Set Sail for Unforgettable Adventures: 2025’s Must-Do Cruise Excursions

With northern summer vacations in full swing and 2025 cruise bookings heating up, the way travellers experience their shore days is changing. According to insights from Shore Excursions Group—one of the world’s largest providers of shore excursions—cruisers are not just clocking in a few hours at the next port. Instead, they’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime experiences that offer a deeper, more immersive connection to the destinations they visit.

A New Era of Shore Excursions

Gone are the days of simply stepping off the ship for a quick bite or a stroll along the boardwalk. Today’s cruisers are dipping into adventures that go well beyond the typical stopover. From swimming with pigs in the Bahamas to marvelling at Alaska’s magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, the modern traveller is all about engaging with nature, history, and lush local cultures. And the numbers back this up, with new booking trends revealing that travellers in 2025 are chasing more adventurous, cultural, and unique experiences than ever before.

But it’s not just the traditional Alaska or Caribbean routes that are catching the eye. While these sun-soaked and rugged destinations continue to be hot favourites, European cruise itineraries are also seeing a surge in immersive shore excursions. Travellers are increasingly booking guided tours through bustling Mediterranean markets, historical walks in ancient port towns, exclusive vineyard visits and art-and-cuisine experiences that let them taste the heart and soul of Europe. This shift means whether you’re cruising the Caribbean, exploring the wilds of Alaska, or soaking in the culture of Europe, your shore days promise to be anything but ordinary.

Top 5 Must-Do Excursions for 2025

Here are five standout excursions that are topping the wish lists and reshaping cruise travel for 2025:

1. Juneau – Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour (Alaska)

Kick off your Alaskan adventure by exploring Juneau’s vibrant city life before setting your eyes on the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier. This natural wonder offers not only breathtaking scenery but also a peek into the majestic wilderness that defines Alaska.

2. Skagway – Skagway City and White Pass Summit (Alaska)

Step back in time during the Klondike Gold Rush on an excursion through Skagway. This tour takes you on a scenic journey through towering peaks and historic towns, offering an intimate glimpse of what life was like during one of America’s most iconic eras.

3. Costa Maya – Costa Maya’s Chacchoben Mayan Ruins (Caribbean)

Uncover the mysteries of ancient civilisations with a guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. Set amid lush jungles, this journey plunges you into the splendour of the Mayan world—a truly enriching blend of history and nature.

4. Nassau – Nassau Swimming Pigs, Snorkelling, and Sun (Caribbean)

For those chasing the ultimate Instagram moment, this excursion is a must. Imagine swimming alongside friendly pigs in crystal-clear waters, then spending the rest of the day snorkelling and soaking up the Caribbean sun—a picture-perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

5. Stingray – Grand Cayman Stingray City, Barrier Reef and Starfish Beach (Caribbean)

Dip your toes into vibrant coral reefs, meet gentle stingrays in their natural habitat, and unwind on the pristine sands of Starfish Beach. This immersive experience lets you interact closely with marine life while exploring one of the world’s most celebrated underwater landscapes.

Final Thoughts

From glacier trekking in Alaska to exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Costa Maya and enjoying the playful charm of swimming pigs in Nassau, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where every shore excursion leaves you with memories to last a lifetime. And with European cruise bookings showing a similar appetite for deep, immersive experiences, there’s never been a better time to plan your next adventure.

So, whether you’re setting sail to the wilds of Alaska, the tropical bliss of the Caribbean, or the cultural marvels of Europe, make sure you book an excursion that goes beyond the ordinary. As the world of cruise travel evolves, these immersive adventures ensure that every journey is uniquely tailored to give you the best travel experience imaginable. For more information and bookings, visit Shore Excursions Group.