As cruise travelers continue to look for more destination focused experiences, Royal Caribbean International has been at work, looking for a way to differentiate what they do from the rest. The answer: a new Multi-Day Adventures program, which promises immersive two-day overnight explorations.

Happening in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Multi-Day Adventures have been specially designed to take care of all the details for travelers.  Included are fully guided tours of the destinations, dining, airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodations and transportation.

This is not a pre- or post-cruise extension of an existing cruise itinerary.  Guests will depart the ship mid-cruise and then spend what would have been days at sea immersing in the local culture before rejoining their Royal Caribbean ship at the next port of call.   Here are some examples of how that works:

 

 

Tikal and Ceremonial Show – Beginning with a flight from Belize to Guatemala (or from Honduras to Guatemala), guests will discover the ancient Mayan capital on an overnight tour; embark on an expedition into the jungle to walk the ruins of the Mayan empire at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and enjoy an authentic Mayan ceremonial experience, all before boarding their return flight to meet their Royal Caribbean ship.

 

Agrolida Region and Katakolon – This two-day excursion takes travelers back in time to Greece’s famous citadels. Culture-seekers will discover the Acropolis of Athens and the Ancient Mycenae site of Argolida; stay the evening in the Mediterranean nation’s first capital, Nafpolio; and travel to Ancient Olympia, where the first Ancient Olympic Games took place.
Bangkok – This experience in the “City of Angels” brings the sights, sounds and flavors of Thailand’s historic capital to vacationers’ fingertips. The two-day itinerary features adventures into the city’s canals and river tributaries via motor launch and inspiring visits to iconic monuments and sites including the Wat Traimit, also known as the “Temple of the Golden Buddha”, the Asiatique riverfront, Wat Arun – the “Temple of Dawn”, and the Grand Palace, adorned with murals, gilded spires and unique architectural design.

Obviously a wonderful choice for cruise travelers looking to pack the most off-ship time into any given itinerary. I think this is a brilliant move.