Until I stepped ashore in Costa Rica, my style of cruising consisted of sitting contentedly in a deck chair as the sea passed by, a trashy novel in one hand, a cool cocktail in the other. But then a shore excursion manager gently twisted my arm to join fellow passengers in an afternoon of white water rafting that, he promised, even a couch potato like me would have a blast. And, after donning a life vest and climbing into an eight-man raft, the river looked fairly tame. What followed was a three-hour adrenalin-rush thrill ride of battling rapids to stay afloat as I channeled Meryl Streep in one of the most exhilarating experiences on earth. It was so exciting I became addicted to shore excursions guaranteeing maximum high-energy thrills and spills and the chance to push my own limits.
One of the best reasons to take a warm-water cruise is the chance to try something new. I imagine many of the people I see walking off ships toting their own snorkeling equipment were introduced to it on an earlier cruise. Each year cruise lines ad new excursions that promise adventure you never dreamed possible.
It wasn’t that long ago that the word “zip-line” didn’t exist but the experience of being strapped into a harness for a ride moving 30 to 40 miles per hour above a forest canopy is so popular you’ll find it on most Caribbean islands, Mexico and even Alaska. The typical zip-line experience involves a drive to a hilly area where you’re supplied with harness, gloves and a safety harness. After climbing a winding staircase to a platform, you’re connected to a cable and told to raise your legs when the guide releases a safety clip. Suddenly you’re airborne above a jungle canopy for a ride to another platform, a thrilling 10- to 30-second ride. The longest zip ride over water, stretching 4,000 feet, is found at Royal Caribbean’s private island at Labadee, Haiti.
If you happen to arrive in Ocho Rios, Jamaica aboard a Carnival ship be sure to sign up for the Bobsled (you read it right!) ride. Custom-designed bobsleds travel on winding, plunging stainless steel rails on a 3,290-foot gravity-driven ride through the forest. The bobsled track was laid to avoid disturbing the natural landscape, curving around ancient trees, hugging majestic cliff faces and limestone outcroppings through narrow chutes of dense forest. Riders control their rate of descent with an in-sled handbrake, allowing for either a leisurely tour through the forest or a pulse-quickening ride.
A more laid-back airborne ride awaits those lucky enough to dock in Roatan, Honduras where the “Magical Flying Beach Chair” awaits. Built by Carnival Corp, it is the first chair lift that transports cruisers between the ship terminal and Mahogany Beach.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers several off-beat excursions that promise a thrilling time ashore. In St. Maarten, try the “Power-rafting, Snorkel and Beach” outing, a high-speed ride to a secluded cove and snorkeling followed by a leisurely stroll in the laid-back town of Marigot. Those in good shape may want to keep fit on NCL’s “Bike & Kayak Adventure” in Costa Maya. After riding past a small mangrove lagoon you’ll paddle along a reef past a palm tree-lined beach.
Fortunately, for those of us who aren’t athletically inclined, so many of the new high-adrenalin excursion don’t require us to join a gym – get up the courage, simply show up and the shore excursion staff sets the stage for unforgettable adventure.
Here’s a tip: since these are the most popular excursions be sure to reserve them at the cruise line’s website before leaving home. You can always cancel if you change your mind (or get too comfortable in the deck chair).