translate each one back into its type and ask whether that is the kind of day you want there. It keeps a varied itinerary from turning into the same day repeated in different places.
If a port offers a type you have never tried, consider it. Many cruisers discover a new favourite, such as snorkelling or a cooking class, on a port day.
Not Sure Which Type Suits You?
Tell us who is travelling and how active you are, and a Mister Cruise advisor will suggest the right mix of excursion types.
Ask an Advisor