Cruisers fall into two very distinct categories: the “let’s squeeze every microsecond out of every day” and the “sloths are my spirit animals.”
I’m not here to judge as I have been both and will continue to be both depending on my mood and how many extra-sweet mojitos I’ve indulged in during a marathon dance-off in the ship’s nightclub.
But this dichotomy between ‘sloth’ and ‘energiser bunny’ really fulfils the oft-repeated truth that you can do as little or as much as want on a cruise.
Reflecting on all the cruises I’ve been fortunate to have taken, I have done and seen so many things I could not have imagined as a regular mum from the suburbs.
From scaling mountains in Antarctica, swimming with stingrays, getting a birds-eye view of the Great Barrier reef from a helicopter, canoeing the sacred Waitangi river, taking an exhilarating speedboat through the Norwegian fjords, being an ‘active’ cruiser has allowed me to have experiences that have been lifechanging.
So, while I love lazy sea days where I can worship the sun on deckchairs and indulge in delicious dishes (dessert at every meal is a must), for active travellers with an appetite for adventure and exploration, cruising can be a high-energy gateway to thrilling experiences, diverse cultures and non-stop wonder.
Here are a few of my favourite moments that might inspire you to be an active cruiser and a few tips to make sure you make the most out of your adventure.
Pedal power
Taking to the streets on foot when in port is the most economical way to see the sights.
There are many advantages to meandering and exploring on your own or with an organised walking tour (either booked though the cruise line or privately) but if you want something a little more fast-paced, but still cheap and can do independently, take advantage of any equipment your cruise has on offer – namely bikes.
On my exquisite cruise aboard Emerald Cruises Super Yacht Azzurra, bikes were available for guests to take out on a shore day – complete with helmets and locks.
Many guests took advantage of this included feature, coming back to the yacht with laughter-filed tales of cycling through the cobblestoned streets of the Amalfi coast.
The only drawback was the sore muscles (nothing a soak in the hot tub couldn’t fix).
One dream I have is to cycle through the south of France, in spring, while wearing a beret and eating a baguette. Can you see it? (Looking up river cruise itineraries right now…)
Hiking the heights
I’m not usually an early riser, so when the alarm at 5:30am rudely woke me on day three of my Captain Cook Cruises voyage a few years ago in the Mamanuca islands in Fiji, my first thought was to ignore and return to slumber, but I promised my gracious host I’d join her on a hike.
Hiking and Honey really don’t mix, but I love nature and this particular mountain, Mount Tamasua, had a captivating story – a mixture of folklore and magic.
I won’t get into all the details ( you can read it here) but this journey 763ft above sea level will forever be burned into my memory as one of the most rewarding, life affirming walks I’ve been privileged to take.
Other extraordinary hikes I’ve taken in shore stops include expeditions in Antarctica (I could write a book on these astounding treks), getting up close to Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska and stumbling into the ethereal pine-cone forest in Kefalonia, Greece.
Honey Tips: Never skimp on sunscreen and insect repellent, take a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes. Always take a small towel, spare socks (you’ll thank me) and a water bottle.
For those who are directionally challenged download a map as relying on Google Maps might be a problem if you are out of internet range.
Thrill seekers unite
Adrenalin junkies can get their fix while cruising – I have witnessed this first-hand even though I might not have actively participated in many.
One of those fast-paced activities I’ve been on was jumping aboard a jet boat in Norway, zooming around Geirangerfjord. It was bumpy, wet and so exciting. The icing on the cake was seeing porpoises frolicking around our vessel. It was a true ‘pinch me’ moment.
If you are looking at really getting your pulse racing, research activities that are specific to your port that can’t really be done elsewhere. For example, diving in the Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea and book with a reputable provider.
However, if you are like my 83-year-old dad who is very spontaneous, you can also just go wherever the wind takes you – literally.
On a cruise around Mexico, my darling dad Jim made a split-second decision to go parasailing off a beach, convinced by a young hawker trying to make a living and much to the consternation of my mum.
He had the time of his life, despite the fraying ropes and lack of any tour operator preliminary checks. It could have ended very badly.
Honey tip: Don’t be like Jim. Always make sure you use a reputable tour operator for risky activities.
Onboard excitements
If you’ve cruised, you will know that, especially on the big ships, there are always eleventy-hundred activities to do on board, from trivia to karaoke.
But if you want to do something a little more active, many ships are now offering more thrill-seeking activities, such as rope obstacle courses, ‘Titanic’ and ‘Walk the Plank’ experiences, zip lines, rock climbing, rollercoasters, go-karting and even indoor sky diving.
Whether you choose to snooze or chase the buzz, the best advice I can give when you take your next sea voyage is try something different – even if it’s just the escargot – and create special, cruisey memories.
