Your Gateway to Adventure: Royal Caribbean Shore Excursions

When you picture your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise, you probably imagine the sun-drenched deck, the glistening pools, and maybe a colorful drink in your hand. But here’s a little secret from someone who specializes in helping families plan the prefect cruise: the real magic often happens off the ship. Shore excursions are your passport to the soul of the destinations you’ll visit, and Royal Caribbean makes sure those moments are as unforgettable as the voyage itself.

From the Caribbean’s sugar-soft beaches to Europe’s centuries-old streets, from Asia’s bustling markets to Australia’s wild coastlines, each stop on your itinerary is an invitation to step into a different world. And with options designed for every age, interest, and energy level, there’s a way for every family to make those days ashore their own.

My family loves sitting down together and choosing from a wide array of shore excursions, making sure everyone gets an experience they are excited for. Here are a few of my favorite things to consider when booking shore excursions!

Adventures That Fit Every Age

Royal Caribbean specializes in shore excursions for all ages, making it an exciting way to introduce young children to new cities and countries. For families with little ones, the best excursions are the ones that balance excitement with comfort. In the Caribbean, that might mean boarding a glass-bottom boat, watching tropical fish swim below you. It could be a day at a gentle beach, where shallow waters are safe for splashing, or even a rainforest canopy tour on a mini zipline designed for younger kids. 

During our recent cruise stop in Nassau, we had the unforgettable opportunity to take part in a dolphin encounter, where we got to hug, wave to, and pet a dolphin named Clifton. Afterward, we spent a carefree afternoon on the beach, splashing in the waves and playing in the sand. Even months later, my seven-year-old still talks about Clifton and the magical moment she got to hug a dolphin — an experience that clearly left a lasting impression.

Over in Europe, shore days can be surprisingly kid-friendly. Imagine wandering cobblestone lanes in a historic old town, where your guide slips in a game of “find the hidden statue” to keep young travelers engaged. Or perhaps stopping at a local bakery in France or Italy, where your children can try their hand at making pastries while you enjoy a well-earned espresso.

Regardless of age, Royal Caribbean offers a perfect blend of shore excursions that appeal to every family member. 

Turning Up the Thrill

Of course, not everyone wants to take it slow. If your crew has older kids or teens, or even an adventure-seeking friend, Royal Caribbean’s more adventurous excursions are perfect for bonding over shared adrenaline. Zip-lining through a Caribbean rainforest canopy, bouncing along sandy trails on an ATV in the Mediterranean, or paddling kayaks through secluded coves in Spain or Southeast Asia can turn a regular day into a core memory.

Some destinations invite you to push your limits in truly unique ways like hiking up the slopes of a volcano, snorkeling along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, or exploring underwater shipwrecks in the South Pacific. Even in bustling cities, there are urban adventures to be had: think bike tours through Amsterdam or electric tuk-tuk rides through Bangkok.

On one cruise I took with just my husband, we had an unforgettable adventure in Cozumel. We rode ATVs through rugged jungle trails, kicking up mud and soaking in the scenery, then hopped into a two-man speedboat to race across the waves of the Caribbean Sea. It was the kind of excursion that got our hearts pumping, had us laughing out loud, and left us grinning the entire day.

Immersing Yourself in Local Culture

For many, the real joy of a cruise is the chance to experience new cultures together. Shore excursions are your front-row seat to authentic traditions and flavors. In Japan or Vietnam, you might take a cooking class, learning to fold delicate dumplings or roll sushi. In Italy, you could spend the afternoon with a local chef, hand-shaping pasta in a sunlit kitchen before sharing a meal with wine for the adults and sparkling lemonade for the kids. Markets are another highlight where you can wander between stalls in Thailand to sample sweet mango sticky rice, or browse a French market for creamy cheeses and still-warm baguettes. 

Historic sites can be truly awe-inspiring. During our honeymoon, we toured the Colosseum in Rome, and it felt like stepping back in time, walking through centuries of history in the heart of the ancient empire. We also visited the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, and its sheer scale and grandeur left us speechless, even before we saw Michelangelo’s Pietà and the stunning artwork that fills every corner. Royal Caribbean’s excursions are designed to be immersive and culturally rich, offering an authentic connection to the places you visit. They truly allow you to experience each destination like a local, not just a tourist.

Planning for Smooth Sailing

Travelers should carefully consider what shore excursions they are interested in and consider booking in advance for the best options and availability. Shore excursions can fill up quickly, especially those in high-demand ports or involving limited spots, like small-group wildlife encounters or exclusive cultural workshops. My advice? Once you’ve booked your cruise, start browsing excursions. This way, you’ll have the best choice of times and activities, and you can balance your days with the right mix of rest and adventure.

I also recommend alternating between high-energy and slower-paced days. If you’ve spent a morning hiking or snorkeling, follow it with a relaxed sightseeing tour or an afternoon on a quiet beach. This keeps everyone happy and rested.

Another tip: keep the seasons in mind. The Caribbean and Bahamas sparkle year-round, but hurricane season (roughly June to November) may bring itinerary adjustments, so flexible plans are best. Europe’s summer can be stunning but crowded; late spring and early fall often offer gentler weather and fewer tourists. In Asia, dry season months are ideal for outdoor adventures, while in Australia and New Zealand, summer (December to February) is peak time for warm-weather excursions.

Making It Yours

Every family has its own rhythm, and the beauty of Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions is how easily you can tailor them to your style. Whether you want to fill every day with adventure, focus on culture and history, or spend more time relaxing by the water, there’s always something waiting at the next port.

As a travel advisor, I love helping travelers sift through the endless options and find those perfect matches. Because when you return home, it’s those moments—spotting dolphins on a boat ride, laughing during a market taste test, or sharing gelato in an Italian piazza—that will stand out as the highlights of your trip.

So when you picture your cruise, remember: the ship will be amazing, but the world beyond its decks is where your memories will truly expand. With a little planning and an adventurous spirit, your shore excursions will become the heartbeat of your journey.

Your Exclusive BOGV Bonus
Book any sailing and receive an extra $100, $50, or $25 to spend at sea when you reserve your trip through Be Our Guest Vacations by November 30, 2025.

• $100 for Suite staterooms
• $50 for Balcony staterooms
• $25 for Interior or Ocean View staterooms

If you’re dreaming of a vacation that blends world-class cruising with incredible moments ashore, Be Our Guest Vacations is here to guide you every step of the way.