21 Best Cruise Excursion Ideas for Every Type of Traveler

Cruise vacations can be a ton of fun, and that's true whether you're sailing through the sunny Caribbean or you're exploring the Mediterranean or the Middle East. Your cruise ship or vessel is a lot like a giant party boat in a lot of ways, and you typically have an endless number of dining and entertainment options right at your fingertips.

Another aspect of cruising travelers love is the fact your ship provides transportation to at least a few different destinations. A week-long cruise could easily stop in six different ports over the course of seven or eight days, for example. However, a longer cruise could visit a range of different countries or even several continents if it stays out at sea long enough.

With all this in mind, it's easy to wonder about the best excursion ideas for different types of travelers and diverse destinations. Are you better off spending your cruise relaxing on your ship? Or, do you want to get out and explore different destinations or landmarks with an expert guide at your side?

If you're trying to decide what to book (and what not to book) for your next cruise, you have some research to do. We created this list of the 21 best shore excursion ideas to provide you with some inspiration.