Holidaymakers are looking to connect with the culture and history of their destinations and Regent Seven Seas has the answer.
Cruise lines are leaning into cruisers’ demand for more in-depth experiences on shore.
At the top end of the market, luxury line Regent Seven Seas has revamped its shore excursions, introducing two new concepts: Behind-the-Design tours and Eco-Connect tours.
Regent’s Eco-Connect tours
As part of the Eco-Connect tours, guests can visit the sloths that live in the depths of Puntarenas in Costa Rica, in the special rehabilitation facility that replicates their natural habitat, which has been devastated by deforestation. In this sanctuary, visitors can see baby sloths and plenty of adults in various stages of rehabilitation.
The tour will also include tree planting to help rejuvenate Puntarenas’ forests and a visit to the farm that supplies the organic produce and food for these docile creatures.
Other eco-focused tours head to Bordeaux, France’s premier wine region, to visit the vignerons of Château de La Dauphine who practice biodynamic and organic farming methods.
In 2015, the new owners of Château de La Dauphine adopted sustainable biodynamic practices that go far beyond organic pesticide-free agricultural methods. Biodynamic farming takes a holistic, ethical approach that follows the harmonious cycles of nature. Guests tour the vineyards and learn more about biodynamics and how it affects the terroir and the taste of the wines.
“We understand that while our guests love the all-inclusive and superior service standards found on board our luxury fleet, their primary reason for travel is to discover and explore,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer.
“That’s why our incredible destinations team has worked tirelessly over the last two years, creating unique and immersive ways to explore hundreds of destinations with completely fresh perspectives and unique experiences.”
Regent’s Behind-the-Design tours
The line’s Behind-the-Design tours give incredible insights into some of the world’s architectural feats.
In Oslo, the capital of Norway, the tour takes guests to some of the city’s most notable sites, including the 13th-century Akershus Fortress, the famous Oslo Opera House and the brand-new Munch Museum, currently under construction.
Cruisers get a glimpse of the so-called Barcode area, a striking new development of office buildings, shops and apartments, and the Royal Palace, built in the first half of the last century and the residence of the Royal Family.
The view from Holmenkollen Hill, site of the former world-famous ski jumping arena, gives views of the town and all its architectural delights. Stops at the fjord, the peninsula of Bygdøy, and the Hill of Ekeberg complete the tour.<
There are 10 Behind-the-Design tours for the initial launch, which is exclusive to European destinations in the 2022 summer season, with further international destinations expected to be announced later in the year. Other Behind-the-Design tours focus on sites in Barcelona, Spain; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Glasgow, Scotland; La Coruna, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Sete, France.
Regent Seven Seas also offers more than 150 unique Eco-Connect Tours around the world. They let guests discover the valuable and beautiful flora and fauna of places like Costa Rica, Vietnam and Australia, and sample the products of sustainable farming practices in regions like France, New Zealand and Argentina.
All offer special, little-known stories and information from knowledgeable guides that change the way guests see the world.
