Royal Caribbean has launched 18 new exclusive shore excursions for Australian cruisers, on cruises within Australia, to New Zealand and South Pacific.

Targeting both first time and seasoned cruisers, the excursions promise an off beat experience. “We often talk about a Royal Caribbean megaliner being a destination in itself, but the places we sail to truly bring our style of holiday to life,” said Adam Armstrong, regional commercial director, Royal Caribbean.

“Whether you’re looking for action and adventure, history and culture, or a taste of the local flavours in this diverse part of the world, Royal Caribbean shore excursions ensure you make the most of your days onshore,” said Mr Armstrong.

Here are some of the excursions:

1. Airlie Beach: ‘Gone Fishing’

Test your fishing skills around the Whitsunday Islands guided by an expert skipper. Also visit the Great Barrier Reef with the experts, fishing for coral trout and red emperor.

2. Cairns: ‘Tropical Jet Boating’

Explore Cairns waterfront on a jet boat captained by a local expert.   You will ride through beautiful waterways, only accessible by boat; expect to see lush green mountains, wildlife.

3. Hobart: ‘Mt Wellington Descent by Bike’

A tour to the 4,000-foot, Mt. Wellington, followed by bike tour through the alpine forest and terrain.

4. Port Hedland ‘FIFO Mining Experience’

The FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) mining experience takes the guests to Gateway Village in Port Headland, Western Australia, where they tour a mining facility, understanding the life of thousands of workers who fly here to work. Also includes a stop over at Redbank Bridge, which passes over some of the world’s longest trains, carrying iron ore and solar salt from Port Hedland to the rest of the country.

5. Suva ‘Kila Eco Trek’ (FIJI)

A tour of the Kila Eco Adventure Park at Port Suva, enjoying views of the mountainous terrain, jungle paths, waterfalls, and Fiji’s only linear botanic garden, spotting several varieties of flowering trees and plants like coconut, giant baka, mango and palm.

6. Auckland ‘Tamaki Hikoi Maori Volcanic Walking Tour

The Ngati Whatua tribe takes guests on a guided tour of Mt. Eden, a dormant volcano. The site was once a large Maori pa (fortress) in New Zealand.  On the tour, learn about Maori culture and heritage, finding out why Auckland was so fiercely contested, how the tribe co-existed with the land, and the impact of colonization on its indigenous people. Enjoy coffee, tea and delicious scones after the tour.

To know more about the excursions visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au

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