Ten of our Favourite P&O Cruises Shore Excursions

Cruising can take you almost anywhere and shore excursions allow you to do almost anything once you are there. Those who prefer to book organised adventures rather than going it alone are spoilt for choice when it comes to going ashore, with all cruise lines operating an array of exciting excursions to suit all tastes.

Here is our pick of the best shore excursions from P&O Cruises – we would love to know your favourites too!

Corcovado Mountain Tour – Rio de Janeiro

Not only is Corcovado Mountain home to the magnificent 150ft tall statue of Christ the Redeemer, it also commands spectacular views across the whole of Rio de Janeiro on a clear day, from the sprawling city to the golden beaches of Copacabana. After arriving at the foot of the mountain, you will begin your ascent 2,400ft to its summit via cogwheel train, with your return journey to the ship calling at Rio’s best beaches along the way, including the aforementioned Copacabana and the equally iconic Ipanema.

Embera Indian Village Visit – Colon

The Embera Indian’s have made their homes in elevated huts along the river banks of Gatun Lake for centuries and this P&O Cruises excursion offers an intriguing insight into their day-to-day lives. Learn about their beliefs, cultures and superstitions, before sampling their traditional craftwork for a unique souvenir of your day.

Monaco Grand Prix – Monte Carlo

The Monaco Grand Prix is the glittering highlight of the Formula 1 racing calendar and the P&O Cruises shore excursion is a guaranteed sell out year after year. Take your place in the grandstands around the iconic street circuit and prepare for the roar of the engines and cheers of the crowd.

Geirangerfjord Kayaking – Geiranger

Shielded from the wind and bordered by soaring mountain faces, the Geirangerfjord snakes a winding path that is best explored via kayak. Your excursion will see you negotiate your way along the fjord to Preacher’s Pulpit and the Seven Sisters Waterfall, your knowledgeable guide regaling you with stories of the fjords along the way.

The Lost City of Petra – Jordan

Known as ‘the Rose-Red City half as old as time’, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra is unmissable. Undoubtedly deserving of its position as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, Petra leaves a lasting impression on those who explores the theatres, temples and tombs carved so intricately into the solid rock.

FC Barcelona Camp Nou – Barcelona

Don’t dismiss a visit to the Camp Nou, Barcelona as one for the fans; standing within the cauldron-like surrounds of one of football’s largest stadiums will impress even the least football-friendly visitor. Check out the dressing rooms frequented by the sport’s greatest legends, see the trophies of a treble winning season, emerge from the player’s tunnel and see the stadium from the pitch side. Even if you’re no football fan, you’ll score some serious brownie points with those that are!

Ayers Rock Tour – Northern Territory

This two night tour will take you to the Red Centre of Australia, calling at Alice Springs before arriving at Ayers Rock just in time to see the colours change as the sun sets. After a night’s rest, you will see the rock from a new perspective as the morning light illuminates it, before exploring the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. After returning to Sydney, you will enjoy dinner with a view at the 360 Restaurant followed by a night in luxury accommodation, before joining your ship the following day in time for a late lunch.

High Tea at Raffles – Singapore

The world-famous Raffles Hotel has welcomed everyone from rock royalty to real royalty since opening its doors in 1887 and has since gone on to become Singapore’s most iconic establishment. The infamous Singapore Sling was conceived here and everybody from Rudyard Kipling and Charlie Chaplin to Michael Jackson has enjoyed the hotel’s colonial surroundings.

This tasty excursion will see you indulge in a British institution thousands of miles from home, with high tea amidst the 1930’s backdrop of Raffles’ Tiffin Room.

Jewels of Indochina – Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore

This two-night overland tour will give you a taste of three regions, starting with the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. After experiencing the frenetic pace of city life here, you will head for the serenity of Siam Reap and the UNESCO-certified Ancient City of Angkor in Cambodia. Finally, your explorations will end in Singapore, where you will discover the highlights of this incredible city before joining your ship in time for dinner. How does that sound for a few days away?

Catamaran to Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Islands

Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are breathtakingly beautiful and this P&O Cruises excursion is infinitly popular with beach lovers. Journey through the islands on board your catamaran, before arriving on the shores of the uninhabited island of Whitehaven. Here you will discover paradise, with over three miles of pristine white sands and translucent waters edging the coast. The beach is ranked amongst the most beautiful in the world on a regular basis and it isn’t difficult to see why.