7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding
7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Shore Excursion to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Few places in Alaska capture the essence of the Last Frontier quite like Glacier Bay National Park. This vast, UNESCO-protected area, encompassing over 3 million acres of rugged mountains, dense rainforest, and dramatic fjords, is a true natural wonder. The most accessible and rewarding way to experience Glacier Bay is undoubtedly through a cruise. Most major lines include a day-long visit, allowing passengers to marvel at iconic glaciers like Margerie and Grand Pacific. You'll also get a chance to witness an abundance of wildlife, with opportunities for guided kayak tours to get closer to seals, eagles, bears, and other creatures that call this special place home. Some expedition-focused cruise lines even offer longer itineraries, providing two or more full days within the park, including hikes, biking, and opportunities to connect with the unique culture of nearby communities. Be sure to book these excursions in advance, though, as they tend to fill up quickly, particularly during the summer months. Failing to secure a spot in advance could leave you missing out on one of the most breathtaking experiences Alaska offers.
**Shore Excursion to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska**
Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site in southeastern Alaska, covering a vast area of mountains, forests, fjords, and, of course, glaciers. It's primarily accessible by water, making it a prime destination for cruise excursions. Most major cruise lines offer full-day itineraries in the park (around 9-10 hours), allowing passengers to see the majestic glaciers up close.
For a more immersive experience, guided sea kayaking tours provide a unique perspective of the marine environment and offer opportunities to spot abundant wildlife like eagles, salmon, bears, whales, and sea lions. Some adventure cruise lines even offer extended two-day itineraries within the park, opening up the possibility of hiking, biking, and exploring the culture of nearby places like Haines.
Key attractions in Glacier Bay are the large glaciers, including Margerie and Grand Pacific, which are often featured in excursion offerings. Cruise ships frequently carry National Park Service rangers who share insightful presentations and stories about the park's features and natural wonders.
While the park is open to private vessels, they must adhere to regulations and guidelines. This includes restrictions on paid crew members unless the vessel is considered a commercial operation. Bartlett Cove sees daily tour boats during the summer, providing a seven-hour tour through the park's varied wildlife and ever-changing landscape.
Given the popularity of these excursions, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and book any desired excursions in advance before you set sail. That will ensure that you don't miss out on your preferred activities and maximize your experience in this unique and dynamic environment.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Shore Excursion to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
- 7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Rock Climbing Wall Session on Norwegian Cruise Line
- 7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Broadway-Style Show 'Six' on Princess Cruises
- 7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Culinary Workshop with Le Cordon Bleu Chefs on Ponant
7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Rock Climbing Wall Session on Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line's rock climbing walls are a fun, unique addition to their ships, giving passengers a chance to experience something a little different while enjoying scenic views. However, be aware that the climbing time is limited, often just two 1.5-hour sessions per day. This schedule, coupled with some cruises having closing times as early as 5 PM, can mean queues, especially if you're not early. The routes are varied, catering to different skill levels, with two easier and one harder climb available. Fortunately, you won't have to pay extra to use the wall but are required to sign a waiver as a safety measure. It's always reassuring to see trained staff overseeing the activity, making it a more secure experience. Overall, rock climbing on a cruise can be a memorable moment for adventurous souls seeking something more than just sunbathing and onboard dining.
Norwegian Cruise Line's rock climbing walls are a popular feature on several of their ships, such as the Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Breakaway. While seemingly a fun addition, the operational hours are somewhat limited, often with just two 1.5-hour sessions each day. This can lead to queues, especially if the wall closes as early as 5 PM on certain itineraries. Guests wanting to scale the wall need to plan accordingly to avoid missing out.
The walls themselves feature three main climbing routes—two simpler and one more challenging. The good news is that there's no extra charge to use the wall, which makes it a relatively accessible activity. It's important to remember that safety is a top priority, and all climbers are required to sign a waiver before they start their ascent. Trained staff are on hand to supervise and ensure everyone's safety while using the automated belay systems that reduce the risk of falls.
These walls, often reaching up to 40 feet, offer a simulated outdoor climbing experience, with varying difficulty levels suitable for a wide range of abilities. The experience can be memorable due to the unique vantage point: climbers can get a panoramic ocean view from the highest points. This unique perspective is seldom available in land-based climbing gyms, adding to the appeal.
Beyond the thrill, climbing can offer a unique form of exercise, strengthening core and upper body muscles, and also fostering a sense of community as guests cheer each other on. Some studies even suggest that it can improve problem-solving skills and boost cardiovascular fitness. It's worth noting that while these walls are great for exercise and entertainment, their design can be subject to change on newer ships, as engineers seek ways to improve both structural integrity and guest capacity. The allocation of space on a cruise ship is obviously limited, and this often leads to changes in the placement and design of the walls from ship to ship.
7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Broadway-Style Show 'Six' on Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has brought the popular Broadway-style show "Six" onboard, adding a fresh element to their entertainment roster. "Six" cleverly reimagines the lives of Henry VIII's six wives, presenting their stories through a modern, pop-infused lens. The show's success lies in its catchy music, smart lyrics, and unique take on historical figures, making it a crowd-pleaser. While Princess offers a variety of shows, particularly on their Royal-class ships, reserving seats for "Six" and other productions like "Bravo" and "Magic To Do" is a good idea for a more comfortable viewing experience. It’s a reminder that Princess is focused on providing enjoyable onboard entertainment. If you are planning a cruise, it's advisable to pre-book popular shows like "Six" to avoid disappointment and make the most of your trip.
### Broadway-Style Show 'Six' on Princess Cruises
The musical "Six" offers a captivating twist on the stories of Henry VIII's six wives. It cleverly weaves together historical context with contemporary music and lyrics, which has been widely praised. While it has gained popularity on Broadway, it's also finding a home on select Princess cruise ships.
The show's music is penned by the British duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, who masterfully blend pop culture references with theatrical elements. This unique approach allows them to appeal to a wide variety of viewers, making it a flexible show for cruise entertainment. Princess itself features a range of onboard entertainment, but the show is most commonly found on the newer Royal-class ships like the Sky, Enchanted, and Discovery.
Each of the six queens is represented with unique choreography and dance styles that reflect their individual personality and narratives. It demonstrates how modern theatrical productions heavily rely on a wide range of skills in the performers. The design of the stage, usually adapted from a Broadway setup, presents a technical challenge due to the physical limitations of the ship.
Interestingly, the show incorporates audience engagement, distinguishing itself from traditional theater experiences. It manages to achieve a good balance between entertainment and a unique atmosphere, possibly helping to create memorable moments for those who see it. Unlike many Broadway productions that can run for over two hours, "Six" keeps the runtime short and focused. This is potentially in response to passenger experience, where audience attention spans and cruise day schedules can be diverse.
One of the intriguing aspects of the musical's design is that it appeals to a broader audience. Families can enjoy it together, and the way it modernizes discussions of women in history and connects them to contemporary gender issues can encourage reflection. This suggests a purposeful goal by cruise lines to offer a wider variety of programming that can address broader cultural questions and be a part of the onboard experience.
Bringing the show to a cruise ship is an undertaking that involves adaptation and a meticulous rehearsal process. This illustrates the complexity of the engineering side of a traveling Broadway show. With the need to adapt the performance for a ship and also meet the demands of varying passenger preferences, this creates an interesting challenge for both production staff and the creative engineers involved in setting up and managing the shows. The inclusion of these types of performances on cruises such as "Six" potentially reflects a strategy to draw in more passengers and potentially boost onboard sales of refreshments, merchandise, and experiences related to the show. The integration of "Six" and similar productions into the cruise experience exemplifies a growing trend for cruise lines to continuously elevate their entertainment offerings, particularly in the realm of high-quality performances and experiences.
7 Must-Book Cruise Ship Activities to Secure Before Boarding - Culinary Workshop with Le Cordon Bleu Chefs on Ponant
Ponant's partnership with Le Cordon Bleu, a world-renowned culinary school, brings a unique dimension to their cruise experiences. These workshops, open to all levels of cooks, from enthusiasts to novices, are a chance to learn professional techniques and secrets. You'll have expert chefs guiding you through various culinary styles, encompassing everything from cooking fundamentals to pastry making.
The emphasis on modern culinary practices, which increasingly includes plant-based options, reflects the evolving tastes of travelers. These workshops go beyond a simple cooking demo; they offer hands-on learning and allow you to immerse yourself in the world of gastronomy. The benefits extend beyond the cruise itself; you'll gain practical skills and potentially even some new favorite recipes to try at home.
It appears that cruise lines are placing greater value on enriching passenger experiences, and this emphasis on culinary exploration is a clear example of that trend. It adds a satisfying layer to cruising, balancing the adventure of travel with the joy of discovering new gastronomic pleasures.
The Ponant cruise line has partnered with Le Cordon Bleu, a renowned Paris-based culinary institute established in 1895, to offer culinary workshops onboard their vessels. These workshops, open to individuals of all skill levels, promise a deeper understanding of cooking beyond just following recipes.
The instruction, typically delivered by a chef instructor, delves into professional techniques and secrets. Participants learn more than just basic knife skills, getting immersed in a range of culinary disciplines including cuisine, pastry, and baking, often through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
It's interesting that Le Cordon Bleu has incorporated modern trends into its programs. Their focus on plant-based and ethical cuisine indicates an awareness of changing consumer preferences and a dedication to adapting their approach. It seems to be less about traditional haute cuisine and more about accessible practices.
Le Cordon Bleu is known for its short-term culinary classes and workshops, designed to augment traditional culinary instruction with modern techniques. In essence, it seeks to enhance the art of gastronomy by fusing traditional methods with more cutting-edge approaches. The focus on individual attention and hands-on participation suggests that they are trying to empower participants to master fundamental skills, and that is likely a key component in attracting participants.
While it's certainly fascinating that Le Cordon Bleu provides globally-recognized culinary training and a great many of its graduates become well-known in the culinary world, the connection between the cruise line experience and this legacy can feel a bit distant for individuals not seeking professional-level training. That being said, if you are looking for a short, immersive experience that might spark your interest in cooking then the Ponant/Le Cordon Bleu program could be a valuable experience. For the casual enthusiast or beginner, it's a chance to explore the science behind food preparation in a context that emphasizes skill development and fosters an appreciation of international cuisine and a greater awareness of the role of food in cultural heritage.