When travelers picture a cruise, they often imagine the ship: the stateroom, the dining, the ocean views. But the real magic? That happens ashore. Princess Cruises shore excursions are designed to transform port calls into immersive experiences, thanks to the award-winning Local Connections program. These curated adventures go beyond sightseeing, connecting you with the people, flavors, and traditions that define each destination.

Locally Led, Story-First Experiences

Princess’s Local Connections program partners with chefs, artisans, historians, and naturalists who live where you’re sailing. These experts craft excursions that share insider perspectives, whether it’s a vintner walking you through a private barrel tasting or a cultural ambassador guiding you through a centuries-old festival. Every tour is backed by Princess’s Guaranteed Return to Ship, so you can explore confidently.

Experience Spotlights

Vines, Markets & Makers

On select California Coast sailings, guests can savor wine country through the eyes of local vintners. Think Sonoma cellar tours, food-journalist-led tastings, and market strolls that reveal the region’s culinary soul. These aren’t mass-market outings. They’re intimate, story-driven experiences.

Glaciers, Wildlife & Indigenous Heritage

Alaska’s Inside Passage offers more than postcard views. Princess pairs Glacier Bay National Park access with onboard ranger talks, wildlife spotting, and small-group adventures like flightseeing or whale watching. For cultural depth, excursions highlight Native heritage and gold rush history.

Nordic Design & Fjord Drama

In Scandinavia, Local Connections unlock fjord kayaking, castle tours, and walking explorations of UNESCO-listed Bryggen. These excursions emphasize authentic encounters: meeting artisans, tasting regional specialties, and hearing stories that bring history to life.

Festivals & Traditions in Japan

Timing matters. Princess schedules certain Japan itineraries to coincide with iconic summer festivals such as Nebuta and Awa Odori. Late-night stays let you experience lantern-lit parades and traditional dance firsthand, alongside temple visits and cultural workshops.

Harbors & Heritage in Canada & New England

From Boston’s Freedom Trail to Québec’s Old Town, these excursions blend history with local flavor. Expect lighthouse photography, seafood tastings, and cobblestone streets steeped in story.

How Covington Elevates Your Port Days

Booking through Covington means more than reserving a cabin. Our advisors can tailor excursions to your interests—culinary, cultural, and active—and help secure high-demand tours before they sell out. We also help balance your schedule for energy and enrichment, so every day ashore feels effortless.

Travel Maestro Tips

• Layer your experiences. Pair a headline adventure (like flightseeing) with a slower-paced local outing for balance.
• Pack smart. Fjords and festivals are unpredictable. Bring a compressible rain shell and a zoom lens for those fleeting moments.
• Reserve early. Over 75 percent of Princess Cruises shore excursions are booked before coming on board. Lock in your priorities early; we’ll fine-tune the details later.

Ready to Turn Ports into Stories?

Your next voyage deserves more than a view; it deserves a narrative. Share your interests with us, and your friendly advisor will curate Princess Cruises shore excursions that match your style. Explore sample itineraries and request details.