The walking adventures that will change your mind about cruise holidays
Cruising isn’t just about the water, the shore excursions are often the best bit
From Michelin-starred restaurants to Cirque du Soleil performances and epic water slides to cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, cruise companies are constantly reinventing life on board, coming up with bigger and better ways to eat, drink and fill the time drifting from port to port.
But it’s not just the ship amenities that are being enhanced. The onshore offerings are also undergoing an overhaul as companies strive to find new ways for their guests to connect with the landscape and locals of each new destination.
Shore excursions are no longer about spending the day hopping on and off a coach, but increasingly aim to help guests really get under the skin of a destination.
And after a few days cooped up on board, there’s really no better way to do so than by stretching your legs and allowing your feet to take you to places that you’ve never been before.
Whether that involves clambering along a path that clings to a vertical cliff, stepping into the rainforest to hear the sound of exotic bird call or even climbing a volcano to cool off in the crater’s lake, many cruise companies are now offering walks in the company of expert guides who pepper the experience with insider knowledge and point out hidden treasures along the way.
There are also plenty of experts on hand to point you in the right direction if you’d prefer to be going it alone instead.
Below are some of the best walks on offer from cruise ports around the world. Some are accompanied, while some are perfect for those that prefer to breathe it all in in solitude. So what are you waiting for? Lace up your boots and put your best foot forward. The world’s great day hikes are only a cruise away.
Be serenaded by the world’s smallest primate
The spectral tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world, and one of the most romantic, so walkers in the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Sulawesi, may be lucky to hear the male and female “sing” a duet – one of many highlights while exploring the Malay Archipelago with Ponant on their new ship Le Lapérouse.
In partnership with National Geographic, this expedition sailing is led by a team of naturalists to explore the Kei islands, Triton Bay’s Karst islands, the Maluku islands in the Banda Sea and the historic island of Rhun, which the British traded for Manhattan in 1677.
15 nights from £5,373 per person departing Darwin, Australia. Departs Sept 8, 2020 (0800 980 4027; ponant.com).
The Call of the wild
Nobody would want to get lost in the 16.7 million-acre Tongass National Forest, the largest in the US, so a four-mile guided hike from cruise ship Ovation of the Seas safely showcases Alaska’s magnificent natural beauty. There’s also a chance to encounter native wildlife such as bald-headed eagles, bears, deer, moose and mountain goats during the walk across boardwalks, stairways and moss-covered forest trails that wind between towering hemlock, spruce and cedar trees. On board, guests can keep up their walking regime around the 348-metre-long ship during scenic cruising past mountains and glaciers.
Seven nights from £917 per person. Departs Vancouver, British Columbia on Aug 16, 2020 (0844 493 4005; royalcaribbean.co.uk)
A wee dram of whisky
Walkers exploring remote landscapes in the Western Isles of Scotland from MV Hebridean Princess are rewarded with picnics including a wee dram of the ship’s own blend of Scotch whisky.
Tours cater for most walking abilities and the Footloose Through the Inner Sound tour, alongside the magnificent Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye, is led by guides who have an intimate knowledge of the terrain. Surrounded by the Black Cuillin mountains, 36 dramatic peaks of ancient volcanic landscape, guests are welcomed back to the jetty with a Pimm’s or coffee laced with Hebridean whisky, of course.
Seven nights from £3,895 per person. Departs Oban on April 28, 2020 (01756 704704; hebridean.co.uk).
Going underground in Okinawa
Hidden from the world until 1967, Gyokusendo Cave in Okinawa reveals its beauty to visitors on a two-mile walk through 300,000 year-old stalagmites and stalactites.
Passengers on Westerdam’s Taiwan, Japan & China Explorer cruise can follow a steel walkway that twists and turns over turquoise pools and a river filled with cave fish as trickling water echoes throughout the caverns. It’s a comfortable walk in the year-round temperature of 21C (69F) and at the end there’s an escalator back up to ground level. Guides are on hand in the Explorations Central lounge to assist guests with information while locals are invited aboard to give talks on their favourite haunts and offer useful phrases and insider tips.
14 nights from £2,199 per person, cruise only. Departs Hong Kong on Feb 1, 2020 (0344 338 8608; hollandamerica.com).
Safer, but just as spectacular
Malaga’s Caminito del Rey was one of the most dangerous hikes in the world, with missing sections of pathway and sheer cliffside drops, but the path has been repaired and new bridges, handrails and stairs added to create a spectacular, safe walking experience along the steep gorge in El Chorro. Guests on Saga’s boutique ship Spirit of Discovery can experience the exhilarating 4.7 mile-long (7.7km) trail on a four-hour tour during its Chic Mediterranean cruise. This also features a call to the Spanish naval port of Ferrol for a walk along part of the spiritual route to Santiago de Compostela, known as the Way of St James.
18 nights from £3,499. Departs Southampton on Oct 17, 2019 (0800 505030; saga.co.uk/ocean-cruises).
Meet the lighthouse family
Wind and sea conditions around Chile’s Cape Horn can be fierce so Ventus Australis passengers have no guarantee their ship can moor at the most southerly point of South America. Those who do manage to get ashore can walk to the lighthouse, where the lighthouse keeper and his family still welcome visitors. The ship continues to the calmer waters of Wulaia Bay, with flower-filled meadows and native trees, for a choice of three hikes of varying difficulty which all lead to a mountain peak with 360-degree views of the snowy Cordillera Darwin range.
Five days from £1,286 per person (cruise only). Departs Ushuaia, Argentina, and cruises to Punta Arenas, Chile with a choice of dates up until March 31, 2020 (0034 93 497 0484; australis.com).
Crouching dragons, sleeping volcano
Join local rangers on Rinca Island for a walk in search of Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on the refurbished MS Panorama II’s Indonesian Island cruise. Dragon-spotting is not staged on this off-the-beaten-track island and the carnivorous, three-metre lizards make a formidable sight. For a longer walk, head out across the rice fields in Bangsal and visit local sarong weavers for an insight into local rural life. The 25-cabin ship sails between island gems including Satonda Island, where passengers can swim in the salty lake of dormant volcano Mount Tambora, which last erupted in 1815.
Seven nights from £2,010 (cruise only). Departs Bali on May 23, 2020 (0808 274 5111; intrepidtravel.com).
Step up to sweet sensations
Maple toffee on fresh snow is a favourite treat in Quebec and passengers on Queen Mary 2’s New England and Canada Transatlantic crossing can try the “candy” on a foodie walking tour of the old city. Learn how Quebec’s French heritage and modern North American influence has combined to create the city’s burgeoning food scene at eateries such as the Parisienne-style bistro Café du Monde, with its lively atmosphere and terrace views over the Saint Lawrence River, and La Petite Cabane, a little sugar shack filled with maple lollipops, maple syrup and maple herbal tea which make sweet gifts to take home.
14 nights from £1,899 per person. Departs Quebec for Southampton on Oct 16, 2020 (0344 338 8650; cunard.com).
The Path of Gods
Enjoy a walking workout while admiring views along the Amalfi Coast when Azamara Journey calls into Sorrento during her Intensive Italy cruise. From the hilltop village of Agerola trek 1,500 feet above sea level, following a guide along The Path of Gods through the countryside and hillside villages with Mount Pertuso looming on the horizon. After the three-hour hike unwind at a seaside café in the resort town of Positano where seafood is a king; try scialatielli ai frutti di mare, a dish made with seafood and fresh pasta or ricotta-filled ravioli sprinkled with grated lemon peel and mozzarella.
9 nights from £2,103 per person. Departs Venice to Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 11, 2020 (0844 493 4016; azamaraclubcruises.com).
Search for giant water lilies
Awake at dawn to the sound of the Peruvian rainforest to look for river dolphins, giant otters and manatees from 28-passenger classic riverboat Amatista Amazon. Join daily ventures into the jungle where highlights include the Ucayali River hike to look for the Victoria Regia water lily, which has circular pads measuring up to three metres. Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is also on the itinerary and home to more 200 bird species and 10 primate species including the endangered Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek) which lives in the tree canopy.
Seven days from £1,279 per person. Departs Lima on December 2, 2019 (020 7313 6944; gadventures.com).
Formula One by foot
The Monaco Grand Prix is the most famous ‘street circuit’ in the Formula One calendar and petrolheads on the 3,100-passenger P&O cruise ship Azura can walk part of the course where Lewis Hamilton and his rivals race for pole position. See the famous hairpin bends and corners, Casino Square and the entrance to the tunnel, as well as the mega-yachts in the marina, before the tour diverts for a viewing of Prince of Monaco’s Private Classic Car Collection of 105 vintage and veteran cars, including a 1929 Bugatti, a 1903 De Dion Bouton, a 1986 Lamborghini Countach, and a 1952 Rolls Royce.
14 nights from £1,270 per person. Departs Southampton on May 3, 2020 (0345 355 5111; pocruises.com)
Cream tea and scones
Kaikoura, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, sits in the shadow of the Seaward Kaikoura Range which rises steeply from the Pacific Ocean floor. Guests on Seabourn Encore can take a ‘moderate’ walk from South Bay Marina along the peninsula to discover evidence of an early Maori settlement and follow a guide to a grove of native trees in the Fifeshire homestead’s huge gardens. A ‘Devonshire’ tea of scones with cream and jam is served before the walk continues along the coastline to Point Kean where New Zealand fur seals can often be seen as well as blue penguins bobbing just offshore.
16 days from £6,119 per person including flights. Departs Sydney to Auckland, on February 5, 2020 (0344 338 8615; seabourn.com)
Hike among waterfalls
Expedition ship Iceland Diamond circumnavigates the Land of Ice and Fire offering guests a choice of daily expeditions including the Hike among Waterfalls tour from Seydisfjördur, in the eastfjords. Following the route of a stream, walkers are rewarded with superb views of Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss waterfalls as well as the vast Lake Logurinn. With long hours of daylight there is also time to wander into Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland’s first national forest which has been preserved since 1905.
10 Days from £1,899 per person. Departs Reyjavkik on July 22, 2020 (020 3630 1340; icelandprocruises.co.uk)
Follow the Old Postman’s Route
Take a 15th century path, known as the Old Postman’s Route, from Esporles and Banyalbufar in Palma de Mallorca, during Oceania Riviera’s Spanish Silhouettes cruise. This delightful three-hour trail on the GR221 or Dry Stone Route winds through a pine forest, passing old olive terraces and holm oak woods before descending to ancient Banyalbufar, a stunning village perched on hundreds of ancient Moorish terraces which run down to the sea, testament to man’s ingenuity to create farmland on inhospitable cliffs. The area was renowned for the cultivation of the prized Malvasier grape variety, which modern vintners in the village are now attempting to re-establish.
Seven days from £2,010. Departs Rome, Civitavecchia to Barcelona on October 30, 2019 (0345 505 1920; oceaniacruises.com).
No threat to humans
Embark on a guided hike through El Yunque National Forest where, reassuringly, none of the animals or insects are poisonous. Even the six-foot reptile Puerto Rican Boa poses no threat to humans. Guests on Windstar’s 212-suite Star Legend can walk along maintained trails within the 28,000-acre jungle to look and listen for wildlife including the Puerto Rican tody, a member of the kingfisher family. These tiny, bright green birds, with a red chin and yellow breast, fly through the woods in twos, chirping to each other as they hop from branch to branch.
Seven days from £1,499 per person (cruise only). Departs San Juan on January 25, 2020 (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk).
Strap on the snowshoes
Ramblers Cruise & Walk holidays with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines feature a range of walks from grade one to four walks, offering everything from leisurely rambles to pioneer grade trails for more experienced walkers. Those on the grade four Norwegian Winter cruise will wear snowshoes to explore the icy wonderland and as night falls look skyward for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Meanwhile, the classic cruise ship Black Watch sails into Tromso on Sami National Day for a chance to revel in the indigenous people’s celebrations and listen to their traditional yoik choirs before climbing Mount Storsteinen.
14 nights from £2,085 per person. Departs Southampton on January 31 (0800 084 3260; fredolsencruises.com).
Vineyards and port wine tasting
In the heart of Portugal’s Unesco-listed Douro Valley grapes have been grown on steep terraced vineyards for more than 2,000 years. On Uniworld’s Portugal, Spain and the Douro river cruise and stay holiday, passengers can discover the history of the House of Sandeman port wines during a walk through the 160-acre Quinta do Seixo vineyard. From new ship Sao Gabriel, the expedition starts from pretty Pinhão and heads into the hills to the family-owned quinta, where the vineyard is tended, to learn about advanced wine-making technology and, most importantly, join a tasting of the fine produce.
11 days from £3,149 per person includes seven nights on Sao Gabriel. Departs Lisbon on August 6 and 13, 2020 (0808 301 2561; uniworld.com)
A bridge not too far
American Cruise Lines has 11 small ships which sail to 25 states and itineraries include walking tours from New York, Williamsburg, Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia. The company has partnered with Fred.Olsen River Cruises so telephone bookings can be made from the UK.
Cruises from New York on the new 175-passenger American Constitution feature the Hudson River Skywalk with panoramic views towards the Catskill Mountains. The two-mile round trip is a warm-up for hiking trails close to the city in Greene County, which is studded with woodland paths, bubbling streams and thundering waterfalls.
Eight days from £3,990 per person (cruise only). Departs New York on October 26, 2019 (0800 035 0237; americancruiselines.com)
City within a city
Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest fortification in Finland, spanning eight small islands just off Helsinki. Built during Swedish rule to protect the country against Russian invasion, the 18th century fortress is now a Unesco World Heritage Site and during a walking tour from Regent Seven Seas Explorer’s Baltic Discovery cruise, visitors discover that Suomenlinna is a city within a city. It has its very own library, health centre, fire brigade and school. Back in central Helsinki, check out more wonderful buildings including 20th century architect Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall and the Academic Bookshop, where you will also find Café Aalto.
12 nights from £6,375 (cruise only). Departs Southampton on June 11, 2020 (02380 682 280; rssc.com).
Follow pilgrims’ route in Passau
Explore the Bavarian city of Passau, at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, at the start of 188-passenger Viking Prestige’s Danube Waltz cruise. The walk starts on Mariahilf Hill, named after the church where it is said Habsburg Emperor Leopold I prayed to St Mary to lift the Ottoman siege of Vienna. In the wake of this miracle, pilgrims flocked to the church, a tradition that continues today. Cross the River Inn before venturing to the left bank of the Danube to climb to Veste Oberhaus, a mighty fortress atop St George’s Hill which affords spectacular views over the city.
Eight days from £1,395 including flights. Departs Passau, Germany, on July 19, 2020 (0800 319 66 60; vikingcruises.co.uk)
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