Going Ashore
Visiting a new destination with different languages, currencies and cultures is always an exciting prospect. There is so much to see and do in each destination that planning your day ashore can sometimes be a little daunting. At P&O Cruises we have a team of dedicated destination experts who work closely with local tour operators to ensure you make the very most of your time ashore, and that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Our long history of sailing the globe’s oceans and visiting some of the world’s finest destinations have given us the opportunity to truly discover each port of call. The shore excursions we sell allow us to pass on this knowledge by showing you the most spectacular sights, enjoy the most extraordinary experiences and discover for yourself what makes it so worthy of exploration.
So why book a shore excursion with P&O Cruises?
Something for everyone
We offer a wide range of excursions to suit all ages, interests and abilities, from leisurely sightseeing tours, to action packed activities, to lazy days on the beach.
Value for money
With entrance fees, transportation, English speaking guides, lunches and refreshments included on many of our tours (where advertised), a shore excursion with P&O Cruises can provide excellent value for money. Better still, on many of the excursions you won’t have to queue at attractions and landmarks, allowing you even more time to see the destination.
Peace of mind
If your shore excursion is delayed ashore, the ship will not leave without you. So, by taking an excursion with P&O Cruises you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy your surroundings without clock watching.
You can also rest assured that in the event of a last minute change to your cruise itinerary, we will fully refund any pre-booked tours that you miss.
Plan ahead
We provide detailed information on each tour so that you can clearly see the duration and price of each excursion, as well as the level of activity involved and a full description of what you will be seeing and doing.
Pre-book
By reserving your shore excursions online or by phone we will be able to confirm your choices immediately (subject to availability). That way you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself once on board, safe in the knowledge that you are booked on the excursions you really wanted to do.
There’s a world out there and we can help you to explore it.
The excursions are charged in pounds sterling. This means that you’ll be getting a great day ashore at the best possible price, particularly in light of the current exchange rates.
To find out what excursions are available on your cruise please sign into Cruise Personaliser (please note your booking reference will be required).
New for 2010
We are always researching new experiences for you. Here are just a few of the new tours planned so far for 2010:
- Enjoy a Gondola ride through the Venetian canals, combined with some time to explore Venice independently
- Take a walking tour of Amsterdam to discover the hidden paradise of the old centre, afterwards enjoy a well earned drink at a local pub
- See the sights of wonderful Copenhagen before making a visit to its most famous exporter; Carlsberg
- Get set for a walking tour of Split, visit the highlights before driving to a local wine cellar for a tasting session and some traditional snacks
Best Sellers
Not sure what to choose? Here are a few of the most popular excursions - all give a great overview for first time visitors to these destinations:
- Highlights of Barcelona: an introduction to many of Barcelona’s most famous sights, including its historic heart, Gothic Quarter and the Spanish Village
- Join the St Kitts’ narrow gauge railway train for a unique journey along the northeastern coastline of this beautiful island.
- Florence and Pisa: Wander amidst the treasures of Florence and Pisa and absorb the artistic history
Once in a lifetime
These special excursions bring you some extraordinary experiences. Here are a few examples of what could lie in store:
- Take a spectacular Riviera helicopter trip in Monaco
- See the beauty of Iceland on an amazing Fire and Ice Flightseeing Adventure
- Glacier trekking in Olden
- An ‘after hours’ visit and classical concert at St. Petersburg’s Hermitage
Something different
If you have already seen the sights or just fancy doing something completely different, these excursions are ideal. Here are just a few examples:
- See the bustling city of Naples and learn the secrets of Neapolitan pizza making
- Already been to Rome? Then why not discover the quaint town of Tuscania and combine a visit to the countryside with sampling local delights at a farmhouse.
- Shop in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and enjoy an authentic Turkish Bath experience
- Experience the Nordfjord in Olden on board a high speed RIB, for a unique and exhilarating ride
Especially for families
Designed especially for families, these excursions appeal to all ages. The tours are planned so that all you have to do is head off on fun-packed days ashore. Trips include:
- Learning about marine life with a submarine dive in Lanzarote
- Visit the Tortoise Protection Centre in Ajaccio and see more than 130 different species of land and water based tortoises and turtles
- Splashing around at a waterpark (various ports)
- Enjoy a fun-filled treasure hunt in Barcelona’s charming and historic Spanish Village
Activity excursions
Like to keep active? With so many scenic destinations on our holidays, getting out and about could not be more inspiring, e.g:
- Explore the rugged beauty of inland Costa Blanca on an Anibal 4x4 jeep adventure
- Kayak in the spectacular surroundings of Aurlandfjord
- Zip wire through the Jamaican rainforest
- Break free from the crowds for a few hours and breathe in the fresh air cycling through the city of Las Palmas.
Beach and water activities
Spectacular coastlines and long stretches of sand bring lots of options for adventure. Take to the water with excursions such as:
- Turtle spotting & snorkelling in Barbados
- Paddling & swimming with stingrays in Antigua
- A visit to Aqualand in Cadiz for waterslides, rapids and mazes
- Snorkel in the sparkling waters of the Champagne Reef in Dominica on this enchanting and unusual guided snorkel tour.
Simply sights and scenery
If you prefer to see the sights at a more leisurely pace, you will be in your element with these excursions. Soak up the scenery on a panoramic drive, and enjoy photo opportunities along the way to capture the atmosphere. Here are a few examples:
- Relax in the comfort of your coach as a panoramic drive introduces you to Barcelona’s attractions
- Explore the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente in La Palma
- Cruise Stockholm’s waterways
- Discover the scenic isles of Capri from Naples
- Take in the Kjenndalen Glacier and Lovatnet Lake from Olden
Exploring independently
Like to do your own thing? Our city and beach transfers are ideal. You’ll simply be dropped off in a safe place with a map and picked up later in the day. This service is available in many ports including:
- Civitavecchia (for Rome)
- Livorno (for Florence)
- Cannes (for Monaco & Monte Carlo)
- Cadiz (for Seville), Corunna (for Santiago de Compestela)
- Piraeus (for Athens)
- Tenerife (for Puerto del Cruz or Playa las Americas)
- Vigo (for Santiago de Compestela)
- Villefranche (for Monaco & Monte Carlo)
- Zeebrugge (for Bruges)
- Le Havre (for Paris)