A cruise is a wonderful way to travel the world in comfort and style, exploring a variety of amazing destinations in a single trip without cutting back on luxury and resort-style amenities. However, it also offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the authentic local culture of a variety of different places, heading beyond the traditional tourist spots and discovering alternative perspectives and traditional customs.
To truly experience the beauty of everyday life, whether on an Italian shore excursion or exploring a remote Caribbean island, you need to avoid the typical excursions and branch out, looking for local recommendations and seeking out unusual or under-the-radar experiences.
So if you are packing your bags for a cruise vacation this year and want to try something a little different, here’s how to dive deeper into local cultures at every destination and make your cruise an even more enriching, unforgettable experience.
Research Ports of Call
Before you set off on your cruise, it is worth doing a little research into where you are going and what you can expect. Taking a look at the history, culture, and customs of each port of call you will visit will set you up to make better, more nuanced decisions about what you want to see and how to spend your time. If you want to experience more authentic culture on your cruise it is worth going beyond the cruise line’s recommended activities and organizing your own experiences, whether through a website like TripAdvisor or via local recommendations. This way you can discover hidden gems and local treasures that other travelers overlook.
Engage with Locals
The most effective and enjoyable way to get beyond the traditional tourist trails and have genuine, authentic experiences is to engage and interact with local people. This can be done in a few ways.
Learn the language – you don’t have to be fluent, but having a few words and phrases in the local language can be incredibly useful and is a great way to show respect and build relationships. If you show that you are making an effort, people will go out of their way to help you out!
Local Markets – Visiting local markets puts you right in the thick of ordinary, everyday life, and helps you get under the skin of the destination you are visiting. They are a wonderful opportunity to buy handmade crafts as well as try local delicacies.
Explore On Foot or By Bike
One of the best ways to get a different, more authentic experience of a town or city you are visiting on a cruise is by walking or biking around. You’ll gain a far more intimate appreciation of the place, as you move at a slower pace with more time for exploration and more chances to see smaller, more interesting details. Avoiding the tour buses gives you the chance to discover the place at your own pace, and find things that other travelers might not get the chance to see.
Respect Local Customs and Traditions
It is always important to remember that you are a guest in someone else’s country, so respecting and understanding the local customs and traditions of the place you are visiting is vital. Be mindful of local etiquette and cultural or religious sensitivies, and always try to dress appropiratiely, particularly if you go to see places of worship.
While it might seem unlikely on the face of it, a cruise vacation can be a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic local culture. With a little research in advance and the right attitude you can step off the beaten track, avoid the popular tourist sights, and explore independently, resulting in a truly unique and rewarding experience.
