Top 5 Experiences to Enjoy on Your Next Cruise

Cruising isn’t just about the journey at sea, some of the best parts happen when you step ashore and explore somewhere new. Along the way, you can join destination experiences designed to help you see more, learn more and discover each port in a different way. From exploring ancient sites to travelling through breathtaking landscapes or visiting famous landmarks, every stop offers something memorable.

Ambassador’s Destination Experiences allow you to immerse yourself in every port of call. Here are five excursions to whet your appetite.

Ring of Brodgar & Skara Brae, Kirkwall, UK

Discover the ancient history of the Orkney Islands on a scenic journey through the West Mainland, home to Britain’s greatest concentration of prehistoric World Heritage sites. Departing Kirkwall, your coach will take you past the Standing Stones of Stenness, before stopping at the Ring of Brodgar, a perfect Neolithic stone circle with 27 of its original 60 stones still standing. Dating back to 2500–2000 BCE, this UNESCO-listed monument is an awe-inspiring testament to Orkney’s prehistoric past.

Next, explore Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village dating back 5,000 years. Discovered in 1850 after a violent storm, its one-room homes and passageways offer a glimpse into prehistoric life. Between April and October, you’ll also visit Skaill House, a grand 17th century manor built by the discoverer of Skara Brae. On your return to Kirkwall, pass Scapa Flow, where the HMS Royal Oak was tragically sunk in 1939.

Read more: A Guide To Cruising The Scottish Isles

St Kitts Scenic Railway, Basseterre, St Kitts

Experience the beauty and history of St. Kitts on a scenic three-hour tour that combines a narrow-gauge railway journey with a comfortable highway drive. This circular excursion provides a comprehensive look at the island’s landscapes and heritage.

Your journey begins at Needsmust Station, where you will board a specially designed train. The upper deck offers open-air views, while the lower deck provides a comfortable, enclosed space with large windows. Originally built to transport sugarcane, the railway now offers a unique perspective of the island, passing through sugarcane fields, villages, and dense rainforest-covered mountains. Along the route, you will cross steel bridges spanning deep canyons (‘ghuts’) and see remnants of historic sugar estates, all while listening to a narrated history of the island. Enjoy a complimentary beverage before continuing by bus past Brimstone Hill Fortress and taking in views of Nevis, birthplace of Alexander Hamilton.

Another well organised experience on one of our Amsterdam Cruises

Keukenhof Tulip Festival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Just a 45-minute journey from Amsterdam, Keukenhof, also known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, offers a breathtaking floral experience in the heart of the Dutch ‘Dune and Bulb’ region. Home to more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, this world-famous spring garden bursts into a spectacular display of colour each year.

Upon arrival, you’ll have 3 hours and 30 minutes to explore Keukenhof at your own pace. Stroll through themed gardens, each carefully designed to showcase a vibrant mix of spring flowers. Meandering paths, serene fountains, and tranquil water features enhance the park’s enchanting atmosphere. Whether admiring intricately landscaped floral displays or simply soaking in the fragrant air, this experience immerses you in the beauty of spring at its finest. After a memorable visit, your journey concludes with a comfortable coach transfer back to Amsterdam, leaving you with lasting impressions of one of the most stunning gardens in the world.

Read More: Embarkation Day: Exactly What Happens And When

Shetland Contrasts, Lerwick, UK

Explore the rugged beauty and deep history of Shetland, an archipelago home to around 22,000 people and abundant wildlife. Shaped by the relentless sea, the islands feature dramatic cliffs and serene sandy bays that create a stunning backdrop for your journey. Your experience begins with a scenic coach ride south from Lerwick to Jarlshof, a journey of approximately one hour. Along the way, keep an eye out for the famous Shetland ponies, a breed that has roamed the islands since the Bronze Age. At Jarlshof, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the British Isles, you’ll discover settlements dating from 2500 BCE to the 17th century.

Learn about the New Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age communities, and see the remnants of ancient Viking stone houses. Next, visit the Hoswick Visitor Centre, where exhibits provide insight into Shetland’s culture and history. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee and browse for souvenirs before returning to Lerwick. As your coach travels through sheep-dotted crofting communities, admire Shetland’s distinctive black and brown sheep, traditional dry-stone walls, and coastal landscapes that have shaped life here for centuries.

A Friendly experience makes all the difference: Fjordland cruise journey

Dalsnibba View Point With Coffee Break, Geiranger, Norway

Embark on a journey to Mount Dalsnibba, where you’ll witness one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s longest and deepest fjords. Your adventure begins in Geiranger, a charming village popular with visitors and locals alike. From there, your coach will ascend the winding hairpin roads past Lake Djupvatnet, which sits at 1,016m (3,333ft) above sea level.

As you continue climbing, the landscape unfolds with mountain farms, glacial lakes, and rushing streams. Reaching the Geiranger Skywalk at nearly 1,500m (4,921ft) above sea level, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the fjord below. After taking in the scenery, descend to Djupvasshytta Lodge for coffee, tea and a pastry, with time to browse the souvenir shop or stroll along the lake. A final stop at Flydal viewpoint provides the perfect photo opportunity of your cruise ship at anchor before returning to Geiranger.

Why Cruise with Ambassador? 

Traveling with Ambassador Cruise Line lets you take your time and really enjoy each destination. Whether it’s exploring St Kitts’ scenic railway, wandering the prehistoric sites of Orkney, or taking in the fjords of Norway, our itineraries are designed so you can move at your own pace. On board, our mid-sized ships offer a friendly, comfortable retreat after a day ashore, something guests often mention in their reviews. So whether you love scenic experiences, or just trying something new, a cruise is the ideal way to see and do it all without feeling rushed. Explore our ships, see where we sail and plan a cruise that makes every moment enjoyable.