The image of passive cruise sightseeing tours is a mirage, says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
“A significant number of today’s cruise vacationers are seekers and explorers,” said Terry L. Dale, CEO of CLIA. “These are not the passive bus-tour type.”
Whitewater rafting, race-car driving, rappelling, diving and zip-lining atop rain-forest canopies are increasingly popular activities.
Some of the more unusual tours combine cave tubing and rain forest exploration in Belize (Carnival Cruise Lines), and driving a Formula 1 race car in Monte Carlo (Crystal Cruises).
Mr Dale added, however, that traditional tours such as visits to landmarks and historical sites also remain popular for cruise passengers.
Report by David Wilkening
