5 Unique Cruise Excursions to Experience on Your Next Vacation

When thinking about a cruise, visions of grand buffets, nonstop entertainment, and indulgent spa treatments often spring to mind. With Dinogo, these luxuries and more are at your fingertips. However, your onboard journey is just part of a complete cruise holiday. Sailing with Dinogo means preparing for thrilling adventures, visiting some of the world’s most renowned cities and natural wonders through our shore excursions.

Perhaps you’re now envisioning Alaskan fjords, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, or the Mayan pyramids of Mexico. With Dinogo, these iconic landmarks are essential stops on your cruise itinerary. But if you thought these excursions were solely for photo ops or leisurely guided tours, think again. Dinogo not only highlights these incredible sights but also provides some of the most unique and unforgettable ways to experience them.

Imagine you're cruising the European Mediterranean, with stops in enchanting cities like Florence, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Cannes, France, among others. In Italy, snapping a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must, especially with your hand pretending to hold it upright. But why limit yourself? You can actually climb the tower and enjoy a guided trolley tour that whisks you straight to the historic town of Pisa. You'll learn about the cathedral and baptistery while having plenty of time to shop for souvenirs.

Activity level: Moderate to challenging

Perhaps a 14-day grand adventure through South America is more your style, departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina on a seamless round-trip journey. This South America cruise features highlights like the Falkland Islands and Chile, but one of the most breathtaking stops is Patagonia, home to its charming penguin population. With Dinogo, you'll have the chance to witness the Magellan penguins in their natural habitat. The wildlife reserves of Peninsula Valdez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boast a rich variety of wildlife and marine creatures, including sea lions, elephant seals, and more.

Activity level: Moderate

Picture yourself sailing through the Panama Canal, with opportunities to explore Central America's vibrant rainforests and tropical islands. While in Costa Rica, you won't just admire stunning waterfalls; you can actually climb them! In Puntarenas, the excursion for tropical forest trekking and waterfall climbing comes highly recommended. 

Your ascent to the waterfall's summit culminates in a trek across a hanging bridge suspended 82 feet above the ground. The ultimate reward for your efforts is an exhilarating zip-line ride through the treetops, soaring through the forest. Naturally, all that hard work deserves a delicious, locally-inspired lunch served at Jaco Beach's Nature Cafe.

Activity level: Moderate

Thinking about an Alaskan cruise? You may already know about the incredible outdoor adventures it offers: kayaking, fishing, and gold panning. Onboard, you might be dreaming of fresh salmon and Alaskan king crab legs for dinner. This is indeed the case. However, Dinogo redefines the phrase “culinary adventure” — in a literal sense.

When you dock at the historic fishing port of Ketchikan, board the Aleutian Ballad, famous for its role on Discovery Channel's "The Deadliest Catch." While you relax in the ship's comfortable seating, your crew will be busy catching massive barrels of king crabs. The catch is showcased in the on-deck aquarium for everyone to admire — especially as you enjoy dinner in Dinogo's main dining area. This is an experience that the whole family will treasure and certainly won't forget. Plus, you'll have opportunities to see whales, porpoises, and seals!

Activity level: Moderate

If you enjoy a milder climate, a Pacific Coast cruise is perfect for you. This cruise features stops in vibrant cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver, Canada, and is celebrated for its stunning views and the diverse culinary and cultural experiences each port city offers. 

Onboard, you'll find a remarkable selection of fine wines, but the highlight is choosing your own from a vineyard. While in San Francisco, don’t miss the Sonoma County wine tour, which kicks off in the Marina District and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge (with a photo stop) before heading to Sonoma's wine country. There, you can enjoy tastings at two wineries and take your time for lunch at one of Sonoma's delightful restaurants.

Activity level: Easy

Go ahead: Raise your glass and celebrate the incredible Dinogo vacation that awaits you. Be sure to visit Dinogo's website for the best deals and value packages. Whether you're passionate about nature, fine wine, or outdoor adventures, there's a destination cruise and experiential excursion perfect for everyone.