At first glance, cruising seems made for relaxation—endless views of the ocean, rejuvenating massages and facials, and plenty of leisure activities—and it can be. But that’s not all a ship has in store, which is why a cruise vacation is the way to go for the world’s biggest thrill-seekers. In addition to a host of dynamic experiences featured on board, like Royal Caribbean’s rock-climbing wall, zip line, and FlowRider surf simulators, adrenaline junkies also can choose from a robust lineup of exciting shore excursions in the diverse ports of call each ship visits around the world.
When you’re experiencing extreme wanderlust and searching for the perfect shore excursions, you’ll have six categories from which to choose. The most high-energy and exhilarating ones are classified as “active adventures.” Here are six to check out now.
1. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Consider a Day In The Desert, where you’ll take in some of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural characteristics, including camel training and desert driving. After four-wheeling through the desert and enjoying the stunning scenery, you’ll picnic in a Bedouin camp, visit a camel race track, and go dune bashing in the land’s unmistakable golden sands.
2. Icy Strait Point, Alaska
With the Best Of Icy Strait Point ZipRider Package, the pinnacle of your day will be when you brave the world’s longest zip line. You’ll soar over the lush green forest—with a view of your ship in the distance—at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, dropping 1,330 feet as you ride more than a mile from a mountain peak down to a beach landing.
3. Darwin, Australia
By far one of the most thrilling activities here is the Jumping Crocodile Cruise, a heart-pumping journey into the rugged Northern Territory in search of wild saltwater crocodiles. In a boat with your expert guide and ranger, you will glide along the Adelaide River, a large floodplain that creates a great expanse of coastal wetlands. As you go, your ranger will offer treats to the reptiles, who swim right up to the boat and launch themselves out of the water to fetch their “snack.”
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
On the Aqua Safari Underwater Walk, travelers descend 10 feet into an underwater oasis, wearing a helmet fed by surface air, to enjoy a 30-minute stroll through the protected sapphire lagoons of the French Polynesian islands. You may spot marine life like tropical fish and exotic coral formations, and when you’re done, there’s the option to go snorkeling, too.
5. Hilo, Hawaii
During the Hilo and Kilauea Volcano expedition, guests ascend to the crater of one of the world’s most active volcanoes through the lush tropical forest of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There, you’ll cycle along the crater rim, and stop at scenic lookouts to take in the incredible views as well as check out a lava formation. During this adventure you’ll also tour Rainbow Falls to witness the 80-foot cascade, and spot more than 1,000 orchids and tropical plants in an eye-popping level of variety at the Akatsuka Orchids Gardens.
6. Langkawi, Malaysia
Take a boat trip to Langkawi’s Secret Garden, the fascinating mangroves that are uniquely connected to the area’s limestone rock formations and sheer outcroppings. The forest, fish farm, diving eagles and bat cave that you’ll visit during the Cave and Mango Swamp tour will take you well off the beaten path.
There are plenty of ways to get your heart pounding and adrenaline pumping with Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions. Check out all your options for your next vacation here.
