2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best cruise line for shore excursions

Winner: Viking

Why you love it…

Witness wood-carving in Bali, meet spice farm harvesters in India’s Goa, see the ancient temples of Karnak in Egypt and snowshoe through ridiculously beautiful polar landscapes. Complemented by its onboard programs, Viking’s extensive collection of shore excursions offers a window into local life, whether you’ve opted for a river, ocean or expedition cruise. Better still, the cruise line includes a complimentary shore excursion at every point of call in the standard rates.

Hot tip…

Book into optional shore excursions early as some may sell out before the cruise departs.

Runners-up

Princess

Even if your shore excursion is late, the good news is you won’t be left behind. It’s a promise from Princess Cruises, which plans all tours and activities to squeeze every drop out of port time.

Royal Caribbean

From culinary to cultural, adventure to architecture, wildlife to wellness, Royal Caribbean ensures every interest is indulged with their impressive variety of port adventures.

Carnival Cruise Line

From snorkelling through coral wonderlands in Tahiti to up-close wild crocodile encounters in Darwin, this family-friendly cruise line extends the onboard fun to every port of call.

Scenic

Curated destination experiences come standard (and included) at Scenic, ranging from tranquil e-bike tours along the Danube River to Linzer Torte cooking classes.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.